BEST Things To Do In Revelstoke in the Summer
Revelstoke is easily one of our favorite places, and much of that is due to the tremendous skiing and snowboarding. However, the small mountain town nestled below the Selkirk mountains makes for a great summer escape. We love the winter in Revy, but the summer offers much more to do, with excellent hiking, biking, paddling, camping, fishing, and even climbing.
The town is a popular stopover for Western Canada road trips, most commonly connecting Calgary and Vancouver. It’s an excellent decision, as it has an interesting history and allows travelers to explore inland rainforests in Glacier and Mount Revelstoke National Parks. We highly recommend adding Revy to your summer plans and suggest you stay at least a few days.
It’s the perfect spot to soak up small mountain town vibes in B.C. With that in mind, we’re here to share some things to do in Revelstoke in the summer.
Where is Revelstoke?
Revelstoke is a small town in southeastern BC situated on the banks of the Columbia River south of the Revelstoke Dam. It’s nestled in between the Selkirk Mountains and Glacier National Park.
The closest cities are Kamloops and Kelowna, but many people stop in Revelstoke while on a Western Canada road trip between Calgary and Vancouver. We have an example of a trip in on our post about the ultimate Western Canada road trip. (Here are our favorite stops from Calgary to Revelstoke).
A little history…
The City of Revelstoke was founded in the 1880s when the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) was built. At its onset, the town relied heavily on forest and mining first, and then the railway; these beginnings are still apparent when strolling through town today. It’s estimated that over $3,000,000 in gold was mined in Revelstoke.
You may have noticed the name is a little interesting, so where did Revelstoke come from? Revelstoke took its name in honour of Lord Revelstoke, Edward Charles Baring of Devon in England. He was head of the London banking house of Baring Brokers and his timely financial assistance saved the Canadian Pacific Railway Company from going bankrupt in 1885 and ensured the completion of the transcontinental railway.
Though Revelstoke was built on mining and railway, it’s now most well known for its epic powder dumps at Revelstoke Mountain Resort and mountain biking in the summer. When you visit, you can still see plenty of traces of its early days, as many original buildings from the early 1900s are still present (psst—like the post office!).
Things To Do in Revelstoke in the Summer
Stroll Around Downtown Revy
Downtown Revelstoke is a super cute, small, and charming town that doesn’t see huge crowds like Whistler or Downtown Banff. Strolling up and down MacKenzie Ave will not take you long! However, it’s still nice to see its small Victorian downtown. There are some nice outdoor and boutique shops in Revy.
Grab a Coffee at Dose
Before you head out for the day, you’ll need to fuel up. My favorite place to grab a coffee and baked treat is Dose. They also serve up some delicious food for breakfast and lunch. It’s our favorite coffee shop in Western Canada, and we stop here whenever we’re in town.
Go Hiking In Glacier National Park
It’s only a 45-minute drive from the town center to the Glacier Discovery Center and a wealth of trails throughout the national park. We highly recommend checking out the Glacier Discovery Center as it’s a nice little museum that serves as a good introduction to Rogers Pass, and the employees can provide trail advice.
If you’re tired of the busier hiking trails in Banff and Jasper, we highly recommend hiking in the national park. The steep valley has a rich history of mountaineering and skiing due to its inspiring terrain, which includes thick forests, towering glaciers, and unique geology.
Valley bottoms in the park are inland rainforests, which make for unique settings with a huge amount of biodiversity. Some of the most popular hiking trails are the Asulkan Valley, Great Glacier Trail, Sir Donald, Hermit, Balu Pass, Loop Brook, and Meeting of the Waters.
Soak in a Hot Spring
Many locals and visitors love to soak in the natural hot springs that dot the interior of British Columbia. Some enticing hot springs near Revy make for a nice day trip or half-day excursion. The Halfway River Hot Springs is accessible by a logging road and steep trail and is your most “bask to basic” natural hot spring.
South of Revy on Highway 23 is the Halcyon Hot Springs overlooking Upper Arrow Lake, the most photogenic hot spring. Other options that are more accessible and closer to town are the Crazy Creek Hot Pools and Albert Canyon Hot Springs!
Walk the Greenbelt
The Greenbelt is a local walking trail that provides nice views across the Illecillewaet and Columbia Rivers. It’s very popular with locals looking to exercise, whether with a leisurely bike ride, run, or even a cross-country ski in the winter.
The trail is mostly flat, so the gentle terrain and wide open spaces that provide good mountain views make the Greenbelt approachable for anyone looking to stretch their legs.
Paddle On A Lake
One of the best things to do in Revelstoke is paddle on the lakes! One of our favorite afternoons in Revy this past summer was when we went to Echo Lake for a paddle.
This tiny lake is somewhat of a local secret. It’s warmer than other lakes in Canada and charming for a swim! If you’re itching to camp, there are a few places to pitch a tent.
Visit the 3 Valley Gap Ghost Town
Step into history at the 3 Valley Gap Heritage Ghost Town. In the 1800s, the prospect of gold brought thousands of fortune seekers to this part of British Columbia.
Many left penniless but left behind abandoned buildings, which you can still see today. For around $16, you can access 25 historic buildings, the auto museum, and the railway roundhouse.
