Revelstoke Summer Adventure Guide: Revy Live, Paddle boarding, Rafting, and More Adventures in the B.C. Interior

This summer, you will want to make Revelstoke more than a just stopover, as this small town is the ultimate summer bucket list destination.

In Revelstoke, you will find an alpine oasis from the crystal clear waters of the Columbia River and Lake Revelstoke to the towering peaks of the Monashee and Selkirk Mountain ranges. Revelstoke’s effortlessly cool mountain town vibe will leave you wanting to become a local by the end of your trip.

Farm and Craft Market

Every Saturday morning from 8:00am - 1:00pm between May and October, in the heart of Downtown Revelstoke you’ll find the Farm and Craft Market. Local farms and orchards showcase an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, handcrafted treasures, flowers, and an array of hot food options, perfect for a quick lunch.

This farmers market goes beyond just produce, as it also proudly showcases the incredible talents of local artisans. From skilled woodworkers and talented jewelers to innovative brewers and distillers, the market becomes a vibrant hub where craftsmanship and creativity converge.

Some of our favorite vendors at the Revelstoke Farm and Craft Market are:

• Stoke the Fire Hot Sauce
• Terra Firma &  Wildlight Farm (Okanagan Fruit Stands)
• Over the Moon Jewelry
• Shuswap Cider
• Edge of the Earth Vineyards
• BeeKind Honey Bees
  

Some important information:

• Bring your basket, tote, or reusable bags (plastic-free)
• Debit and credit preferred method of payment
• Make sure to bring you ID, as there are local wineries, breweries, and distilleries sampling and selling
• Parking is free in downtown Revelstoke, but it can be limited, so be prepared to walk around (tip: wear comfy shoes)
• We recommend biking to the market, as it's only a 10-minute bike ride away from Basecamp Resorts Revelstoke.The Green Belt will take you directly to the city center, and runs along the river.

Revy Live Outside

Revelstoke is known for its robust artistic scene and when you arrive this summer, you’ll see why. Starting July 1st there will be 56 consecutive nights of free live music, also known as Revy Live, which will feature artists from across Canada! The full summer line-up will be released on June 15th.

‍Grizzly Plaza is located in the pedestrian only zone of Revelstoke and is surrounded by patios, food trucks, popcorn and gelato to really round out the BC Festival experience.

• The July 1st performance will be held in Queen Elizabeth Park as part of Revelstoke’s Canada Day Celebration from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
• All other performances will be held at the Grizzly Plaza from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
• Seating is provided and alcohol and smoking is prohibited at the events

Paddle Boarding

Although Revelstoke is best known for its alpine scenery and its ability to host a variety of extreme sports it is also home to numerous beautiful clear blue rivers and lakes. Embrace the opportunity to venture onto the water and embark on a day of exploration amidst the lower alpine and valley regions. To make the most of this experience, consider renting stand-up paddle boards from the following local stores:

‍Fine Line Fly Fishing Paddle Board (our recommendation)-

Rent your paddle boards directly from the store, but be sure to call in advance for availability. Please keep in mind that the store is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Fine Line will supply you with all of the necessary gear, including paddles, and life jackets.

• For a full day of paddle boarding, it will ba around $89CAD + tax
• For a half day of paddle boarding it will be $69CAD + tax

Free Spirit Sports

Rent stand up paddle boards directly for their store, open Monday - Sunday. There are no advance booking for full day rentals.

• For a full day of paddle boarding, it will be around $75 CAD including tax
• For a tandem paddle board, it will cost $95 CAD including tax

Our recommended locations to paddle board in Revelstoke are:

Williamson Lake

• 20 mins from Basecamp just off of Airport Way
• Warm and calm water, although can be quite busy throughout the summer
• This lake is part of a campground, which has access to full facilities like bathrooms, picnic tables & a dock

Revelstoke Flats

• For more advanced paddle boarders

• 20 minutes from Basecamp along Airport Way
• Enjoy the biodiversity of the Revelstoke Flats and paddle across or down the Columbia River, you can venture to Begbie Falls & Blanket Creek is an excellent place to drop in
• Water levels do fluctuate since it is controlled by the Revelstoke Dam

Lake Revelstoke

• 5 minutes from Basecamp
• Drop in at the boat launch right 3 km down from the dam or drop in at Martha Creek Provincial Park (15 minutes from Basecamp)

• Other members of the group can enjoy a disconnected and relaxing day picnicking at the beach or on the tables at Martha Creek Provincial Park Ground (there is even a jungle gym for the kids!)

• You can watch the climbers at Waterworld, and explore coves and waterfalls!

Not comfortable on a stand up paddle board? Guests can also rent kayaks and canoes and partake in guided trips with Great Canadian Tours or Natural Escapes Kayaking.

Mountain Biking

Regardless of your skill level, you can count on this mountain utopia to surpass your expectations with over 200 pristine trails to discover. Gear up and explore the perfectly curated trail network at Mount Macpherson.

