Revelstoke is just a 4.5 hour drive from Calgary and a year round adult playground – from incredible hikes all summer long, to some of the best snow in the region for ski season – it truly is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway (or longer)! Revy is the best way to enjoy the outdoorsy Rocky Mountain vibes without the Banff weekend crowds. We recently spent a weekend in the gorgeous riverside mountain town and have put together a weekend itinerary with all the local gems so you can enjoy your next bae-cation and not miss a single thing.
Before You Leave
Our non-negotiable for road-trips include an epic playlist full of sing-a-long jams and delicious snacks to stash in the hotel and for the short rides between all your inevitable adventures. Additionally, we always recommend hitting up your favourite cafe for a baked treat and your favourite caffeinated beverage before leaving the city limits. One of our favourites is Deville Coffee – their Nutella Lattess are to die for. Pair it with a fresh croissant and even your tastebuds will be enjoying the vacation.
FRIDAY
If you are able to leave Calgary earlier in the day, it is highly recommended, or better yet, use the 4.5 hour drive from Calgary as the perfect excuse to take a long weekend. Driving through the mountains at dark isn’t ideal and can make for a less-enjoyable road trip (and take away from the breathtaking views).
Your Arrival
Arrive and check-in at the Three Valley Lake Chateau – the iconic, lake-front hotel just 21 kilometres west of Revelstoke. If you frequent the Shuswap for summery lakeside holidays, this red-roofed building is probably something that you have driven past hundreds of times, but never had the chance to stop at. For only $130 a night, you can experience this historic hotel, listen to the trains rumble by throughout the night and wake-up to an incredible view of the lake.
Once you’ve had the chance to visit your room and catch your breath from the remarkable view from your private balcony, it’s time to start thinking about dinner.
Dinner #1
The Village Idiot is the town’s local watering hole, with great food, great beer and even better vibes. It feels like the perfect spot to sit down and sip on a cold one after a long day of mountain adventures.
Their menu has a little something for everyone – from stacked burgers with delicious toppings, to fresh sandwiches, hearty salads and everything in between, this is the spot for visitors and locals alike.
Only rule: Save room for their famous cheesecake for dessert.
SATURDAY
We are here for a good time, not a long time. Buckle up because your Saturday in Revelstoke is going to be busy one!
Good Morning, Revelstoke!
Wake up early and sip a coffee on your balcony with the unparalleled view or sleep in and head right into town for a yummy brunch at the busy Main Street Cafe. The coffee is hot and fresh and the food is stellar – no matter what you order, you can’t go wrong.
Now that you are properly fed and caffeinated, it’s time to head up to Revelstoke Mountain Resort to check-in for the exhilarating Mountain Coaster! Keep in mind that the coaster can sell out quickly, so it is best to purchase the tickets ahead of time ($30 per person). Checking in the first chance you get is definitely recommended – the wait could be up to 3+ hours. This gives you the chance to get a number, and head back down the mountain to kill some time while you wait.
Killing Time
The Revelstoke Farmer’s Market is a must while you are in town – the endless local fruits and veggies and local makers make it a great way to kill some time while you are waiting for the coaster, and treat yourself to a sweet little souvenir.
Check your time slot for the coaster, and if you still have some time, head back to the downtown area for a delish grilled cheese lunch from Killa B’s Grilla Cheese Food Truck. Our personal fave is “The Stinger” – the perfect combo of jalapeno havarti, cheddar, banana peppers, tomato, basil and hot chilis! Extra cheesy, a little spicy, and oh. so. delicious.
After lunch, wander the streets for some window shopping – there are so many fabulous local shops with local art, home decor, sweet treats and locally made clothing that it will be hard not to buy so much you need a second bag to get it all home.
A Sweet Stop
The best way to kill those sneaky afternoon yawns is with a sweet stop at The Sugar Shack. Dig in and enjoy their housemade seasonal ice cream flavours, and do not miss out the nostalgic fun of putting together your own little candy bag for a sweet treat later on!
Switch these activities around as needed to make sure you do not miss out on the Mountain Coaster, because it is FUN – completely unadulterated that you will most definitely want to experience over and over again.
The Afternoon
After the thrill of the mountain coaster, we have a few more options for activities near the 3 Valley Lake Chateau to fill up your afternoon!
The 3 Valley Lake Ghost Town
Calling all history buffs! This attraction is connected to the hotel, which makes it a great location if you’re looking to sneak in a quick nap or some quality lake time. With over 25 historic buildings aged you can relive the gold rush for just $14 per person, or $7 if you are staying at the hotel!
The Enchanted Forest
The Enchanted Forest is just another 12 minutes down the road from the hotel and is the most fun for kiddos, young or just young at heart!
The $14 per person admission includes;
- Old World Fairy Tale Fantasy with over 350 Jolly Folk Art Figurines
- BC’s Grandest Tallest Tree House
- Giant Cedar Stump House
- Wildland Interpretive Nature Walk
- Self-guided Row Boat Tour
Sky Trek Adventure Park
On the same site as the Enchanted Forest, there is also The Sky Trek Adventure Park, where they have The Sky Course ($45 for 3 hours of fun) with ziplines, ladders, ropes and nets that help you adventure the forest from the sky! The Sky Line ($39 per person) is their newest attraction that opened this summer, with a tandem zipline experience!
Dinner #2
With all that afternoon fun, you have undoubtedly worked up an appetite – and there is no better way to finish off a day of fun than with a delicious meal of margaritas and tacos. The Taco Club is Revelstoke’s go-to post mountainside adventure refuel, and with their build-your-own style menu for tacos, you can enjoy your perfect creation, or branch out and get wild. You can even take the same ingredients to spin it into a burrito or a burrito bowl!
SUNDAY
Your Final Morning
Wake up, breathe in that fresh mountain air and take in that view for the last time this trip. Before you head into town, head to the lake and go for a quick canoe ride. The canoes are provided by the hotel and only require a payment by donation!
After you get your lake fix and you pack up and check out, begin your trek back to Calgary.
Before leaving for good, make sure to stop by Dose Coffee for the best coffee in town and a breakfast sandwich. If you add a cookie or brownie to the order, you will be extremely grateful 2 hours down the road.
And with that, the Revelstoke weekend adventure is complete. We hope you enjoy your Calgary getaway and please do make sure to tag us @datenightyyc or with #datenightyyc to share with us your experiences!
Click here for some more date ideas to kick it close to home this weekend!
