ENJOY THE NATURE AND VIEWS.
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 are a short walking or driving distance from Revelstoke’s downtown core.
If you’re on the search for an easy hike there are too many options to list in a single blog post. Here are five easy hikes in Revelstoke to get you started.
Trail Network
Illecillewaet Greenbelt.
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: Access the network from Centennial Park or 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.
Williamson Lake.
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 (a seven-minute drive from downtown Revelstoke). The trailhead is located in the parking lot.
Time: Approximately 40 minutes round trip.
Williamson Lake Campground
National Park Trail
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.
Nels Nelsen Ski Jump | P Justis Cooper
National Park Trail
Giant Cedars Boardwalk.
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. While this is an easy hike, those with difficulty on stairs will want to avoid this hike.
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 there and back.
Trail Network
Beaver Lake Loop.
Circle Beaver Lake via Dusty Beaver and Berm Donor trails. There is a picnic bench located at the lake which 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.
Getting there: Head to 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.
Mount Macpherson Trails | P Bruno Long
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