Revelstoke To Golden Road Trip Itinerary – 8 Must-See Stops!

Planning a road trip from Revelstoke to Golden? This scenic stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway offers some of the most breathtaking views and interesting stops along the way.

If you are making the trip from Vancouver to Banff, you will pass through both Revelstoke and Golden – two mountain towns that you absolutely need to visit!

The drive itself is an attraction, with stunning vistas of towering peaks, lush forests, and sparkling rivers at every turn. From the Selkirk Mountains in Revelstoke to the six stunning national parks that border the town of Golden, there is no shortage of things to do on this drive.

I’ve taken this short but beautiful drive many times, and have put together this list of the best road trip stops between these two mountain towns to help you plan your trip.

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Distance From Revelstoke to Golden

Revelstoke and Golden are two popular destinations when traveling from Vancouver to Banff. They are both located in the beautiful province of British Columbia, Canada and offer stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.

This scenic route travels through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in North America, including picturesque lakes, towering mountains, and charming small towns.

The distance between Revelstoke and Golden is approximately 243 kilometres (151 miles) if you take the Trans-Canada Highway. If you do the drive without stopping it would take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

However, I highly recommend making stops along the way to take in the scenery and explore these two charming towns. I would stay 1 or 2 nights in Revelstoke and a night or 2 in Golden – like I said there’s TONS to do! You definitely will not feel bored on this trip!

Winter tires are required when driving on this route during the winter months, as you will encounter snowy and icy conditions. It’s also important to note that parts of this highway may be closed due to avalanches or inclement weather. Make sure to check ahead before your drive.

Best Stops On The Drive From Revelstoke to Golden

1. Revelstoke

Before starting your road trip from Revelstoke to Golden, spend a few days exploring the town of Revelstoke. Although not as popular as other tourist destinations in Canada (like Banff and Whistler) Revelstoke offers a unique and authentic experience that should not be missed. The town is small enough to explore on foot, yet big enough to offer plenty of activities and dining options.

Start your day with breakfast at one of the charming local cafés before heading out to explore Revelstoke’s natural beauty. I recommend heading to Dose Coffee for their delicious coffee and pastries, or the Modern Bakeshop for a hearty breakfast to fuel your adventures.

After breakfast, take a stroll through the charming downtown area and admire the well-preserved heritage buildings. Don’t forget to check out the Revelstoke City Hall and Roxy Theatre – both great examples of early 20th century architecture.

You can also visit the Revelstoke Museum & Archives to learn more about the town’s history and culture. Or stop by the Revelstoke Railway Museum, which offers a unique look into the town’s history as a railway hub.

One of the top things to do in Revelstoke is skiing at the Revelstoke Mountain Resort. With North America’s longest descent, the resort offers outstanding skiing and snowboarding opportunities, especially during December when the snowfall is at its peak. If you’re a non-skier or visiting in summer, the resort also features a gondola ride that provides breathtaking valley views.

Another must-do activity in Revelstoke is the Pipe Mountain Coaster. This gravity-fed roller coaster zooms down the hill, an experience that feels similar to a traditional roller coaster!

In the summer, you can go whitewater rafting along the Illecillewaet River. This half-day tour is great for beginners featuring Class II and III Rapids. You can book online in advance to secure your spot on this tour.

Where to stay in Revelstoke

Sutton Place Hotel Revelstoke: As Revelstoke’s only five-star hotel, the Sutton Place Hotel is perfect for a luxury vacation. The hotel has an outdoor pool for summer use, but it really shines in winter. Located at the heart of the mountain resort, it provides unbeatable access to the skiing slopes.

Grizz Hotel Revelstoke: For a more budget-friendly option, the Grizz Hotel is a great choice. I stayed here on my first visit to Revelstoke and enjoyed every minute! The rooms are very spacious and it’s just minutes away from downtown Revelstoke. The Grizz offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price, plus it’s right next to a great restaurant and bar.

2.Meadows in the Sky Parkway

The Meadows in the Sky Parkway, located within Mount Revelstoke National Park, is one of the top things to see on the drive from Revelstoke to Golden.

