More than Just a Train Stop, Take a Look at One of Canada's Most Underrated Mountain Towns
Today, Revelstoke is a wonderful town that thrives with its resource-gathering industries, as an important transportation hub, and as a bit of a tourist destination in the Rocky Mountains of southeastern British Columbia.
Its gorgeous mountainous landscapes, which almost completely surround the town, and its proximity to several notable provincial and national parks and other nearby places of interest make it a top-tier destination for travelers of all kinds. The fact that it is located roughly halfway between two of Canada's biggest cities, with Calgary about 415 kilometers east and Vancouver 640 kilometers to the west, makes it an excellent spot to stop off at during a road trip, if anything. Let's explore Revelstoke's beginnings as a mere stop along the lengthy Canadian Pacific Railway and its subsequent evolution into a must-visit town in western Canada.
A Brief History of Revelstoke
As mentioned above, Revelstoke has a rich history as a key stop along the Canadian Pacific Railway, which played a pivotal role in the development of eastern British Columbia. Established in 1880, the railway eventually connected Revelstoke to the rest of Canada, positioning it as a strategic hub for transportation across the difficult mountainous terrain of the Rockies.
The town’s location at the confluence of the Columbia and Illecillewaet Rivers made it an ideal site for the railway, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers into the interior of British Columbia and beyond to the Pacific Ocean. Because of its rapid development, Revelstoke became a vital center for railway operations, with maintenance shops, worker housing, and infrastructure established to support the railway’s operations, causing the town to flourish further.
In addition to its significance in Canadian railway history, Revelstoke's early rise is closely tied to the mining industry. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, mineral deposits such as gold, silver, and lead were discovered in the surrounding mountains. This prompted a mining boom that attracted even more settlers and entrepreneurs seeking fortune.
The combination of the railway and mining industries spurred the town’s growth, making it a bustling community for both workers and their families. While the decline of mining and railway operations has reshaped the town, Revelstoke has maintained its relevance with growing tourism. From museums about Revelstokes past to ski resorts and vast parklands, this town continues to grow its reputation as a wonderful community to visit.
Revelstoke's Must Visit Attractions
Whether you're in town in the winter or summer, this region of British Columbia is jam-packed with a variety of activities that can easily fill out multiple days. Here are some of the must-visit locales in Revelstoke that will make any trip here a memorable one.
Revelstoke Railway Museum
What better way to start your trip in Revelstoke than to learn a little bit about its history? The Revelstoke Railway Museum offers a deep dive into the town’s storied railway past, showcasing its vital role in the development of Canada’s western transportation networks.
Located in the heart of downtown, this easily accessible museum features a collection of artifacts, photographs, and historic railway equipment, including locomotives and carriages. You can explore exhibits that detail the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, the lives of the workers, and the significance of Revelstoke as a railway hub. The museum also has a well-stocked gift shop, where you can pick up anything from train-based literature to fridge magnets and clothing.
Downtown
Revelstoke's downtown area has done a lot to preserve its Victorian-era vibe, with numerous buildings, many of which now house locally owned businesses, still standing from the town's earliest days. With a nice selection of restaurants, bars, hotels, galleries, museums, and other amenities, it is a great spot to take an afternoon stroll.
Be sure to take a walk along the fast-flowing Columbia River and admire the picturesque Revelstoke Suspension Bridge. While downtown, visit the Revelstoke Museum & Archives to learn more about the area's history, and embrace this town's creative side with a visit to the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre.
After all that, grab a bite to eat at one of many local favorites, like The Chesterfield, a cozy Canadian-style pub, or The Village Idiot Bar and Grill, a hugely popular ski-themed bar and grill.
Rain or sunshine, a nice locally crafted brew is almost always a highlight in any small town in Canada. Rumpus Beer Company is the main brewery in town, with Monashee Spirits Craft Distillery just around the corner serving up delicious handcrafted spirits and cocktails.
Learn more about the area's history while downtown at the Revelstoke Museum & Archives, and embrace this town's creative side with a visit to the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
The town of Revelstoke is surrounded by several iconic ski areas, whether for downhill runs or cross-country trails, and Revelstoke Mountain Resort stands out as the most popular of them all.
Sitting at the southern edge of town, Revelstoke Mountain Resort is renowned for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from around the globe. It offers some of the most expansive terrain in North America, with an astounding 5,620 vertical feet of skiing and snowboarding across 75 runs. It is also lauded for its deep powder and backcountry access for highly skilled, adrenaline-seeking skiers and snowboarders.
The resort also features a range of amenities, including a base village with shops, various eateries, and accommodations. In the summer, the resort transforms into a hub for hiking and mountain biking, providing scenic views and trails for all levels of outdoor activity in warm weather.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park, located just 45 minutes east of Revelstoke, is a natural treasure known for its peaks peaks, vast glaciers, and dense temperate rainforests. Established in 1886, it is one of Canada’s oldest national parks and a testament to the country's commitment to preserving its wilderness.
The park features well over 100 miles of hiking trails, ranging from gentle walks through old-growth forests to challenging alpine ascents offering breathtaking views of the Selkirk Mountain range.
One of the park’s highlights is the Rogers Pass National Historic Site, which commemorates the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway through this formidable terrain. The Rogers Pass Discovery Centre also offers exhibits on the railway's history and the area's rich biodiversity.
Glacier National Park is home to diverse wildlife, including mountain goats, grizzly bears, and marmots. In winter, it becomes a haven for backcountry skiing, with deep snow and stunning vistas.
Add Revelstoke to Your To-Do List in Canada
This western Canadian town is clearly a great destination to visit, whether it's a stop on a road trip or a weekend getaway to spend a night or two in. From its expertly curated museums to its ski resorts, hiking trails, and a plethora of eateries to enjoy a hearty meal after a long day, it has a little something for everyone. Consider this town for your next outing out west, and enjoy one of the most underrated spots in British Columbia.
