Why Go to Revelstoke in Summer: A Family Adventure Beyond Ski Season

Wondering if Revelstoke is worth visiting in summer? From mountain coasters to suspension bridges, here’s why this Rockies stop surprised our family.


So you’re heading through the absolutely iconic Canadian Rockies and wondering if a stop in Revelstoke is worth it once the snow melts.

Known as a legendary winter playground, Revelstoke Mountain Resort doesn’t always get the same attention in summer. But after spending a full warm-weather day here with our family, we can confidently say this:

Revelstoke is absolutely worth visiting in the summer.

If you’re traveling with kids or teens and looking for adventure, scenery, and memorable experiences, here’s what you’ll find when the mountain is green.


Pipe Mountain Coaster

Our family favourite

Hands down, this was the highlight of our visit.

After a scenic gondola ride and a quick safety briefing, the hardest decision is which coaster track to ride first. Revelstoke has two alpine pipe coasters, and both are fantastic. One features sharper turns, while the other delivers steeper drops.

Each rider controls their own speed using a hand lever in the cart, making it easy to go at a pace that feels right. It’s completely safe, incredibly smooth, and far more thrilling than we expected.

I couldn’t stop giggling and squealing the entire way down. No regrets.

👉 Want to see what this ride is actually like? We filmed the full experience here:


Revelstoke Highline

The Revelstoke Highline extends out from the top of the mountain and gives you a perspective that feels almost unreal.

Revelstoke Highline suspension bridge overlooking the valley in summer

After two gondola rides and a clearly marked walk through the woods, you arrive at a beautifully designed suspension bridge hanging high above the valley. The floor is see-through and the bridge gently moves as you walk across.

It’s perfectly safe, but your heart still notices.

The unobstructed views here were unmatched anywhere else we encountered on the mountain. Stay as long as you like, cross as many times as you want, and don’t rush it. This is one of those places where slowing down really matters.


Aerial Adventure Park

Aerial adventure park high ropes course at Revelstoke Mountain Resort

High ropes fun for all comfort levels

This multi-level adventure course is a great option if your family enjoys physical challenges and pushing comfort zones.

You don’t need the gondola for this activity. Simply walk up the path and start climbing. It’s a “choose your own adventure” experience, meaning the longer you spend on the course, the more obstacles and routes you can try.

Because it sits in full sun, it’s especially enjoyable on cooler summer days. Plan to spend a couple of hours here if you want to experience it fully.


Mountain Biking

Trails for every skill level

Even though we didn’t mountain bike on this visit, it was impossible not to notice how extensive the trail network is. Whether you’re new to mountain biking or highly experienced, there are trails designed for every level.

Bikes and protective gear are available to rent directly at the resort, and most riders take the gondola up before enjoying the ride down. Watching bikers zigzag below us as we rode the gondola was impressive enough to make us want to plan a return trip just for this.


Hiking

Easy access to big views

Hiking opportunities are plentiful on the mountain. Start from the base or take the gondola to access several trailheads higher up.

No matter which route you choose, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the Columbia River and the valley below. It’s a great way to balance higher-energy activities with quieter moments in nature.


Restaurant or Picnic? You Decide

Mackenzie Outpost lunch views at Revelstoke

At the summit, you can grab lunch at Mackenzie Outpost or bring your own food.

We packed a picnic and sat just outside the restaurant, enjoying the panoramic scenery in front of us. No rush, no distractions, just one of those simple travel moments that sticks with you.


Continuing Your Canadian Rockies Road Trip

Revelstoke fit perfectly into our Canadian Rockies road trip, offering a mix of adventure and scenery that worked well for our family.

If you’re continuing east toward Golden, another experience we highly recommend is whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River. It was a standout adventure for us and pairs incredibly well with a Revelstoke summer stop.

Check out our personal family experience:


Is Revelstoke Worth Visiting in Summer?

Absolutely.

Revelstoke isn’t just a winter destination. In summer, it offers an impressive mix of adrenaline-filled activities, stunning views, and experiences that genuinely work for families with teens.

Whether you’re passing through the Rockies or planning a longer stay, Revelstoke delivers far more than we expected. We left with adrenaline still buzzing, cheeks sore from smiling, and memories we’ll be talking about for years.

Come curious.

Leave inspired.

And maybe already planning your return.


If you’re planning more Canadian adventures, be sure to explore our growing collection of Vancouver Island travel guides, where we share family-tested experiences, couples getaways, and outdoor adventures from a place we’ve lived, explored, and played in for nearly 20 years.

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Vancouver Island family beach days – got to love them!

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