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For those in search of a winter holiday in Canada, few places are as iconic as Revelstoke. 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.
In this blog, I’ll share the 17 best things to do in Revelstoke in winter including lots of activities indoors as well as some wild hot springs in BC many don’t know about!
Things to do in Revelstoke in winter
1. Hit the slopes
Revelstoke is home to one of the best ski resorts in all of Canada. In fact, Revelstoke Mountain Resort boasts the longest descent of any ski hill in North America. On top of that, the mountain receives an average snowfall of over 34.4 feet (10.5 meters) per year. Revelstoke even holds the record in Canada for the most snowfall in a single year. That number is a whopping 80 feet (24 meters)!
Because of this, the resort promises a world-class downhill skiing or snowboarding opportunity making this one of the best winter activities in Revelstoke. People travel from all over the world to ski here and after one visit to the mountain, you’ll see why.
The resort sits on 3100 acres and has downhill runs for all levels of ability. However, the majority of the runs at Revelstoke Mountain Resort are blue and black making it very popular with pros. Beginners can still enjoy the mountain though with long green runs stretching all the way from the top of the Stoke Gondola to the village below (The Last Spike is my favorite.)
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 winter vacation in summer, savings of up to 50% are available. Kids under 6 can always hit the hill for free too.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort can be busy on weekends or during holiday periods especially leading up to Christmas and New Years. So, if you’re planning on visiting Revelstoke in December be sure to book your trip well in advance!
Related read: One of the best things to do in Golden in winter is skiing and snowboarding. Turn this winter holiday into a ski trip! We also have a road trip guide for the drive from Revelstoke to Golden.
2. Relax in natural hot springs
Revelstoke is surrounded by hot springs making it one of the best things to do in winter. Visitors just need to know where to look to find the most beautiful ones.
The closest and most developed is the Canyon Hot Springs. This hot spring and campsite resort is 25 minutes from Revelstoke and features a large hot mineral soaking pool and swimming pool fed by the waters of Albert Canyon. The entrance to the hot springs is $16.50 CAD for adults and $14.25 for children. Fancy chalets and humble cabins are available for rent as well as a full serviced campsite starts at $45 and tent sites start at $35.
Slightly further out from Revelstoke is the famous Halcyon Hot Springs. This is a resort located just outside the sleepy village of Nakusp. Halcyon has breathtaking views of the lake and mountains from the hot spring bathing pools that they refer to as ‘healing waters’ due to the levels of lithia in the water. You can stay at the hotel or just use the hot springs for the day. This costs $30 CAD for adults and $20 CAD for children. The resort offers chalets, cottages, and cabins for rent at different price points.
Crazy Creek Resort is another camping resort in a tiny town called Malakwa. Their outdoor hot springs are open every day of the year from 9 am to 9 pm and are located only 30 minutes west of Revelstoke. Camping starts at $35 and is $64 for a premium site. Suites are also available for up to $200 a night and include hot springs admission. There are also nearby attractions such as a suspension bridge with great views, waterfalls, and hiking trails. A separate cost to enter the hot springs is $17.95 per adult and $12.95 per child.
Now for my favorite hot springs. The St Leon Hot Springs is a wild hot spring located near the town of Nakusp. To reach the hot springs in winter, you must park in a small parking lot and walk 4 kilometers along an old logging road. Once there, you can enjoy wild hot springs completely free. The hot springs are hard to find, however, here are the GPS coordinates. The parking lot is just past Ione Falls (coming from Nakusp) and this blog sheds more light on its location.
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 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 winter activities!
4. Visit the local brewery
I swear there is at least one brewery in every town in Canada now. I myself am not complaining – I love craft beer.
Revelstoke’s Mt Begbie Brewery is a local favorite and has won numerous brewing awards including Canada’s brewery of the year in 2017. The brewery was started by a nuclear physicist who had a dream of making the world’s best tasting beer!
Mt Begbie Brewery is a must-stop if you are in Revelstoke and enjoy an artisanal beer partnered with a Neapolitan-style pizza or nachos. The Tasting Room menu has suggestions for beer pairings but you can’t go wrong with any of the prize-winning beers this brewery has to offer.
Their shop is open every day, however, the tasting room is only open from 12 pm to 8 pm Thursday to Sunday.
5. Eat delicious Canadian food at Nomads
The Nomad Food Co. in Revelstoke is known for its award-winning poutine and resh-cut potatoes that are double cooked to ensure maximum crunch.
