1 of 4
Ryan Creary
Revelstoke
City of Revelstoke
2 of 4
Ryan Creary
Revelstoke
Hiking through Mount Revelstoke National Park
3 of 4
Ryan Creary
Revelstoke
Railway Museum in Revelstoke
4 of 4
Ryan Creary
Revelstoke
Sunset paragliding over Revelstoke Mountain Resort
By Perry Mack
Travel east from Sicamous for an hour along the TransCanada highway and you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to another country. From the rolling hills surrounding the Shuswap Lakes, you’re quickly transported to the alpine town of Revelstoke. But unlike your typical mountain communities, this one straddles the mighty Columbia River. The Columbia River, Lake Revelstoke, and Upper Arrow Lake offer easy access to hundreds of kilometres of flat water for your boating or fishing pleasure.
A scenic three-hour drive north through the Columbia River Valley will take you to the Mica Dam, named after the rich deposits of mica found in the area, which holds back the reservoir waters of Kinbasket Lake. BC Hydro operates the dam and guided or self-guided tours are available from May 21 to September 5, 2016. Views of the valley from the top of the dam are spectacular, and the dam itself is an eye-popping experience with a controversial history. You can get more information at the Revelstoke Dam Visitor Centre located just five kilometres north of the town of Revelstoke on Hwy 23.
Extending south from the streets of Revelstoke to the shores of the village of Nakusp is Upper Arrow Lake, another immense reservoir lake, which is extremely popular for fishing. Access is limited at a boat launch in Centennial Park in Revelstoke, however a 2.4 million dollar upgrade was announced for Shelter Bay in Arrow Lakes Provincial Park (40 min south on hwy 23) to be completed in April 2016 – just in time for your visit.
Aside from boating, Revelstoke offers adrenaline pumping outdoor recreation, or a peaceful immersion in nature, or a glimpse into the rich heritage of days gone by. The downtown has retained many of its original early 20th century business buildings, and hundreds of heritage homes are still in existence. This is a city that acknowledges its history and celebrates it with twinkling lights and friendly welcomes.
The surrounding peaks and valleys offer a huge variety of lakes and streams for your exploration, adventure and entertainment. The Monashee and Selkirk Mountain Ranges provide a stunning backdrop for this area popular with anglers, power boaters, canoers, kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders. Kayakers will also find a wide array of rivers to choose from depending on their desires and abilities. Milder stretches of water are available right within Revelstoke city limits on the lower Jordan River as well as the last two kilometres of the Illecillewaet River. Thinking white water kayaking? Try the intermediate and expert level runs available higher up on both of these rivers.
Revelstoke in summer is also known for its world-class downhill biking, dirt biking, hiking, and climbing. But the sun must set eventually and this small mountain town of just over 8,000 rolls out the red carpet for visitors with an abundance of dining choices so guests can be assured of finding a style that suits them perfectly. Accommodations range from world-renowned resort style living to boutique hotels to great B&BS just waiting to be discovered.
Take the short drive to Revelstoke, whether it’s for an afternoon or a week. I promise you won’t be disappointed.