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Canada is one of the best places to visit in the world for outdoor adventures. You get mountains, lakes, glaciers, vast forests, and friendly people.
Revelstoke, BC is no exception, as it’s the perfect combination of all of these things! It’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Canada and I can’t wait to show you why!
And believe it or not, one of the most popular months to visit Revelstoke is December. With plenty of winter activities on offer, Revelstoke is the perfect place for an escape to end the year.
So if you’re thinking about visiting Revelstoke in December this year, then look no further. This blog is all about everything you need to know about visiting Revelstoke in the month of December including the best activities, places to stay, and so much more!
Why Visit Revelstoke in December
Revelstoke is an iconic winter holiday destination for your December getaway. This humble mountain town is surrounded by beauty in every direction and I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Revelstoke many times before.
Located deep in the Monashee and Selkirk Mountain ranges, Revelstoke is well known for its high yearly snowfall that provides the ultimate conditions for skiing and snowboarding.
This along with the many other winter activities in Revelstoke, make it a bucket list destination for visitors to experience in December.
Heading to Revelstoke from Vancouver? Check out our guide to driving from Vancouver to Revelstoke including the best stops en route!
Things to do in Revelstoke in December
1. Hit the slopes
Revelstoke, BC is famous for the number of awesome things to do in the winter. It’s not hard to see that this small mountain town is a winter paradise in December!
Revelstoke is famous for huge yearly snowfalls and steep mountainous terrain that could challenge even the most skilled. But, if you’re like me and are more suited to green or blue runs then they have that too!
The Revelstoke Mountain Resort is the closest ski field to Revelstoke. In fact, it’s literally right in town and from anywhere in Revelstoke you’re no more than a 5 to 10-minute drive from the chair lifts!
Prices vary throughout the season and change yearly, however, standard day passes cost $139 CAD for adults, $106 for seniors and youths, and $49 for children. The trick with Revelstoke Mountain Resort is to book in advance and book multi-day tickets to save lots of money. If you’re able to book your December vacation in summer, savings of up to 50% are available. Kids under 6 can always hit the hill for free too.
The best thing about winter skiing in Revelstoke is the lack of people compared to other ski hills in Canada.
Skiing is also one of the best activities in Banff, Cranbrook, and Jasper – think about heading there too!
2. Soak in hot springs
Revelstoke is only a short drive from a few different hot springs that are well worth checking out! Soaking in some BC hot springs with mountain views is easily one of the best activities in and around Revelstoke in December.
Some of the hot springs that are close to Revelstoke include:
- Canyon Hot Springs – These are the closest hot springs to Revelstoke at only about a 20-minute drive away. They are located within a resort and campground where you can stay a night or two. It costs $16.50 CAD to enter the hot springs with discounted rates available for children and seniors. If you spend the night at the resort then you can enter the hot springs for free (you must book a room or cabin, campsite fees do not include entrance to the hot springs.) Visit their website to book.
- Halcyon Hot Springs – Just over an hour drive from Revelstoke you’ll find the beautiful Halcyon Resort and Hot Springs. This luxurious resort is home to some stunning hot springs! You can buy a drop-in pass to visit or stay at the resort for unlimited access to the hot springs. It isn’t a cheap place to stay so these hot springs are best suited for those happy to splurge a little. You can book a room online through Booking.com here!
- Halfway Hot Springs – Just over an hour and a half from Revelstoke you will find Halfway River Hot Springs. These hot springs are natural and are run by BC Parks, so they are free to visit! These hot springs in particular are more popular for summer months. This is because the access road is closed during the winter months. You are still able to visit in the winter, but you have to hike about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) each way.
- Crazy Creek Resort – Located 30 minutes west of Revelstoke you’ll find the Crazy Creek Resort that has four hot pools which are open to the public. For only $17.95 CAD you can enter the pools and have a soak. Of course, you can also book accommodation or campsites here and enjoy the hot pools as often as you like! You can book a stay at the resort online.
Hot tip: If you really love hot springs, then consider spending a night or two in the town of Nakusp. Not only can you hit up a few hot springs on the drive from Revelstoke to Nakusp, but you can also visit the Nakusp Hot Springs once you’re there.
3. Go snowshoeing
I went snowshoeing for the first time ever in Revelstoke! It’s always been something I wanted to try and since then, I’ve snowshoed all over Canada.
In Revelstoke, I went snowshoeing at the Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club simply because they have some great trails and it’s super convenient. I walked the Seven bridges Trail which is 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) long and suited for beginners.
Rentals are really cheap and available onsite at the nordic center for $11 CAD. For that, you get them for the entire day and can take them to other trails in Revelstoke. For snowshoers, the entrance to the club to use the trails is $6 per vehicle.
If you want to get more off the beaten path you can snowshoe on Mt Revelstoke from the closed Parks Canada Gate. You can also enjoy the trail to Southerland Falls or the Green Belt Trails.
