The mountain community of Revelstoke, located in Southwestern British Columbia on the banks of the Columbia River, is a stunning place to visit year ‘round. There are beautiful vistas to admire, natural wonderlands to explore, and even culture to soak up. It’s the perfect place for a laid back vacation that will nurture your body and your mind. This simple guide will help you make the most of your time in Revelstoke.
Where to rent a cabin
Photo courtesy of www.glacierhouse.com
Renting a private, rustic cabin is a great alternative to a fancy hotel. It’s a cozy, secluded environment free from the frantic energy of other vacationers. The Glacier House Resort, just 10 kilometres north of downtown Revelstoke in the Selkirk and Monashee mountain ranges, has lots of options for various group sizes. Couples can rent a medium cabin with a gas fireplace and private deck looking out onto the mountain. Families can stay in multi-room cabins with living areas, kitchenettes, and their own personal hot tub. The atmosphere is backcountry but the amenities are nice and modern. And it’s only a short walk over to the main lodge where guests can take advantage of an indoor pool, sauna, and upscale restaurant.
Where to get the best view
To experience the most breathtaking panorama in Revelstoke, you can’t beat the drive up Meadows in the Sky Parkway to the summit of Mount Revelstoke. The three-hour trip takes travellers over a narrow mountain pass, and through rainforest, subalpine, and alpine eco-systems, offering spectacular views of the valley below. From July through August the wildflowers are in bloom, which adds another level of beauty to the landscape. The Parkway goes almost to the summit, but you’ll have to catch a shuttle bus or hike up the last kilometre. Once at the top you can marvel at the dams, lakes, and mountains below.
Where to take a dip
Revelstoke is right next door to some of the best hot springs in the country, and no visit would be complete without a peaceful afternoon soaking in the soothing waters. Halcyon Hot Springs, located an hour an a half outside Revelstoke, is a gorgeous year-round spa facility that pumps healing spring water into three outdoor pools using a filtration system to produce crystal clear, odourless water. If you’re looking for something a little closer, Canyon Hot Springs is just a 30-minute drive away and has several hot pools full of spring water. But if you’re taking a winter vacation to Revelstoke, be aware that Canyon shuts down its pools during the colder months.
Where to go on a hike
For a short, leisurely walk that’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, hikers need to check out The Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail. It’s a half-kilometer boardwalk through an old growth cedar forest that’s at least a couple of centuries old. Signs along the path provide info about the eco-system and benches allow hikers to sit awhile and enjoy the serenity of the forest. Visitors craving a longer journey should head out to Jade Pass, which begins near the summit of Mount Revelstoke. It’s 8-kilometre trail that climbs the mountain and provides fantastic views of Jade Lakes and surrounding peaks below.
Where to have a pint
The Village Idiot, one of Revelstoke’s top-rated restaurants, is also the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a drink with travel companions and locals alike. It’s a unique destination designed around a ski theme, with chairs carved out of and skis and snowboards. They have refreshing local brews on tap and their menu is diverse and interesting. Don’t pass up the opportunity to order up one of their in-house pizzas, which consistently get rave reviews from diners.
