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Mt. Revelstoke National Park in Canada
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Mount Revelstoke Overview

Mount Revelstoke National Park, nestled in the heart of the Columbia Mountains in southeastern British Columbia, Canada, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Established in 1914, the park covers an area of approximately 260 square kilometers (about 100 square miles), making it one of the smaller national parks in Canada’s system. Despite its relatively compact size, Mount Revelstoke National Park packs a significant punch in terms of scenic beauty and biodiversity.

Located near the town of Revelstoke, the park is renowned for its accessibility to a range of alpine and subalpine environments without the need for extensive backcountry hiking. One of the park’s highlights is the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, a winding road that takes visitors from lush rainforests at lower elevations up through subalpine wildflower meadows to the stark beauty of the alpine tundra at the summit of Mount Revelstoke. This elevation gradient supports a diverse array of plant and animal life, with stunning displays of wildflowers blooming in the summer months.

Mount Revelstoke National Park is also known for its history in ski jumping, with the Nels Nelsen Historic Ski Jump attracting visitors interested in the early days of this thrilling sport. The park offers a variety of trails for hiking and mountain biking in the summer, and in winter, it becomes a snowy wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The park’s landscapes offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, providing a picturesque backdrop for photography and nature observation. The Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail and the Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk Trail allow visitors to explore the park’s ancient rainforest and wetland ecosystems at a leisurely pace.

Mount Revelstoke National Park serves as a testament to the beauty of the Canadian Rockies, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature through its well-preserved ecosystems and to engage in outdoor activities amidst stunning natural scenery.

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Mount Revelstoke National Park Highlights

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Mount Revelstoke National Park, with its lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and towering peaks, offers a haven for wildlife, where diverse species flourish amidst the stunning scenery of the Canadian Rockies, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate the park’s natural inhabitants.

Black Bear Frequently seen by visitors, Black Bears are an integral part of the ecosystem, foraging for berries and fish in the park’s diverse habitats.

Grizzly Bear The more elusive Grizzly Bear roams the higher altitudes and remote areas of the park, a powerful symbol of wilderness and conservation success.

Mountain Goat Adapted to Mount Revelstoke’s steep and rocky terrain, Mountain Goats are often spotted on cliff faces, their white coats standing out against the rugged backdrop.

Columbia Ground Squirrel Common in the park’s meadows, Columbia Ground Squirrels are known for their curious nature, popping up from their burrows to greet or survey visitors.

Moose The majestic Moose, the largest member of the deer family, can be seen browsing in the park’s wetlands and dense forests, especially at dawn and dusk.

Hoary Marmot The whistle of the Hoary Marmot is a familiar sound in the park’s alpine areas, where they sun themselves on rocks and alert others to danger.

Osprey Circling above the park’s lakes and rivers, Ospreys are expert fishers, diving to catch their prey with talons outstretched, a spectacular sight for birdwatchers.

American Pika The small but vocal American Pika is a delight to spot among the rocky outcrops, busy gathering vegetation to store for the long winter ahead.

Western Tanager The brightly colored Western Tanager adds a splash of color to the park’s forests, their vivid plumage a contrast to the greenery during breeding season.

Elk In the fall, the bugling of Elk is a haunting soundtrack in Mount Revelstoke, as males vie for the attention of females during the rutting season.

Mount Revelstoke National Park’s wildlife, from the solitary Grizzly Bear to the industrious American Pika, showcases the rich biodiversity of the Canadian Rockies, offering visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world.

Mount Revelstoke National Park Pictures

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Engaging Mount Revelstoke

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Mount Revelstoke National Park on its network of hiking trails. Traverse through old-growth forests, alpine meadows, and along mountain ridges while soaking in panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

Choose from a variety of trails suited for all skill levels, from easy walks to challenging hikes. Highlights include the Eva Lake Trail, Meadows in the Sky Parkway, and the Summit Trail to the top of Mount Revelstoke.

Hiking in Mount Revelstoke offers opportunities to connect with nature, spot wildlife, and experience the park’s diverse ecosystems up close.

Embark on a scenic drive along the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, a winding road that ascends to the summit of Mount Revelstoke. Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and forests as you make your way up the mountainside.