Go Mountain Biking
B.C.’s bike culture is huge these days, and it’s a favorite pastime of many locals. It’s easy to understand why, with the multitude of bike parks and money, the province has invested in community trail-building organizations. Revy has some excellent bike trails, and the resort’s downhill bike park continues to improve yearly.
It’s easy to make a trip to Revelstoke just for mountain biking. We’ve hit the trails several times, but I wish we could explore more. We recommend you check out the trails around Upper and Lower Mount Macpherson Trails, Martha Creek, and Boulder Mountain.
- Mount Macpherson: This area has cross-country trails suitable for beginners and eBike-friendly. We usually bike here as visitors.
- Revelstoke Mountain Resort: Intermediate and advanced downhill bikers should head to the resort for a full day of downhill biking.
- Sunnyside: Located on the sunny side of Revelstoke, this area is great for intermediate mountain bikers. eBikes are allowed.
Enjoy a Beer at Mt. Begbie Brewery
After a day out on the trails, one of the best things to do in Revelstoke is refresh with a cold one. Mt. Begbie Brewery is an amazing local brewery brewing since 1996.
Their beer is created from the surrounding mountain water. It’s definitely worth trying their Mt. Begbie Cream Ale. The only bad news is it’s in a somewhat odd location away from town, so you’ll need to drive to the brewery unless you stay at the Coast Hotel!
Enjoy Arrow Lakes
A great Revelstoke activity! Arrow Lakes run from Revelstoke to Castlegar and are split into two sections (Lower Arrow Lake and Upper Arrow Lake). To access the lakes, you just have to go outside Revelstoke.
They are a fantastic place to take a boat or jet ski and enjoy the mountain views in the summer. Don’t forget to grab some snacks from town. Once you leave town, there is not much food or drink.
Drive the Meadow in the Sky Parkway
Visiting the Meadow in the Sky Parkway in Mount Revelstoke National Park is a must-do while visiting Revy. The Meadow in the Sky Parkway travels uphill 26 kilometers through beautiful spruce and fir forests and wildflowers in the summer. It makes for a stunning drive into the subalpine above town. Don’t forget to stop and take in the viewpoints along the way.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to work up a sweat, it’s a popular bike ride for cyclists. It’s a workout to the top as the road gains 1,365 meters, but there is little doubt that it’s a thrilling ride back down.
Hike In Mount Revelstoke National Park
Once you reach the top of the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, you can choose from a couple of hiking trails. The most popular option is the 2 km hike to an old fire lookout along the Summit trail. It offers wonderful views of the surrounding peaks, small meadows, and two small subalpine lakes.
Those seeking a proper hike should head to Eva and Miller Lake. The two alpine lakes are lovely, and the journey to them crosses some very nice alpine meadows full of wildflowers. Backcountry campers can enjoy the campsites along the shore of Eva or the further Jayde Lakes (reservations required).
The Giant Cedars Boardwalk
Mount Revelstoke National Park is a 260-square-kilometer park that offers much for visitors and locals. Head down to the valley bottom to experience an inland rainforest.
The Giant Cedars Boardwalk offers a wonderful chance to walk through an old-growth forest with towering centuries-old cedar trees. These trees predate European exploration and colonization of North America.
Enchanted Forest
If you’re looking for a classic roadside attraction that appeals to kids, consider the Enchanted Forest. It’s around 32 km west of Revelstoke and a series of trails through the beautiful BC forests. In the forest are BC’s tallest and grandest treehouse, folk art figurines, a castle, dragons, and dungeons.
The Enchanted Forest was Doris and Ernest Needham’s lifelong dream. They opened it to the public in the 1960s. Perhaps that is why it feels like it’s from another generation. We’re not the target audience, but we are two adults who love outdoor sports.
Shop The Craft Market
From May to October, Revelstoke has two local weekend markets. So, if you’re visiting Revelstoke on a Saturday in the summer, we recommend heading to the Revelstoke Farm & Craft Market at 1504 Second Street West or the Local Food Initiative Market at Centennial Park.
It’s the best place to get that local BC honey you’ve been craving, or fresh flowers, local fruits, and delicious vegetables. BC is well known for its amazing produce – so make sure not to miss it!
Ride the Sightseeing Gondola
Revelstoke Mountain Resort isn’t just for skiers and bikers; those looking for a scenic journey can enjoy a ride to the top. The Revelation Gondola will start operating in May for the summer season. You can load and ride up to 1700 meters above the Columbia River, taking in the views of the valley and mountains.
Once at the top, grab a burger at the Mackenzie Outpost before taking to one of the nearby hiking trails. Split Rock Falls, the Subpeak Loop, and Greely Trail are some of the most popular trails in the summer.
The Pipe Mountain Coaster
A fun thing to do in Revelstoke for families is to enjoy the Pipe Mountain Coaster at Mount Revelstoke. It’s a 1.4 km ride across ski runs, glades, and a tunnel. The ride goes as fast as 42 kilometers per hour if you want it to! Purchase tickets online in advance for a slight discount.
