The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Mount Revelstoke National Park
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2,302
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Hiking in Mount Revelstoke National Park offers diverse family friendly hiking trails through varied landscapes. The park features ancient inland temperate rainforests with towering cedars, subalpine wildflower meadows, and rugged alpine terrain. Hikers can explore ecosystems ranging from dense cedar and hemlock forests at lower elevations to spruce and fir, leading to scenic viewpoints and lakes. The terrain includes boardwalks, gentle forest paths, and more challenging ascents to mountain summits.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Mount Revelstoke National Park
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail loop, a 0.3 miles (0.4 km) trail that takes 7 minutes to complete. This accessible boardwalk path winds through an old-growth cedar forest.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Mount Revelstoke – Mount Revelstoke Fire Lookout loop from Balsam Lake, an easy 2.6 miles (4.2 km) path. This route leads to a historic fire lookout, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
- Local hikers also love the Columbia River – Revelstoke Town Centre loop from Revelstoke, a 5.8 miles (9.4 km) trail leading through the Columbia River area, often completed in about 2 hours 26 minutes.
- Hiking in Mount Revelstoke National Park is defined by old-growth forests, subalpine wildflower meadows, and mountain vistas. The network offers options for different ability levels, from short, easy strolls to longer, more challenging routes.
- The routes in Mount Revelstoke National Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 270 reviews. More than 2000 hikers have used komoot to explore Mount Revelstoke National Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: August 19, 2026
1
hikers
421m
00:08
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(107)
857
hikers
18.6km
05:40
630m
630m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(3)
14
hikers
16.0km
05:50
990m
990m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.0
(1)
12
hikers
9.75km
02:32
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.5
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23
hikers
5.52km
01:25
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Giant Cedars Boardwalk in Mount Revelstoke National Park is open during the snow-free times of the year. The trail itself is quite short, just 500 meters, looping back to the parking area. The entire trail is a boardwalk through a rare inland temperate rainforest. The massive Western Red Cedars are over 500 years old, towering above the surrounding Western Hemlock, Douglas Fir, and Devil’s Club.
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There are so many 500+ year-old western red cedars and hemlocks to explore on this trail, but two are close together right on the sides of the boardwalk. The boardwalk has been cut to accommodate the trees, and it has become a very popular photo opportunity: standing between these two trees, capturing this towering height with a little human for reference.
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The Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trailhead has restrooms, picnic benches, and trashcans as well as parking, but heads up, this parking area can get busy during peak season.
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The Illecillewaet River flows 62 kilometers before meeting the Columbia River. The turquoise color comes from glaciers at the river's starting point at Rogers Pass. This river is home to rainbow trout, bull trout, and mountain whitefish, and the all-important beavers, building dams along its course.
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The Marc Kingsbury Memorial Bridge is a pedestrian and cycling bridge spanning the Illecillewaet River, connecting downtown Revelstoke to the Illecillewaet Greenbelt and trails on the river’s south side. It was named after Marc Kingsbury, a beloved Revelstoke resident and outdoor enthusiast who passed away in a kayaking accident. Stop in the middle of the Marc Kingsbury Bridge on clear evenings and watch Mount Begbie glow pink with alpenglow, and in the spring.
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The Illecillewaet Greenbelt runs through cottonwood and spruce forests and marshland, offering great riverside views. The trail is wide and well-maintained, open to walking, jogging, cycling, dog walking, birdwatching, photography, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing in winter. The greenbelt creates easy access downtown for dining and shopping.
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The Columbia River flows through Revelstoke and is surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery with views of Mount Begbie and the Selkirk Mountains. This stretch of the river is heavily controlled by dams and reservoirs and provides power through the Columbia Basin hydro system. Animals such as bald eagles, ospreys, and herons call this river home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails can we explore in Mount Revelstoke National Park?
Mount Revelstoke National Park offers a wonderful selection of family-friendly trails. This guide features 17 routes, with 8 of them rated as easy, making them perfect for families with children of various ages.
What kind of natural features and landmarks can we expect to see on family hikes?
The park is rich in natural beauty. You can explore ancient old-growth forests, vibrant subalpine wildflower meadows (especially in July and August), and serene lakes. Notable highlights include the Giant Cedars Boardwalk, the picturesque Eva Lake, and the scenic Broken Bridge Waterfall.
Are there any easy, short loop trails suitable for young children or strollers?
Yes, for a very accessible and short loop, consider the Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail loop. It's only about 400 meters long and takes you through an impressive old-growth cedar forest, perfect for little legs or strollers. The park also has other short nature trails around the summit area, like the Koo Koo Sint Trail and First Footsteps Trail, which are nearly flat.
What is the best time of year to visit Mount Revelstoke National Park for family hiking?
The best time for family hiking is generally from late June to early September. This period offers the warmest weather, and the subalpine wildflower meadows are in full bloom, creating a spectacular display, especially in July and August. The Meadows in the Sky Parkway, which provides access to many trails, is typically open during these months.
Are there any trails that offer panoramic views suitable for families?
Absolutely! The summit of Mount Revelstoke itself provides rare mountain-top hiking opportunities with breathtaking views of the surrounding Selkirk and Monashee mountain ranges. An easy option is the Mount Revelstoke – Mount Revelstoke Fire Lookout loop from Balsam Lake, which takes you to the historic fire tower with expansive vistas.
Can we bring our dog on the family-friendly trails in Mount Revelstoke National Park?
Mount Revelstoke National Park has specific rules regarding pets to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Dogs are generally permitted on designated trails and in certain areas, but must always be kept on a leash. It's always best to check the latest park regulations before your visit, as some trails or areas may have restrictions.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting on these family hikes?
Yes, the park is home to various wildlife. While sightings are never guaranteed, you might spot black bears, mule deer, and mountain goats. The Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk trail, for instance, is known for its wetland ecosystem, which is ideal for bird-watching. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed wildlife.
Where can we park when accessing family-friendly trails?
Many trails are accessible from the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, which has various parking areas along its length, including at Balsam Lake and the summit. The Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail loop has its own dedicated parking lot. Parking availability can vary, especially during peak season, so arriving early is advisable.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the family-friendly trails in Mount Revelstoke National Park?
The komoot community highly rates the trails in Mount Revelstoke National Park, with an average score of 4.47 stars. Reviewers often praise the incredible scenery, the well-maintained paths, and the diverse range of trails that cater to all ages and abilities, from easy boardwalks to more challenging alpine adventures.
Are there any longer, moderate family hikes that offer a good challenge?
For families looking for a bit more of a challenge, the park offers moderate options. The Columbia River – Revelstoke Town Centre loop from Revelstoke is a moderate 9.3 km hike with gentle elevation changes, offering a different perspective closer to the valley bottom and the town.
What should we bring for a family hike in Mount Revelstoke National Park?
Even on shorter trails, it's wise to be prepared. Essential items include plenty of water, snacks, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), insect repellent, and layers of clothing as mountain weather can change quickly. Comfortable hiking shoes are a must, and a first-aid kit is always recommended. For longer hikes, bear spray is advisable.
Most popular routes in Mount Revelstoke National Park
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