Or maybe it’s that Revelstoke is one of those rare places where you can spend the morning on a mountain bike, the afternoon on the water, and the evening wandering between local restaurants, breweries, and patios.
Known for its deep winter reputation, Revelstoke is just as memorable in the warmer months. Summer brings alpine hikes, lake days, whitewater rafting, golf, mountain biking, local food, and scenic drives that make it easy to fill a weekend — or stretch your stay a little longer.
Here are 15 of the best things to do in Revelstoke this summer, including what to see, where to eat, and where to stay.
1. Ride the Pipe Mountain Coaster
If there’s one summer activity Revelstoke is known for, it might be the Pipe Mountain Coaster at Revelstoke Mountain Resort. The coaster winds down the mountain through forested sections, ski runs, curves, and tunnels, with riders controlling their own speed along the way.
It’s a good first stop if you’re travelling with family, visiting with friends, or just want a mountain experience that doesn’t require a full-day commitment. Book ahead if you can, especially on weekends or during peak summer travel dates.
2. Spend the Day at Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Revelstoke Mountain Resort is more than a winter destination. In summer, the resort offers mountain biking, hiking, sightseeing, the Pipe Mountain Coaster, the Aerial Adventure Park, disc golf, and other activities from the base area and gondola-accessed terrain.
This is one of the easiest ways to build a full day around one location. Start with the gondola, add a short hike or coaster ride, grab lunch at the base, and leave room for one more activity before heading back into town.
3. Go Mountain Biking
Revelstoke has become a serious mountain biking destination, with trails that range from scenic cross-country rides to steep, technical downhill terrain. At Revelstoke Mountain Resort, riders can access a progressive network of trails, including lift-accessed options and the well-known Fifty-Six Twenty trail, a 15km flow trail with a 5,620ft elevation drop. Some more of the best flows we recommend are: the progressive Beaver trails, Flowdown for smooth and wide berms, and TNT for the perfect balance of tech, challenge, and flow.
If you’re new to mountain biking or travelling without gear, make time to check local rental options before you arrive.
4. Hike in Mount Revelstoke National Park
Mount Revelstoke National Park is one of the best places to experience the alpine without needing to go deep into the backcountry. The park includes hiking trails, viewpoints, seasonal programs, trail reports, maps, and visitor information through Parks Canada, making it a great place to plan a half-day or full-day adventure.
In summer, wildflowers, mountain views, and cooler alpine air make the park especially worth adding to your itinerary. Some of our favourites include Inspiration Woods, Nels Nelsen Trail, Eva Lake Trail, and some more intense options like the Stoke Climb, or Mount Begbie Summit.
Check current trail conditions before heading out, as snow can linger at higher elevations early in the season.
5. Drive the Meadows in the Sky Parkway
For one of Revelstoke’s most scenic drives, head up the Meadows in the Sky Parkway in Mount Revelstoke National Park. The road climbs from town toward the alpine, with viewpoints and trail access along the way.
It’s a good option if you want big views without committing to a long hike. Pack layers, bring water, and plan for changing weather as you gain elevation.
6. Try Whitewater Rafting
For a bigger hit of summer adventure, book a rafting trip and see Revelstoke from the water. The region’s rivers are part of what makes the landscape so dramatic, and guided trips are a great way to experience them safely.
Basecamp guests who book direct can access select partner discounts, including Apex Rafting, which offers savings on rafting adventures through Basecamp’s guest perks program.
7. Get Out on a Paddleboard
Not every Revelstoke adventure needs to be high speed. On warm summer days, renting a paddleboard is one of the simplest ways to slow down and take in the scenery.
Revy SUP Rentals is one of the local partners featured through Basecamp’s Activity & Adventure discount program, with special pricing available for guests. Plan for calmer conditions, check the forecast, and always wear a life jacket, especially if you’re heading out on larger bodies of water.
8. Book a Jet Boat Tour
If you want a water-based adventure with a little more speed, consider a jet boat tour. Revy Jets offers guided jet boat experiences, and Basecamp guests can access 15% off through the Adventure & Activity Discounts program.