Burgers are also their specialty and their menu highlights this with their two food categories, “burgers” and “not burgers”. The crispy chicken farmyard burger with the pretzel crust is my favorite. And don’t forget your side of poutine for only $6.49.
This is a quick stop in Revelstoke perfect for refueling after days exploring the great outdoors. It was my favorite place to grab a quick bite to eat in Revelstoke and I’m sure it will be yours!
6. Wander downtown Revelstoke
Historic downtown Revelstoke is absolutely picturesque and wandering around will warm the soul while in Revelstoke in winter.
Stop in at the Modern Bakeshop & Cafe for delicious pastries and a coffee between window shopping the numerous boutiques and cute specialty shops such as Garnish Handmade Boutique or The Annex. You’ll find the perfect gift for that person back home.
End the day at 112 Restaurant & Lounge for steak, cocktails, and live music.
7. Go ice skating
It’s winter so some outdoor ice skating is in order! If you are up for a bit of adventure, take the 20min 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 winter 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. The road trip between Revelstoke and Banff is also epic!
8. Dog sledding
Dog sledding was always a bucket list experience I wanted to do and in Canada, after lots of research, I finally got to go while living in Canmore, Alberta during winter. I loved the tour and enjoyed hanging out with the dogs so much.
In Revelstoke, you can book a tour with Revelstoke Dogsled Adventures. There are several different types of tours available or you can customize your own. The option to take the reins and mush the dogs yourself is also available. Tours start at $369 CAD per couple and offer real Alaskan Racing Huskies and a knowledgeable tour guide to teach you about the dogs and the history of the area.
Although these days there are concerns of ethics, most companies look after their dogs exceptionally well. On top of that, many of the dogs are rescues from the northern territories that were used for sled racing. These dogs, which can run over 160 kilometers in a day, run less than 30 kilometers and enjoy plenty of days off. On my tour, they explained that this is like retirement for dogs this active.
9. Try fat biking
Mountain biking is a popular activity in Revelstoke and a little snow doesn’t stop the trail enthusiasts. Fat biking is a relatively new activity that has quickly gained a lot of popularity. I first fat biked during a winter visit to Calgary simply to get around the city and I loved it!
Many fat bikes can be spotted on the trails in Revelstoke in winter as the wide tires offer great traction on snow. It is also a great activity when skiing conditions are not optimal because that means conditions are great for fat biking.
Mount Revelstoke National Park offers many kilometers of ungroomed fat biking trails in the winter giving you the chance to lead your own adventure. The Soren Sorensen Trail (2 km and 5 km option) are very popular as well as the Meadows in the Sky Parkway (the road up Mt Revelstoke.)
Several pilot projects have been initiated in the Revelstoke area for groomed trails and only time will tell if they will become a permanent winter fixture. If you don’t feel up to heading out on ungroomed trails, fat biking around historic downtown Revelstoke is another worthwhile option. Take in the architecture and stop in a neat locally owned shop or cafe whenever you need to warm up or need a break from all the exercise.
Fat bikes can be rented from Tantrum Ride Company for $30 CAD a day.
10. Cross-country skiing
Before I tried out cross country skiing it didn’t seem that appealing to me. However, after spending a winter 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 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 of the trail is lit until 9:30 pm for night skiing – how cool!
11. 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.
12. Go bowling at The Cabin
After a full day out in the snow, head over to The Cabin for an evening of 5-pin bowling at a local Revelstoke hangout.
The Cabin offers 8 lanes for bowling and a lounge for cocktails and food. There are seven, yes seven, different types of fishbowl drinks on the cocktail menu but my favorite drink is Grandma’s Apple Cider as it includes whip cream. There is also a pro shop to pick up any winter gear you may have left on the hill, like your mitts. Oops.
This is a fun night out and anyone who loves bowling will enjoy it!
13. Check out the Historic Roxy Theatre
If the weather isn’t so great head to the Roxy Theatre and watch a movie. This historic theater has been open (the current building) since 1938 and offers a boutique experience with modern sound and screens.
The theatre typically shows three movies and has a canon mascot named Boomer whose sticker of approval you’ll find on movies deemed ‘Boomer approved.’ The theater screens new releases so you can always see something new!
Not only is it a great nostalgia trip, but the theatre’s art deco style is a must-see for any architecture buffs.