Stop at designated viewpoints and lookout areas to capture photographs of the breathtaking landscapes and perhaps catch a glimpse of wildlife along the way. The Meadows in the Sky Parkway offers a leisurely and immersive way to experience the beauty of Mount Revelstoke National Park from the comfort of your vehicle.

Mount Revelstoke National Park Trails

Meadows in the Sky Parkway

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: Varies, as it is a scenic drive with multiple short walking trails at the summit area

Description: While not a trail in the traditional sense, the Meadows in the Sky Parkway offers several easy walking paths at its summit.

The drive itself winds up the mountain, offering spectacular views, leading to the summit where short trails through subalpine wildflower meadows await.

It’s accessible for all ages and abilities, making it a must-see for any park visitor.

Giant Cedars Boardwalk

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 0.5 miles (0.8 km) loop with minimal elevation gain

Description: This short, accessible boardwalk meanders through a lush ancient cedar and hemlock forest. It’s an easy, family-friendly walk that offers a glimpse into the park’s old-growth forest ecosystem.

Interpretive signs along the way provide information about the ecology and significance of these giant trees.

Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 1.1 miles (1.8 km) loop with minimal elevation gain

Description: Named after the vibrant skunk cabbage that blooms here in spring, this easy trail offers a leisurely walk through wetlands and marshes.

Boardwalks protect the fragile ecosystem while allowing hikers to explore up close. It’s a great spot for bird watching and enjoying the unique aspects of the park’s lower elevation areas.

Eva Lake Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 12 miles (19.3 km) round trip with about 1,640 feet (500 meters) elevation gain

Description: Offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, the Eva Lake Trail is a rewarding day hike that leads to a picturesque alpine lake.

The trail passes through meadows of wildflowers and offers chances to spot wildlife. It’s a moderate hike that encapsulates the beauty of Mount Revelstoke National Park.

Miller Lake Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 8 miles (13 km) round trip with about 980 feet (300 meters) elevation gain

Description: This trail takes hikers through diverse forests to the serene Miller Lake.

It’s a peaceful hike with moderate difficulty, offering opportunities for swimming and picnicking at the lake.

Along the way, hikers can enjoy the lush forest scenery and the tranquility of the park’s backcountry.

FAQ’s

1. What is Mount Revelstoke National Park known for?

Mount Revelstoke National Park, located in British Columbia, Canada, is known for its stunning mountain landscapes, old-growth forests, and diverse ecosystems.

The park is characterized by its towering peaks, including Mount Revelstoke itself, which rises to an elevation of 6,380 feet (1,945 meters).

Visitors come to Mount Revelstoke to explore its extensive network of hiking trails, which offer opportunities to discover alpine meadows filled with colorful wildflowers, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and panoramic vistas of the surrounding Selkirk and Monashee mountain ranges.

The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, and mountain goats, making it a popular destination for wildlife viewing and nature photography.

Additionally, Mount Revelstoke is renowned for its scenic drives, such as the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, which winds its way up the mountainside to stunning viewpoints and alpine meadows, providing visitors with unforgettable vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Overall, Mount Revelstoke National Park offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of Canada’s mountain wilderness and experience the wonders of the natural world.

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Sources
  • All Trails, Best Trails in Mount Revelstoke, https://www.alltrails.com/parks/canada/british-columbia/mount-revelstoke-national-park, retrieved April 2024.
  • British Columbia, Mount Revelstoke National Park, http://britishcolumbia.com/things-to-do-and-see/parks-and-trails/kootenay-rockies/mount-revelstoke-national-park/, retrieved April 2024.
  • Canada Parks Canada, Mount Revelstoke National Park, https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/revelstoke, retrieved April 2024.
  • Britannica, Mount Revelstoke National Park, https://www.britannica.com/place/Mount-Revelstoke-National-Park, retrieved April 2024.
  • National Geographic, National Parks of North America, Canada-United States-Mexico, National Geographic Society, 1995.
  • Revelstoke, 11 Things to Discover in Mount Revelstoke National Park, https://seerevelstoke.com/top-10-things-to-discover-in-mount-revelstoke-national-park/, retrieved April 2024.
  • The Canadian Encyclopedia, Mount Revelstoke National Park, https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/mount-revelstoke-national-park, retrieved April 2024.