Mount Revelstoke supports diverse wildlife populations adapted to mountain environments. Large mammals include grizzly bears, black bears, mountain caribou, mountain goats, and moose. The park is also home to numerous smaller mammals such as Columbia ground squirrels, pikas, and marmots. Bird species are abundant, with notable residents including the white-tailed ptarmigan, gray jay, and various birds of prey like golden eagles. The endangered mountain caribou, part of the southern Selkirk herd, relies on the park's old-growth forests for survival, making this area crucial for their conservation.
The park's vegetation exhibits distinct zones based on elevation, from the ancient interior rainforest at lower elevations to alpine meadows above treeline. The lower slopes feature old-growth stands of western red cedar and western hemlock, some over 500 years old. Mid-elevations host subalpine forests of Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir. The park is particularly famous for its spectacular wildflower meadows, which bloom in late July and August, featuring Indian paintbrush, glacier lilies, and mountain heather. The unique inland rainforest ecosystem contains rare species of lichens and mushrooms found nowhere else in the region.
The park is situated within the Columbia Mountains, specifically the Selkirk Range, featuring dramatic peaks shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age. The landscape showcases classic glacial valleys, cirques, and arêtes, with elevations ranging from 470 meters in the valley to 2,560 meters at Mount Revelstoke's summit. The underlying bedrock consists primarily of metamorphic rocks, including schist and gneiss, formed through intense pressure and heat over millions of years. The region continues to be shaped by active geological processes, including erosion from abundant precipitation and seasonal freeze-thaw cycles.
Mount Revelstoke National Park was established in 1914, largely due to the efforts of local residents who recognized the area's exceptional natural beauty and recreational potential. The park was one of the first in Canada to be accessible by car, thanks to the construction of the Meadows in the Sky Parkway in 1927. The area has significant cultural importance, having been traditionally used by Indigenous peoples, including the Sinixt and Secwepemc Nations, for hunting and gathering. During the early 20th century, the park gained fame for its ski jumping facilities, hosting several world records and international competitions between 1915 and 1975 at the former Nels Nelsen Ski Jump.
The park's crown jewel is the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, a 26-kilometer scenic drive that winds through all of the park's ecological zones to the summit area. The Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail showcases massive old-growth cedars, while the Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk offers unique wetland viewing opportunities. The summit area features several short interpretive trails and provides panoramic views of the Columbia Mountains, Monashee Mountains, and the town of Revelstoke. The historic Nels Nelsen ski jump site remains a significant cultural landmark, and the park's extensive network of hiking trails offers options for all skill levels, from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes.
Mount Revelstoke National Park experiences a unique interior wet-belt climate, characterized by significant precipitation throughout the year. Winters are cold with heavy snowfall, often accumulating up to 12 meters annually at higher elevations, making it a paradise for winter sports from November to April. Summers are relatively short but pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F), though evenings can be cool. Spring brings abundant rainfall and wildflowers, while autumn offers crisp temperatures and spectacular fall colors. Weather conditions can change rapidly due to the mountainous terrain, and visitors should always be prepared for sudden weather shifts, particularly at higher elevations.
Canada
51.0330°, -118.1500°
1914
260
Mount Revelstoke National Park protects a portion of the Columbia Mountains natural region, featuring unique interior rainforest. The park is famous for its wildflower meadows and offers the only mountain in the national park system that visitors can drive to the summit. The park preserves unique ecosystems from valley bottom to mountain peak.