This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
The short but sweet drive between Revelstoke and Golden passes through not one but two of Canada’s best national parks – Mount Revelstoke National Park and Glacier National Park. A huge selling point in our opinion! It’s also one of the shortest road trips we recommend doing in BC at just over an hour and 45 minutes long – but because there’s so much to see along the way, we highly recommend turning this drive into a full-day affair!
So, if you love scenic, lesser-explored national parks or are a keen hiker (there are several picturesque hiking trails along this road trip) – then this drive from Revelstoke to Golden MUST be added to your BC itinerary!
We’ve come up with 7 epic stops that you MUST make time to see. I’ve started this road trip in the popular mountain resort town of Revelstoke, but of course, you can do this road trip in reverse (from Golden to Revelstoke) and stop at all the places listed below but in the opposite order!
About the Drive from Revelstoke to Golden
The drive from Revelstoke to Golden will take just over an hour and 45 minutes and is 148 kilometers (92 miles) long. You will follow the Trans-Canada Highway the whole way and drive through both Mount Revelstoke National Park and Glacier National Park en route!
Even though this drive can be done in under two hours, I highly recommend allowing a minimum of one whole day. Honestly, there are so many incredible stops along the way that rushing it would be a shame! Our favorite stops on this drive also happen to be the least crowded – they include the lush Hemlock Grove Boardwalk and the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Center, a must-visit for animal lovers.
If you plan to drive this route in winter, you will need winter tires as there may be snow or ice on the roads, specifically when driving through the national parks. While driving in the summer be mindful of wildlife like bears or mountain goats who may suddenly appear on the roads in the national parks.
7 BEST Stops Between Revelstoke and Golden
1. Revelstoke
You’ve got an epic road trip ahead of you, but before you go, be sure to spend some time exploring the scenic mountain town of Revelstoke. It’s one of our favorite places to visit in British Columbia, and once you visit, you’ll understand why!
Revelstoke is a small town between the Selkirk and Monashee mountains and is located on the Trans Canada Highway on the drive from Vancouver to Golden. It’s a nice spot all year, but Revelstoke in the winter truly transforms into a snow-covered paradise. The town holds the record for the most snowfall in Canada in a single winter, with 24 meters (80 feet) of snow!
The Revelstoke Mountain Resort is a must-visit and is literally right in town, so it’s easy to get to. The skiing is fantastic, especially in December when the snowfall is typically at its highest. Plus, the ski hills aren’t too busy when compared to other hills in Canada.
At Revelstoke Mountain Resort, they also have a gondola ride up to the top of the resort to give you an amazing panoramic view of the valley. Also, try out the Pipe Mountain Coaster – a cool gravity-fed roller coaster that flies down the hill. It felt like a real roller coaster and was super fun!
In the summer here, you’ll also have the opportunity to book a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure along the Illecillewaet River. As whitewater experiences in Canada go, this is a pretty tame tour as it involves only Class II and Class III rapids – so no previous rafting experience is necessary. This well-rated half-day tour costs $142 CAD and because it can only operate between late June to late August it tends to sell out quickly. So, be sure to book this one in advance!
If whitewater rafting sounds a bit too hardcore, opt for a more gentle river float tour, which still takes in the same gorgeous scenery but at a slower pace. This particular tour is two hours long and costs just $77 CAD per person. It runs on select dates between late June and early September. You can check availability and book your space in advance here.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Where to Stay in Revelstoke
Stoke Hotel is a very good budget option that includes breakfast. It’s located right in town and has really good reviews!
Another option is Coast Hillcrest Hotel – a highly-rated hotel that offers a comfortable stay at a reasonable price. They have a 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.
For more ideas on where to stay, you can check out our blog on the best places to stay in Revelstoke.
Related Read: If you plan to drive to Revelstoke from Calgary, you may want to check out our road trip guide on the best stops between Calgary and Revelstoke!
2. Mount Revelstoke National Park
If you love exploring Canada’s incredible national parks, then you must add Mount Revelstoke National Park to your road trip itinerary! This is one of the most popular attractions in Revelstoke, so you might be planning a visit anyway, but it’s also right along your route to Golden. I love this national park because it is accessible to everyone, you can actually drive to the base of Mt. Revelstoke!
From the summit parking lot, there are many trails to explore whether you’re looking for a long hike, a casual walk, or simply a picnic by the lake. Eva Lake trail is a great choice for a longer hike, as it is a 12-kilometer (7.5 miles) round-trip hike. It will take you through stunning landscapes and into the remote Canadian wilderness, you might even spot a bear! Heather Lake is a good casual walk, it’s only a 10-minute hike around a gorgeous lake with incredible reflections.