Riding at Mount Macpherson is free and ideal for all riding abilities. The terrain at Macpherson will have you building endurance on the climbs and confidence on the descents. Be sure to pack water and snacks as they are not readily available.

Our favorite trails at Macpherson are:

• Dusty Beaver (Green: Friendly and flowing with some rocky sections)
• Flowdown (Blue more difficult: Fast flowing descent trail)
• Stimulus Loop (Blue: Flows nicely. Mostly friendly grades with some rocky sections and bridges)
  
  

Don’t own a bike? Not to worry! You can rent a bike and protective gear from Revelstoke Mountain Resort or Wandering Wheels. Their experienced team will set you up with a suitable bike from their high end fleets.

Take a Ride on the Pipe Mountain Coaster

While you’re here, be sure to catch some thrills and take a ride on the new Pipe Mountain Coaster at Revelstoke Mountain Resort. This family-friendly ride allows you to control your own speed but you can expect to get your adrenaline pumping with countless twists, turns, and speeds reaching up to 42 kilometers an hour!

We recommend purchasing your ticket in advance starting at $28CAD + tax per person to secure your spot on the exhilarating Pipe Mountain Coaster. Purchase your ticket in advance online at Revelstoke Mountain Resort and save up to 20%!

Fly Fishing & Guided Fishing Boat Tours

Revelstoke is an undiscovered fishing destination with over 200 rivers, creeks, streams, and lakes home to Bull Trout, Rainbow Trout, Burbot, and Whitefish.The perfect shoulder and summer season activity. Stonefly Fine Line Fishing and Guiding offers Guided Day Trips along with everything you need to be prepared for a day of fishing. You can book your reservation through their website.

Day Trip Walk and Wade $800CAD/ 1-2 People

Full day walk and wade trip to local stream (8hours). Includes transportation, lunches, rods, and flies. Wading equipment can be rented if needed.

Half Day Walk and Wade $600CAD/1-2 People.

Half day walk and wade trip to local stream (4 hours). Includes transportation, snacks, rods, and flies. Wading equipment can be rented if needed.

Day Trip Raft/Boat $900CAD/ 1-2 People

Full day trip (8 hours) with raft or motorboat for up to 2 anglers. Includes transportation, lunches, rods, and flies.

Side by Side Tours

Craving an adrenaline kick? Go on the ultimate adventure and satisfy your craving with an off-road adventure in a Side by Side with Great Canadian Tours. You can expect to climb up Revelstoke’s Frisby Ridge and explore remote alpine lakes, secluded waterfalls and beaches accompanied by 360-degree views of the beautiful Selkirk and Monashee Mountain Ridges.

Great Canadian Tours offers tours either half day from $626 and full day from $1050. If you are confident and familiar with the area you can rent a 2 or 4-seater by the hour. Please call ahead or visit their website to book your adventure: https://www.riderevelstoke.ca/summer

White Water Rafting

Set off on a thrilling rafting adventure along the Illecillewaet River. Enveloped by the Selkirk Mountains, the river is filled with glacier water from the Illecillewaet Glacier within the expanse of Glacier National Park.

Our recommendations for the best white water rafting is Apex Rafting, a family-owned company:

Illecillewaet Whitewater Rafting includes a 4-hour round trip excursion, with 2.5 hours on white-water rapids. Apex Rafting can be found at the Regent Hotel, a historic location in downtown Revelstoke, one block east of Grizzly Plaza. You can check their website for real-time availability and book online, or book at their store front.

Adult (Aged 17+) $135CAD + tax

Youth (Aged 13-16) $110CAD + tax

Child (Aged 8-12) $90CAD + tax

TIP: We have a stay and play package with Apex Rafting, if you’re staying with Basecamp Resorts Revelstoke, guests can book directly with the front desk team when they stay 2 or more nights, they will save 30% on tickets.

Paragliding

Experience new levels of freedom and adrenaline on a Tandem Paragliding Flight with Revelstoke Paragliding. Witness the beauty of the Monashee and Selkirk mountains, along with the Columbia River, from an eagle-eye perspective. Your journey commences from the pinnacle of Mount McKenzie, the highest vertical point in North America, further enhancing the exhilaration of this unparalleled experience.

Paragliding experiences starting at $250CAD + tax for a 2-hour experience. Keep in mind that it’s essential to wear sturdy footwear, long pants, and a windproof jacket. The total flight time is approximately 30 minutes. Revelstoke paragliding does have the option to provide GoPro footage and photos, for an additional $20CAD.

From the lively Revy Live music festival to exhilarating activities like paddleboarding, rafting, paragliding, and mountain biking, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Make Basecamp Resorts Revelstoke your home away from home during your adventures and immerse yourself in the beauty and thrill of this alpine oasis. So pack your bags, embrace the mountain town vibe, and get ready for an unforgettable summer in Revelstoke. Your adventure awaits!