Gaze up at mighty cedar trees, marvel at the views from a mountain summit, take a scenic alpine drive or bring binoculars and try to spot a grizzly bear.
Mount Revelstoke National Park is a mixture of forest, meadows and rugged peaks. With paved roads and boardwalk trails set in 100 square miles (260 square kilometers), it is a natural wonderland that is easily accessible to everyone.
Begin your visit by taking a drive along the 16-mile (26-kilometer) Meadows In The Sky Parkway. Starting at a height of 1,540 feet (470 meters), this winding and scenic roads takes you to Balsam Lake at a height of 6,020 feet (1,835 meters). Jump on the shuttle bus that runs during the summer months for the short ride to the summit of Mount Revelstoke.
Explore more of the park by taking in some of its different environments. In spring, walk along the Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk Trail situated on the Illecillewaet River, named after the remarkable plants that flower as the snow melts. In summer, stroll along the Giant Cedars Boardwalk and feel humbled by the size of the mighty cedar and hemlock trees. Visit in mid August to see the meadows come alive with the vibrant wildflowers that inspired the national park’s creation in 1914.
Always keep watch for some of the amazing creatures that live in this sprawling national park. Grizzly bears and caribou are some of the rare animals that are spotted occasionally. Columbian ground squirrels are commonly seen and hoary marmot and the cute little pika also regularly pass by. The park is also a haven for a variety of birdlife, with golden eagles soaring above the craggy peaks.
Get your blood flowing with a more adventurous activity. A hike or bike ride through the park is popular in the summer months. Snowshoe or ski-tour around the park after the first heavy snow falls, which usually occur from mid November onwards. Mountaineering is available by special arrangement for experienced climbers.
Mount Revelstoke National Park is situated on the Trans Canada Highway, just to the northeast of the town of Revelstoke in the Selkirk Mountains. A Discovery Pass is required to visit and can be prearranged with the Canada Parks office in Revelstoke.