You can venture away from the summit area to find even more hikes. I really enjoyed the Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk, which is right off Highway 1 along your route. This is a very easy boardwalk trail that extends for 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) and is a great way to stretch your legs and see some views!
Note: You need a Parks Canada Pass to enter Mount Revelstoke National Park. This pass is $11 CAD per person per day or $22 CAD per group. You can also purchase an annual pass for access to Mount Revelstoke National Park as well as many others in BC and Alberta. You can find out more info about these passes below –
Parks Canada Pass Quick Info
If you plan on spending time in Canada’s national parks (including Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, Kootenay, and more) then you’re going to have to pay for a Parks Pass.
Single Daily Admission:
This type of pass is valid for one person for one day. It is ONLY the best value if you are traveling alone and only plan to visit a national park for a couple of days.
- Adult (ages 18-64) is $11 CAD
- Senior (65+) is $9.50 CAD
- Youth/Child (17 or younger) is FREE
Group Daily Admission:
If you’re traveling in a group or with family, you can buy a single-day admission for your entire vehicle (up to 7 people in one vehicle.)
- $22.00 CAD gets your entire vehicle entry for one full day
Parks Canada Discovery Pass
The “Discovery Pass” is what Parks Canada calls their year-long (365 days from the purchase date), multi-park entry pass. This pass will give 365 days of access to all participating national parks in Canada. This includes the most popular parks like Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier, Mount Revelstoke, and so much more.
- Adult (age 18-64) – $75.25 CAD
- Senior (65+) – $64.50 CAD
- Group/Family (up to 7 people in one vehicle) – $151.25 CAD
Hot Tip: Although more expensive up front, if you plan on spending more than 7 days in different parks in Canada within a 12-month period, then the Discovery Pass is actually the better deal!
Parks Canada Passes can be bought online here or at one of the Visitor Centers or booths at the entrance to many national parks.
3. Glacier National Park
This road trip takes you right through the middle of Glacier National Park as you drive out of Revelstoke and make your way toward Golden. The road through Glacier National Park is called “Rogers Pass”, and on this stretch of road, you may observe plenty of wildlife and beautiful forests with old cedars and alpine meadows, which really set the scene.
The park is accessible from the Trans-Canada highway about a 20-minute drive from Golden and all the hiking trails and campsites are located in parking lots just off the road. There are a range of hiking trails in the park and the area is well-known as a great place to spot bears and other wildlife.
Even if you don’t plan to stop off in the park, you will need to allow around 30 minutes or so to drive through the park. We’ve also included some must-see attractions within the park as separate stops below.
While visiting the park, you’ll also have the opportunity to check out some amazing hikes like Bear Creek Falls with its lovely waterfall views. Bear Creek Falls only takes around 15-20 minutes, so it’s the perfect short hike on your road trip from Revelstoke to Golden!
Note: As we said above, if you plan on stopping in Glacier National Park, you’ll need to purchase a Parks Canada Pass. Check out more information on these passes above!
4. Rogers Pass National Historic Site
On your drive through Glacier National Park en-route to Golden make a point of visiting the Rogers Pass National Historic Site, aka the cultural heart of the park!
From here, you can hike along Canada’s first coast-to-coast railway route, which is now decommissioned, wander the ruins of a once magnificent mountain resort known as Glacier House, and keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats and black bears.
The visitor center here has a plethora of historical information about the area as well as the wildlife you can find in the area.
5. Hemlock Grove Boardwalk
Another worthy stop within Glacier National Park is the Hemlock Grove Boardwalk, which is a series of boardwalks through the forest. The trail is a short loop of just 0.3 km (0.2 miles) and will take just under 10 minutes to complete. But, we say allow at least 30 minutes to an hour here to savor the natural beauty of the forest.
6. Northern Lights Wolf Centre
The most unique activity I did on the drive from Revelstoke to Golden was visiting the wolves at the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre. The center is privately owned and was set up to educate and change public opinion of wolves. They are also advocating against wild poisons used in Canada that kill wolves.
There’s a 25-minute tour (no reservations required), which includes an interpretive talk about the wolves here and their daily lives. You will have the chance to take photos of the wolves, so be sure to bring your camera!
If you want a more memorable experience, you can actually walk with the wolves (for an extra charge). On this bucket-list-worthy activity, you will join the wolf pack on a hike through the Rockies. This is a unique opportunity to see the wolves in their natural habitat.
The Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre is located about 15 minutes from downtown Golden. Tickets cost $15 CAD for adults, $12 CAD for youths, $8 CAD for children, and $40 CAD for a family of 4.
7. Golden
Yay, you’ve reached your final destination – Golden! A bit of a hidden gem in BC that deserves to be explored! We recommend spending at least two nights in Golden before heading off on your next adventure.
