I like it so much I’ve actually been there three times in the last few years. The location is also a bonus: right next to Revelstoke, BC’s cutest mountain town. In this post, I’ll give you my picks for the best things to do in Mount Revelstoke National Park.

Psst! Do you love national parks? Check out my list of the best Canadian National parks gift ideas!

Hey there: Thanks so much to Tourism Revelstoke for hosting me in Revelstoke on two of my trips. All opinions in this post are my own. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission with no extra cost to you. Thanks -Taryn

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Mount Revelstoke National Park Basics

Where is Mount Revelstoke National Park?

Mount Revelstoke National Park is located along Highway 1 northeast of the town of Revelstoke. It’s a 4.5-hour drive from Calgary and a 6-hour drive from Vancouver. It sits in the middle of British Columbia in the Selkirk Mountains.

How to Get Around Mount Revelstoke National Park

There are several trailheads in the eastern part of the park along Highway 1. But you can access the majority of the park from Meadows in the Sky Parkway which leaves Highway 1 just east of the town of Revelstoke. There is no public transit to the park so you will need your own car.

Mount Revelstoke National Park Fees

You must purchase a National Park pass to visit the park. As of 2024, day passes cost $11 per adult or $22 for a family of up to 7 people travelling in the same vehicle. If you plan to visit other National Parks, the annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass is a great deal at $75.25 for one adult or $151.25 for a family.

When to Visit Mount Revelstoke National Park

The park is high in the mountains. You can visit the lower parts of the park year-round and some of the roads are plowed in winter. The lower part of the park is snow-free between late May and early October. The snow doesn’t melt in the rest of the park until July, making July, August, and early September the best time to visit Mount Revelstoke National Park.

Check trail and road conditions on the Mountain Revelstoke National Park website to see what is open when you plan to visit.

Visiting Mount Revelstoke National Park With a Dog

Due to problems with wildlife, most areas of Mount Revelstoke National Park are off-limits to dogs. You can bring your dog to the Giant Cedars Boardwalk, the Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk, the Snowforest Campground, and lower mountain trails below the Columbia Viewpoint on the Meadows in the Sky Parkway but they must be on a leash. See Parks Canada’s website for more details.

Mount Revelstoke National Park Weather

Since it is located amongst several high mountain ranges, Mount Revelstoke National Park has unpredictable weather. Expect lots of snow in the winter and rain at any time!

In general, the summer months of July and August are fairly sunny but afternoon thunderstorms are common. Expect it to be much colder at the summit of Mount Revelstoke compared to the valley bottom.

READ NEXT: The Best Weather Apps for Hiking

Mount Revelstoke National Park Map

Like all Canadian National Parks, Mount Revelstoke is well signed and easy to navigate. However, it can be helpful to look at a map to plan your trip. This Mount Revelstoke National Park map shows all the major landmarks and hiking trails.

I also made you a custom Google Map. It has everything I mention in this post. There’s no cell service along parts of the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, so be sure to download the offline version before you start the drive.

Where to Stay Near Mount Revelstoke National Park

You can camp in the park at the new Snowforest campground (more info below). If you would rather stay in a hotel, the town of Revelstoke is just a few minutes away.

For an upscale hotel, I recommend The Regent Hotel, which is family-owned or The Eleven Revekstoke Lodge, a cute boutique property. If you’re on a budget, check out the cute cabins at Boulder Mountain Resort. For more info, see my guide to the town of Revelstoke.

Bear Safety in Mount Revelstoke National Park

Mount Revelstoke National Park is home to both black bears and grizzly bears. Carry bear spray and make noise while you hike to reduce your risk of a negative bear encounter. Keep a clean campsite and store all food and toiletries inside your car or a bear locker. For more info about hiking in bear country, read my post about bear safety for hikers.

Mount Revelstoke National Park Indigenous Context

The Revelstoke area is the traditional territory of the Sinixt First Nation. The Secwepemc, Ktunaxa, and Syilx First Nations also have traditional land use in the area. When European settlers arrived in Revelstoke in the 1800s, they did not respect Sinixt territory.

Most of the Sinixt people were pushed into the southern part of their traditional territory in Washington and were unable to return to Canada and the Revelstoke area. The Canadian government declared the Sinixt extinct, but a landmark Supreme Court of Canada decision in 2021 declared that they do still exist and have the right to hunt in their traditional territory.

