With the most charming small-town vibe, Revelstoke is home to an abundance of fun things to do in the summer. It’s a true outdoor paradise mixed with a vibrant downtown full of cute shops, good cafes, freshly brewed beer, and a ton of great restaurants.
After spending 2.5 months in Revelstoke, we’ve put together this post with all the best things to do in Revelstoke in the summer – from all of our favourite hikes to the best coffee shops in town, museums, must-try restaurants, and local events.
We truly think Revelstoke is one of the most beautiful places in Canada! We could honestly see ourselves living here again one day (and that means a lot coming from someone who’s nomadic).
This small mountain town has so much to offer and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do every time we visit.
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22 fun summer things to do in Revelstoke
Even though Revelstoke is a great destination to visit year round, this post focuses specifically on what you can do in the summer.
This beautiful mountain town in BC is home to tons of outdoor activities, breweries, cute shops & coffee shops, and lots of off-the-beaten-path spots to visit!
Whether you’re just stopping by for a short visit or you’ve planned a longer trip to Revelstoke, you’re in for a real treat! We hope this post helps you plan your trip.
#1 Grab a bike and cruise the Greenbelt Pathway
The Greenbelt Pathway is probably one of the most recognized and known trails in Revelstoke. This trail takes you from one side of Revy to the other following the famous Columbia River and it’s a beautiful and easy bike ride.
We’ve walked the Greenbelt Pathway quite a few times but the most recent time we rented a bike.
Cruising on the trail was so much fun, especially since you can continue across one of the bridges (Illecillewaet Pedestrian Bridge or the bridge on 4th St) and then continue towards Williamson’s Lake where you can hang out and swim on a warm sunny day.
If you have your own bike that’s great, but if not, there are quite a few great places in town you can rent bikes from if you want to cruise around Revelstoke.
Wandering Wheels, Skookum Revelstoke, and Tantrum Ride Co. are all great places in town where you can rent bikes. We rented ours Wandering Wheels and they were great!!
Biking is just such a fun way to get around Revelstoke in the summer.
You can get around everywhere in town as it’s pretty small and you really don’t need a car unless you head out of town to one of the hotsprings or waterfalls near Revelstoke (more on this below).
#2 Grab a beer or two at Mt Begbie Brewing
If it’s your first time in BC you’ll soon figure out that the craft-brewing scene is huge here. Or maybe you’re on the BC Ale Trail and this is one of the spots on the list.
Either way, we’re sure you’ll enjoy the beer at Mt Begbie Brewing. Mt Begbie is one of the best breweries in Revelstoke (in all of Canada actually if you look at their awards) and it is located just a few kilometres out of town.
It’s a great little spot with incredible views overlooking the mountains surrounding Revelstoke!
The patio is great for an evening of beers, nachos, and laughs. It’s also a great evening spot if you want to watch the sunset over the mountains in the distance.
We always love supporting local businesses and Mt Begbie is very much that! They’ve been around Revy since 1996 and have only continued to grow as the craft-brewing scene has grown.
So pop by and see what all the hype is about!
#3 Visit the Garlic festival
If you’re lucky enough to be in Revelstoke during the Garlic Festival (usually the second Sunday in September) this is a must-visit!
The Garlic Festival Revelstoke is one of the most unique festivals/markets you’ll ever attend and it’s cool to see so many locals from Revy and the surrounding areas come together.
Garlic is the main focus of the festival but there are all sorts of different products being sold at the market. You can find anything from homemade sweets to garlic-infused oils to local art (we bought some really funky postcards) and so much more.
It is just such a cool experience that you probably won’t get to see anywhere else – and it’s also a great way to see just how great the community is here in Revy!
You really get to see the community side of Revelstoke at events like this. There’s live music and other fun activities going on such as chicken bingo!
The Garlic Festival is a really fun way to spend a few hours if you happen to be in Revy during the event.
#4 Visit one of Revelstoke’s most beautiful waterfalls: Sutherland Falls
There are tons of waterfalls near Revelstoke. Some are more hidden and some are easily accessible to the public – such as Sutherland Falls!
Sutherland Falls is a beautiful waterfall that is easily accessible and located just a short drive from Revelstoke (around 25 minutes down Highway 23).
