Mount Revelstoke National Park

Mount Revelstoke National Park is a protected area in Canada.

Mount Revelstoke National Park at a Glance

Location
Canadian Rockies, Canada, North America
Coordinates
51.095745, -118.051080
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
June to September for wildlife viewing. Polar bear season October to November in Churchill.

Getting to Mount Revelstoke National Park

Nearest airport: Mabel Lake Airport, 72 km away.

Nearest international airport: Kelowna International Airport (YLW), 158 km away.

Weather & Climate in Mount Revelstoke National Park

The warmest temperatures in Mount Revelstoke National Park occur in July, averaging 10.6°C (up to 16.8°C). The coolest conditions are in December at -14.7°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 53.8mm. Average humidity: 57.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: -14.0°C (rainfall: 118.3mm)
  • February: -13.7°C (rainfall: 113.5mm)
  • March: -10.5°C (rainfall: 71.8mm)
  • April: -6.5°C (rainfall: 63.3mm)
  • May: -0.3°C (rainfall: 88.6mm)
  • June: 4.1°C (rainfall: 95.0mm)
  • July: 10.6°C (rainfall: 53.8mm)
  • August: 9.4°C (rainfall: 66.4mm)
  • September: 4.4°C (rainfall: 73.9mm)
  • October: -4.1°C (rainfall: 134.6mm)
  • November: -12.0°C (rainfall: 152.5mm)
  • December: -14.7°C (rainfall: 120.1mm)

Best Time to Visit Mount Revelstoke National Park

The best months to visit Mount Revelstoke National Park are April, May, June, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature -14°C, rainfall 118.3mm, sunshine 3.2 hrs, humidity 83.2%
  • February: Poor, temperature -13.71°C, rainfall 113.5mm, sunshine 4.7 hrs, humidity 79.1%
  • March: Poor, temperature -10.47°C, rainfall 71.8mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 72.3%
  • April: Good, temperature -6.48°C, rainfall 63.3mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 67.2%
  • May: Good, temperature -0.33°C, rainfall 88.6mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 69.2%
  • June: Good, temperature 4.11°C, rainfall 95mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 70.8%
  • July: Good, temperature 10.64°C, rainfall 53.8mm, sunshine 14 hrs, humidity 57.3%
  • August: Good, temperature 9.43°C, rainfall 66.4mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 61.4%
  • September: Good, temperature 4.39°C, rainfall 73.9mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 71.8%
  • October: Poor, temperature -4.06°C, rainfall 134.6mm, sunshine 6 hrs, humidity 82.8%
  • November: Poor, temperature -12°C, rainfall 152.5mm, sunshine 3.5 hrs, humidity 84.8%
  • December: Poor, temperature -14.72°C, rainfall 120.1mm, sunshine 2.8 hrs, humidity 83.6%

Wildlife in Mount Revelstoke National Park

Home to 25 recorded species including 13 birds of prey, 6 waterbirds, 4 iconic birds, 2 predators.

Recommended Packing List for Mount Revelstoke National Park

Based on average temperature of -3.9°C, typical conditions, humidity 74%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around -4°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Similar Parks in Canadian Rockies

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Canada

Travel advisory for Canada

Mount Revelstoke National Park FAQs

When is the prime season for wildlife viewing and experiencing the unique landscapes of Mount Revelstoke?

The optimal time to visit Mount Revelstoke National Park is from late June to early September, when the iconic Meadows in the Sky Parkway is fully accessible. This period offers vibrant subalpine wildflower displays and the best chances to observe marmots, pikas, and various bird species in their natural habitats.

What kind of unique wildlife observation experience does Mount Revelstoke offer compared to traditional safaris?

Mount Revelstoke provides a distinct Canadian wildlife viewing experience, focusing on self-guided exploration through its diverse ecosystems rather than vehicle-based game drives. Visitors can expect to spot black bears, deer, and smaller alpine mammals like marmots and pikas while hiking or driving the scenic parkway.

What specific safety precautions should I take regarding wildlife encounters in Mount Revelstoke?

Given the presence of black bears and other wildlife, it's essential to practice 'bear aware' safety, including carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it. Always maintain a respectful distance from all animals, secure food properly, and make noise on trails to avoid surprising wildlife.

What are the primary ways to explore and view wildlife within Mount Revelstoke National Park?

The main avenue for exploration is the breathtaking Meadows in the Sky Parkway, which offers numerous pull-offs and trailheads leading to old-growth forests and subalpine meadows. These trails provide excellent opportunities for hiking and observing the park's unique flora and fauna up close.

What are the typical entry fees and potential additional costs for visiting Mount Revelstoke National Park?

Entry to Mount Revelstoke National Park requires a valid Parks Canada pass, available for daily or annual use, with rates varying for individuals, families, or groups. While most activities are self-guided, additional costs might include specific guided interpretive programs or equipment rentals from outside the park.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.