Get the stairmaster experience in the great outdoors.
A week or longer is a great amount of time to spend hiking in Revelstoke. To make the most of your hiking trip, we recommend a high clearance 4x4 vehicle as some of our trails are accessed by logging road. If that’s not an option for you, don’t worry - there are trails accessible by 2 wheel drive or even bicycle! This itinerary is ideal for hiking fanatics; you'll cover a lot of kilometres and take in all of Revelstoke's signature viewpoints.
day one
Warm up your legs by checking out some of our lower elevation trails. Mount Revelstoke National Park has a number of great options. We recommend Inspiration Woods - this easy 2.5 km loop takes you through our gorgeous interior rainforest. Tree species you’ll see include western hemlock, western white pine and Douglas fir. Lichen, moss, and ferns also thrive in this rich environment.
While you’re in the park, check out a piece of Revelstoke’s history at the Nels Nelsen Ski Jump. Revelstoke was once a hub for ski jumping in western Canada, and the interactive exhibit known as “Nels Knickers” will give you an idea of the thrill of ski jumping. Imagine yourself soaring through the air, feeling the wind against you before spotting your landing far below.
day two
Head east to Glacier National Park for challenging trails and epic views. Stop in at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre to learn a little more about the area before lacing up your boots. Be sure to ask about trail restrictions, as sometimes there are minimum group numbers or closures established for wildlife management purposes.
No matter which trail you pick in Rogers Pass, if you want the epic 360 degree mountain views, you’re going to have to work for it. Be prepared for challenging terrain and steep inclines.
You really can’t go wrong picking a hike in Glacier National Park!
The Abbott Ridge hike is a classic, leading to true alpine tundra. The trees give way to a narrow ridge with unbelievable views. The trail is 6.8 km each way with an elevation gain of 1029 metres. If you’re not up for the full trail, you can stop at Marion Lake, which is around half way.
Another favourite is the Asulkan Valley trail. This trail is 6.9 km each way and climbs 869 metres. The first half of the trail is relatively easy going, with great variation in vegetation. Keep your eyes peeled for marmots!. After 4 km the trail begins to climb steeply, ending with an uphill push up the very steep crest of a glacial moraine. At trail's end, the lower tongue of the Illecillewaet Glacier lies below you. At the end of the trail is the Asulkan Cabin, available to public use upon reservation with the Alpine Club of Canada.
day three
Revelstoke Mountain Resort offers alpine hiking with the bonus of a gondola to the top. We recommend purchasing a Play All Day pass to make the most of your day. It will give you access to the gondola and hiking trails as well as the Aerial Adventure Park, the Pipe Mountain Coaster, disc golf, and axe throwing.
The Greely Trail is a lovely cruise to a small subalpine lake. For a longer and more adventurous hike, link up the Stoke Climb, Mackenzie Ridge, and the Subpeak Loop. You’ll be treated to great views of the surrounding Selkirk Mountains.
day four
The Mount Cartier trail is significantly challenging, but is accessed just 15 minutes outside of town on a paved road. If you’re feeling like you just want a mellow hike, you can head to the lookout just 2.6 km up the trail. If you want a serious challenge, head all 17 km to the top!
day five
Head back to Glacier National Park and explore a different zone!
The Perley Rock trail is a stunning but ambitious trail that climbs steeply to the top of the Illecillewaet Glacier. The trail switchbacks and climbs to a snow slope. Exercise caution and consider bringing an ice axe on this trip (if you don't know how to use an ice axe, this may not be the hike for you). Once you cross the snow slope, you'll be rewarded with unreal views of the Illecillewaet Glacier.
If you’re not prepared to cross the snow slope, the Hermit trail is another excellent hike. The trail is considered the steepest in Rogers Pass, but is very well built. We recommend hiking poles for the way down. It serves as quick access to the Hermit Range, which offers good climbing and scrambling opportunities on peaks such as Mount Tupper, Hermit Mountain, Mount Rogers and Swiss Peak. The trail climbs 819 metres over 3.2 km.
day six
Mount Revelstoke National Park’s alpine trails are well worth a visit. One of the best things about hiking in the park is that you drive the Meadows in the Sky Parkway all the way to the top before you hike, which means you cut out a lot of the elevation while you’re still in your vehicle.
There are a number of options at Mount Revelstoke depending on how much energy you have. Try the hike out to Eva and Miller Lakes, two subalpine jewels that will take you about 2-3 hours to reach. The Jade Lakes are 9.4 km each way, and are well worth the extra kilometres. You’ll climb through the alpine and drop down to a pristine chain of lakes. Then it’s 9.4 km back the way you came to your vehicle!
day seven
Cap off your trip to Revelstoke with a visit to our most iconic peak - Mount Begbie. This trail is steep and requires good fitness. There are a few options for an end point on this hike depending on your skill level. To reach the summit itself requires mountaineering skills - it requires a glacier crossing and some scrambling. The meadows below the summit are also an excellent destination. If you are determined to reach the summit but not sure if you have the skill, there are guiding operations in town that can help get you to the top.
The hike up is long and steep. The campsite is 5 km from the trailhead, and the toe of the glacier is a further 1 km from there. The hike up is mostly forested, but the campsite has an amazing view over town.
Find more things to do.
There's never a dull moment in Revelstoke. Whether you're looking to chill out or go full throttle, we've got plenty to keep you occupied during your stay. Revelstoke is a town for all seasons, with adventure waiting at your doorstep.
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MAKE YOUR VISIT COUNT.
We're inviting visitors to come to Revelstoke and participate in volunteer projects in exchange for free accommodation! Thanksgiving Back will take place on the weekends of September 24-25 and October 1-2 for 2022. Participate in one day (approximately 8 hours) giving back to our community, then take some time to explore Revelstoke!
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