Paddling
Lake Revelstoke is a great place to canoe, paddleboard, and kayak. Paddle along either side of the lake and find small waterfalls, rocky beaches, and expansive views of glacier-capped mountains.
Boat launches are located at 5-Mile Boat Launch, Martha Creek Provincial Park, Carnes Creek Recreation Site, and Wadey Recreation Site.
Be mindful of the weather, wind can quickly change the glassy waters to whitecapped waves. Practice water safety and wear a life jacket.
Canoeing Lake Revelstoke | P Steve Shannon
Mountain Biking
Keystone Standard Basin and Martha Creek DH trails are former hiking trails located above Lake Revelstoke. These trails are not for the faint of heart, require a fair bit of driving, and fulfill any type 2 desires for technical climbs or descents.
Keystone Standard Basin is an alpine epic trail that takes you through the alpine environments and down to a lake. The climbs can be technical but the views are well worth the type 2 fun.
Martha Creek Downhill is a long haul up to the top of Sale Mountain but will reward you with descents through alpine meadows and old-growth forests. This is a former hiking trail so the descent is technical with hairpin turns throughout.
Both trails require 2-way radios on the forest service roads.
Keystone Standard Basin | Alpine Mountain Biking | P Bruno Long
Swimming & Beaches
On a hot day, Revelstokians head to Lake Revelstoke's rocky beaches to cool off. Martha Creek Provincial Park is the perfect place to lie in the sun and dip into the water.
Carnes Creek Recreation Site and Wadey Recreation Site both have boat launches that allow you to hop in the water but be prepared, when water levels are high there is likely not much rocky beach to rest on.
Martha Creek Provincial Park | P Tom Poole
Fishing
Lake Revelstoke is a great place for a weekend out fishing. Hang out and soak in the views while you try to catch Kokanee salmon, Dolly Varden trout, Bull trout, Rainbow trout, Cutthroat trout or Burbot on the lake.
Be sure to get a fishing license and check restrictions and regulations before you head out.
Lake Revelstoke | Fishing | P Laura Szanto
Camping
Lake Revelstoke is home to three campgrounds. Martha Creek Provincial Park is closest to town and has the most amenities while Carnes Creek Recreation Site and Wadey Recreation Site are farther down Highway 23N and have minimal amenities. These campsites are perfect for viewing the starry night sky and occasionally the northern lights.
The sites open in late may and operate into September.
Carnes Creek Recreation Site | Lake Revelstoke | P Laura Szanto
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Revelstoke warm enough to swim in?
Can I reserve campsites on Lake Revelstoke?
Where can I go to ask about fishing spots and regulations?
Will I see any bears?
Lake Revelstoke is fed by numerous creeks fed from alpine snow melt. This makes Lake Revelstoke a chillier lake to swim in, but it is great on hot summer days!
Martha Creek Provincial Park is the only campground that allows reservations in advance. Recreation Sites are on a first-come, first-serve basis, although check Wadey's Facebook Page for updates on campsite availability!
Johnny's Wild Outdoors retail shop in the Big Eddy is a great place for all your fishing questions and any gear needs.
Bears are a very natural occurrence in Revelstoke. While bears are unlikely to frequent busy areas, being bear aware is always important in Revelstoke's backcountry. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Lake Revelstoke Providers
Great Canadian Tours
Great Canadian Tours in Revelstoke offers a variety of summer and winter tours featuring snowmobiles, snow bikes, ATVs, dirt bikes, canoes, and SUP rentals. They provide guided backcountry adventures and all-inclusive packages for multi-day experiences.
Natural Escapes Kayaking
Natural Escapes Kayaking, located in Revelstoke BC Canada, offers a variety of scenic kayaking trips and tours in the beautiful Revelstoke area. 25 years ago, Terry started out building 6 handcrafted single-wood kayaks and offering lessons to beginner kayakers.
Downstream Adventures
Downstream Adventure is a stand-up paddleboard tour operator and coaching service for SUP paddlers operating in the waterways around Revelstoke, BC.
Revelstoke Outdoor Adventures
Our guided tours provide our guests with the best backcountry canoe & camping experiences in Revelstoke. Pick from 2 hour to multiday canoe trips, viewing glaciers, waterfalls, and more.
The Real Stoke
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