Revelstoke was founded in 1880 during the North American gold rush, but these days the town attracts visitors with other gems: rugged cliff faces, markets, unique museums and excellent snowmobiling and other outdoor adventure options.
As the snow hits the peaks, go skiing, snowmobiling, skating or boarding. A shuttle bus can drop you off at the Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Buy a ski pass to get access to over 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares) and all the lifts and gondolas.
Take the family to Revelstoke Dam and embark on a self-guided tour of interactive displays including an elevator ride to the lookout. In the warmer months, visit the nearby BC Interior Forest Museum to learn how the First Nations people used the forest and see demonstrations from the foresters of today.
From spring onwards, the Mount Revelstoke National Park brightens with wildflower blooms. Mountain bike along scenic paths, watch rock climbers conquering North America's largest vertical or hike along the Meadows in the Sky Parkway.
In downtown Revelstoke, try a beer from the Mt. Begbie Brewery or a special Stoke Roasted coffee. Play a round at the scenic Revelstoke Golf Club and then soak in the hot tubs and sauna of the Revelstoke Aquatic Centre. Head to the Revelstoke Farm and Craft Market for fruits, honey, pastries and handmade souvenirs. Days and times for the market vary according to season.
Take the kids to the SkyTrek Adventure Park to try the aerial trekking course and to climb the adventure tower. Peruse the Nickelodeon Museum, full of music boxes, player pianos, pipe organs and other forms of mechanical music.
As you can learn in the Railway Museum, Revelstoke flourished when the Canadian Pacific Railway reached the town. Although you can no longer reach Revelstoke by train, you can fly into Kelowna International Airport and then take the 2-hour journey by shuttle bus to Revelstoke. Alternatively, take a bus or rent a car from Vancouver or Calgary. Fit snow tires in winter and allow extra travel time.
No matter which season you visit, set aside an extra day to hike or cross-country ski along the spectacular Illecillewaet Greenbelt River Trail. It starts close to town and offers beautiful views of Mount Mackenzie and the Mount Begbie glacier.
