Revelstoke

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History

In 1871, British Columbia agreed to join the Canadian Federation, based on the promise of a trans-continental railway to connect Western and Eastern Canada. The project proved to be extremely dangerous and expensive. In the summer of 1885, as the project was nearing completion, the banking firm Baring and Glyn saved the Canadian Pacific Railway from bankruptcy by buying the company's bonds. Consequently, the city Farwell was renamed by the CPR to honour Lord Revelstoke, the head of Baring and Glyn. Revelstoke was officially incorporated as a city in 1899.

Location

Revelstoke is nestled between the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges, near the Trans-Canada Highway between Calgary and Vancouver. It is 410 km (255 mi) west of Calgary on Hwy 1, and 565 km (351 mi) northeast of Vancouver via Highways 1 & 5.

Revelstoke also has a full service airport with a 1,460 meter paved runway, terminal building, fueling facilities and hangers. Charter aircraft and helicopter services are available. Transportation is available to town. The airport does not have instrument landing capabilities and does not have scheduled commercial airline service.

Places to See

•  Heritage Walking Tour

Pick up a copy of the Heritage Walking Tour brochure from the Visitor Information Centre and learn about the city's history by visiting the Revelstoke Museum and Archives. Nearby is the Revelstoke Railway Museum which showcases the building of the railway, the workers involved, the final days of construction and present day operation. Visit Craigellachie, where in 1885 the driving of the Last Spike marked the completion of the transcontinental railway. Visit the Revelstoke Nickelodeon Museum to see fantastic mechanical musical instruments. 

• Revelstoke Hydro Dam

BC Hydro's Revelstoke Dam, one of North America's largest and most modern hydro-electric developments, is located only a few minutes drive north of Revelstoke. The dam offers self-guided tours, featuring individual talking wands. This multi-level visitor centre includes a large exhibit area and a theatre. Tour guides are available to assist visitors and to answer questions. The tour includes an elevator trip to the dam crest lookout located at the top of the 175 meter high concrete dam. There are also views of the main powerhouse gallery, the circuit breaker gallery, tailrace area and the control room from within the visitor centre.

• Mount Revelstoke National Park

Experience a treasure of magic and beauty waiting to be discovered - where the most adventurous return with the most rewarding experience. Take a drive along the summit parkway through a variety of geographical zones. From dense old-growth rainforests of giant cedar and pine, travel up through subalpine forests, and finally alpine meadows and tundra. Marvel at the spectacular view of the ice-clad peaks of the Monashee Mountains and, to the east, the Selkirk Mountains. The Giant Cedars hiking trail takes you through a stand of ancient Western Red Cedars, and the Skunk Cabbage trail introduces you to jungle-like wetland- a birder's paradise!

• Glacier National Park

Drive up to the summit of Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park. Visit the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre and learn about the Swiss Mountain Guides that took women in full Victorian skirts up onto the glaciers.

Experience a hike through the valleys below the Illecillewaet and Asulkan glaciers - rugged and challenging for the intrepid visitor with a sense of adventure. Glacier National Park is a world of primitive wilderness, where it is easy to forget the intrusions of modern culture. You can turn 360°, and see no signs of civilization or roads - no distractions.

More than 400 glaciers continue to sculpt the landscape, carving the Columbia Mountains and feeding the crystal-clear rivers. Explorations range from simple wooden boardwalks to multi-day glacier crossing adventures. A wide range of wildlife makes this park their home.

• Canyon Hot Springs and Halycon Hot Springs

Come and enjoy the soothing mineral waters.

• Grizzly Plaza

Grizzly Plaza is the entertainment centre of Revelstoke's historic downtown. Throughout the summer, there's free live entertainment every evening, including musical bands, theatrical productions, and magic acts. 

• Nearby Attractions

Three Valley Lake Chateau, complete with restored frontier buildings, antique trains and automobiles; the Enchanted Forest; Skytrek Adventure Park; Crazy Creek Waterfalls & Suspension Bridge.

Things to Do

• Skiing

Revelstoke, located in the central Columbia Mountains, enjoys a fortunate combination of climate and topography, producing deep snow (averaging 60 feet annually) & generally moderate temperatures.

The Durrand Glacier and the Mt. Moloch area have over 24 scenic peaks - all accessible to skiers. Fourteen spectacular glaciers carve in between these mountains, providing long powder slopes up to 5,000 vertical feet. Some slopes reach far down into the deep forested valleys. Fifty-eight major alpine ski routes are accessible from the Durrand Glacier Chalet and the Mt. Moloch Chalet.

• Fishing

Revelstoke is truly an angler's dream, offering a wide range of species and locations. Fly fish from a float tube in a small mountain lake, or troll for a monster Rainbow Trout or Dolly Varden in Lake Revelstoke or Arrow Lake. The Lake Revelstoke area has held a world record for Dolly Varden (24+lbs.)

• Mountain Biking

When you go mountain biking in Revelstoke, you will experience what real "mountain" biking is. The area has a large networks of trails, as well as a variety of rentals & guided tours. There are so many trails, you could ride everyday all summer, and never ride the same one twice! If you are looking for a more casual ride, there are trails along the Columbia River, and through the "Greenbelt" park right in Revelstoke.

• Horseback Riding

Revelstoke is your horseback riding paradise. Ride along the valley bottoms, or wind your way up to the breathtaking alpine meadows. Go places you never dreamed of going on a horse! Several local companies offer a wide variety of touring options - from short half-day rides to week long camp-out adventures!

• Whitewater Rafting

Revelstoke's Illecillewaet River provides an exciting location for whitewater rafting. This cool, glacier-fed river is very refreshing on a warm summer day. The whitewater rafting season runs from mid-May to mid-September. More relaxed, scenic floats down the Columbia River are also available.

Events

• Winterlude

This annual Revelstoke event (formerly called Snowfest) held in february celebrates winter, snow and all the fun that comes with it. Ski races, curling tournaments, outhouse races, nordic skiing torchlight parade and many other exciting events await you

• Revelstoke Music Festival

Formerly called the Mountain Beat Festival, the Revelstoke Music Festival is a premier music event held annually in June. Enjoy live Funk, Latin and Blues, plus mouth-watering food, artisans, a kid's centre and more. 

Nearby Communities

Contact Information

Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce
204 Campbell Avenue, Box 490
Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S0
Tel: 250-837-5345
Fax: 250-837-4223
Web: www.seerevelstoke.com
Web: http://revelstokechamber.com