Revelstoke is a city in southeastern British Columbia, Canada, along the Columbia River between the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges. Originally called "Second Crossing", the town was founded in the 1880s when the Canadian Pacific Railway was built through the area.

 

The city was later named after Lord Revelstoke, head of the British banking firm that helped finance the railway's construction. Revelstoke has a long history tied to the railway, mining, and forestry but has evolved into a major tourism and winter sports destination.

 

Revelstoke is renowned for its exceptional snowfall, averaging 34 feet per year, and is home to Revelstoke Mountain Resort, which boasts the greatest vertical drop in North America at 5,620 feet. 

 

The town's remote location and abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities, from skiing and snowboarding to hiking and fishing, have made it an attractive destination for adventure-seekers.

 

Beyond its winter sports offerings, Revelstoke is in the rare inland temperate rainforest, home to diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain caribou, and other large mammals. The town has also been a filming location for various movies and TV shows.

 

With its picturesque Victorian downtown, welcoming hospitality, and unparalleled access to natural wonders, Revelstoke has established itself as a premier destination in British Columbia. Visitors can experience a unique blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty.

 

History of Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada

Revelstoke, originally known as "Second Crossing," was settled in the mid-1800s. David Thompson first explored the area in 1811. By the 1870s, the settlement was known as "Big Eddy" and "Second Crossing" of the Columbia River. 

 

The town was officially laid out in 1884 and named Farwell after a surveyor.  In 1886, the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) station just to the west was named Revelstoke after Lord Revelstoke, whose British bank had invested in the railway's construction. 

 

Mining and the railway were instrumental in Revelstoke's early growth and development.  In 1899, Revelstoke became the mountain divisional centre for the CPR, serving as the western entrance to the old Big Bend Highway through the Selkirk Mountains. 

 

Revelstoke has a long history tied to the railway, mining, and forestry industries.  Norwegian immigrants brought skiing and ski jumping to the town in the early 1900s, and by the 1910s there were several ski jumping hills built around Revelstoke.  The Revelstoke Ski Club is the oldest ski club in British Columbia. 

 

In the 1960s, a ski hill first appeared on Mount Mackenzie, which is now the site of Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Revelstoke has evolved from a railroad and resource-based town into a major tourism and winter sports destination known for its exceptional snowfall and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities. 

 

Geography of Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada

Revelstoke is situated in a scenic region along the Columbia River, nestled between the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges in southeastern British Columbia, Canada. The city is located 641 kilometres (398 miles) east of Vancouver and 415 kilometres (258 miles) west of Calgary, Alberta.

 

East of Revelstoke are the Selkirk Mountains and Glacier National Park, which is penetrated by Rogers Pass used by the Trans-Canada Highway and the Canadian Pacific Railway. 

 

South of the city down the Columbia River are the Arrow Lakes, Mount Begbie, and the Kootenay region. To the west of Revelstoke is Eagle Pass through the Monashee Mountains, providing a route to Shuswap Lake.

 

Revelstoke is situated in the rare inland temperate rainforest, home to diverse wildlife including grizzly bears, mountain caribou, and other large mammals. 

 

The city is located just south of the Revelstoke Dam and near the confluence of the Columbia and Illecillewaet Rivers. Mount Revelstoke, standing at 6,375 feet (1,943 metres), overlooks the city.

 

Revelstoke is renowned for its exceptional snowfall, averaging 34 feet (10 metres) annually, making it a premier winter sports destination. The city is home to Revelstoke Mountain Resort, which boasts the greatest vertical drop in North America at 5,620 feet (1,713 metres).

 

Demographics of Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada

Revelstoke is a city in southeastern British Columbia, Canada with a population of 8,275 as of 2021. The city has seen steady population growth, increasing by 9.4% between 2016 and 2021.

 

Some key demographics of Revelstoke:

Population Breakdown:

• 51.1% male, 48.9% female 
• 15.7% under 15 years old, 70.7% aged 15-64, 13.6% 65 and over 

Language:

• 91.1% speak only English, 0.1% speak only French 
• 91.6% have knowledge of English, 11.5% have knowledge of French 

Income:

• Average total household income in 2020 was $106,000 
• Average after-tax household income in 2020 was $91,400 

Employment:

• Employment rate of 65.5%, unemployment rate of 10.0% 
• Top occupations include trades, transport, equipment operators, and related occupations (22.1%) 

Housing:

• 3,354 private dwellings occupied by usual residents in 2021 
• Average value of dwellings was $678,000 in 2021 

 

Revelstoke has a relatively young, English-speaking population with above-average incomes compared to the rest of British Columbia. The city's economy is tied to tourism, outdoor recreation, and resource industries.