If you want to join a tour, Revelstoke Snowshoe Company offers more than just snowshoe rentals. They also offer multiple tours that start at Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Tours vary in length and the prices include your equipment rental and lift ticket. Adults are $65 CAD and children 12 and under are free. For only a snowshoe rental the cost is $20.
Because of the amount of snow Revelstoke gets, this is easily one of the best December activities!
4. Drink locally brewed craft beer
Mt Begbie Brewing Co is Revelstoke’s very own craft brewery! This small brewery opened in 1996 and ever since it has continued to grow, shipping its award-winning beers all across Canada.
Tasters are only $2.50 CAD each, and a 20 oz pint is $7 in the tasting room!
In Revelstoke, you can actually visit the brewery itself. They have a retail shop as well as a tasting room where you can try a variety of their beers.
Alternatively, you can visit various bars around Revelstoke that have Mt Begbie beers available on tap. The River City Pub always has a selection of their beers to choose from and they also have great happy hour deals! It is located right downtown.
5. Drink cocktails at Monashee Spirits
I love Monashee Spirits! This cute award-winning distillery is also a beautiful bar located right in the heart of downtown Revelstoke. Pop in to try a couple of their unique and carefully crafted cocktails. Believe me, you can’t go wrong with their Monahsee Mule or The Savory One.
Not only is this place adorable, but it’s also a great way to warm up in Revelstoke in December!
Honestly, I visit Monashee Spirits every single time I’m in Revelstoke. One day I’ll make through their entire cocktail list (that is if they ever stop changing it on me!)
Monashee Spirits are open Wednesday to Sunday from 1 pm to 11 pm, and from 5 pm-11 pm on Tuesdays. Expect to pay upwards of $11 per cocktail, but they are totally worth every penny!
6. Go dog sledding
Is there a more classic Canadian winter experience than dog sledding?! That’s right, going on a dog sledding tour is a must-do in Canada in December and lucky for you, dog sledding tours are available right in Revelstoke!
Revelstoke Dog Sled Adventures offers dog sledding experiences daily. Tours start from $369 for a couple and last a couple of hours as you are pulled by a team of huskies. This company prides itself on its ethical treatment of its dogs.
To be honest, we can’t speak to the dog sledding experience in Revelstoke specifically as we have only personally done dog sledding in Canmore. However, we have heard great things! Plus, the mountain views around Revelstoke would turn this exciting activity into a scenic one too!
7. Go ice skating
It’s December so some outdoor ice skating is in order! If you are up for a bit of adventure, take the 20-minute drive to Three Valley Lake, near the lovely Three Valley Lake Chateau, to lace up your skates and head out onto the lake.
Conditions need to be right so be sure to check the weather report and find out how deep the ice is. Anything less than 4” is not safe for skating. But, if you practice safety, wild skating on lake ice can be very safe and lots of fun and the perfect December activity in Revelstoke. The picturesque view of Eagle’s Pass while you glide across the ice is incredibly relaxing.
If you want a more regulated ice skating experience, the Revelstoke arena offers public skating at only $9.50 per family. Skates can be rented as well for $3 a pair.
Related read: The best place to go wild ice skating in Canada is Banff in winter.
8. Cross-country skiing
Before I tried out cross country skiing it didn’t seem that appealing to me. However, after spending a December in Whistler, I was hooked!
The Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club is the best place to enjoy cross country skiing in Revelstoke and there are plenty of trails to use. They range from black all the way to green so everyone can enjoy the trails. They have lots of information on which winter trails are accessible and the last time they were groomed, all of which can be found on their website.
Day use fees are $12 CAD per person or $27 for a family. An extra $6 fee per vehicle for backcountry use, the proceeds of which go to maintaining and grooming the 26km (16 miles) of cross-country trails. There is a lodge and cabin on-site where skiers can warm up, use the bathroom, and have a hot drink by donation. If you need rentals they have them available for $16.50 (boots and skis.)
Also, 6km (3.7 miles) of the trail is lit until 9:30 pm for night skiing – how cool!
9. Cat skiing
If you are not familiar, cat skiing is when a snowcat takes riders up a hill so they can ski down on fresh snow that has not been groomed. It offers a great chance for socializing while heading up the hill but also to warm up as you head back up the hill multiple times throughout the day to explore different types of terrain.
Renting the snowcat for a day costs $6000 to $7000 CAD for about 13 guests or $500 to $600 for a single rider. K3 Cat Ski offers avalanche training and supplies each skier with a radio, shovel, probe, and transceiver on the tours. Packed lunches are also included. If you need equipment rental, they suggest Revelstoke Powder Rentals.
Cat Skiing is an exhilarating activity and offers a new way of skiing unlike any other.
