Getting Around Mount Revelstoke National Park, BC

Guest Author: Cassie Markham (Peak Experiences Blog)

Next time you find yourself traveling through Roger’s Pass I highly recommend stopping in Mount Revelstoke, Glacier and Yoho National Parks to check out a few of the trails.

Mount Revelstoke, Glacier and Yoho are often overlooked with nearby Banff National Park but there are so many great trails to explore! There is a ton of variety depending on what you’re looking for; from family-friendly walks and road-side lookouts to longer treks to more remote lakes and peaks, plus these trails are much quieter than those found in the neighbouring Icefields Parkway and Lake Louise area.

Read this three part blog series to learn about my favourite hikes, roadside attractions and places to stay in each of the parks.

Before we jump into my favourite hiking trails, here’s a few reminders for recreating responsibly from the Parks Canada team and Leave No Trace Canada:

Rules for exploring our beautiful backyard:

Plan and prepare:

• Plan your travel route
• Get your Parks Canada pass

• Know the terrain and conditions - you can find detailed information about trail conditions, warnings and closures, fire updates and wildlife on the Parks Canada Website

• Check the weather

• Fill out a trip plan (check out AdventureSmart for more information)

Be considerate of other visitors:

• On narrow trails, give way to uphill hikers.
• Take breaks on durable surfaces off the trail.
• Give freedom for the sounds of nature. Avoid excessive noise.
• Pack out what you pack in, and help clean up the trails on your adventures.

And most importantly, have fun!

Parks Websites:

• Mount Revelstoke National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Yoho National Park

Mount Revelstoke National Park:

My first time in Mount Revelstoke National Park I was absolutely shocked by the Meadows in the Sky Parkway; we started driving and it seemed to go on forever, we kept climbing our way further and further into the alpine and it wasn’t until we got to the end of the road that I realized we were driving nearly all the way to the summit.

Mount Revelstoke is the only mountain in the Canadian national park system that you can summit in just a short walk from your car. From the upper parking lot the trails in MRNP take you to amazing vistas, through brilliant wildflower meadows, and to stunning alpine lakes.
Note: Meadows in the Sky Parkway climbs 1600m over 26km to an elevation of 2000m, seasonal road closures are in effect at higher elevations from October to May. Always check the trail and road condition reports or see park staff for the most up to date conditions.

Miller, Eva and Jade Lake Trails

Starting near the summit of Mount Revelstoke, Miller, Eva and Jade Lakes offer a rare opportunity to explore the alpine without a grueling climb. The trails wind through lush subalpine meadows and boulder fields, rewarding hikers with scenic vistas and four stunning alpine lakes.

Hikers heading to Miller, Eva and Jade lakes all start on the same trail, beginning at the Upper Summit.

Note:  The shuttle from the parking lot to the Upper Summit no longer runs, but you can hike it instead, adding approximately 1km and 100m each way.

Insider Tip: Upon approaching Eva Lake follow the shoreline to find an impressive viewpoint and a 1920s warden cabin.

This summer we hauled out inflatable paddle board into Eva and Miller lakes in late July and they were the perfect temperature for a refreshing dip on a sunny day.

To Eva and Miller Lakes:

• Distance: 14.2km roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 465m - trail is rolling and has elevation change in both directions
• Type: Out and back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Location: Mount Revelstoke Upper Summit
• Access: Paved Road - 2WD

Jade Lakes

For a longer, more strenuous day, hike to Jade Pass for a stunning 360 degree view of the surrounding lakes and mountains. Continue from Jade Pass down a steep trail to the green waters of the Upper and Lower Jade lakes.

The junction for Jade lakes is just after the junction for Miller. Once on the Jade Lakes trail you traverse the boulder field seen above Miller Lake. It’s a steep climb to the ridge but it’s made enjoyable by the beautiful views of Miller Lake and the surrounding mountains in the distance. You have amazing views throughout the climb and they continue to get better once you reach the pass.

Note: Route finding and navigation is required past Miller lake, cell service is extremely limited on these trails and the trail is easily lost in snowy conditions. Once you reach the ridge you will see Upper Jade lake, continue along for approximately 1.5KMs to find Lower Jade lake off the back of the ridge.

To Jade Lakes:

• Distance: 18.8km roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 714m
• Type: Out and back
• Difficulty: Difficult

Note: Due to significant snow accumulation at this high elevation, these trails are usually only accessible from mid-July through September.

The first time we checked out Jade lakes was late July 2020 and the upper lake was still 75% frozen. Late August would be the best time of year if you plan to head all the way to Jade lakes.

Where to Stay

Backcountry Camping

There is a designated backcountry campground at Eva and Jade Lakes. Backcountry camping permits are required for overnight trips. Each area has four tent pads - 2 of which can be reserved a privy and bear-proof food storage lockers.

Frontcountry Camping

Snowforest Campground - Located near the start of the Meadows in the Sky Parkway in Mount Revelstoke National Park, Snowforest is a short 5 km drive from downtown Revelstoke. The campground is situated in a cedar-hemlock forest and offers a variety of options, from walk-in tent sites to large pull-through RV campsites with electricity. The campground is an excellent basecamp for exploring Mount Revelstoke’s many scenic vistas and trails. Reservations are required.
Source: Parks Canada Website

Bonus: Chasing Waterfalls in Revelstoke

If you have extra time to spare while exploring Revelstoke, there are a number of scenic waterfalls just outside the park, check out my previous blog for more details.

Check out my next two blogs to learn more about Glacier National Park and Yoho National Park.

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