 

Economy of Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada

Revelstoke's economy has traditionally been tied to the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), forestry, mining, and natural resources. However, in recent decades tourism has become an increasingly important driver of the local economy.

 

The city's economy is dependent on its geographic location, physical environment and natural resources of the region. Key industries include:

• Forestry: Accounts for 21% of basic employment income, including logging, hauling, processing, consulting and silviculture
• Transportation: The CPR continues to be a significant employer
• Tourism: Provides 9% of base employment income, with summer and winter recreational activities, history, heritage and location on major transportation routes driving growth
• Government services: Revelstoke serves as a regional service center
• Hydroelectric power: The Revelstoke Dam is one of the largest generators of power in BC

 

Tourism has expanded significantly in recent years with the development of Revelstoke Mountain Resort, which opened in 2007 and features North America's greatest vertical drop. The Resort Municipality Initiative has provided over $3.5 million since 2008 to support local tourism infrastructure and programs.

 

Revelstoke benefits from competitive tax rates, affordable housing and a tradition of low taxation. The city has a strong core of civic and business leaders working to maintain and improve the quality of life and economic prosperity while preserving the culture and environment.

 

Education in Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada

Revelstoke has a well-developed education system to serve its population. Some key facts about education in Revelstoke:

 

Revelstoke is served by School District 19, which operates one secondary school (Revelstoke Secondary School, grades 8-12) and three elementary schools (Columbia Park, Arrow Heights, and Begbie View, grades K-7). 

 

The Francophone Education Authority of BC also operates L'école des Glaciers at Arrow Heights Elementary School for French-language education. 

 

Okanagan College has a campus in Revelstoke that offers continuing education courses and programs for personal enrichment, career development, and skills upgrading. 

 

According to the city's website, Revelstoke's education system is a "leading-edge community learning centre" that offers residents various educational opportunities. 

 

Revelstoke has a robust education infrastructure to support the learning needs of its community, from primary and secondary schools to post-secondary and adult education options through Okanagan College. 

 

Transport System of Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada

Revelstoke has a well-developed transportation system to serve the needs of its residents and visitors:

 

Public Transit:

• Revelstoke Transit System provides bus service within the city, with routes connecting key destinations like the hospital, downtown, and Revelstoke Mountain Resort.
• BC Transit operates the public transit system in Revelstoke, with routes and schedules available on their website.

 

Rail:

• The Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) is a major employer in Revelstoke, with crews and maintenance workers based in the city.
• Revelstoke serves as an important divisional center for the CPR, situated along the main rail line through British Columbia.

 

Roads:

• The Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) passes through Revelstoke, providing road access to the rest of the province.
• A large workforce is employed to maintain the Trans-Canada Highway and surrounding roads year-round.

 

Air:

• Revelstoke has a small regional airport, but no regular commercial air service is currently scheduled.

 

Revelstoke's transportation system is centered around its strategic location along major rail and road networks, complemented by a local public transit system. The city's economy and accessibility remain closely tied to its transportation infrastructure.

 

Living in Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada

Revelstoke is a charming mountain community nestled between the Monashee and Selkirk Mountain ranges along the banks of the Columbia River in southeastern British Columbia, Canada. As of 2021, the city had a population of 8,275 and has seen steady growth in recent years.

 

Revelstoke has a well-developed economy tied to its geographic location and natural resources. Key industries include forestry (21% of basic employment income), transportation (particularly the Canadian Pacific Railway), tourism (9% of base employment), and government services. 

 

Tourism has expanded significantly with the development of Revelstoke Mountain Resort, which opened in 2007 and features North America's greatest vertical drop.

 

The city has a robust education system with one secondary school, three elementary schools, and a campus of Okanagan College offering continuing education. 

 

Revelstoke also has a well-developed transportation system centered around its location along major rail and road networks, complemented by a local public transit system.

 

Revelstoke is known for its exceptional snowfall, 34 feet per year, and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities. The city's downtown features a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, spas, and cultural attractions. 

