The drive from Vancouver to Revelstoke is a must-do Canadian road trip. Load up on your favourite snacks, fill up your tank, and grab your camera.
Part one.
About the drive:
From Vancouver, Highway 1 winds through the agricultural landscape of the Fraser Valley. You’ll be surrounded by magnificent views of the Cascade Mountains as you make your way towards Hope. From Hope you can choose whether to travel Highway 1, the slightly longer route that takes you through the magnificent Fraser Canyon, or Highway 5 and the high mountains of the Coquihalla Pass.
Hope is the gateway to the Coquihalla Pass, an infamous mountain pass along Highway 5. Make sure you are well prepared for mountain conditions and have enough fuel. As you climb to the summit, you’ll get amazing views of the granite walls of Yak Peak rising above you. Once you arrive at the summit and drop down towards Merritt, you’ll notice a climate change. You’ve left the coastal rainforest behind and entered the more arid landscape of the Nicola Valley.
The Fraser Valley Tulip Festival | P DBC / The Fraser Valley during Tulip Festival. Photo Credit: DBC
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Part Two.
On the route
The sprawling landscape of the Nicola Valley is renowned for ranching and horseback riding. From the small town of Merritt, you’ll climb to a ranchland plateau. About halfway to Kamloops, Lac Le Jeune is a great place to stop for a swim on a hot summer’s day.
Kamloops is the largest town you’ll pass on the way to Revelstoke. It’s a great place to fill up, stretch, and prepare for the next leg of your adventure.
Downtown Kamloops | P DBC
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Part Three.
On the route
From Kamloops, Highway 1 extends east towards Shuswap Lake. Follow along the shores of this popular lake lined with cabins and houseboats. Once you get to Salmon Arm, you’re on the home stretch.
Stops along the way
From Salmon Arm, Highway 1 winds its way from the lakes to the mountains. When passing through Sicamous, be sure to stop at the famed Dutchman Dairy for ice cream. You’ll head past the historic spot of the last spike to be hammered into the railway connecting Canada.
If you're bringing the family along, be sure to stop and stretch your legs on a walk through the Enchanted Forest and SkyTrek Adventure Park or the hot springs at Canyon Creek Hotsprings!
Ice Cream at D Dutchman Dairy
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Part Four.
Welcome.
The valley closes in as you near Revelstoke. You’ll enter Revelstoke’s unique temperate inland rainforest and feel like you’ve truly reached the mountains. As you cross the bridge over the Columbia River, you’ll be treated to views of the Selkirk and Monashee Mountains.
Once in Revelstoke, park your car and walk the charming historic downtown Revelstoke. In the summer, a bike is recommended to explore the Greenbelt paths along the Columbia River.
Revelstoke's Bridges | P Lukas Dembicki
