Revelstoke is known for its big mountain adventures—steep ski lines, bike trails and alpine hikes—but long before resort maps and trail networks, the Columbia River and surrounding waterways were what shaped the valley. The Sinixt, Secwépemc, Ktunaxa and Syilx peoples depended on Revelstoke’s rivers and lakes for food, transport and cultural connection. Over time, the Columbia became a vital route for fur traders, steamboats, forestry and hydropower.
Although the town has grown and changed significantly over the years (including the notable completion of the Columbia River dam in 1984), water remains a core part of the town’s identity. In the heat and hustle of the summer months, Revelstoke’s waterways offer quiet exploration, powerful currents and the opportunity to view the landscape through a different lens.
If you’re visiting the area and looking for a true connection to Revelstoke and its roots, make sure to try one or more of these local paddling adventures.
1 Flatwater Escape: Lake Revelstoke
Lake Revelstoke, upstream of the dam, is a great place to embrace the sun and ditch downtown crowds on a hot summer day. This stretch of reservoir is surrounded by dense forest and relatively untouched terrain, which makes it one of the better spots in the region for wildlife viewing. Osprey, bald eagles and loons are commonly spotted, and there’s always the chance of seeing a black bear, a moose or even a grizzly along the shoreline.
There’s no single place you have to start from. The lake has a number of access points, including BC Recreation Sites like Carnes Creek, Wadey and Martha Creek, as well as informal pullouts along the highway. It all depends how far you want to drive and how quiet you want things to be.
Martha Creek Provincial Park is a local favorite. Located just 20 minutes north of town, it features a beach launch, ample parking and unobstructed panoramic views of the Selkirk Mountains. This location along Lake Revelstoke is well suited for recreational canoeists, kayakers and standup paddleboarders looking for easy access to the water and beginner-friendly paddling.
Another convenient option is the Five-Mile Boat Launch, about nine kilometers from town. It has a paved ramp and generous parking, and allows quick access to the shoreline with minimal effort—just note there are no services here, such as bathrooms or trash cans. If you paddle north from the boat launch, you’ll find plenty of quiet pockets and coves to explore.
- Rentals: You can rent paddleboards and canoes right from Great Canadian Tours‘ private dock on Lake Revelstoke. Revy SUP Rentals offers paddleboard and kayak rentals and will deliver for a fee to Martha Creek or the Five-Mile Creek Boat Launch. Natural Escapes Kayaking offers kayak, canoe and SUP rentals and will deliver to Five-Mile Recreation Site for a fee.
- Tours and Lessons: Natural Escapes Kayaking runs guided kayak outings and will show you a few of the lesser-known spots along the lake. Downstream Adventure offers guided paddleboard excursions as well as flatwater lessons.
2 Gentle Whitewater Excursion: The Town Section of the Illecillewaet River
The town section of the Illecillewaet River is a Revelstoke classic. Running roughly four kilometers through town, this stretch offers class I to II+ whitewater and is ideal for paddlers with some experience on moving water. It’s a favorite among locals for after-work laps and, with the growth of river-focused businesses and the popularity of events like Revy Paddle Fest (where it serves as the class II racecourse), it’s quickly becoming a go-to for visiting paddlers as well.
You can expect mellow waves, fun river features and great views of Mount Begbie as you float glacier-fed waters through town. Suitable crafts include whitewater kayaks, packrafts, durable canoes and river-ready SUPs. Just be realistic about your skill level—paddlers should be able to read water, recognize hazards, and know how to scout or portage. If you’re unsure, go with someone with safety skills and good local knowledge.
- Put-in: Powerhouse Road, Revelstoke Industrial Park (park here, walk to here)
- Take-out: Roadside pullout just before the Illecillewaet Bridge on Fourth Street, near Southside Market grocery store
- Details: See the Town Section on PaddlingMaps for map location
- Tours and Lessons: Downstream Adventure provides private river SUP coaching, intro to moving water experiences and tours. You can also connect with the Revelstoke Paddlesport Association for courses, events and meetups.
3 Day Float with Optional Overnight: The Columbia River
If you’re short on time but big on views, this classic Revelstoke float–with an optional overnight to lengthen the trip—is a must. The Columbia River winds right through town, offering a relaxed paddle with mountain views, easy access points and a surprising sense of escape.
The most popular section starts at the Big Eddy Bridge, where a rocky beach on the west shore makes for an easy launch. From here, you’ll drift past the CP Rail bridge and the Trans-Canada Highway, getting a unique look at town from water level. The current is mellow but steady, ideal for SUPs, kayaks and canoes.