This parkway lets you drive almost to the summit of a mountain, a rare opportunity in Canadian national parks. Along your journey to the top you’ll pass through many mountain landscapes, and subalpine wildflower meadows.

Before you reach the top of the mountain, there are several viewpoints along the way that I highly recommend stopping for. Most showcase fantastic panoramic views of Downtown Revelstoke, the Columbia and Monashee Mountain ranges.

Once you reach the top of the road, you can opt to take one of the many hiking trails. The great part is that most of the trails are short and easy, so you have lots of options!

I personally recommend hiking to the summit, where you’ll find a decommissioned fire lookout that has been transformed into an interpretive centre. The Fire Lookout trail is a relatively easy hike at 2.5-kilometre return, with a 100-metre elevation gain.

If you don’t want to hike the entire trail, you can wait for the shuttle which picks up from the parking lot and takes you to the summit area. You will have to hike the short 500m distance to the Fire Lookout however (it is really short from the summit parking area!)

3. Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk

The Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk is a short, easy 1km walk perfect for stretching your legs between Revelstoke and Banff. Skunk cabbages are among the first flowers to bloom after the spring melt. The Lysichiton americanus plant is called skunk cabbage because of its distinctive odor.

To reach the Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk, follow a path into the trees. There’s a large sign, so you can’t miss it. The trail winds through the forest and lush wetlands, showcasing the vibrant yellow skunk cabbage that gives the trail its name.

At the start, skunk cabbage plants are sparse, but keep walking to see areas filled with hundreds of bright yellow flowers. In addition to the unique plant life, the trail features educational signs that provide valuable information about the local ecosystem, flora, and fauna.

4. Canyon Hot Springs

Open from June to September, the Canyon Hot Springs are the closest hot springs to Revelstoke and offer relatively cheap entry.

The resort features two pools filled with mineral-rich water from the Albert Canyon. The smaller pool is hotter, while the larger pool is perfect for swimming.

Canyon Hot Springs is about a 20-minute drive from Revelstoke town. You’ll pass them just after Mount Revelstoke, making it a great stop to rejuvenate after a hike. Remember, access to the hot springs is free if you stay in a cabin at the resort.

5. Glacier National Park

Just a short 45-minute drive east of Revelstoke, you’ll find Glacier National Park, one of the most popular national parks in Canada. The park is known for its stunning mountain scenery and vast glaciers, with many opportunities for hiking and sightseeing.

I think Glacier National Park is highly underrated and many people often just drive through on their way to Banff. But if you have the time, you should consider spending a night here!

If you do decide to spend a night here, consider some hiking! The hike to Balu Pass is a 12km trek takes you through beautiful alpine landscapes and waterfalls.

For a shorter and easier hike, the Bear Creek Falls hike takes around 20-minutes and leads to a beautiful waterfall in the forest. The trail is just over 1 kilometre with minimal elevation.

6. Rogers Pass National Historic Site

Rogers Pass is located within Glacier National Park, you’ll pass through just before exiting the park. This is by far my favourite section of the drive between Revelstoke and Golden, because it is BEAUTIFUL!

You’ll notice the mountain peaks in Rogers Pass get really tall, really quickly, and it’s hard not to look up and stare – that’s why I recommend stopping here briefly to stretch your legs and soak in the views. This area is great for spotting bears, mountain goats and bighorn goats.

Besides the views, Rogers Pass National Historic Site offers a glimpse into Canada’s rich railway history and its impact on the development of the country.

The site features interpretive exhibits, interactive displays, and guided hikes that showcase the challenges faced by workers during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway through treacherous mountain terrain. Make sure to stop by the visitor centre to learn more about the history and significance of this iconic location.

7. Hemlock Grove Boardwalk

There are many hiking trails within Glacier National Park that range from easy walks to overnight backpacking trips. The best part is that there’s quite a few easy hikes, and they are accessible from the Highway 1!

The Hemlock Grove Boardwalk trail is an easy loop that takes you through a beautiful forest of old-growth hemlock trees. This trail is just a few minutes from the highway and is less than kilometre round trip. The boardwalk makes it accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. In total it takes around 15-minutes to complete.

