Mount Revelstoke National Park in British Columbia, Canada - map, photos and visitor information

Mount Revelstoke National Park rises above Revelstoke in southeastern British Columbia. Lower trails explore cedar-hemlock forest, while the Meadows in the Sky Parkway provides seasonal access toward subalpine meadows. Plan these as different outings: an open lower road does not mean that the summit can be reached by car.

Forest walks and a seasonal mountain ascent

• Inspiration Woods: A lower-elevation forest loop with natural surfaces and some short, steep sections.
• Nels Nelsen Historic Area: Ski-jumping history and access to the lower trail network.
• Meadows in the Sky: Viewpoints and mountain trails when snow and road conditions permit access.
• Eva and Jade lakes: Summer backcountry camping reached on foot from the upper mountain.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Prepare for changing mountain conditions

Take warm layers, rain protection, food, water and a map even when the trail starts near the road. Tell someone your route and return time. Early winter conditions affect the high-elevation lake trails. Winter backcountry travel needs avalanche knowledge and appropriate equipment; a summer route description is not a winter safety assessment.

Bear notices affect several lower trails. Keep food and scented items secure, give wildlife space and follow local closures. The Fire Lookout closure concerns construction safety and remains in force until further notice.

Pet limits and fragile meadows

Dogs are prohibited beyond Columbia Viewpoint at km 12, including inside vehicles, in the summit area and in the backcountry. Where allowed below that point, dogs must remain leashed. Stay on marked paths in the meadows to protect vegetation with a short growing season.

Secure campground food and toiletries in a vehicle, hard-sided trailer or designated food locker. Backcountry campfires are prohibited at Eva and Jade lakes. Do not assume that a fire permit overrides a current restriction.

Arrange the correct camping permit

During operation, Snowforest and the Eva and Jade lakes campsites accept reservations. The published process does not allow reservations within 48 hours of arrival; unreserved sites can use first-come arrangements. Read the camping and permit instructions for the site you intend to use. Those arrangements do not reopen a closed campground.

Upper backcountry camping requires its own permit as well as park entry. Arrange any private shuttle separately, and confirm its season and vehicle restrictions before relying on it.

Maps, location, and access

Reach Revelstoke on the Trans-Canada Highway. The Meadows in the Sky Parkway climbs from the town-side park entrance. It is narrow and has tight switchbacks. Vehicles longer than 7.9 m and vehicles towing trailers cannot use the upper parkway. Check the permitted parking arrangement before bringing an RV.

Download the official guides and maps and select a specific trailhead. The downtown Parks Canada office is not the summit entrance. Access beyond the current road limit cannot be assumed from a navigation app.

Nearby parks along Highway 23

• Martha Creek Park: Follow Highway 23 north from Revelstoke toward the reservoir.
• Blanket Creek Park: Follow Highway 23 south from Revelstoke toward Upper Arrow Lake.

Choose a route for the season

Inspiration Woods is a 2.5 km loop with 133 m of elevation change. Its lower elevation makes it an option to consider in spring or fall, subject to current conditions. Soren Sorensen offers 2 km and 5 km loops from the Nels Nelsen area, with hiking and designated cycling use.

In the snow-free upper season, meadow walks and longer lake hikes start near the parkway's upper end. The usual walk from Balsam Lake parking to the summit is 1 km, but the current road limit prevents an ordinary summit drive. After the scheduled work, the parkway is planned to reopen for non-motorized use; confirm its status before setting out. Build today's outing around available access rather than a summer photograph.

Seasonal services and accessible features

During its operating season, Snowforest has potable water, flush toilets, hot showers, selected electrical sites, food lockers and MicrOcube accommodation. These services are not available simply because the lower park is open. Eva and Jade lakes have basic tent pads, pit toilets and food lockers during their camping season.

The accessibility guide identifies adapted Snowforest facilities and Nels Nelsen toilets. Summit parking for permit holders needs staff assistance from the parkway kiosk. Snow, closures and staffing affect that arrangement; confirm the exact destination and access needs before travel.

About Mount Revelstoke

Local advocacy and ski-jumping heritage

The park was established in 1914 after local residents advocated for protection of the mountain scenery and meadows. Ski jumping became another important chapter. The mountain's natural jump hosted record-setting performances, and the Nels Nelsen area preserves that sporting history.

Columbia Mountains forest and alpine habitat

The park protects part of the Columbia Mountains' interior wet belt. Old cedar-hemlock forest gives way to higher mountain habitats. Grizzly bears, mountain goats and threatened mountain caribou use this landscape. Observe from a distance and respect closures that reduce disturbance.

Contact and emergency information

Call +1 250-837-7500 or email [email protected]. The Parks Canada office is at 301 West 3rd Street, Revelstoke. Mail goes to P.O. Box 350, Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S0. For emergencies within the park, call +1 877-852-3100.