Last week my son and I meandered slowly through both floors of the beautiful Revelstoke Museum (even the building is charming) and enjoyed it immensely.
As I was signing the museum guest book I took the opportunity to peek at the comments of previous visitors and where they were from. I saw praise from visitors from Swiss, German, Norwegian and Australian visitors and many many more countries.
When trying to pick a title today I imagined all the visitors to Revelstoke going home and explaining about this beautiful mountain city they fell in love with but first they start by saying “
I’ll tell you about Revelstoke, but you have to keep it a secret ♥
It is a smaller secret all the time though as the little town is definitely growing. The city of Revelstoke has a population of only 10 or 11 thousand but construction is happening and the businesses are busy.
The city was named to honour Baron Revelstoke (Edward C Baring) whose bank helped to save the Canadian Pacific Railway from bankruptcy by buying up all its unsold bonds.
Revelstoke was once one of the largest and most prominent communities in the interior of the province, mostly due to its importance as a railway center. Steamboat traffic on the Columbia river from the south connected with the Canadian Pacific Railway making this an important transportation hub.
The railway shaped the city of Revelstoke – want to know more? LINK
This summer I saw how popular mountain biking is in Revelstoke; gondolas take the riders to the top of the mountain resort (it’s a jewel of a view) and riders of all ages enjoy riding the trails down (over and over). I was awestruck at how young some of the riders were.
In the winter it’s the ideal snow that makes it an winter athlete’s dream – average snowfall of 246 inches and 92 snowfall days – the record for snow in one day is 16 inches. World class skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling as well as snowshoeing and cross country make this a 5 star destination for people who embrace winter.
The three days we were there we loved the ambience of the city and the bike culture including cargo bikes. Coffee shops stay open late for the young population to mingle; the average age in the mid-30’s for the city. Even in the evenings when it was raining it was sweet and delightful.
It was cool to see the layback style downtown, everyone walking, riding and cars moseying along. No one wears helmets there on bikes and it’s because of the respect of the Revy residents to the slower pace. Pedestrians wave thanks and the drivers are smiling when the cars need to stop at the corners.
It seems a tight knit community of like-minded people AND that made it so enjoyable for us to visit.
In addition to spots around town we also went to Mount Revelstoke National Park which is east of Revelstoke. We visited the 500 year old giant cedars which had a boardwalk through the rainforest of western hemlocks. It was so pretty and majestic at the same time. Many of visitors we chatted with were Swiss and German.
Here is a link to a SIX minute Youtube that shows the Giant Cedars Boardwalk – quicker than driving there eh? LINK to walking in the cedars
Now I told you, but you have to keep it a secret – Revelstoke BC – (wink)
Thank you my friends for reading – please add a comment! – David♥
Life and Random Thinking 
Never been there but It sounds like a nice spot.
I’d still wear a helmet, even in Shangri-la
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Oh that’s funny! You gave me a “laugh out loud” moment Wayne. I agree, I always wear a helmet and for me it’s as automatic as putting on a seatbelt in a car. It would be uncomfortable to not have a bike helmet on.
Loved your response!
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Sounds like a lovely place to visit at any time of the year.
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I agree I think it would be lovely any time of year but I feel hesitant about going in January because it’s the kind of place where snow drifting can trap you indoors.
But also when there is lots of snow, it’s so much fun to do snowshoeing and then have a big open fire and drink hot chocolate. oh yeah!
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Oh, yes! Hot chocolate and a warming fire!
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It is a nice place but I promise not to tell anyone!!
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Thanks Darlene ♥
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I’ve heard lots of great things about Revelstoke but have never been there. Thanks for taking us along on your wonderful trip. Absolutely beautiful and fun!!
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♥ Thank you for reading and commenting Wynne. A friend of mine who mountain climbs and skis more that 50 times each winter has sent me photos from her heli-skiing near Revelstoke. It looks incredible – it must be like a drug to float down that powder.
Maybe you will visit Revelstoke some day and blog about it 🙂
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Hi David,
What wonderful pictures of a gorgeous place.
I especially love your pictures with your son. Wonderful memories! Blessed!
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Perfect word “memories” – tomorrow is my birthday and goal each day and every year now is to make memories with my family. I saw your post about riding in the morning and it made me smile. Morning and evening rides are the best. Mornings are perfect as the day unfolds with all its promises and invitations. In the evening everything looks different and the cool air is wonderful. I did a late night ride last night and it was cool (temperature wise also) so soon those rides will need a face covering. Hugs to you as always.
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What a great tribute to a little city I too love. And you and Dave look like you’re having a great time! Well done for being a tourist in your own province!
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It is a small city I hear that good things come in small packages. I am not surprised it’s a city that you enjoy and love. I am trying to be a tourist closer to home absolutely; I don’t need to go far to discover beauty and to disconnect from my routines. Hugs, Dave
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