your base for reconnecting with nature.
Revelstoke is a mecca for challenging hiking trails, but sometimes you just want to take it easy. Luckily, there’s no shortage of easily accessible－and easy to complete－trails. Many of them a short walking or driving distance from Revelstoke’s downtown core. If you’re on the search for an easy hike there really are too many options to list in a single blog post. Here are five easy hikes in Revelstoke to get you started.
1. greenbelt river trails
A leisurely hike along this network of trails located in a natural riparian zone will lead you through woodlands and meadows along the Illecillewaet River. This area is well-known and loved by bird watchers, so if that’s your thing make sure to bring along a set of binoculars and a camera.
Getting there: The easiest way to access this network of trails is from the ball diamonds just past the Revelstoke Community Centre. You can also access the trails from the Fourth Street Bridge (heading east on Fourth Street you’ll see a dirt parking lot located on the left hand side just before the bridge).
Time: Depends on how many trails you plan to explore. A hike along the Greenbelt Trails can take anywhere from 30 minutes to half a day or more.
2. williamson lake trail
Old growth stumps along this lakeside trail will have you pondering the history of logging in the Columbia Valley. The trail circles the lake and is mostly even with a few steep sections. Enjoy the scenic lake views that will take you to a wooden tent platform next to a creek. The trail appears accessible past this point, however, is not recommended.
Getting there: Head south on Airport way to Williamson Lake (approximately a seven-minute drive from downtown Revelstoke). The trailhead is located in the parking lot.
Time: Approximately 40 minutes round trip.
3. nels knickers' interpretive trail
A hike along this trail will lead you to the Nels Nelsen Ski Jump in Mount Revelstoke National Park. Be sure to check out the Nels’ Knickers sculpture created by Revelstoke artist Rob Buchanan in honour of Canada’s 150th anniversary. From there you can explore more hiking trails located in the park. You must have a Parks Pass to access Mount Revelstoke, pick one up at the gate upon entry.
Getting there: The trail begins at the Revelstoke Railway Museum located on Victoria Road.
Time: Approximately 20 minutes one way.
4. giant cedars boardwalk *Closed*
*Please note, due to significant boardwalk damage during the winter of 2021/2022, the boardwalk will be closed for 2023. We recommend doing the Soren Sorenson 2k loop or Bear Creek Falls in Glacier National Park as substitutes. See #6 for details.
No list of easy hikes in Revelstoke could be complete without including the Giant Cedars Boardwalk. Located in Mount Revelstoke National Park, this short but worthwhile hike takes you along a wooden boardwalk, through old-growth forest and cedar trees.
Getting there: The trailhead is located at the Giant Cedars picnic area 30 kilometres east of Revelstoke along the TransCanada Highway.
Time: An easy 0.5km/15-minute loop.
5. beaver lake loop
Circle Beaver Lake via Dusty Beaver and Berm Donor trails. There is a picnic bench located at the lake, and provides a nice quiet spot to enjoy lunch outside. This trail is just one of many out at Mount Macpherson – go explore! These trails are primarily used by mountain bikers as well. You can pick up a trail map at the Visitor Info Centre, or you can view the Mount Macpherson trail map here.
Getting there: Head out to the Mount Macpherson Recreation Trails on Highway 23 South, and take the Griffith Creek FSR (no 4×4 required). Keep right on the road until you hit the lake, just after the Dusty Beaver trailhead (about 5min from the highway).
Time: About a 3km/half-hour loop.
6. Bear Creek Falls
A short and steep trail through the interior rainforest towards the misty waterfall. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Getting there: If heading north on Highway 1, watch for a green signpost for Bear Creek Falls 11km after Rogers Pass. Approximately halfway between Golden and Revelstoke.
Time: Approx. 20 min 1.1-km out-and-back trail
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