The Town
Revelstoke is a tiny little hamlet tucked between the Selkirks on one side of the Columbia River that runs through town and the Monashees on the other. Downtown is only a few blocks deep, cradling a few coffee shops, several cafes, a few ski shops and a new co-working space for the digital nomads flocking here each winter.
The town still holds onto its railroad and logging heritage, but it’s been slowly changing since the resort opened to develop a reputation as an adrenaline-fueled mountain enclave. But that’s also thanks in part to its long-time status as a legendary playground for snowmobiling, with sledders converging on Boulder Mountain and Frisby Ridge en mass from all over the world. In fact, if sledding is your thing—or if you’ve always wanted to try it—it’s worth getting in touch with Great Canadian Tours to set up a sled rental and a guided snowmobile adventure here.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Revelstoke Mountain Resort is known for receiving monumental dumps of snow on a regular basis. But what’s really given this young mountain mythical status in the ski world is its incredible potential for exploration. In addition to the more family-friendly runs off the two gondolas or the new beginner Stellar Chair, skiers can go for a short hike off the Stoke Chair to access North Bowl’s inbound glory lines, hike up to the sub-peak of Mount Mackenzie for even more vertical, or hike around the wild-feeling Gracias Ridge, which holds onto powder stashes for days after a storm.
And if in-bounds is good, RMR’s lift-accessed backcountry is exceptional. To the north lies ranks of couloirs that march off the shoulder of Mount Mackenzie. To the south, an almost-perpetual skin track stretches toward a series of wide bowls. For those seeking a bit of guidance in the complex terrain outside RMR’s boundaries, the resort partners with Revelstoke Backcountry Guides, and skiers can book one of their guides right next to the lift ticket desk in Guest Services.
Where to Eat, Drink & Play
The Village Idiot is a favorite watering hole, with drool-worthy pizza, locally made beer from Begbie Brewing on tap, and famously friendly bartenders. Or try the Quartermaster Eatery for fancier fare in a uniquely modern atmosphere.
Monashee Spirits, a distillery that doubles as one of the only cocktail bars in this little town, offers boutique drinks in a setting that’s one part moonshiner rebellion and three parts classy speakeasy straight out of the 1920s. Or if you’re in the mood for a beer, check out Rumpus Beer Company, a small local-to-the-bone brewery that just opened in 2019.
For a bit of culture, be sure to check out Revelstoke’s sole art gallery, which has rotating art on a monthly basis, or see what the Revelstoke Arts Council has on tap for live music, shows and films at the Performing Arts Center.
Where to Stay
The town of Revelstoke is pretty compact, which means you can’t really go wrong on accommodation location. For upscale modern/urban right in the heart of downtown, try the Explorers Society Hotel in the same heritage building that holds the Quartermaster. For a quieter option within walking distance of downtown, the Courthouse Inn is a boutique bed & breakfast offering made-to-order full breakfasts.
If you’re keen to stay right at the foot of RMR, there’s only one option, and it’s a beautiful one, which makes things simple: the Sutton Place, a luxury condominium-style hotel for ski-in-ski-out access.
For a more lodge-style experience, Glacier House near Boulder Mountain offers lodge rooms, log cabins, with exceptional food in its Gallery Restaurant that overlooks Mount Begbie.