Things to Do in Mount Revelstoke National Park

Hike in the Rainforest

The easiest part of Mount Revelstoke National Park to visit is the two rainforest trailheads along Highway 1. Both locations have a picnic area, washrooms, and short interpretive hiking trails.

Giant Cedars Boardwalk

Located 30 km east of Revelstoke on the north side of Highway 1, this is a a short and easy hike in an old-growth forest with giant cedar and hemlock trees. The entire hike is on boardwalks and stairs. Signage along the way will help you learn about the ecosystem including 500-year-old trees.

The trail was closed for a few years for repairs, but as of 2024, it it back open. It used to be a loop, but now it is a one-way trail.

Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk

Located 28 km east of Revelstoke on the south side of Highway 1, this trail used to wind through rare Columbia Mountain wetland habitat on a series of boardwalks and bridges. Unfortunately, the trail suffered severe flood damage a few years ago.

As of 2024, a small section of trail is open. It leads to a new blind for bird watching. You can also enjoy the picnic area at the trailhead.

Drive the Meadows in the Sky Parkway

The main draw at Mount Revelstoke National Park is the Meadows in the Sky Parkway. The 26km-long road climbs 1600 meters from the valley bottom to the summit of Mount Revelstoke.

The road is open from May until October, but depending on snowmelt, you will not be able to drive all the way to the summit until July. The road has many sharp hairpin turns so buses and RVs over 26 feet long and trailers are not allowed. Allow about 1 hour (without stops) to drive from Highway 1 to the top since the road is so curvy that you can’t drive very fast. There are several scenic viewpoints along the road.

Revelstoke Viewpoint (KM5): A great view of the town of Revelstoke and Mount Begbie across the valley.

Monashee Viewpoint (KM8): Look down at the Columbia River and across to the Monashee Mountains and Eagle Pass.

Columbia Viewpoint (KM12): See the Selkirk Mountains and Columbia River Valley. Heads up: This is the furthest you can go if you have a dog with you.

Eagle Pass Viewpoint (KM13): Views of Eagle Pass and the Monashee Mountains.

Bridge Creek Viewpoint (KM16): Look south to the Revelstoke Mountain Resort atop Mount Mackenzie.

Panorama Point (KM24): Unlike the other viewpoints, this one involves a short walk (less than 5 minutes), but the views of the Illecillewaet and Columbia River valleys are worth it.

Wildflowers (last few kilometres of the drive): Look for beautiful wildflowers lining the road. Peak flower season is late July and early August.

Explore the Summit of Mount Revelstoke

The Mountains in the Sky Parkway ends at Balsam Lake, near the summit of Mount Revelstoke. It’s a really unique experience to be able to drive almost to the top of a 1933m mountain! Keep in mind that dogs are not allowed in this area. There are a few different things to do at the summit area.

Hike to the Summit

From the parking lot, you can hike to the summit. The best option is the Upper Summit trail that winds through sub-alpine meadows. The one-kilometre trail gains 91m and takes most people about 20-30 minutes. You can also hike up the nearby gated road which has the same stats.

I prefer to hike up the trail, then down the road. Heading uphill on the trail is nicer since it’s a bit more shaded in hot weather. There are often beautiful wildflowers along the road and it has a great view in the downhill direction.

Visit the Historic Fire Lookout

Don’t miss the historic fire lookout which sits right on the summit of Mount Revelstoke. Built in 1927, it is almost 100 years old. The building is no longer in use, but for decades a tower person lived here full time, peering out the elevated windows with a telescope to watch for fires in the surrounding mountains.

Follow the short Fire Lookout Trail from the shuttle parking lot. Don’t miss the side trails to the nearby South Parapet and North Parapet Viewpoints. Allow 10-20 minutes for the 0.5 km walk.

Hike the Summit Area Nature Trails

Besides the Fire Lookout, there are a few other short, easy, and nearly flat nature trails around the summit area.

Koo Koo Sint Trail: This short trail rambles through sub-alpine meadow and forest just north of the summit. Interpretive signs along the way explain settler history of the area including info about geographer David Thompson, who the Salish nicknamed Koo Koo Sint, meaning stargazer. The 1.5km-long trail takes about 30 minutes to complete.