Golden, British Columbia is a small town of just around 4,000 people in the Canadian Rockies. But what it lacks by way of population, it absolutely makes up for in terms of epic things to do! This small town is surrounded by national parks and mountain ranges, so there are endless outdoor activities to enjoy.
One of the main draws here is the Golden Skybridge, aka Canada’s highest suspension bridge, and it only just opened a few years ago! At 130 meters (426 feet) above the canyon, you’ll experience such a thrill walking over it and taking in all the amazing views of the Columbia Valley. But the Golden Skybridge isn’t just a bridge – it’s an entire adventure park.
There are two suspension bridges, a kids’ play park, a roller coaster, a climbing wall, and activities from ziplining to axe throwing. While it’s great for families, all ages can have a fantastic time! Entrance to the Golden Skybridge will set you back around $46 CAD and you’ll spend around 2 hours here, so it’s an easy addition to your road trip!
I’ve been lucky enough to visit this cute town many times. I’ve experienced Golden in the summer and winter months, allowing me to create an epic list of things to do in Golden, but here are some highlights:
- Go whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse – The best way to experience the river is to go whitewater rafting during the summer months! Whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River is such an adrenaline rush, with Grade 3-4 rapids, it’s one of the best rivers in Canada to go rafting! Our pick is this full-day tour where an expert guide will help you navigate the river. For $204 CAD, all equipment is included, along with a riverside BBQ lunch!
- Explore downtown Golden – You’ll be pretty busy with all the different outdoor recreation activities around Golden, but don’t forget the town itself! Downtown Golden is a quaint, historic-looking town with a bunch of things to do! A good place to start your exploration is 9th Avenue, which has a lot of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore. You can learn more about the city at the Visitor Centre or Golden Museum.
- Hit the slopes at Kicking Horse Resort – Golden’s Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is a very popular ski resort in Canada, and for good reason! It’s known for the huge amounts of annual snowfall and expert terrain that will challenge even the most experienced riders. It’s a must-visit if you’re in Golden in the winter months.
- Go skydiving– Skydiving is the ultimate bucket list activity, and Golden is the perfect place to check it off of your list! It can’t get better than skydiving over the Canadian Rockies! Extreme Yeti will take you up over 3,050 meters (10,000 feet) above the Rockies and Kicking Horse River! You will freefall before opening up that parachute and gliding back to earth. A tandem skydive costs $349 CAD. It’s pricey but well worth it.
Related Read: Another road trip we loved was the drive from Vancouver to Golden. You can read about the best stops on the drive from Vancouver to Golden here!
Where to Stay in Golden, BC
There are plenty of places to stay in Golden, and when compared to nearby towns like Revelstoke and Banff, hotels in Golden are generally more affordable.
Here are some of the best places to stay in Golden for every budget:
Golden Acres Mountain Lodge – $$$
Located outside of Golden surrounded by nature, the Golden Acres Mountain Lodge is the perfect luxury escape for anybody looking for a little R&R. The rooms are best suited for couples, with king suites with private kitchenettes, a balcony, and a spa bath. There is an onsite sauna here too and hiking trails start from the property.
Rooms are typically around $350 CAD and you’ll need to book a minimum of two nights. Check availability and book in advance here.
Glacier Mountaineer Lodge – $$
The Glacier Mountaineer Lodge is the perfect place to stay if you’re visiting Golden for a ski or snowboard holiday. This hotel is located only 50 meters from Kicking Horse Mountain resort’s chairlift – how convenient! Besides that, all rooms have mountain views and there is an onsite sauna to enjoy after a day of hitting the slopes.
Rooms here are around $179 CAD during the summer and you can easily reserve one with Booking.com.
Best Western Mountainview Inn – $$
This is a great choice if you’re looking for something in town. The Best Western Mountainview Inn is clean and comfortable and has everything you could want including an indoor pool and an included breakfast. The reviews are great!
Rooms start at $220 CAD and are available to book online here.
Travelodge by Wyndham Golden Sportsman Lodge – $
Those on a budget can’t pass on the Travelodge. With a central location, an indoor pool with a waterslide and hot tub, as well as an included breakfast, this hotel is a steal! they even have pet-friendly rooms and an outdoor picnic area with a BBQ.
We’ve seen rooms here around $105 CAD on Booking.com!
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!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
And there you have it, 7 of the best stops on the short drive between Revelstoke and Golden. We’ve driven this scenic route countless times, and we still can’t get enough of it! We can’t wait to drive it again when we’re back in Canada.
If you enjoyed this blog post, you may also enjoy some of my other most popular road trip posts or our other Canada blogs. Some of my favorites include:
11 BEST Stops on the Drive from Revelstoke to Banff
13 BEST Stops on the Drive from Vancouver to Revelstoke