Revelstoke: BC’s ultimate mountain getaway, wildflower hotspot

Just two and a half hours from Kelowna, Revelstoke is the perfect summer destination. Open spaces, authentic charm and a chance to connect with nature are all on offer. With options for an adrenaline packed holiday or a laid back vacation, Revelstoke has what you’re looking for. 

To get the most out of your Revelstoke experience, visit when the alpine wildflowers are in bloom. B.C.’s alpine wildflowers are a quintessential B.C. experience that you have to see to believe. The Revelstoke Wildflower Festival will be taking place from Aug. 8-16, and that’s when the experts are betting you’ll have your best chance at catching the alpine in full colour. This family friendly event will offer educational opportunities from the NorthColumbia Environmental Society and the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society, wildflower themed activities throughout town, and opportunities to view the bloom by bike, foot or gondola.

Photo: Tom Poole, Tourism Revelstoke

Trail running at Revelstoke Mountain Resort

There are a number of ways to access the alpine wildflowers in Revelstoke, catering to different levels of fitness and desire for adventure:

• By foot — Revelstoke is a hiker’s paradise. Mount Revelstoke National Park has a number of hiking trails that meander through alpine wildflower meadows and end with an optional dip in pristine lakes. Nearby Glacier National Park has hikes for all abilities and endless mountain views.
   
• By bike — Revelstoke’s iconic Frisby Ridge mountain bike trail offers views over the Selkirk and Monashee mountain ranges, plus colourful meadows as far as you can see. The trail is an out and back blue flow trail. If you’re craving a full day workout, put together the Frisby Ridge trail with the Frisby Vistas trail for more than 30 kilometres of beautiful, single-track mountain biking.
   
• By gondola — Revelstoke Mountain Resort offers a gondola that elevates you right into the alpine. Make sure you take advantage of their Play All Day pass, and check out the Pipe Mountain Coaster and Aerial Park while you’re at the resort.
  *This summer, when you book your stay directly, and stay 2-plus nights in Revelstoke at participating hotels, you can ride the pipe for free!
   
• By bike — The Meadows in the Sky Parkway in Mount Revelstoke National Park gives you the option to drive right into the alpine. The 26 kilometre road winds its way up through the valley through bright red paintbrush and yellow arnica, ending at Mount Revelstoke’s summit.

Taking in the last of the alpenglow from a downtown patio is the perfect end to a day of adventure in Revelstoke. When you’re in town, be sure that you don’t miss out on the great food, and budding craft brewing and distilling scene. 

Revelstoke is committed to being a safe destination that takes the public health of travellers and local residents seriously. To find out more about how they plan to elevate their high standards of hygiene and cleanliness procedures, read about their Revy Rules.

Head to seerevelstoke.com to start planning your holiday.

Photo: Tom Poole, Tourism Revelstoke

Meadows in the Sky Parkway