First Footsteps Trail: Enjoy Secwepemc, Ktunaxa, and Okanagan First Nations culture through sculpture and artwork along this easy walking trail. It makes a loop through subalpine meadows and stops at a viewpoint where you can gaze down at “The Icebox”, a rocky cleft in the mountain that holds snow all year. Plan to spend 30 minutes on the 1km loop.

Heather Lake Trail: Follow the shoreline trail around tiny Heather Lake to admire the wildflowers. It’s only 400m long and will take about 10 minutes.

Hike at Balsam Lake

While most visitors make a bee-line for the summit, there are also great nature trails right next to the Balsam Lake parking lot.

Balsam Lake Trail: Make a gentle loop around Balsam Lake, stopping to enjoy the wildflower meadows along the lakeshore. On my last visit I took my mom to Balsam Lake and she loved the flowers here. The 0.5km loop takes 10 minutes.

Eagle Knoll: Follow the trail east from Balsam Lake to quiet Eagle Knoll. There’s a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Columbia Valley. Allow an hour for the 1.5km round trip hike.

Hike to Eva, Jade, and Miller Lakes in the Backcountry

If you’re up for a longer hike, I think the best trail in the park is the trip to Eva, Jade, and Miller lakes set deep in the backcountry of Mount Revelstoke National Park. The route starts at the Mount Revelstoke summit area and heads northeast into the mountains, passing through wildflower meadows.

You can reach all three lakes from branch trails off the main trail. There are only 200 meters of net elevation gain between the trailhead and Miller and Eva Lakes, but it will feel like a lot more since there are tons of small ups and downs.

Miller Lake is the closest at 11km round trip.

Eva Lake is next at 12km round trip. It’s also easy to combine the two since they are a few minutes walk from each other. Allow 4-6 hours for the hike to Eva Lake and Miller Lake.

Jade Lake is a bit further away as you climb over Jade Pass into treeless alpine tundra. It’s an 18km round trip with 428m of elevation gain. Plan to spend 6-8 hours on the trail.

Both Eva and Jade Lakes have backcountry campsites if you want to spend the night. They require advance reservations online. Eva Lake also has an old historic cabin that makes a great place to eat lunch during a rainstorm. (Ask me how I know!)

Camp at Snowforest Campground

Opened in 2020, Mount Revelstoke’s Snowforest Campground is the only front-country campground in the park. It has 62 campsites with a mix of drive-in sites, RV sites, and walk-in sites.

I stayed in a walk-in site in August 2020 and have to say that it has some of the nicest campground bathrooms I have ever seen. There is a huge building with individual toilet stalls, showers, and a communal sink area.

In the last few years there has been increased bear activity around the campground, which has led Parks Canada to close the campground to tents. In 2023 and 2024 only hard-sided units (truck campers, motorhomes, or RVs) were allowed. That might change in the future – check the Mount Revelstoke National Park website for details.

The campground is located on the lower part of Meadows in the Sky Parkway so it’s easy to go into the town of Revelstoke or to drive up the mountain to explore more of the park. If you want to hike right from your campsite, explore the Soren Sorenson loop trail which connects to the Inspiration Woods trail and the Nel’s Knickers Trial. You can even walk or bike to Revelstoke using the 23 Connector Trail or a combo of the Soren Sorenson and Mount Revelstoke Trails.

Visit the Historic Ski Jump

Mount Revelstoke has an important place in Canadian skiing history. Up until the 1960s, Revelstoke was the ski jumping capital of Canada. Norwegian-born Nels Nelson is credited with popularizing the sport in Revelstoke and setting world records for distance.

Parks Canada has done an amazing job of turning the old ski jump into an outdoor exhibit with info plaques, old newspaper clippings, and replica signage. But the best part is the Nels Knickers sculpture that lets you experience what it’s like to stand at the top of the hill, ready to ski jump. It’s also a fun (and goofy) photo op.

It’s an easy walk to the top on the Nels Knickers Trail from the Meadows in the Sky Parkway. But if you want a longer (and steeper!) hike, park at the Nels Nelson Historic Area lower down the mountain, then follow the Nels Nelson Ski Jump trail from the bottom of the jump to the top.

Go for a Bike Ride

Mount Revelstoke National Park has a few options for different styles of biking.