 

Revelstoke's economy, infrastructure, and quality of life make it an attractive place to live, work, and visit in British Columbia.

 

Healthcare in Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada

Healthcare in Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada is provided by a well-established network of medical facilities and services:

 

Hospitals and Clinics:

• Revelstoke Health Centre is the main hospital, offering emergency, inpatient, and outpatient services
• Queen Victoria Health Centre is another medical facility in Revelstoke
• Selkirk Medical Group is the primary care clinic, with family physicians accepting new patients
• Revelstoke Mental Health & Substance Use provides mental health and addiction support services

 

COVID-19 Response:

• A COVID-19 vaccine clinic is located at the Revelstoke Community Centre
• Immunize BC coordinates vaccination efforts through the Revelstoke Health Centre

 

Other Healthcare Services:

• Aila Therapy Offices and Elemental Energy offer alternative and complementary therapies
• Pharmasave Revelstoke provides home health care products and services
• The community has access to a range of allied health providers like nurses, pharmacists, and physiotherapists

 

Revelstoke has a comprehensive healthcare system to serve the needs of its residents, with the Selkirk Medical Group and Revelstoke Health Centre as the cornerstones. The city's healthcare infrastructure has also adapted to support the community through the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Tourist Places in Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada

Here are some of the top tourist places and attractions in Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada:

 

Outdoor Activities

1. Revelstoke Mountain Resort: This ski resort boasts the greatest vertical drop in North America at 5,620 feet. It offers skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
2. Mount Revelstoke National Park: This national park features scenic hiking trails, wildflower meadows, and stunning views from the summit of Mount Revelstoke.
3. Glacier National Park: Located just east of Revelstoke, this national park is known for its glaciers, alpine scenery, and wildlife.
4. Begbie Falls: These beautiful waterfalls are popular for hiking and picnicking.
5. Revelstoke Dogsled Adventures: Take an exhilarating dogsled tour through the snowy landscapes around Revelstoke.

 

Cultural Attractions

6. Revelstoke Railway Museum: Learn about the history of the Canadian Pacific Railway and its importance to Revelstoke.
7. Revelstoke Heritage Railway: Take a scenic train ride along the Columbia River.
8. Revelstoke Museum & Archives: Explore exhibits on the history, culture, and natural environment of Revelstoke.
9. Revelstoke Grizzlies Hockey: Catch a local junior ice hockey team game.

 

Other Attractions

10. Revelstoke Dam Visitor Centre: Tour the massive Revelstoke Dam and learn about hydroelectric power generation.
11. Three Valley Gap Ghost Town: Visit this preserved 1880s gold rush-era town.
12. Enchanted Forest: Explore this whimsical forest trail with fairy tale-themed displays.
13. Pipe Mountain Coaster: Ride this thrilling alpine coaster down the mountainside.

 

Revelstoke offers a diverse range of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and family-friendly attractions that make it a popular destination in British Columbia.

 

Local Food of Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada

Revelstoke Local Food Initiative Farmers' Market

The Revelstoke Local Food Initiative runs two farmers markets - a summer market every Saturday from April to October downtown, and a winter market every other Thursday from November to April at the Revelstoke Recreation Center. The markets are a hub for local small-scale food producers and farmers to sell fresh produce, baked goods, cheese, and other food products.

 

Terra Firma Farms

Terra Firma Farms is a small-scale, certified organic farm outside Revelstoke. Using ecological and sustainable farming practices, they specialize in garden transplants, heirloom vegetables, and ethically raised meats. Terra Firma Farms is a regular vendor at the Revelstoke Farmers' Market.

 

Local Restaurants

Many Revelstoke restaurants source ingredients from local farms and producers. For example, Woolsey Creek Bistro combines gourmet meals with organic, local ingredients. Terravita Kitchen is another popular spot featuring locally-sourced food.

 

Revelstoke Food Recovery and Food Bank

The Revelstoke Local Food Initiative operates a food recovery and food bank program with weekly pickups. Community members can donate via e-transfer or by adding a $2 donation to their grocery bill at Save-On-Foods or Southside Market.

 

Revelstoke has a vibrant local food culture centred around its farmers markets, small-scale farms, restaurants sourcing local ingredients, and food recovery initiatives. The community supports local food producers and makes fresh, healthy food accessible to all.

 

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