14. Visit the Aquatic center
Not all activities in Revelstoke in winter need to revolve around outdoor sports and snow. Take a break from the cold and head to Revelstoke’s state-of-the-art aquatic center for a swim. This pool is fun for the whole family complete with a lazy river, waterslide, climbing wall, hot tub, sauna, and steam room. A family day pass is a very affordable $15 CAD.
For me, this is the perfect place for a warm soak in the hot tub after all those hours spent in the winter cold!
If you didn’t bring a swimsuit, check out Valhalla Pure Outfitters on Mackenzie Ave to purchase one.
15. Visit the local distilleries
Monashee Spirits is a Revelstoke distillery that uses only local and sustainable ingredients to make their alcohol. The distillery prides itself on its bespoke cocktail bar that serves up very unique, punny, yet delicious beverages not without a sense of humor.
Interesting, to say the least, drinks include The Best Pizza In Town, a drink that contains pizza sauce; a cocktail made with dill infused gin liquor called, How ‘Bout That Dill Do?; and a huckleberry gin beverage Huck Me Baby One More Time that dares you to tag it on Instagram as it features an edible wafer complete with a picture from the kama sutra.
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!)
Another craft distiller in Revelstoke, Jones Distillery brews award-winning alcohol from a historic school building in downtown Revelstoke. If you stop in, employees will be more than happy to tell you about the exploits of the founder’s father, a former police officer who helped himself to brewing equipment from the evidence locker. Jones Distillery is a very legal establishment today and has a tasting room where you can sample the spirits before buying.
Warming up during winter in Revelstoke is important and some strong liquor will certainly do the trick!
16. Explore a museum (or two!)
The Revelstoke Museum is the place to go to learn about the first nations people of the area, the first homesteaders and settlers to Revelstoke, and to see the amazing artifacts of Revelstoke’s skiing history. The family rate for the museum is only $12 CAD and includes a scavenger hunt activity for the kids that will take you through the two-story building and all of the interesting displays. It’s also a great place to learn about avalanche safety.
If railway history is your thing, Revelstoke has its very own Railway Museum. The museum is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm and costs $22 CAD per family. The museum celebrates the last spike to be hammered at Craigellachie that completed the coast-to-coast Canadian railway in 1885. Walk the museum grounds to see old railway cars or drive the diesel train simulator, a fan favorite at the museum and worth the price of admission on its own.
17. 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 winter!
Are you visiting Revelstoke from Vancouver? Check out our guide to the best stops on the drive from Vancouver to Revelstoke!
Where to Stay in Revelstoke in Winter
One of the things I love about Revelstoke is all the amazing places to stay. I always like to try new places but in Revelstoke, I’ve now got around 4 “go-to” places and I usually book one based on who I’m traveling with and who has the best deals at the time.
If I’m with my friends, I’m usually looking for a budget place close to town. My go-to is usually Poppi’s Guesthouse. It’s a small, basic guesthouse right downtown. Between our group, we pretty much book the entire place out and it becomes our ski house! The best part is rooms are around $130 CAD per night in winter.
If I’m traveling alone or with family, I usually stay at a slightly nicer place. There are a lot of places in the medium budget category so I have a couple I love but without a doubt, my favorite is the Courthouse Inn Revelstoke. This top-reviewed bed and breakfast is the perfect place to stay in Revelstoke. It includes breakfast and the rooms are huge. Not to mention the property is gorgeous!
If I really want to spoil myself while on a ski trip in Revelstoke I’ll stay at the Sutton Place Hotel Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Its located right at the chairlift and the hotel is stunning. I’ve only stayed here once before because of the $800 a night price stage, but for that, you can sleep 5 people comfortably in their two-bedroom suite.
There are plenty more places you can check out here, but I typically stay away from hotel chains because I like to offer a more unique experience to my readers.
For more detailed info, read our blog about where to stay in Revelstoke! It includes info about all of the different areas where you can choose to stay and the best hotels for all budgets.
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!
And if you’re planning to visit the Canadian Rockies during your trip, we highly recommend Smile Campervans. Based in Calgary, this local company provides compact campervans fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and affordable road trip adventure!
In fact, Smile Campervans has actually given us a special discount code for our readers! Use the code DESTINATIONLESSTRAVEL at checkout to get 5% off your campervan rental! Click here to browse availability, prices, and book with our discount code!
Before you go…
To me, Revelstoke really is one of the top winter 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 winter 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!