Mountain Biking: Explore cross-country-style trails on the lower mountain. Start at the Nels Nelson Historic area and tackle the green-rated lower Soren Sorenson Loop or the blue-rated upper Soren Sorenson Loop. You can also bike there directly from the town of Revelstoke on the 23 Connector or Mount Revelstoke Trails.

Road Biking: Challenge yourself by tackling a full ascent of the Meadows in the Sky Parkway on your road bike. You’ll gain 1,400m over 26km on the way to the summit. But with an average grade of 5.5%, it’s never very steep and there are lots of viewpoints to stop and catch your breath. My husband wants to bring his road bike on our next visit so he can say he biked to the top.

Kids Bike Park: The Beaver Lodge Kids Bike Park is a great destination for families. Kids will love the whimsical sculptures, fun teeter-totter, bridges, and looping pathways.

Hike the Quiet Lower Mountain Trails

Since most hikers focus on the summit trails or the highway-accessed rainforest trails, you might have the lower mountain trails all to yourself. I haven’t had time to hike these trails yet, but I hear they are pretty and very quiet.

Inspiration Woods: This beautiful forest walk features cedar and hemlock trees draped in lichens and a carpet of moss and ferns underfoot. It’s a great option for spring and fall when the higher elevation trails are snowy. Allow an hour for the 2.5km hike.

Soren Sorenson Loops: With both a 2km and a 5km loop to choose from, the Soren Sorenson trails are a good option if you are staying at the Snowforest Campground. Originally built as winter cross-country skiing trails, they are also open to mountain bikes. Allow 30 minutes for the shorter loop and 1.5 hours for the longer one.

Broken Bridge: This short forested walk ends at a ruined bridge that makes a great photo location. Since it’s very shaded, it’s a good option for sunny days. Allow 40 minutes for the 2km trip.

Hike from Valley Bottom to Summit

If you want a real challenge, skip the drive to the summit and hike there instead. Before the Meadows in the Sky Parkway was built, trails were the only way to get to the summit. There are two hiking options:

Summit Trail: Start at the Nels Nelson parking lot to hike the original route to the summit, gaining 1353m. It crosses the Meadows in the Sky Parkway several times as it works its way uphill through several ecosystems. The trail is 10km one way and should take 4-5 hours.

Lindmark Trail: This alternative route to the summit starts a little higher up at the Monashee Lookout. It gains 982m over 8km. Since it never crosses a road, it has a better wilderness feel than the summit trail. Plan to spend 3.5 hours on the hike uphill.

Go Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing

Mount Revelstoke National Park has a long history with winter sports, especially skiing. If you visit in winter, the road into the park is plowed as far as the Nels Nelson Historic area. From there you can snowshoe on the Soren Sorenson Loop trails or cross-country ski on the upper part of the Meadows in the Sky Parkway. I haven’t visited in winter yet, but I’d love to snowshoe here.

So that’s everything you need to know to plan a trip to Mount Revelstoke National Park. Have questions about the best things to do in Mount Revelstoke National Park? Ask me in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• 15 Things to do in Revelstoke in the Summer
• The Best Hikes in Revelstoke, BC
• How to Take an Epic Canadian National Parks Road Trip
• 30+ Things to Do in Vernon, BC
• 15 Best Things to Do in Canmore in Winter
• 20+ Beautiful Weekend Getaways from Vancouver
• Cozy Cabins near Vancouver Perfect for a Weekend Getaway

The post Things to do in Mount Revelstoke National Park, Canada appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Hey there: Thanks so much to Tourism Revelstoke for hosting me in Revelstoke. All opinions in this post are my own. Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Revelstoke Hiking Basics

Where is Revelstoke?

The town of Revelstoke is in eastern British Columbia, Canada. It’s on the banks of the Columbia River at 480m above sea level. Revelstoke is in a river valley between the Monashee and Selkirk Mountain ranges. The Rocky Mountains are about 100km to the east. Mount Revelstoke National Park is just outside town and Glacier National Park is a 40-minute drive to the east. Revelstoke is in the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa, Secwepemc, Sinixt, and Okanagan First Nations.

Getting to Revelstoke

 Revelstoke is on highway 1. It’s a 6-hour drive from Vancouver in the west or 4.5 hours from Calgary in the east. Revelstoke has an airport, but it only has charter flights. The closest major airport is in Kelowna where you can get a shuttle van to Revelstoke that takes about 2.5 hours. Revelstoke also makes a great stop on a road trip across Canada.

