Your Ultimate Summer Guide to Revelstoke, British Columbia
Revelstoke, British Columbia is a year round visiting destination. There are plenty of things to do in Revelstoke although it does slow down come mid-October as anticipation for winter arrives. We visited, as a multigenerational family, at the end of July for a quick and easy getaway to the mountain town from the Okanagan Valley. The hiking trails in the world’s only inland temperate rainforest is a bucket list activity. Aside from the scenery and mountainscapes there are many unique things to do in Revelstoke, British Columbia. Here are a few of our favourites from our most recent trip to the interior of British Columbia, Canada.
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What to expect in Revelstoke, BC
Summer Weather & Guidelines – Revelstoke experiences warm summers with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Evenings can be cool, so layering is recommended. Due to high UV exposure, sunscreen, hats, and hydration are essential when hiking or exploring. Sudden thunderstorms are possible, so checking the forecast and being prepared for changing conditions is important.
Outdoor Adventure Hub – Revelstoke is known for its world-class hiking, mountain biking, and water activities. Mount Revelstoke National Park offers stunning alpine trails, while the Columbia River is perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Wildlife Awareness – The region is home to black bears, grizzly bears, moose, deer, and mountain goats. Hikers should carry bear spray, make noise on trails, and store food properly to avoid attracting wildlife. Spring and early summer are peak times for bear sightings, while fall sees more elk activity.
Revelstoke’s Historic Past – The town has a rich railway and mining history. The Revelstoke Railway Museum showcases the area’s role in the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which was crucial to Canada’s development.
Meadows in the Sky Parkway – This scenic drive takes visitors from the valley floor to the alpine meadows of Mount Revelstoke National Park, where wildflowers bloom in late July to early August. It’s a must-visit for breathtaking views and short alpine hikes.
Where to stay in revelstoke
During our stay in the Summer months we loved how relaxed and clean the city was. A car is essential to get to hiking trails and surrounding attractions and activities. Cabs and Ubers are available but it being a smaller town, harder to come by on a reliable time frame.
Sutton Place Mountain Resort – Ideal for families with apartment-style stays and a pool. Views from every room. We liked staying here because there were cafes, restaurants and the mountain coaster track all within walking distance. The gondola up to the top of Revelstoke mountain is also available providing incredible views and quicker access to the hiking trails.
Eleven Revelstoke Lodge – More for couples or those who don’t mind an upscale traditional hotel room that is a few steps off main street. The third floor is common space with a fireplace and hot tub on the deck. We loved visiting downtown Revelstoke for shopping and all of the best dining options after a day of hiking. Quartermaster Eatery is located in the same building and is the best fine dining option in Revelstoke.
Three Valley Lake Chateau – Located just outside Revelstoke closer to the Enchanted Forest and on the same property of the Ghost Town is the historic Chateau. Situated on a lake surrounded by boreal forest and offers free access to the Ghost Town for guests – this is perhaps the best spot for families who want a memorable but also affordable stay with a kitchen.
Where to eat in Revelstoke
Quartermaster Eatery
Definitely the more high end dining experience for a date night in Revelstoke, BC. The food and plating is stellar with a unique cocktail and local BC wine list.
Why it’s popular: This upscale eatery inside the Explorer’s Society Hotel is known for its seasonal, locally sourced menu and stylish ambiance. Guests love the charcuterie boards, steak, and creative cocktails.
The Chesterfield (formerly Chubby Funsters)
Chubby Funsters was a casual gastropub with a fun vibe, offering hearty comfort food like burgers, poutine, and BBQ. It’s a great spot for groups, and their cocktail menu is a hit. Since visiting they’ve announced they’re making a brand change to The Chesterfield in 2025. Stay tuned.
Village Idiot Bar & Grill
My husband and I had drinks here before dinner at Quartermasters. We had low expectations but the eclectic ski decor, delicious food and vibrant atmosphere is exactly what you’d want from a small mountain town pub.
Why it’s popular: A quirky, ski-themed bar and restaurant with great pizza, burgers, and local beers. It has a laid-back atmosphere, making it a favourite après-ski or post-hike stop.
112 Restaurant & Lounge
A classic Canadian fine dining restaurant with Canadian fare like steaks and salmon.
Why it’s popular: One of Revelstoke’s longest-standing fine dining restaurants, known for steaks, local salmon, and a refined atmosphere. A go-to for a classic dinner experience.
Big Eddy Pub
Located away from the downtown core, Big Eddy is great for those looking to sample craft beers and micro breweries. Outdoor seating and a onsite liquor store makes it a go-to for locals and travellers alike. Definitely grab some merch!
Why it’s popular: A relaxed, neighbourhood pub serving generous portions of wings, burgers, and classic Canadian pub food. It has a great local beer selection and a welcoming vibe.
Kawakubo Japanese Restaurant
Filling Japanese dishes with a western twist makes it a perfect stop after a long hike or ski day.