It’s located in the Blanket Creek Provincial Park and can get busy from time to time. But it’s an absolute must if you want to see one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Revy!
The “hike” or walk is really short and it only takes 5-10 minutes from the car park to the waterfall.
You can add this as a stop if you’re also planning on checking out Begbie Falls or if you’re driving down the Halcyon Hot Springs (more on these later)!
Sutherland Falls is worth visiting any time of the year since the lighting and the surroundings are going to look completely different depending on the season and the weather.
You can read more about Sutherland Falls and how to get there here.
#5 Grab a coffee at Dose Coffee Revelstoke
Dose Coffee is by far our favourite coffee shop in Revelstoke! There’s a reason the place is always packed inside and out on both sunny and snowy days.
It’s not only a local cafe, it is also a roastery that supplies other local and international businesses. Their slogan is “Your daily dose of local love” and we think that’s so cute!
It’s always super lively whenever we visit Dose, and we love the atmosphere. They also have cute merch such as t-shirts, stickers, and caps – and, of course, their own roasted beans for sale.
We tend to bring our laptops and smash out some work over a good cup of coffee but it’s also great to grab a take-away (they encourage you to bring your own take-away cup if possible) and walk the cute streets of Revelstoke or down the Greenbelt Path.
Again, we always prioritize small and locally owned businesses and this is another great one to support in Revy. They also have great food if you’re feeling hungry. Check out their menu here.
If you’re a coffee connoisseur or just love good energy Dose is a great place to check out!
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#6 Play disc golf at Revelstoke Mountain Resort
One of the best activities you can do at the Revelstoke Mountain Resort is playing a round of disc golf!
It’s free to play if you have your own discs – and if not, you can rent some from the RMR Rental Shop for $10. That’s also where you can pick up a free scorecard and map. Alternatively, you can print it out yourself or use it on your phone.
The course itself is really nice and offers 9 relatively fun but challenging holes that take you through the forest down at the bottom of the mountain resort.
Disc golf is just one of many awesome activities you can do at Revelstoke Mountain Resort during the summer.
You can easily spend all day there trying out the pipe mountain coaster, go mountain biking, overcome obstacles at the aerial park, and so much more!
You can also hike up to McKenzie Outpost and take in the incredible view before playing a round of disc golf or two. It’s a great (and budget-friendly) way to spend a summer day or afternoon in Revelstoke!
Also read: 7 Fun Activities to Do at Revelstoke Mountain Resort in Summer
#7 Scenic flight over Mount Revelstoke National Park
One of the coolest experiences we’ve ever had in Revelstoke was taking a scenic flight over the mountain ranges that surround this beautiful small town in BC.
We went with a company called Silvertip Aviation, which is run by a local guy named Kurt. Kurt was born and raised in Revy and took over the business from his father. We got the chance to fly with Kurt and it was such a cool experience!
The flight itself was awesome especially since we’ve never flown in a seaplane before – but also because we learned so much from Kurt about the local area, the mountains, and the local wildlife.
Of course, this is a slightly more expensive thing to do in Revelstoke but if you’re looking for something unique to do here in Revy then it is really worth considering!
It was really special seeing a place that we love so much from above and learning about Revy and its history from someone who’s lived here their whole life and knows so much about the area.
The views from the plane are absolutely breathtaking as well. Seeing all these mountain peaks, glaciers, and stunning nature here in Canada is something pretty special.
You can read about the different tours Kurt offers on Silvertip Aviation’s website here.
Also read: An Unforgettable Scenic Flight Over Lake Revelstoke & Mountains
#8 Hike to the top of Mackenzie Outpost
We’ve done a ton of awesome hikes in Revelstoke and one of the most fun and challenging hikes is definitely the one to the top of Mackenzie Outpost (also known as Kill the Banker)!
If you decide to do this hike, it is going to take up a good chunk of your day… If you’ve ever skied in Revy you’ll know this run as “Kill The Banker” which is a double black diamond.
You can probably imagine how steep it is for hiking as you make your way from the bottom of the ski resort all the way up to the top of the gondola!
However, if you go when the summer season has started at the resort (end of May through September), you can look forward to a beer or a burger at the top of the mountain at Mackenzie Outpost!