Hiking season in Revelstoke

Revelstoke sits deep in the mountains. That means it has a short summer hiking season from May to September. Generally, the valley bottom trails start to be snow-free in April or May with higher elevation trails staying snowy into late July. By late September, it has started to snow again in the mountains. No matter what time of year you hike, check the weather forecast before you head out. Checking the weather is just one of the things you should do before every hike.

Revelstoke Weather

Revelstoke has a mountain climate.  Summer temperatures are typically highs of 23-25C and lows of 11C. July and August are the driest months, but Revelstoke has a wetter climate than the nearby Rocky Mountains so it can still have some rainy days in summer.

READ NEXT: The Best Weather Apps for Hiking

What to bring hiking in Revelstoke

 Even if you are just going for a short hike near Revelstoke, you need to be prepared for the weather and conditions. Don’t forget the 10 essentials. (Rain gear and warm clothing are especially important.)

Bear Safety

Revelstoke is home to both black bears and grizzly bears. Carry bear spray and make noise while you hike to reduce your risk of a negative bear encounter. On some trails in Glacier National Park, you must hike in groups of at least four people. (Full details on that hike below.) For more info about hiking in bear country, read my post about bear safety for hikers.

Leave No Trace

The area around Revelstoke is sensitive wilderness. Learn about Leave No Trace principles to help keep the wilderness wild.

Other Things to Do in Revelstoke

Hiking is my favourite thing to do in Revelstoke, but this cute mountain town has so much more to offer including amazing food, paddling, mountain biking, paragliding, and more. Read my guide to the best things to do in Revelstoke in the summer for all the details.

Revelstoke Trails Map

Best Hikes in Revelstoke

Greenbelt Trail

You don’t need to leave town to go for a hike in Revelstoke. The easy Greenbelt Trail along the Columbia and Illecillewaet Rivers is flat and has great views. You can walk the entire length from the Aquatic Centre along the Columbia River, up the Illecillewaet River to Powerhouse Road. Or just go for a stroll along a short section. I like to go for a walk along the river in the evening to watch the sunset over the mountains.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: Up to 10km round trip | Elevation gain: none | Time Needed: Up to 3 hours |Best Time to Go: April to October | How to get there: Walk from pretty much anywhere in town. The start and endpoints of the Greenbelt are at the Aquatic Centre and on Powerhouse Road.

Mount Mackenzie

The easiest way to get high up into Revelstoke’s mountains is to ride the gondola at the Revelstoke Mountain Resort. In just 20 minutes you’ll ascend to 1700m above sea level. To get to the top of the mountain, follow the Stoke Climb trail uphill. It’s a mountain bike ascent trail, so even though it gains a lot of elevation, the slope is gentle. Stop to admire the views and meadows along the way. At the top of the Stoke Climb, watch the bikers start their long descent, and if you’re lucky, paragliders taking off too. (I can’t believe I jumped off the mountain here in 2019!) To continue to the sub-peak of Mount Mackenzie, follow the loop trail uphill.

Difficulty: Challenging | Distance: 15.8 km round trip | Elevation gain: 650m | Time Needed: 6 hours |Best Time to Go: mid-July to September | Trail Info: Revelstoke Mountain Resort | How to get there: Follow signs east through town along Fourth Street, Airport Way, Nichol Road, and Camozzi Road to Revelstoke Mountain Resort 7km from town. Then, ride the Revelation Gondola to the top station.

Begbie Falls

Begbie Falls is a split waterfall, with two tongues of water cascading down the slope. It’s set deep in a gulley, surrounded by beautiful forest. There are two ways to get to Begbie Falls: a short way from the lower trailhead and a long way from the upper trailhead. But they are both easy! From the lower trailhead, it’s a quick but steep walk down some switchbacks to the falls. If you start at the upper trailhead, you’ll follow the Bluff Trail through the forest, passing several side trails that lead to rock climbing crags or mountain bike trails. The junctions are all signed, so you won’t get lost. When the Bluff Trail meets a gravel road, turn right to get to the lower trailhead and then go downhill to the falls.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 1 or 6km round trip | Elevation gain: 40 or 160m | Time Needed: 20 minutes or 2 hours | Best Time to Go: May to September | Trail Info: Begbie Falls Recreation Site | How to get there: Head south on Highway 23 from Revelstoke. To get to the lower trailhead, turn left after 7km onto Clough Road. After a few minutes, turn right onto Mount Begbie Road and follow it past the campground to the parking lot at the end, 4km from the highway. It’s a gravel road and can be bumpy but should be fine for most cars. For the upper trailhead, turn left off Highway 23 into a gravel parking lot after about 9km.

