About Revelstoke

REVELSTOKE, BC – a journey through time.

Revelstoke is famous for incredible scenery, greenery, fun activities, and it’s history.

Take the time for a walking heritage tour of the historic buildings and residences. Revelstoke's Downtown Revitalization has restored over two dozen heritage buildings from the Victorian Era to their original splendor. There is ample RV Parking along the north side of Victoria Road and nightly free entertainment in Grizzly Plaza in July and August.

A self guided walking and driving tour brochure, identifying some 60 historic buildings, is available at the Revelstoke Museum and the Visitor Info Centres. The tour gives a glimpse of the many architectural trends throughout the past that give Revelstoke it's charm. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon or evening.

The Revelstoke Museum and Archives is housed in the former Post Office and Customs building, conveniently located right downtown on First Street, it’s the perfect place to look into Revelstoke’s colourful past. The Museum has expanded and has added a “Heritage Garden” that shows some of Revelstoke’s agricultural history. And be sure to check out the new Nickelodeon Museum.

Discover Canada's history and railway heritage! Learn about the building of the railway, the workers involved, the final days of construction and present day operation. The Revelstoke Railway Museum's unique design complements the multitude of beautiful artifacts and the large photo collection displayed.

Located conveniently on Victoria Road along the famous CPR rail line, the Museum houses the beautifully restored CPR locomotive #5468 . Built in 1948 for the Revelstoke Division, the Mikado engine is an incredible representation of the Big Steam Era.

Meet the men who lived and worked on the rails. Retired Railway Engineers volunteer time to tell you about their experiences. This is one museum you won't want to miss. Guided Tours are available by appointment for small or large groups. And be sure to visit "The Last Spike" at Craigellachie (southwest of Revelstoke on Hwy 1), a milestone of Canadian history.

It was an ordinary enough sliver of iron; one of countless millions hammered home since the Canadian Pacific Railway was founded in 1881. Yet, with the swing of a spike maul by the Hon. Donald Alexander Smith at Craigellachie, B.C. on November 7th, 1885, that single spike instantly became an important historic symbol. Not only did it represent the completion of the trans-continental railway, but it also meant an important step in the founding of a nation.

Be sure to visit Three Valley Gap Lake Chateau and Ghost Town just 19 km west of Revelstoke. The Ghost town began over 40 years ago as a way for owner Gordon Bell to house his growing collection of artifacts and antiques. Today it is a veritable pioneer town that features over 25 heritage buildings, and may be what is Canada’s only privately owned Ghost Town open to the public. Knowledgeable guides lead guests through the pioneer town with a popular stop being at the Golden Wheel Saloon, which features an authentic 19th century bar. Another popular stop is the three-story Hotel Bellevue, furnished with its original bar, tables, chairs, dishes, menus and curtains.

Travel back in time and review our history in the rings of a 498 year tree… just one of the fascinating displays at the B.C. Interior Forestry Museum at Revelstoke. Located at the entrance to the Revelstoke Dam, this museum is a ‘work in progress’. Check out the various pieces of heavy logging equipment and interpretive displays at the museum. Open daily. May through October from 9 am to 5 pm, the B.C. Interior forestry museum is a great place to find out more about one of British Columbia’s main industries.

When traveling the Trans Canada Highway through Glacier National Park, make sure to stop in at the Rogers Pass Centre with the many displays and interpretive information. In 1881, when Major A.B. Rogers reached the summit of the pass that now bears his name, he knew that he had found the long sought route through the Selkirk Mountains. Today, you can visit the remains of that earlier time in Glacier National Park. Follow the abandoned 1890's rail line, walk through the collapsed snowsheds and stroll through the ruins of Glacier House, one of Canadian Pacific's great hotels.

The Rogers Pass Centre is Glacier National Park's main interpretive facility, telling the stories of the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Trans-Canada Highway and the route through the Rogers Pass. Located at the summit of the pass, the Rogers Pass Centre includes a theater, a hall of railway models and natural history exhibits.

One of Revelstoke's best kept secrets is our 18 hole, riverside golf course. With the majestic Monashee and Selkirk Mountains as a backdrop, the Revelstoke Golf Club was established in 1924 and it has been described as "a gem of a course". The Club House dates back even further and was built in 1914 as a stable for the then existing race track. You can still see parts of the track shaped into a few of the course’s fairways. And the clubhouse has been restored to it’s original splendor. The par 72, 6521 yard layout along the Columbia River affords incredible mountain views in all directions. Excellent golfing challenge in a spectacular setting. Simply perfect. With the mountain views in all directions and fairways lined with huge cedar and spruce trees, the course is beautiful as well as challenging. Small lakes have been strategically positioned with sand traps to make approach shots to the green hazardous. This championship course rivals anything found in the Canadian Rockies. If you are seeking the ultimate course that few others have discovered then the Revelstoke Golf Club will be your “jewel”.

photo courtesy of The Coast Hillcrest Hotel

Enjoy a broad range of cuisine at one of our local eating establishments. Revelstoke has everything from fine dining to fast food. For a special dining experience, Revelstoke has several Fine Dining establishments. If you are looking for a quality meal at a reasonable price, try one of our many Family Restaurants. There are many cooking styles to choose from, such as Oriental, Italian, German, Greek, Fusion, Tex-Mex or Western Cuisine.

For a quick meal, try one of our various Fast Food restaurants. Great for something on the go! Looking for a cozy coffee bar to relax in? Maybe a light lunch? Our Specialty Coffee & Lunch Bars will give you a warm welcome and a wide variety of coffees, pastries, deserts, or a delicious light lunch. Revelstoke also offers you several Bars & Pubs for you enjoyment. Many of them also have a food & appetizer menu. Come enjoy our hospitality.

Revelstoke abounds in Canadian history and is a very important part of our history as a Nation. For more information on great things to do when you come to visit us go to our web site at www.seerevelstoke.com or call us at 1-800-487-1493 and come stay with us this summer.