Wake Surf on Lake Revelstoke
Lake Revelstoke is a man-made lake on the Columbia River and one of the top places to camp near Revelstoke in the summer. It’s a great spot for locals and tourists alike. One of the best parts about Lake Revelstoke is that it’s not in a park, so you can operate motorized boats on the lake.
This includes jet skis and boats, and you can rent boats from Great Canadian Tours. Or you can bring your paddleboard (just be careful it is big and gets windy). If you don’t feel like getting out on the water, there’s a large beach area to sunbathe on.
Hike Up Mount Begbie
Hiking Mount Begbie is like a right of passage for locals in Revelstoke. It is the icon of Revelstoke, which is why some businesses are named after it. Mount Begbie is 2733 meters high, requires 12.4 km of hiking, and is rated as difficult.
This gets you all the way to the glacier and back! If you have mountaineering and glacier travel experience, you can continue on the glacier, but this is not recommended without experience! Read more about hiking Mount Begbie here.
Downhill Biking at Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Revelstoke Mountain Resort offers many activities in the winter and summer. If you want to try downhill mountain biking, It provides one of British Columbia’s newest lift-accessed mountain bike trail networks.
These are newly built trails that have both blues and extreme blacks. The Fifty-Six Twenty Trail is said to be the longest flow trail ever built! You can purchase tickets in advance for a discounted price.
Visit the Railway Museum
Revelstoke was officially founded in the 1880s when the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) was built through the area to assist with mining. Given this information, one of the best things to do in Revelstoke is to learn about its railway history.
A fun Revelstoke attraction for the whole family is the Railway Museum, which delves into the history of the Canadian Pacific Railway. It’s the perfect place to learn about Canada’s important railway heritage. If it’s a mixed-weather day, the Railway Museum is well worth a stop. I’m not a huge museum girl on vacation, but I spent two hours delving into all the information.
It’s not just all reading placards, either. There are interactive exhibits and a trainyard, and you can go inside a retired carriage.
Hike to Begbie Falls and Sutherland Falls
Revelstoke is in an inland rainforest, meaning the forests are incredibly lush. There are some fantastic waterfalls to hike to and check out. If you want to hit a slam dunk in one day, it’s easy to see the waterfall trifecta with just a few short Revelstoke hikes. Sutherland Falls and Begbie Falls are all a short distance from Revy. To find the trailhead, download a hiking app like Alltrails!
Revy Live Outside
If you’re visiting in July and August, head down to 111 MacKenzie Ave for free live music all summer long. Every night in the summer, you can listen to blues, folk, indie, country, reggae, roots, and rock from 6:30-9:00 pm. Expect a lively vibe filled with food trucks, dancing, and friendly locals.
Moses Waterfall
If you’re looking for a quiet local spot off the beaten path, check out Moses Waterfall, a short drive outside town. The waterfall is a short, steep walk from a small gravel parking lot. It makes for a nice little spot to enjoy nature and relax.
Don’t come expecting anything grand but a quiet space in nature that’s easy to access. It is on CMH property, and they still allow public access, so please treat the space respectfully.
Visit in the Winter
We spent a full winter season in Revelstoke riding powder at Revelstoke Mountain Resort and still dream about our days living in town. If you think winter is more your calling or plan to visit during both seasons, check out our full guide to visiting Revy in the winter.
Where to Stay in Revelstoke
There aren’t many places to stay in Revelstoke—it’s a pretty small town! However, we always stay at one of the best properties when we visit. Basecamp Resorts Revelstoke is easily the best place to stay in Revelstoke in the summer. Its location along the river, secluded in the forest, is much better than staying in Downtown Revy (where it can get quite loud at night).
This awesome property overlooking the Columbia River is just a short drive from downtown Revy. It offers different room types for friends, families, and couples. Starting with a micro-studio and working up to a six-bedroom apartment, Basecamp has something for everyone.
Rooms are clean and ultra-modern. They all come with a full kitchen that is well-equipped to cook any meal after a day out, which saves money by not eating out.
What I love about Basecamps are the comfortable beds and big entertainment area. The WiFi is fast (Revelstoke has fiber internet -yay), which is perfect since we always seem to have to work a bit while on our trips.
There are even two large hot tubs to enjoy under the neverending view. I was honestly blown away by this property and wouldn’t hesitate to book it again next time we are in Revy. See our other favorite Revelstoke cabins and rentals.
The Best Places to Eat in Revelstoke
For such a small town, Revelstoke surprisingly has some good places to eat. When wondering what to do in Revelstoke, you must walk down Main Street and see all the great shops and eateries. The downtown area is super tiny, so it won’t take long! I would recommend the following for a few great meals.
- Dose: As mentioned they have fantastic coffee and great lunch items.
- La Baguette: We always stop in La Baguette when in Revy. They have a cozy space, a nice coffee shop, and I love their creative pizzas.
- The Village Idiot: Large and delicious caesars combined with pizza makes for an amazingly good time.
- Paramjit’s Kitchen: Quick and tasty Indian dishes – great for takeaway!
- The Rockford: This is our favorite apres-ski spot at the base of Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Super tasty modern pub food and a decent selection of beer on tap, along with specials.
Revelstoke Activities Map
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