Moses Falls

Unlike the other waterfalls in Revelstoke, Moses Falls is broad and the water spreads out over several ledges instead of roaring downhill in a single torrent. The trail to the falls is very short, but it is steep, rooty, and muddy so watch your step. The trail starts by heading downhill from the parking lot through the grass, crosses a gravel road, then descends steeply beside the falls before reaching the base. From there a trail heads downhill for another few minutes to the Columbia River and another parking area, accessed by a steep gravel road.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 0.5km round trip | Elevation gain: 40m | Time Needed: 30 minutes | Best Time to Go: May to September | How to get there: Head north from Highway 1 on Westside Road for 6km. Look for a gravel parking lot on the right. Park here for the upper trailhead. If you have an AWD car, turn right on the dirt road just past the parking lot and follow it for a few minutes down the steep hill to the riverbank. 

Sutherland Falls

I think Sutherland Falls in nearby Blanket Creek Provincial Park is the most beautiful of the three waterfalls near Revelstoke. It’s also the easiest hike. From the parking area, it’s an easy stroll along the gently sloped trail to the 12 m-high falls. You can get a great view of the falls from the viewing area, or scramble (carefully) down into the creek to get a bit closer. If you visit in the autumn, watch for spawning salmon in the creek.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 0.5km round trip | Elevation gain: 20m | Time Needed: 10 minutes |Best Time to Go: May to September | Trail Info: Blanket Creek Provincial Park | How to get there: Head south on Highway 23 from Revelstoke. Look for the signed turn-off for Blanket Creek Provincial Park after 24 km.

Halfway River Hot Springs

Some might argue hiking is about the journey, not the destination. But that’s not true at Halfway River Hot Springs. The short trail winds downhill through the forest to the springs. It’s a nice enough hike… but really it’s the hot springs you are here for! The natural springs here are one of my favourite hot springs in Canada and one of the best things to do in Revelstoke. While it the hike downhill to the springs might seem easy, save your energy for the climb back up. It’s steep!

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 1km round trip | Elevation gain: 50m | Time Needed: 10 minutes | Best Time to Go: April to October | Trail Info: Halfway River Hot Springs Recreation Site | How to get there: From Revelstoke, drive Highway 23 south for 79km to the Halfway River Forest Service road on the south side of the Halfway River bridge. (The drive includes a ride on the free Arrows Lakes ferry.) From the turnoff, it’s 11km of gravel road driving to the parking lot. The road is fine for 2wd vehicles as long as you go slow and avoid the potholes. 

Keystone Standard Basin

This challenging trail is popular with both hikers and mountain bikers. I haven’t hiked it yet, but my husband Greg and my Dad biked it last summer. Greg said it was a challenge on bikes but would make an amazing backpacking trip or long day hike: “Since you do most of the elevation gain in the car, the trail is almost entirely in alpine meadows with incredible views of mountains in every direction.” It’s 11km each way to the log cabin at a pond, but Greg says you could turn around at the high point about 1km earlier if you are low on energy. 

Difficulty: Challenging | Distance: 22 km round trip | Elevation gain: 400m | Time Needed: 7 hours | Best Time to Go: Mid-July to September | Trail Info: Keystone Standard Basin Recreation Trail | How to get there: Drive Highway 23 north for 50km, then turn right onto Keystone Forest Service Road. Continue up this 4WD-only road for 18km to the parking lot.

