Revelstoke’s vibrant present stands on the back of 120 years of rich history.
Like our neighbouring Kootenay towns, Revelstoke has a burgeoning arts scene. Our local art gallery proudly displays the work of local painters, sculptors, and photographers. Our shops sell locally handcrafted products. Our farmers markets’ showcase the incredible talent of our small town.
This area is rich in the industrial history of our province. From cross-Canada transportation to forestry, Revelstoke’s history weaves together the narratives of a growing nation.
For a weekend experiencing Revelstoke’s arts and culture scene, make sure you check out the following spots:
The Revelstoke Museum and Archives.
The Revelstoke Museum and Archives gives the most complete history of this area, from its early settlers to its transformation into a resort municipality. See if you can join in a Heritage Walking Tour with curator Cathy English while you’re here.
The Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre.
The RVAC proudly displays art from Revelstoke and artists from neighbouring communities. Their exhibits vary and generally feature a variety of media. Check out the gallery shop for a souvenir of your visit.
The Revelstoke Railway Museum.
The Canadian Pacific Railway is a huge part of Revelstoke’s history and its present. The Revelstoke Railway Museum is a great place to learn about the construction of the railway and to check out some heritage engines. Their interactive exhibits are great for the whole family.
art alleries.
Revelstoke’s newest public art initiative, launched in 2019, aims to transform our downtown alleyways into outdoor art galleries. Alleyways are frequently overlooked, avoided and not often associated with with art or tourism. As a legacy project by the organizers of LUNA Festival, Art Alleries revitalize dark and disused places into thriving public spaces for locals and visitors to walk through and enjoy.
The Revelstoke Dam Visitor Centre.
When you arrive, you'll be in front of one of the most powerful dams in B.C. Learn about the history of the dam, enjoy fun and educational exhibits, and experience their First Nations Gallery.
Big Eddy Glassworks.
Leah Allison’s glassworks studio is a must-see for any art enthusiast. She offers classes in glassblowing, so you can learn more about the craft and take a piece home with you. Every Friday the 13th she hosts a market, so if your visit happens to coincide with a Friday the 13th, make sure you head to the Big Eddy!
The British Columbia Interior Forestry Museum.
The Forestry Museum features artifacts from BC’s logging past. The forestry industry has long been a backbone of the BC economy, and the Forestry Museum gives insight into historical forestry practices and those that exist today. While you’re there, take advantage of the educational Riverside Walk.
Art First!
The ArtFirst! Gallery features a wide variety of one-of-a-kind, original artwork inspired by the beautiful surroundings and nature of the Columbia Valley. Their talented artists range in style from realism to abstract and work in various mediums. Pieces available include: acrylic, oil and watercolour paintings, ink and graphite work, soapstone and metal sculpture, wood-work, mixed-media and digital illustration, pottery, photography, jewelry and fashion items, decor accents and select furniture.
Revelstoke Farmers Markets.
We’re lucky enough to have two bustling Saturday farmers markets in Revelstoke: The Local Food Initiative Farmers Market and the Revelstoke Farm and Craft Market. These run from May to October every year, and many local artists sell their work. In the winter, farmers markets are on Thursday afternoons at the Revelstoke Community Centre.
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.