It is quite a challenging hike but the mountain is so beautiful to walk on and the trail, for the most part, is quite easy to follow.
Make sure to bring bear spray as it is bear country. Bears are commonly seen on the mountain.
If you are looking for a challenging day hike and want to conquer Mackenzie Outpost, you can read this hiking guide for the trail which gives you all the information you need.
It’s a great hike with awesome views of the valley and one of our favourites in the area.
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#9 Enjoy a meal at Craft Bierhaus Revelstoke
This is seriously some of the tastiest food you can get in Revy!
The name, Craft Bierhaus, sounds kind of German but this restaurant in Revelstoke is actually run by a local American who moved to Revelstoke many years ago.
If you’re looking for delicious smoked meat accompanied by great beer, this is the place to go in Revelstoke.
One of our favourite aspects of Bierhaus is that the front of the restaurant has a more pub-like feel to it and if you walk through the restaurant into the backyard it has a more low-key and chill vibe.
So depending on your mood and what you’re looking for (and the weather) you can either choose the pub ambiance or the more quiet date night feel.
Either way, you’re going to be treated to some delicious drinks and food. It’s a great restaurant in Revelstoke after a big day of hiking or mountain biking!
You can also find a list of a bunch of other awesome restaurants in Revelstoke here.
#10 Explore Begbie Falls
Begbie Falls is an awesome few-hour hike that you can do near Revelstoke. It takes you through the beautiful forest along Begbie Creek before you eventually end up by Begbie Falls.
It’s a beautiful waterfall that runs into the Columbia River and it is stunning!
In the Spring when it has the largest flow of water you sometimes see two massive waterfalls like in our image above (from June).
During the late summer and fall, the waterfall will likely be a lot smaller but if you’re lucky, you can see the salmon spawning at the bottom of the waterfall.
The official name of the hiking trail is Begbie Falls via Bluff Trail and you can read our full trail guide here.
It’s a 15-20 minute drive from the town centre, or, if you’re comfortable riding your bike on the highway, you can cruise from Revy to Begbie Falls by bike in about 45 minutes.
The area is also really famous for its rock climbing and its camping.
There are tons of awesome climbing spots and if you go explore the area you’re more than likely to bump into a few climbers.
Bring some snacks and enjoy the Begbie Falls Recreational area. Another awesome spot not far from Revelstoke!
Hiking Tip: Look up the trail on AllTrails before starting your hike 🗺️. You can find important trail information such as recent wildlife sights and trail closures. Check out the free version here or get a 7-day free trial of AllTrails+ here.
#11 Revelstoke local summer farmers market
The Revelstoke Farm & Craft Market is one of the best local activities you can do in town!
This cute market is full of fresh local produce, handmade crafts, pretty flowers, and delicious baked goods. It’s open every Saturday from 8.30am to 1pm and runs from May through October.
Conveniently located right on main street, it is impossible to miss if you’re in Revy on a Saturday during summer.
If you’re staying somewhere central in Revelstoke it’ll only be a few minutes walk to the market.
There are tons of different vendors that sell all sorts of amazing things and we always enjoy it so much. It’s such a nice way to start your Saturday.
Grab a coffee, maybe some fresh fruit and vegetables, walk around and check out all the other vendors before you go explore the rest of Revelstoke on a (hopefully) beautiful, sunny Saturday.
Also read: A Sustainable Guide to Visiting Revelstoke, BC
#12 Relax by Williamson Lake
You’ll find Williamson Lake down by Williamson Lake Campground close to the airport and it’s the perfect place to hang out on a sunny afternoon.
If you’ve rented bikes, you can easily bike from Revelstoke to Williamson Lake in around 15-20 minutes. It’s a nice bike ride and you’ll feel great jumping into the lake after.
If you don’t have a bike though, you can drive to the lake and park your car in the car park in front of the lake.
Williamson Lake is a smaller lake but it is great for a little afternoon swim as there’s a pier you can walk out and jump in from.
You’ll probably also see people out on the lake in their canoes and kayaks or on paddle boards (you can rent a paddle board here if you want to try it).