Nels Knickers

Step back in time on the Nels Knickers Trail in Mount Revelstoke National Park. Up until the 1960s, Revelstoke was the ski jumping capital of Canada. Norwegian-born Nels Nelson is credited with popularizing the sport in Revelstoke… and setting world records for distance. Parks Canada has done an amazing job of turning the old ski jump into an outdoor exhibit with info plaques, old newspaper clippings, and replica signage. But the best part is the Nels Knickers sculpture that lets you experience what it’s like to stand at the top of the hill, ready to ski jump. It’s an easy walk to the top on the Nels Knickers Trail. But if you want a longer (and steeper!) hike, park at the Nels Nelson Historic Area lower down the mountain, then follow the Nels Nelson Ski Jump trail from the bottom of the jump to the top.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 0.5km round trip | Elevation gain: 20m | Time Needed: 15 minutes | Best Time to Go: May to September | Trail Info: Mount Revelstoke National Park | How to get there: Take the Meadows in the Sky Parkway exit from Highway 1 just outside of Revelstoke. Drive up the Parkway for 4km to a pullout at a sharp hairpin turn. Park here next to the Nels Nelson sign. | Note: National Park Pass required. Dogs must be on leash.

Balsam Lake

The flat hike around Balsam Lake is a great choice if you need to stretch your legs after driving the Meadows in the Sky Parkway at Mount Revelstoke National Park. The trail starts right beside the parking lot and loops around the tiny lake. In August, the meadows around the lake are carpeted in wildflowers. Look for bright red paintbrush, indigo arctic lupine, yellow mountain arnica, mauve subalpine daisy, and lots more. We brought my mom and she loved taking photos of all the flowers.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 0.5km loop | Elevation gain: none | Time Needed: 10 minutes | Best Time to Go: July to September | Trail Info: Mount Revelstoke National Park | How to get there: Take the Meadows in the Sky Parkway exit from Highway 1 just outside of Revelstoke. Drive up the Parkway to its end 26km later. | Note: National Park Pass required. No dogs allowed. 

Upper Summit Trail

The Meadows in the Sky Parkway at Mount Revelstoke National Park ends at a parking lot, but a gated service road with a shuttle bus service continues up the mountain towards the summit. Instead of taking the bus, hike the Upper Summit Trail. It climbs steadily, but never steeply through the forest. Look for wildflowers along the way and Columbia ground squirrels scurrying around. Return the way you came, take the shuttle down, or walk down the road to make a loop.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 2km round trip | Elevation gain: 90 m | Time Needed: 1 hour | Best Time to Go: July to September | Trail Info: Mount Revelstoke National Park | How to get there: Take the Meadows in the Sky Parkway exit from Highway 1 just outside of Revelstoke. Drive up the Parkway to its end 26km later. | Note: National Park Pass required. No dogs allowed. 

Fire Lookout

If you visit Mount Revelstoke National Park, don’t miss a trip to the fire lookout. Built in 1927, this historic structure sits at the peak of Mount Revelstoke. Until the 1980s, a tower person was stationed here to watch for fires in the surrounding mountains. There are incredible views from the lookout, as well as from a few spur trails nearby. You can look all the way down to Lake Revelstoke and across to the Monashee Mountains.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 1km round trip | Elevation gain: 10 m | Time Needed: 20 minutes | Best Time to Go: July to September | Trail Info: Mount Revelstoke National Park | How to get there: Take the Meadows in the Sky Parkway exit from Highway 1 just outside of Revelstoke. Drive up the Parkway to its end 26km later. From there, walk up the Upper Summit Trail or take the shuttle bus to the Heather Lake stop. | Note: National Park Pass required. No dogs allowed. 

Eva Lake

The hike to Eva Lake takes you deep into the backcountry of Mount Revelstoke National Park. It’s probably my favourite hike in Revelstoke. The trail ambles through wildflower meadows, crosses rocky slopes, and ends at a beautiful sub-alpine lake. Since it starts so high up, the mountain views are incredible from pretty much everywhere along the trail and Eva Lake is particularly spectacular. If you have more time and energy, you can continue onwards to Miller and Jade Lakes. On the day I hiked this trail, we were trying to outrun a thunderstorm so we turned around at Eva Lake. Next time I go to Revelstoke I’d love to spend a night at Eva or Jade Lake – they both have backcountry campsites.

Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: 12km round trip | Elevation gain: 210 m | Time Needed: 6 hours | Best Time to Go: mid-July to September | Trail Info: Mount Revelstoke National Park | How to get there: Take the Meadows in the Sky Parkway exit from Highway 1 just outside of Revelstoke. Drive up the Parkway to its end 26km later. From there, walk up the Upper Summit Trail or take the shuttle bus to the Heather Lake stop. | Note: National Park Pass required. No dogs allowed. 

