BC Hydro
Revelstoke Dam
Story by Will Mbaho
BC Hydro operates some of the largest dams in North America. The recently renovated Revelstoke Dam Visitor Centre offers tourists an elevator ride to the lookout located atop the massive, 175-metre high concrete dam. Inside the centre visitors can find a wide range of exhibits and activities for all ages. New to the centre are 14 interactive displays, a First Nations gallery and theatre.
The Revelstoke Dam Visitor Centre is located on Highway 23 North, about five kilometres north of Revelstoke. The Visitor Centre also has a small gift shop that sells drinks and snacks. The facility is fully wheelchair accessible, incorporating wheelchair ramps, elevators and wheelchair-accessible toilets.
The state-of-the-art displays, stunning images and vivid stories at the Centre are beside the dam’s massive Powerhouse, directly above the giant turbines that provide clean, renewable energy to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses across British Columbia.
Ever wanted to build your own dam, pedal a bike to light a bulb or set off a mad-scientist’s Jacob’s ladder? The exhibits inside the centre show visitors how they can. There’s also a pictorial history of how the dam was made. The centre also features a beautiful, unique First Nations Gallery, which showcases the history and traditions of the three First Nations who have lived along the Columbia River near Revelstoke for more than 15,000 years.
The Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, the Okanagan Nation Alliance and the Ktunaxa Nation helped shape the gallery’s design and determined which artifacts and artwork would be included in the displays. Their work is featured in the gallery and includes 3D models of tepees used throughout the year, birch bark baskets, hide drums, and a contemporary steel sculpture of coyote. The Revelstoke Museum and Archives also loaned items for the gallery.
Revelstoke Dam is Canada’s second generating project on the Columbia River and one of four dams in B.C. that regulate the flow of the Columbia. The Revelstoke Generating Station has an installed capacity of 1,843,000 kilowatts.
Great caution is necessary while boating in the area south of Revelstoke. The original channel cuts through wide, flat river bottom for 48 kilometres south of Revelstoke. The area on both sides of the channel is covered by only 0.6 to 1.8 metre of water, even when the reservoir is at its highest. Boaters are cautioned to keep to deep water in this area. Slow down, and watch for shoals and log bundles. Do not leave your boat unattended in this area.
Dam intakes and outlets can cause strong surface and underwater currents. For your own safety and the safety of others, BC Hydro cautions all visitors to the area to obey all posted signs. Sudden releases of water may occur downstream from Revelstoke Dam. Discharged water levels may be high and extremely dangerous for boaters in the immediate area.
For directions and more information about the Revelstoke Dam Visitor Centre, visit bchydro.com.
Nearby RV Parks include;
Noah’s Ark Resort
Revelstoke, BC
1-877-455-2267
Revelstoke KOA
Revelstoke, BC
(800) 562-3905