There are also a bunch of picnic tables in front of the lake so you can easily bring some lunch and snacks and hang out for the afternoons.
It’s a locals’ favourite spot for a reason and a perfect summer activity to do here in Revy!
#13 Play a round of golf at Revelstoke Golf Club
If you’re looking to play a round of golf in this part of BC, the Revelstoke Golf Club is a beautiful course that’s located right next to the river.
The course is located on a peninsula with the Columbia River flowing next to it and snow-capped peaks in the distance. It’s quite the place to play!
There’s also a nice restaurant at the club where you can enjoy a nice lunch or dinner after your round of golf.
#14 Hit the Revelstoke Rapids (River Rafting)
We couldn’t have a post about Revelstoke without mixing in some adrenaline & adventure activities, could we!?
It’s summer and Revelstoke is an outdoor paradise so it’s only fitting to go rafting in some rapids!
Revelstoke is a great place to go white water rafting and Wild Blue Yonder is an awesome local company that will take you out on The Illecillewaet.
The Illecillewaet is a glacier-fed river that starts in Glacier National Park and runs all the way through the Selkirk Mountains before it gets to Revelstoke where you can try out some epic rafting.
It’s such a fun way to enjoy the beautiful outdoors here in Revy!
You can check out and book your white water rafting trip in Revelstoke here.
#15 Check out Holm Coffee Company
So this is definitely not only a summer thing to do in Revelstoke but we do love a good cup of coffee! And who wouldn’t love a cup of coffee after that crazy rafting adventure we just talked about? 😉
Wherever we go we always end up finding the best coffee shop and Holm Coffee Company is no exception.
This little coffee shop is also a roastery so they roast their own coffee! It’s a good spot if you’re looking for a small gift to bring back home. A bag of coffee beans is always a good present.
Holm is located on the Big Eddy side of Revelstoke so it’s a bit quieter over there but it’s really nice and the owners are super friendly!
#16 Mountain biking in Revelstoke
Revelstoke Mountain Resort is known for its amazing mountain bike trails. Whether you’re a pro or just trying out mountain biking for the first time, Revy is a great place to do it.
As of 2024, Revelstoke Mountain Resort is BC’s newest lift-accessed trail network and the whole trail has got a complete facelift.
One thing that many people don’t know about this part of BC is that there is an inland temperate rainforest which you’ll have the chance to bike through.
For the most part, you’ll find typical mountain bike trails but there are also some enduro climbs and loops where you can really get to enjoy some adventure and get an adrenaline rush!
Don’t worry if you don’t have your own bike. You’ll easily be able to rent one from the mountain resort and return it later in the day. And if you’re looking for a guide, you can check out Wandering Wheels.
You can also check out these other fun activities to do on the Revelstoke Mountain Resort in the summer here!
#17 Hike up to Eva and Miller Lake
Mount Revelstoke National Park is absolutely stunning and if you’re spending any time in Revelstoke it’s a must to get up the mountain at least once.
We did the hike to Eva and Miller Lake and it was stunning but if you aren’t feeling like going for a long hike, the drive alone up to the top of Revelstoke Mountain is worth it.
Eva and Miller Lake are two of the iconic lakes you can find in Mount Revelstoke – mainly because of their beauty but also because they can both be visited as a day hike and are quite close to each other.
The hike is absolutely stunning and it’s one of the best hikes in Revelstoke to do if you’re looking for a full day hike with rewarding views!
It was fun having the contrast between flying over the national park in a seaplane and then going on foot deep into the national park to find these two beautiful lakes.
The Eva and Miller Lake trail is easily one of our top hikes in Revelstoke! It’s a challenging but very rewarding one.
Please note: You are in bear country so bring bear spray and know how to use it.
#18 Rumpus Beer Company
I feel like everything is a local gem in Revelstoke and Rumpus Craft Brewery is no exception. Located right in the heart of town you’ll find this great microbrewery that has been around since June 2019.
This local joint downtown crafts some awesome beer and their patio is a great place to hang out on a sunny afternoon or after a long hike!
You’ll always see locals hang out at Rumups but tourists also stop by frequently to see what all the excitement is about.
The brewery is owned and operated by a local and is a staple in the town of Revy. Definitely a stop to add while you are experiencing Revelstoke for yourself.
