Hikes in Mount Revelstoke National Park

Although Mount Revelstoke National Park is only 260km², its network of trails is fairly extensive and provides a great vantage point over the beautiful backcountry of the Columbia Mountains, as well as the picturesque Columbia River Valley. Due to the small size of the park, this guide to hiking in Mount Revelstoke National Park has been expanded to include trails in and around the city of Revelstoke, creating even more opportunity to get out and explore the outdoors.

Established in 1914 as a national park under the initiative of local residents, Mount Revelstoke has gradually evolved over time. From the creation of its first summit trail in 1910 to the installation of the Meadows in the Sky Parkway that was completed in 1927 and all of the infrastructure and skiing improvements that have since followed, the park has become an amazing jumping off point for a number of activities in the area. With easy access to the top of the mountain and a network of trails that spread throughout the backcountry, Mount Revelstoke National Park is one of the most accessible parks of those along the Canadian Pacific Railway corridor, offering countless opportunities to explore the scenic terrain of the area. It is the only place in the Canadian national park system where you can drive to a mountain-top, though only when the parkway is clear of snow.

What’s New in 2026

• The Meadows in the Sky Parkway is seasonal, and it sets the hiking calendar. The paved road that climbs 26 km to the summit is the access point for most of the best trails here, including the summit meadows and the alpine lakes, and it is only open to the top once the snow has cleared, usually from around mid-July to mid-October. Lower sections open earlier. Outside that window the summit and its trails cannot be reached by car, so check the parkway status with Parks Canada before you plan a summit day.
• The alpine lakes stay under snow well into July. The high trails to Eva, Miller and Jade Lakes are snow-covered and not recommended until roughly mid-to-late July, even when the lower park is open, and the wildflower meadows at the summit usually peak in late July and August. If you are visiting in early summer, plan on the valley and lower-mountain trails and treat the alpine as a bonus if conditions allow.
• Know the parkway rules before you drive up. Dogs are not allowed beyond the Columbia Viewpoint at the 12 km mark, which covers the whole summit area and backcountry, so a summit hike is not a dog day out. RVs longer than about 8 m and any towed trailers are not permitted on the parkway because of the tight switchbacks and limited summit parking; there is trailer parking lower down at the Nels Nelsen area. A summit shuttle runs between Balsam Lake and the Heather Lake area through the season.
• This is grizzly country, so hike accordingly. Mount Revelstoke sits in the Columbia Mountains, where grizzly bears are active on the very slopes these trails climb. Carry bear spray and know how to use it, make noise on blind corners and through berry patches, keep children close, and hike in a group where you can. Give any bear a wide berth and never get between a female and her cubs.

The Best Hikes In Mount Revelstoke National Park

The stunning mountain terrain and lush valley floor of the Revelstoke area make it the perfect place to get out and explore some truly breathtaking settings. Some highlights of the area include hiking up the steep trails along the slopes of Mount Revelstoke itself, trekking through gorgeous alpine valleys, exploring dense forests of ancient cedar and hemlock trees, and taking on challenging summits that will test your skill and endurance in order to reach picturesque viewpoints. Whether you are a beginner hiker looking for an easy walk near the edge of the city or a seasoned adventurer aiming to bag a new peak, the varied landscape and relatively easy access to a large number of trails means that you are sure to find a hiking route that perfectly matches your needs and level of experience. We’ve put together an amazing list of hikes in Mount Revelstoke National Park to take some of the guesswork out of planning your next adventure. Check them out here:

