Discover Revelstoke

There are several ways to discover Revelstoke: through the city’s art, stories from the railway and forestry industries, or the transition from the river valley up into alpine terrain. This offers different ways to plan your trip—from creative activities with the family to outings in the landscape.

Art and Creative Discoveries

The Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre is home to Revelstoke’s only public art gallery. A large main room and three adjoining side rooms provide space for solo and group exhibitions. If you enjoy exploring different art forms during your stay, this is a destination in its own right. The centre also offers hands-on art workshops for children, teens, adults, and families, where participants can explore different media.

Art is also part of the cityscape beyond the gallery: Revelstoke has more than 20 public artworks scattered throughout the city. As well as visiting exhibitions, you can include public art in your explorations.

Railways, Local History, and Forestry

The Revelstoke Railway Museum tells the story of Canadian railways and Revelstoke’s role in connecting the country. Guided group tours are offered year-round for schools, tour groups, clubs, and organizations. They also explore the people who built and operated the railways. Advance booking is required for these group tours. The museum is located at 719 Track Street West in Revelstoke.

The Revelstoke Museum & Archives offers a guided city tour lasting about an hour. The tour focuses on the architectural heritage of Revelstoke’s historic downtown and is suitable for children. If you’re travelling with children and are interested in architecture, this is a great way to explore local history together.

The BC Interior Forestry Museum offers insights into forestry through indoor exhibits and artifacts from the past and present, as well as a large outdoor equipment display. A viewpoint offers the “Best Dam View” of Revelstoke Dam. Together, these features provide different perspectives on forestry and the dam.

The Revelstoke Museum & Archives is also home to the Heritage Garden, considered the only green space in downtown Revelstoke. The garden offers a distinct experience alongside the museum’s exhibitions and guided city tour.

Trails and Scenery

The paved Revelstoke River Trail runs from the Revelstoke Community Centre to the Mark Kingsbury Bridge over the Illecillewaet River. Eight heritage information panels are located along the route. The trail combines exercise with insights into local heritage. Revelstoke also has a network of trails, multi-use pathways, and sidewalks for pedestrians.

You can also plan your trip around the changing landscape: Mount Revelstoke National Park is just outside Revelstoke. The Meadows in the Sky Parkway takes you from the river valley up into alpine terrain. If an outing at higher elevations is a priority, this contrast to the city’s cultural offerings gives your stay a different focus.

Market Visits and Trip Planning

Every Saturday from May to October, the Revelstoke Farm & Craft Market brings together vendors selling agricultural produce, baked goods, and handmade items at Grizzly Plaza. To visit the market, you can plan your trip for a Saturday during this period. Art, local history, scenery, and the market offer different kinds of experiences; when choosing a vacation rental in Revelstoke, consider which activities are most important to you and your family.

More places to discover: Salmon Arm, Sorrento, Golden, Field, Scotch Creek, Malakwa, Parson, Squilax.

For the broader travel overview: Columbia-Shuswap.