10. Learn how to blow glass
Hand Blown glass is one of my favorite artisan products. At Big Eddy Glassworks in Revelstoke, you get a hands-on chance to learn the art of glass blowing. There is a choice between a number of walk-in workshops like upcycling a cup, or pre-booked workshops. Workshop prices start from $40 CAD to $350 for a glass bowl or date night package complete with snacks and drinks.
If you are in need of a souvenir from your Revelstoke trip, Big Eddy Glasswork is the place to get it. They sell everything from hand-blown vases to bird feeders. It’s my favorite place to bring a friend that is new to Revelstoke to try a new activity.
This is easily one of the most unique things to do in Revelstoke in December!
Where to Stay in Revelstoke, BC in December
There are lots of amazing hotels to choose from in Revelstoke, some of my favorites include:
Cheap Stays
Frontier Motel – The Frontier Hotel is your cheapest option in Revelstoke. In all honesty, it’s very basic but the rooms only cost up to $74 a night for a queen room for two people.
Stoke Hotel – This hotel is a very good budget option that includes breakfast. It’s located right in town and has really good reviews!
Best Hotels
Coast Hillcrest Hotel – This highly rated hotel offers guests a comfortable stay at a reasonable price. They have an onsite fitness center, sauna, hot tub, as well as a restaurant. The location is central and the large selection of room types means there is something suitable for everyone including families.
Ramada hotel – Ramada hotels are always a great choice around Canada. Their rooms are luxurious and well priced. the hotel in Revelstoke is close to town and a great place to stay during your visit.
Sutton Place Hotel – If you want to be close to the action in winter or summer then this is easily your best option in Revelstoke. Its located right at the base of the Revelstoke mountain resort and comes with a pool. They offer studio apartments or suites!
You can browse all the accommodation in Revelstoke here!
Canada Winter Travel Essentials
If you’re planning to visit Canada in winter then there are a few things you should pack – things we never travel without. Some you may already have, but others you may want to pick up before you leave. This is especially true if you want to enjoy some of the best outdoor activities!
Here are some of our must-have winter essentials:
Crampons/ Ice Cleats: This is the one item I have that I use so much. If you love the outdoors and enjoy short walks and hikes, crampons are a must! The best part is, the pair that I own is only $29 CAD. They aren’t the best pair out there but they’re perfect for the everyday explorer/traveler.
Insulated water bottle: In the summer you want to keep your water cold but in winter, you want to keep it from freezing. That’s why I always carry an insulated water bottle. This Iron Flask Water Bottle is perfect because it doubles as a thermos so it’s great for carrying hot water for those winter hot chocolates! I have the 32-ounce bottle in pink but I wish I had one of the multi-colored bottles!
Merino wool socks: Cold feet can ruin your time exploring the great outdoors during winter. Please do yourself a favor and get a good quality pair of socks. Even just one pair with come in handy but I myself carry three of these COZIA Wool Socks. They’re 80% Merino wool and really warm. The best part is they are only $15 each! When I’m skiing I can even double them up if it’s -30 °C.
Thermal layers: Staying warm begins from your first layer. Life outside during the Candian winter is much more comfortable with thermal layers. There are a lot of great products in this space but look out for Merino wool products – they’re the best in my opinion!
Ski Gloves: Did you know ski resorts in Canada don’t rent gloves? That means you’re going to need to bring your own. I get really cold hands so I love these new heated rechargeable gloves. They keep your hands warm in the coldest temperatures. Although expensive, you’ll never wear another pair of gloves again.
Polarized sunglasses/ ski goggles: People often forget that on a sunny day in the mountains, the sun can really hurt your eyes when it reflects off the snow. For around town, check out these polarized sunglasses and for in the mountains these ski goggles.
Buff: I love my buff! Seriously, I go nowhere without it both in winter and summer. During the winter though, it’s perfect for keeping my nose and cheeks covered from the cold especially when skiing or hiking. There are a few brands around but I always buy the original Buff (you know, the one from Survivor!) They’re a little more expensive but the material is good quality and both breathable and quick drying.
Renting a Car in British Columbia
If you’re arriving in British Columbia via plane, then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. British Columbia is a large province, and traveling between the best places to visit in BC requires transport. Although you can use public transport on some occasions, this means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.
Car rental in Canada isn’t relatively cheap, but it’s not that expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with a pick-up and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though, depending on the time of year. For car rentals, I use the website Discover Cars. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used Discover Cars all over the world, including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic, you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Read my tips on using Motorhome Republic here before you book!
Before you go…
To me, Revelstoke really is one of the top December destinations in Canada. Not only are there a ton of winter activities to keep you busy, but with some of the best powder in Canada, it’s my favorite place to ski!
I hope this guide has helped plan your upcoming December visit to Revelstoke. Thanks so much for taking the time out of your day to read it. If you did find this guide helpful then it’s very possible you’ll like some of my other blogs. So, stick around and check them out, I’d be forever grateful!
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