Fun fact: Rumpus Beer Co. is also a part of the BC Ale Trail!
#19 Visit the Revelstoke Railway Museum
The Revelstoke Railway Museum is a pretty iconic museum in Revelstoke that shares the history of the Canadian Pacific Railway and the importance it had on shaping Canada as a country.
We may see it as just trains but at this museum, you can also learn about the importance and significance trains had in creating the town of Revelstoke and connecting all of Canada – and it’s pretty cool to preserve that history for Canadians.
One of the coolest things you can do at the museum is actually to drive a locomotive through the mountains on one of the simulators they have.
There are also a ton of other interpretive displays both inside and outside where you can learn more about Western Canada’s train history.
At the end of the day, Revelstoke itself is here because of that so it’s a pretty cool place to visit and check out.
It’s great to visit on a rainy summer day or if you just want to explore the town instead of heading out on an adventure.
#20 Canoe, kayak, or SUP on Lake Revelstoke
Lake Revelstoke is probably one of the best places around Revy to do water sports. Located right above the dam you’ll find Lake Revelstoke where, on a warm summer day, there’s no better place to be.
If you have your own canoe, kayak, or SUP (stand-up paddleboard) then you’re all set to enjoy a nice day at the lake filled with water activities.
If not though, there are plenty of places in town that offer rentals. One of them is Revy SUP Rentals (for SUP rentals) and Natural Escapes Kayaking (for kayak and SUP rentals).
Natural Escapes Kayaking also offers guided kayak and canoe trips.
If you’re looking to do something fun and outdoorsy on a warm summer day in Revelstoke this is the perfect activity!
#21 Visit the Halcyon Hot Springs Resort
If you’re looking to treat yourself, then take a day trip to the Halcyon Hot Springs Resort south of Revelstoke. Just 70 km south of Revelstoke, you’ll find these amazing natural hot springs.
The drive itself was such a cool experience as you drive down Highway 23 and then take the ferry across Upper Arrow Lake from Shelter Bay to Galena.
The nature around there is absolutely incredible and the ferry ride was such a highlight for us because it was so unexpected!
Once you get off the ferry, you continue the drive to Halcyon where more beautiful views and lots of relaxation await you.
At Halcyon, there are 4 different pools that vary in size & temperature. You can read all about the Halcyon Hot Springs Resort here.
There are other free hot springs around Revelstoke but the Halcyon Hot Springs are quite famous and the drive down there is pretty magical – so it is worth a visit for sure!
#22 Walk the streets or Revy and visit the local stores
Last (but certainly not least) on this list is to explore the local streets and shops of Revelstoke! It’s a beautiful town with tons of local shops where you can buy anything from outdoor gear, clothes, souvenirs, etc.
Sometimes just wandering around a town is how you find the best spots and get chatting to locals and get some good, local recommendations.
Revelstoke has a special charm to it and we’re sure you’ll experience that when you walk around town… One moment you’ll be grabbing a coffee at Dose then chatting up a local shop owner who you’ll then run into again at Rumpus Brewery later that day.
There are a ton of cute shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore in Revy and we’re sure you’ll enjoy it.
You may also like…
- 6 Best Hotels in Revelstoke, BC for Your Next Trip
- An Unforgettable Scenic Flight Over Lake Revelstoke & Mountains
- 13 Delicious Cafes & Restaurants in Revelstoke BC
- The Best Hikes to Do in Revelstoke
- 11 Unique Small Towns in BC You Need to Visit
Recap of the best things to do in Revelstoke during the summer
Revelstoke truly is an outdoor playground filled with tons of adventurous and fun things to do.
If you want to get out and relax in the mountains at a nice spa hotel, you can do that as well. That’s the beauty of Revelstoke and the reason it’s one of our favourite places in the world.
If you’re looking to spend a few nights in Revelstoke you can check out a few of our favourite hotels in Revelstoke here.
We hope you have an amazing time in this beautiful mountain town and get to enjoy all the summer activities!
If you have any questions related to Revelstoke, feel free to leave a comment below or DM us on Instagram and we’ll try our best to help you.
Enjoy Revelstoke and all the fun things to do there!
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