Giant Cedars Boardwalk

The base of Mount Revelstoke is home to a rare inland temperate rainforest with giant cedar and hemlock trees. I was shocked to see trees that I associate with BC’s coast so far inland! This easy trail in Mount Revelstoke National Park uses a beautiful boardwalk to make a loop through the forest. Interpretive signs along the way help you learn fun facts about the giant trees and the creatures that live in them. There are lots of great spots for photos too.

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 0.5km loop | Elevation gain: 30m | Time Needed: 15 minutes | Best Time to Go: April to October | Trail Info: Mount Revelstoke National Park | How to get there: Head east on Highway 1 for 30km. Turn left into the signed parking lot. | Note: National Park Pass required. Dogs must be on leash.

Loop Brook Trail

This short hike in Glacier National Park takes you along a former railway route. While the hike is short and easy, there are a few short, steep hills. Before a tunnel was blasted through a nearby mountain, trains needed to make a looping route through this valley to slowly gain elevation. Giant stone pillars supported the tracks, high above the creek. Today the bridges and tracks are long gone, but the pillars remain. Interpretive signs along the route give insight into the railway history. 

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 1.7 km loop | Elevation gain: 40 m | Time Needed: 45 minutes | Best Time to Go: June to September | Trail Info: Glacier National Park | How to get there: Head east from Revelstoke on Highway 1 for 60km. Turn right into the Loop Brook Campground and drive to the parking area at the end of the road. You can also park in the highway pullout just after the campground entrance. | Note: National Park Pass required. Dogs must be on leash.

Balu Pass

Hike up towards the towering peaks of Glacier National Park on the Balu Pass trail. The steep path travels up the Connaught Creek valley, crossing numerous avalanche slopes before ending at Balu Pass. The views of Mount MacDonald across the highway and numerous other glaciated peaks makes the climb worthwhile. The pass gets its name from the Hindi word bhalu, meaning bear. The mountains to the north of the trail are called Grizzly Mountain, Ursus Major, and Ursus Minor. (Ursus is Latin for bear.) The area is prime bear habitat. Make lots of noise, travel in groups, and always carry bear spray. 

Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: 12.8 km round trip | Elevation gain: 779 m | Time Needed: 4-5 hours | Best Time to Go: mid-July to September | Trail Info: Glacier National Park | How to get there: Head east from Revelstoke on Highway 1 for 67km to the Rogers Pass Visitor Centre. The trailhead is at the back of the parking lot. | Note: National Park Pass required. No dogs allowed. Hikers must travel in groups of four or more people.

Hermit Meadows Trail

There are tons of amazing (and steep) hikes in Glacier National Park, and unfortunately, I haven’t had time to do many of them… yet! I asked Robyn from Tourism Revelstoke which trail she recommends in Glacier. She says the Hermit Meadows trail is one of her favourites: “The trail is steep and relentless but fairly short… It provides access to beautiful alpine meadows surrounded by the majestic Swiss Peaks. There is a [backcountry] campground at Hermit Meadows, and you couldn’t ask for better campsite views.” It sounds about as steep as Vancouver’s Grouse Grind… but with waaaay better views. I’m definitely adding it to my list!

Difficulty: Challenging | Distance: 6.4 km round trip | Elevation gain: 819 m | Time Needed: 4-5 hours | Best Time to Go: mid-July to September | Trail Info: Glacier National Park | How to get there: Head east from Revelstoke on Highway 1 for 69km. A few minutes past the Rogers Pass Visitor Centre, turn left into the signed parking lot. | Note: National Park Pass required. Dogs must be on leash.

Other Hikes Near Revelstoke

Although I’ve hiked a LOT in Revelstoke, I haven’t walked all the trails. There are a few more trails in Mount Revelstoke National Park and lots in Glacier National Park that I haven’t done yet. There are also a few epic-sounding hikes to huge peaks like Mount Cartier and Mount Begbie that I’d love to tackle. If you need more hiking ideas, download the Revelstoke Hiking Map.

With 15 trails on this list, I’m sure you’ll find a Revelstoke hike that you’ll love. (Actually… you’ll probably find a few!) Have questions about hikes in Revelstoke? Ask me in the comments as I’m always happy to help.

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