Revelstoke. As expressed so succinctly on the Tourism Revelstoke website to describe living in this small Kootenay city: It’s a rare feeling. It’s an epic experience. It’s The Real Stoke.
And right they are.
Revelstoke takes tremendous pride in its rich heritage and spectacular scenery. This is a community that has succeeded in diversifying its economy by taking advantage of a multitude of resources readily available in its own backyard.
It’s also a city that, like several other Koots communities over the past decade, has made the successful transformation from resource-based economy to, not only that of full-on tourism and outdoor recreation, but one of technology and knowledge & remote working.
With a population of about 8300 timber, railway and construction workers, artists, musicians, mountain guides, urban migrants, and professionals, residents come together with a shared vision of of mountain living in Revelstoke; where working to achieve economic prosperity balanced with the preservation of environment and a sense of culture is paramount.
Located in the heart of the Monashee and Columbia Mountains with National Parks, lakes, rivers, glaciers and spectacular forests literally in the city’s backyard, Revelstoke can truly be considered Canada’s mountain playground.
The town of Revelstoke is “a current epicenter of heli-and cat skiing and is like a Canadian Jackson, Wyoming, with a funky and historic downtown, big mountains, abundant snow and a friendly population of happily obsessive skiers” – Ski Magazine
Regardless the season, Revelstoke has offerings for all
Formal recreational facilities include a full service community centre, aquatic centre and seniors’ activity centre, an 18 hole golf course, bowling lanes, fitness centres, tennis courts, skating arena and curling rink. The area boasts two national parks, three provincial parks, several municipal parks, hot spring developments, and an abundance of camping opportunities.
It’s a four-season destination boasting a funky and picturesque centre of town. Thanks to an ambitious downtown revitalization program initiated twenty years ago, preserving and enhancing some of the community’s outstanding historic architecture, you’ll find historic Victorian, Art Moderne, Queen Anne and Dutch Revival buildings. The scenic town is made all the more picturesque with the stunning backdrop of Monashee and Selkirk Mountain views beyond.
The recently adopted Official Community Plan identifies smart growth principles for all city neighbourhoods, helping to shape the nature and character of development, address resort impacts such as rental and housing diversity, and provide advice to City Council on development projects – land use, transportation and parks and trails, economic and environmental planning.
Walking the downtown streets and the Grizzly Plaza, the funkiness is plainly obvious. Hip, bustling coffee shops and memorable eateries line the streets, and are complimented by the quaint shops and warm, welcoming vibe. One visit and you’re sure to be remarking, “Everyone is just so darned friendly!” It makes Revelstoke a must-stop!
Revelstoke’s revitalization efforts reflect strongly how residents perceive themselves and the town: vibrant, healthy, physically and socially active, clean, friendly, and progressive. With such an involved community it’s not surprise that there is now shortage of festivals and special events to enjoy year-round: theater and arts, heritage celebrations, concerts, farmers markets, seasonal nightly entertainment in Grizzly Plaza, parades and sporting events.
While at the top reaches of the Kootenays, Revelstoke has the benefit of an accessibility not necessarily available to other Kootenay communities. The Trans Canada Highway sitting alongside the city provides easy access west to Kamloops and Vancouver and east to Calgary.
You want epic outdoors? Revy, your mountain playground!
Revelstoke is quickly making itself known as an all season playground. Outdoor adventures take advantage of the breathtaking scenery with back country hiking, mountain biking, ski touring, heli-skiing, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, snowboarding, nordic skiing, river rafting, canoeing and kayaking.
The area boasts two national parks, three provincial parks, several municipal parks, hot spring developments, and an abundance of camping opportunities.
Heaps o’ snow – Revelstoke is a winter paradise
Named as a one of Canada’s “Top 4 Most Livable Ski Towns” on Liftopia, Revelstoke winters are filled with epic powder days and cozy evenings by the fireplace, après brews, and a large array of outdoor adventures. While the snow starts to cover up the mountain tops, so do the hearts of adventure seekers as they discover the experiences available to them here.
Among the best in the world, Revelstoke Mountain Resort boasts the most skiable vertical in North America.
You looking for more activities in the snow?! The Revelstoke area is home to more Helicopter and Cat Ski/Snowboard operations than you can shake a stick at along with world class Snowmobile trails with an average snowfall of 40-60 feet per year, 25+ km of groomed Nordic trails, and easy access to the best Backcountry Touring experience on earth.
Still looking for more? How about dog sledding, snowshoeing, or a paragliding flight?
I’m on my way!
Become one with nature – unparalleled summer adventure
As the mercury rises and all that epic snow retreats to the summit terrain, look for blissful days filled with bike rides, white water rafting, a round of 18 holes and lovely, warm evenings by the campfire or maybe take in the free nightly live music in Grizzy Plaza. Revelstoke summers are filled with morning bike rides, afternoon garden sessions, warm evenings by the campfire, and ample activities. Summer in Revelstoke has something for everyone, adventure seekers of all stripes.
Hiking in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Park, easy access to world famous mountain biking, a growing dirt biking network, stand up paddle boarding on Lake Revelstoke, and a Championship Golf Course on the banks of the mighty Columbia River. The warm weather recreation is truly endless!
Rich history & culture looking to the future – a unique Revelstoke experience
Identified as one of the up and coming vibrant cities in the province, Revelstoke is home to a growing population of artists, inspired by the spectacular scenery and the community. Culture is celebrated and is reflected in the abundance of events that take place throughout the year.
It’s an exciting time to be tech professional or entrepreneur in Revelstoke as the community – with high speed broadband, a new cowork space in the Mountain CoLab and organizations looking to increase support technology and innovation – is proving to be a welcome place for remote workers and entrepreneurs.
With the recently endorsed tech strategy Revelstoke City Council sees the future of economic development for the city looking increasingly to technology and innovation. The Strategy will include four main priorities:
— Promote Revelstoke “as being an innovative and technology friendly community;”
— Identify challenges to attracting and retaining tech workers and companies;
— Foster a “technology positive environment,” including spurring mingling of tech professionals, increasing youth involvement in technology, and promoting training and education;
— And actively working to identify and target specific technology opportunities.
“I think this is a great initiative that has the potential to further diversify the local economy,” director of community economic development Alan Mason said.
Clearly, Revelstoke has been uniquely blessed. Rich in natural environmental beauty and offering many opportunities for new and expanding businesses. If lifestyle is your key to happiness, then Revelstoke is the place for you.
It is a proud and passionate community, growing and evolving upon the foundation of core principals preserving history, culture and environment. In Revelstoke quality of life is held in utmost regard, awed, humbled and inspired in equal measure by the spectacular surroundings.
Residents love living in Revelstoke and visitors come back often. Come and discover why!
#yourbetterlife #therealstoke