8. Golden

You have arrived in Golden! Golden is a town nestled between the Rocky and Purcell mountain ranges, and offers endless outdoor adventures for all ages and skill levels.

The best thing about Golden is that it is situated around 5 different Canadian National Parks, I have already covered two in this post (Mount Revelstoke and Glacier) but there are way more to explore!

The Golden Skybridge is the tallest suspension bridge in Canada, stretching 426 feet across a deep canyon and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountain landscapes. I’ve experienced a few suspension bridges in BC, including the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and this is the only bridge I have ever truly felt uneasy on. It’s definitely a thrilling experience for those who are not afraid of heights.

Besides the bridge, there is also a pipe coaster, climbing wall and a zip line that crosses the canyon. They also have live bands on certain nights during the summer with a bar. You can purchase tickets to the Golden Skybridge in advance online.

Some other fun things to do in Golden:

• Downtown Golden: The town of Golden itself offers a charming downtown area with local shops, restaurants and cafes. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat or grab coffee. My go-to coffee spot is the Wandering Fern Café, we stopped here each morning on our most recent trip. I also HIGHLY recommend stopping in at Reposados for Mexican food and tacos – the best I have had in BC!
• Whitewater rafting: Experience the thrill of navigating through Class III and IV rapids while taking in the beautiful scenery of the Kicking Horse River. This 5-hour Kicking Horse River whitewater rafting tour is features class I to IV rapids and is perfect for both beginners and experienced rafters.
• Visit a Craft Brewery: If you love trying craft beer when you travel (like me!) then head over to Whitetooth Brewing. Whitetooth Brewing Co. is inspired by its stunning surroundings to create artisanal, small-batch beers that capture the spirit of the vibrant west coast.
• Kicking Horse Mountain Resort: Golden is home to the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, which offers year-round activities like skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking. It’s a great spot to visit for a day trip or even for a longer stay at one of their on-mountain accommodations.
• Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge: The Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge, the longest free-span pedestrian bridge in Canada, spanning 200 feet across the stunning Kicking Horse River. Constructed from Douglas Fir timber, the bridge stands 130 feet above the river, providing stunning views of the river and surrounding peaks.

Yoho National Park is the closest national park to Golden, just a 40-minute drive away. This national park is home to Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls, two must-see natural wonders. You can also go hiking along one of the many trails in Yoho, such as the Iceline Trail or the Burgess Shale Fossil Beds hike.

Lake O’Hara is a hidden gem that requires a reservation to visit, but it’s worth the extra effort. This pristine wilderness tucked away in Yoho National Park is like nothing I have ever seen before. I spent 3 nights here in 2023 after trying for camping reservations for 3 years! It’s certainly a difficult place to visit, but this just makes it so much more special.

Where to stay in Golden:

Basecamp Lodge Golden: Basecamp Lodge is a great place to stay. It’s located by the river on the north side of Golden, just a 2-3 minute drive to downtown. You can choose from different room types, enjoy a wood-burning fireplace in the lobby, and there’s a coffee bar on site. The location is perfect for exploring the outdoors, with mountains and nature right outside. Basecamp Lodge is an ideal base for spending a few nights in Golden, BC.

Days Inn By Wyndham Golden: Located about 5 minutes east of Golden, the Days Inn Golden offers stunning views of the town and surrounding mountains. I stayed here during my recent visit to Golden and loved the quieter area it’s located in. The rooms are well-equipped and include complimentary breakfast.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are plenty of things to see and do on the drive from Revelstoke to Golden. Although only a 2-hour drive one way, there is SO much to see and do between these two towns. I’ve done this drive many times, usually when driving from Whistler to Banff. But even if you are just doing this short route, you won’t have trouble staying busy.

The drive through the Rogers Pass, the city of Revelstoke and small towns like Golden are all sights to see in themselves. Don’t forget about all the outdoor activities available too, from hiking and mountain biking to whitewater rafting and skiing. And with a variety of accommodation options, it’s easy to plan a trip that fits your budget and preferences.

Don’t miss out on this beautiful drive filled with breathtaking views and exciting activities!