• Mount Begbie Trail: This hike is a tough adventure just south of Revelstoke that will see you climb sharply uphill to reach a campsite. This scenic location offers amazing views overlooking the valley and surrounding mountains, really painting a picture of the natural beauty of the area.
• Begbie Falls: The Begbie Falls hike follows a heavily forested trail that will take you along the winding banks of Begbie Creek to a beautiful waterfall. This route is perfectly suited for hikers of almost any skill level, as it features easy to navigate trails with little elevation gain and the added bonus of being able to spend some time at the beach.
• Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail: This hike may be short, but it is an educational experience that will allow you to get up close and personal with some mammoth cedar trees, while learning about the local plant and animal life from a series of informative signs. This is a great adventure for families with kids.
• Skunk Cabbage Trail: The Skunk Cabbage name is more pleasant than the name would suggest, as it traverses a boardwalk through a scenic stretch of wetland terrain. Here, you can learn about the local plant life from a number of educational signs, making for a fun and informative excursion that the entire family will love.
• Eva Lake Trail: This lengthy trail in Mount Revelstoke National Park will take you into the backcountry to visit a series of scenic lakes. While out on the trail, you will experience some amazing views of the surrounding Columbia Mountains, as you traverse the rugged terrain that characterizes this part of the park. Camping next to the lake is also an option if you are looking to spend the night in the mountains.
• Broken Bridge Trail: Hiking this short trail will see you traverse the forested slopes of a mountain to visit the site of a charming waterfall. Located next to an old broken bridge, the waterfall and surrounding terrain create a magical atmosphere within the forest that will make every hiker in your party feel like an experienced adventurer.
• Boulder Mountain Lookout: This quick, forested route may not seem like it would produce any spectacular views based on the dense cover of the forest; however, the route opens up onto a rocky bluff where you will have an awesome sightline towards Mount Mackenzie. This is a fantastic route that the whole family is sure to love.
• Jade Lakes Trail: The Jade Lakes Trail is a lengthy out-and-back route that will take you from the summit of Mount Revelstoke to a picturesque lakeside setting. This hike is as much about the journey as it is the destination, as you will pass through a variety of terrain that includes beautiful forests and stunning alpine meadows. As a summit trail crossing a high ridge, it is the last of the alpine routes to clear of snow, often not before late July.
• Summit Trail: This hiking route is a difficult adventure that will lead you all the way up the slopes of Mount Revelstoke to reach the summit. While out on the trail, you will pass through lovely forests, peaceful meadows, and experience stunning views overlooking the valley and nearby mountains from the summit viewpoint. Unlike the trails that start at the top, this one climbs the mountain from the valley, so it can be walked earlier in the season before the parkway opens.
• Mount MacPherson: The Mount MacPherson Trail is another challenging adventure that will see you climb several false summits before arriving at a summit viewpoint overlooking the valley. This hike should only be attempted by experienced hikers due to the technical nature of the trail; however, the views from the top of the trail are something that you won’t want to miss.

When is the Best Time to Hike in Mount Revelstoke National Park?

The valley and lower-slope trails around the city can be walked for much of the year, but access to the summit itself depends entirely on the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, which is only open to the top once the snow has cleared, usually mid-July to mid-October. For those that are looking for more of a full experience rather than a quick walk at the summit, the best time of year to explore the backcountry trails in and around Mount Revelstoke National Park is in the mid-July to October window. This should be sufficient enough for the majority of the snow on the trails to melt, allowing you to safely explore the peaks and alpine meadows that characterize the landscape. The subalpine wildflowers, one of the park’s signatures, usually peak in late July and August.

Other Outdoor Activities in Mount Revelstoke National Park

Mount Revelstoke National Park and the area surrounding the city offer access to more than just amazing hiking trails. The area also features a number of other activities including mountain biking, fishing, paragliding, and mountaineering. While ski jumping made a name for itself in Revelstoke with help from a number of adventurous Norwegian settlers in the area, these activities have since ceased on the mountain; however, anyone looking to downhill ski can do so at the Revelstoke Mountain Resort just south of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mount Revelstoke National Park

What is Mount Revelstoke National Park Known For?

Mount Revelstoke National Park is known for its easy access to the summit viewpoint via the Meadows in the Sky Parkway and its breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountain ranges and alpine meadows that are blanketed in wildflowers during the summer months.

What animals live in Mount Revelstoke National Park?

Mount Revelstoke National Park is home to a wide range of animal species, including black bears, grizzly bears, caribou, wolverines, mountain goats, moose, and many many others.

What mountain range does Mount Revelstoke belong to?

Mount Revelstoke can be found in the Selkirk Mountains, a sub-range of the Columbia Mountains that spread throughout this area and include the neighbouring Purcell, Cariboo, and Monashee ranges.

Do you need a pass to visit Mount Revelstoke National Park?

Yes. As a Canadian national park, Mount Revelstoke requires a valid Parks Canada entry pass, either a daily pass or an annual Discovery Pass, and this applies whether you are driving the Meadows in the Sky Parkway or hiking the trails within the park boundary. Some of the trails on this hub sit outside the park in provincial recreation sites around the city, where park entry fees do not apply. Overnight stays at the backcountry campgrounds, such as those at Eva and Jade Lakes, also require a reservation and a camping permit.

Can you drive to the summit of Mount Revelstoke?

Yes, and it is one of the park’s claims to fame: the Meadows in the Sky Parkway is the only road in the Canadian national park system that lets private vehicles drive to a mountain-top. The 26 km road climbs through rainforest and subalpine forest to the summit meadows, ending at the Balsam Lake parking area, from where a short walk or a seasonal shuttle reaches the summit. It is open to the top only when clear of snow, roughly mid-July to mid-October, and RVs over about 8 m and towed trailers are not permitted because of the switchbacks.

Plan Your Trip to Mount Revelstoke National Park

Mount Revelstoke is one of the mountain parks of hiking in British Columbia and the wider hiking in Canada. Its sister park just east along the highway is hiking in Glacier National Park. If you would rather have the planning handled, browse our Guided tours in North America.