Why it’s popular: The best place in Revelstoke for fresh sushi, ramen, and Japanese comfort food. Visitors appreciate the authentic flavors and friendly service.
La Baguette
Bakery and shopping stop for those looking to load up their hotel kitchenette or before hitting the road.
Why it’s popular: A charming café and bakery serving house-made pastries, fresh bread, artisan sandwiches, and great coffee. Perfect for a breakfast stop or for a light lunch. I also like it load up on fridge and pantry items for the hotel stay.
The Old School Eatery
Located in a century old schoolhouse, this stop is ideal for families or couples night out who want a unique take on comfort food.
Why it’s popular: People love the historic charm with it literally being located in an old school house. The vibe is low key and fun with great comfort food dining options like sticky ribs and duck wings.
Revelstoke Map
Popular tours
Revelstoke is the adventure capital of British Columbia! From Winter to Summer there is so much to do in the area to get your heart pumping. Here are some of the best ways to do so with trusted tour guides guiding you to secret spots in the boreal forest.
Canyoning – Adventuring through vertical rivers and hidden waterfalls.
Half Day White Water Rafting – Coast and wade through the rushing white waters of Illecillewaet River with no experience necessary!
The Best Things To Do In Revelstoke (with or without kids)
The Enchanted Forest
Founded by a couple in 1960 who made and cleared everything by hand, the Enchanted Forest is now home to over 350 folk art figurines. Wether you find them unsettling or whimsical, it is a hit with weary travelling families wanting a space to stretch their legs and maybe climb a crooked tree house.
There are so many little fairy tale references throughout the hike but what I loved was how it brought us into this special rainforest to hike and watch the light pierce through the canopy high above. While the kids were marvelling at the little scenes I was loving the spaces in between.
Three Valley Gap
Three Valley Gap chateau and ghost town was really one of my favourite moments during our visit. Located just outside Revelstoke, 3 Valley Gap is located on 3 Valley Lake.
We had plans to stay at the Three Valley Gap but it being the end of July and since the resort offers no air conditioning, we opted for the Revelstoke Sutton Place but would consider a stay next time earlier in the season. However, if you do stay here you get a discounted admission into the Ghost Town located behind the hotel.
The ghost town is suited with old automobiles, old train cars to wander, school houses, saloons, jail houses, and so much more from the 1800s.
The gold rush had many calling this area home and when it went bust so did these little communities. Many of the buildings have actually been saved or brought in from ghost towns and communities in the surrounding area.
There’s a mini train that tours through a swamp area passing an ancient tree. Between you and me you can skip this if you don’t have small children.
It makes for a haunting but educational visit for the Kids getting a glimpse of how people used to live.
Revelstoke Railway Museum
I was really surprised how much my kids loved their visit to the Revelstoke Railway Museum. You can tour the railcars, peak into what life was like for train conductor and even work a simulator for the cost of a toonie (That’s $2 in Canadian language)
It captures the history of the Canadian Pacific railway from construction to the railway’s continued use through Western Canada’s challenging mountain ranges.
To focus the kids, they are given a scavenger hunt to complete by the end of their visit. Once they’ve found all the items they can turn it in and receive a trinket at the gift shop. Be sure to wave to your conductor as they pass by!
Pipe Mountain Coaster
This Alpine Coaster is suitable for ages 3 and up. You can go as fast or as slow as you’d like but top speeds are 42 km down 1.4 km of track. There are two tracks so you can go at the same time as a friend but it veers in various directions. A huge bonus, you can get a video to capture your experience at the Photobooth located at the end of the track in the Revelstoke mountain resort village. I can’t tell you how many people I saw trying to capture their ride down on their phone only to loose track of where they were and stop on the track. Don’t be one of these people. You really don’t need it with their video. You can see a clip of my husband and son going down the track and an aerial shot all provided by the photo booth.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
There’s lots to do in the resort from axe throwing and spas but my number one thing to recommend is the revelation gondola. In 20 minutes you climb 3820 feet. I’ve been on the Gondola in whistler and this was by far the steepest vertical climb to the summit I’ve ever experienced. Head to the top after two gondola rides up and enjoy a beer, hiking and of course the views.
Revelstoke Golf Club
It may have a short season but this historic golf club is a must for novices and pros alike. With 9 or 18 holes of golf, it was super easy for us out of towners to book a tee time on their website. The scenery along the Columbia River, the mountain ranges, oh guys you can’t go wrong.
Established in 1912 and becoming a force in 1924 after WW1 golf craze – you can golf up to 6537 yards on a historic site.
Tip: Watch for bear scat and bring mosquito repellent!
Revelstoke Downtown Scene and Activities
The downtown scene in Revelstoke is super energetic and supportive. You really get the feeling of the community as they emerge to check out the live music held during Revy Live Outside which includes 58 days of live music during the summer nights. In September you can experience LUNA fest as part of their cultural days which involves glowing night scenes, art installations, music and food.
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