The Centennial Park Boat Launch is a convenient take-out for a short day trip. There’s plenty of parking where you can drop your vehicle beforehand, but watch for swirling eddies near the cement ramp and occasional submerged debris when you’re getting off the river.
If you choose to continue on, past here, the river opens up into a wide, slow-moving stretch with views of Mount Macpherson to the west and Revelstoke Mountain Resort across the water. About eight kilometers from town, pull off river-right for a short hike to Begbie Falls, a local favorite and a great lunch stop. You can wrap up your day here by paddling across to river-left to Eight-Mile Flats, a sandy pullout. You’ll need to have dropped a vehicle here beforehand: take the turnoff here, which will get you down to the river and you can take your pick of places to park.
For those still not ready to quit, you can push on to Blanket Creek Provincial Park, where you can either have dropped a vehicle ahead of time or camp for the night. Whichever you choose, be sure to check out beautiful Sutherland Falls within the campground.
If you choose to camp and make this a multiday adventure, on day two you can continue down the Columbia. This section opens up into lake-like waters, so be aware that you may end up battling winds. As such, this section is best for more experienced paddlers who are confident in a variety of weather conditions.
This route ends at Arrow Lakes Picnic Area at Shelter Bay, where a ferry goes back and forth delivering folks across the river.
- Rentals: Revy SUP Rentals offers paddleboard and kayak rentals. Natural Escapes Kayaking offers canoe, kayak and SUP rentals. You’ll need to transport boats and boards yourself or contact both companies for custom delivery options.
- Tours and Lessons: Downstream Adventure provides private river SUP coaching, intro to moving water experiences and tours. Revelstoke Outdoor Adventures offers guided multiday trips. You can also connect with the Revelstoke Paddlesport Association for courses, events and meetups.
- Pick up last-minute camping and paddling gear at Valhalla Pure Outdoors, Rough Country Revy or Revy Outdoors Outfitters
4 High-Adrenaline Adventure: Rafting on the Illecillewaet River
If things are feeling a little dry or smoky outside (as can be the case in late summer in the B.C. interior), whitewater rafting is an excellent way to cool off and keep the stoke high. Apex Rafting in Revelstoke typically runs trips on the Illecillewaet River from Albert Canyon to Greely Road just east of town. This stretch delivers bouncy class III rapids, impressive canyon walls and old-growth forest lining the riverbanks. It’s exciting but still approachable, making it a great choice for first-timers or seasoned adrenaline seekers.
- Tours: Book a guided rafting trip with Apex Rafting, the longest-running operator in the area. They’ll get you geared up, briefed and safely soaked.
5 Community Vibes & River Skills: Revy Paddle Fest
If you’re seeking a laid-back weekend of paddling (and partying) where all you have to do is show up, Revy Paddle Fest might be your paddling activity of choice. Every year in late summer, Revelstoke’s official river celebration rolls around. The festival is hosted by a local nonprofit, the Revelstoke Paddlesport Association, and is part clinic, part social, part competition—and wholly community-focused. For those new to paddling, the festival is a perfect way to tap into Revelstoke’s paddling scene and get inspired.
The weekend has whitewater and flatwater races for every skill level, skills workshops and social floats. Everyone’s welcome, from paddleboarders to kayakers, packrafters, canoeists and all the in-betweens.
Spectators have plenty to enjoy, too. You can catch the action along the river, snap photos and cheer on the paddlers. A crowd favorite is the advanced class IV event on the “White Mile” slalom course of the Illecillewaet River. It’s a high-energy spot to take in the festival vibe. Just be sure to pack sunscreen, water, snacks and bug spray.
- This year’s event: August 15–17, 2025
Adventure fuel
Whether you want to pick up breakfast to eat on the way to the launch, bring a premade lunch with you on the water or refuel after your adventure, following are great eats in Revelstoke:
- Holm Coffee Co – grab a coffee for the road
- La Baguette – grab breakfast on the go, sandwiches for the riverbank or sit down for yummy poutine at the end of the day
- Southside Market – grab sandwiches to go and select fresh produce for a lakeside picnic
- Little Spoon Bakery & Cafe – grab breakfast on the go and sweet treats for a pick-me-up on the water in the afternoon
- Food trucks – check out a variety of culinary creations after your day on the water
- The Village Idiot Bar & Grill – sit down or take out a made-to-order pizza after your paddling adventure
Looking for more ways to get out on and in the water? Discover more water activities in Revelstoke.
Feature photo: Katee Pederson