It’s a fun option for groups, couples, or families looking for something memorable that still leaves time for dinner in town afterward.
9. Go on an Off-Road Excursion
For a different side of Revelstoke’s summer adventure scene, book an off-road excursion with Great Canadian Tours. In the warmer months, they offer off-road tours and rentals, including side-by-sides and dirt bikes, with routes that explore alpine trails and logging roads around Boulder Mountain and Frisby Ridge.
It’s a great option if you want a guided backcountry experience that feels a little more rugged than a scenic drive, but still gives you a local operator leading the way. Basecamp guests who book direct receive 15% off excursions with Great Canadian Tours.
10. Play a Round at Revelstoke Golf Club
Summer in Revelstoke isn’t only about hiking and biking. Revelstoke Golf Club offers mountain views, a relaxed pace, and a different way to spend a sunny afternoon. The views alone make this one worth your summer bucket-list.
Through Basecamp’s Activity & Adventure discount program, visitors staying two or more nights can access 25% off green fees at Revelstoke Golf Club.
11. Explore the Inland Rainforest
Revelstoke is home to lush inland temperate rainforest, with old-growth cedar, mossy trails, and fern-filled forest that feels completely different from the dry alpine landscapes many travellers expect in the mountains.
Look for short interpretive walks or forested trails if you want a gentler activity between bigger adventure days. It’s also a beautiful option during light rain, when the forest feels even more alive. Some of our favourite gentle hikes include: Giant Cedars Boardwalk and the Greenbelt Pathway.
12. Visit the Enchanted Forest
A short drive from Revelstoke, The Enchanted Forest is a classic family-friendly stop with more than 350 handcrafted fairy tale figurines, forest paths, a castle, and BC’s tallest treehouse.
It’s whimsical, nostalgic, and especially fun if you’re travelling with kids. Pair it with a slower morning or a scenic drive day when you want something easy and memorable outside of town.
13. Step Back in Time at the Three Valley Gap
Three Valley Gap is another worthwhile stop near Revelstoke, especially if you like historic attractions and roadside discoveries. The site includes a ghost town, antique auto museum, railway roundhouse, gardens, and historic-style buildings to explore.
It’s a nice change of pace from outdoor adventure and a good option if the weather turns or you want a relaxed afternoon activity.
14. Eat Your Way Through Town
For a small mountain town, Revelstoke has a surprisingly strong food scene, with options ranging from casual cafés and bakeries to restaurants, pubs, breweries, and more elevated dinner spots.
Start the day with coffee and breakfast at a local café like Spilt Milk, grab something casual after a hike at Taco Club, then make dinner part of the experience at Alfred’s or The Village Idiot. If you’re planning a longer trip through the mountains, you can also use Basecamp’s guide to where to eat in Canmore, Banff, and Revelstoke to build a few food stops into your itinerary.
15. Experience Downtown Revelstoke: Farmers’ Market & Live Music
In July and August, Grizzly Plaza hosts free live music every night, bringing downtown to life with dancing, patios, food trucks, gelato, and a relaxed BC festival vibe.
On Saturday mornings, the streets fill with farmers’, makers, local craftspeople, and shops bringing their goods outside, making it a great time to wander, browse, and soak up the energy of Revelstoke.
The Best Places to Stay in Revelstoke for a Summer Getaway
The best Revelstoke summer trips usually have a good mix of adventure and downtime. That means staying somewhere comfortable, central to your plans, and easy to come back to after a full day outside.
Basecamp has three Revelstoke stays to choose from: Basecamp Resorts Revelstoke, Basecamp Suites Revelstoke, and Northwinds Hotel Revelstoke. For condo-style stays with space to spread out, Basecamp Resorts Revelstoke is a great fit for groups, families, and longer trips. If you want to be closer to downtown restaurants and shops, Basecamp Suites Revelstoke keeps things walkable. For a simple, comfortable stay with easy access to town and surrounding adventures, Northwinds Hotel Revelstoke is a strong base for a summer weekend.
