A road trip from Castlegar to Revelstoke takes you through the heart of British Columbia’s Kootenay Rockies, home to the Selkirk Mountains, idyllic lakes, pretty rivers, and charming historic towns. This stretch of highway offers both stunning scenery and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Whether you’re soaking in hot springs, chasing waterfalls, out on a hike, biking a rail trail, or simply savouring the journey, this guide covers the best stops to make your Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip a memorable one. Many of the stops can be made year-round, though not everything will be open in winter.
Note: This guide to the best stops on the drive between Castlegar and Revelstoke can just as easily be done in the reverse order.
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Map of the stops on a drive between Castlegar and Revelstoke
***Click on the three dots near the top of the right hand corner to email a copy of the map. ***
Time needed for the Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip
You can do the drive from Castlegar to Revelstoke in about 3.5 hours. But this uncrowded highway with its myriad of stops deserves at least a couple of days – and a whole lot more if you want to sample everything in the area.
You’ll get loads of ideas from this guide on stops to make on a road trip between Castlegar and Revelstoke. I’ll also make recommendations related to camping and accommodation options.
Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip summary
Best time to go: Late spring until early fall is ideal because everything is open, ferries are more reliable, the weather is good, and there’s so much to do. In winter, it may be harder to get around but there is exceptional cross-country skiing, and hot springs are magical on cold winter days.
Road conditions: Check out Drive BC for highway updates, particularly in winter.
Accommodation: Reserve well in advance, especially in Nakusp and Revelstoke as campgrounds, hotels and resorts fill fast.
Gas stations: Keep an eye on your gas gauge and plan to start your Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip with a full tank.
Useful websites: Visit Destination BC’s Know Before You Go page. When conditions change rapidly related to wildfires or severe weather, it pays to check out BC Wildfire Service and Emergency Info BC. It would be a good idea to download and allow notifications from Alertable – an app which delivers geographically relevant updates.
Castlegar
Time to go: Year-round.
Castlegar has much to offer its visitor especially with its location at the confluence of the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers. Recreational activities abound including, hiking, biking, waterfall chasing, paddling and fishing.
If you like tunnels and suspension bridges, why not mountain bike the Columbia and Western Rail Trail where you’ll get superb views of Lower Arrow Lake. You can do and out and back or get dropped off by shuttle near the Paulson Summit.
In the winter there is excellent skiing and boarding at Red Mountain in Rossland and Whitewater near Nelson. The cross-country skiing nearby is also superb.
Millennium Park in Castlegar
With its prime location on the shores of the Columbia River, Millennium Park is the place to come to swim, bike, walk, play tennis, use the fitness stations or simply enjoy time with your family outdoors.
Sculpturewalk in Castlegar
Castlegar is “The Sculpture Capital of Canada.” Every year since 2010 Castlegar hosts a Sculpturewalk – a rotating exhibition of sculptures made by local and international artisans. They’re hard to miss as they are on display in downtown Castlegar. The cool thing about this exhibit is that you’re allowed to vote for your favourite piece. The People’s Choice” sculpture is then purchased by the city and added to their permanent collection.
All the sculptures can be leased or bought – which is I think is an amazing way to support artists. And the sculptures sure makes the city scape more interesting.
The Murals of Castlegar
Take an hour or two and walk the streets of Castlegar, primarily between the 200 and 1000 blocks on Columbia Avenue, looking for one of their more than 10 beautiful murals in the city.
Where to stay in Castlegar
I had the pleasure of a two night stay at Windborne Bed & Breakfast, about a 10-minute drive from downtown Castlegar. My room was big and comfortable with a deck overlooking their extensive garden.
Another option if you prefer hotels is SureStay Hotel by Best Western Castlegar.
Zuckerberg Island Heritage Park – one of the less well-known stops on the Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip
Time to go: Year-round.
Zuckerberg Island is a city park in Castlegar located at the confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers. Access is via a narrow but not too wobbly suspension bridge. Take a walk through the park, sit on a bench and ponder life, and discover a Russian Orthodox Chapel House built by Alexander Zuckerberg.
Crescent Valley Beach Regional Park
Time to go: Best in summer and fall.
Crescent Beach Regional Park, located on the shores of the Slocan River, is the site of the original Patrick Lumber Company sawmill built in 1907. You’ll find the remains of the sawmill in log boom pilings, sawmill footings and more. Interestingly, when the mill was sold in 1911, the fortune accumulated from it was used to build Western Canada’s first professional hockey league.
In summer, come to enjoy waterfront activities like swimming, paddling, and hanging out on the beach. It’s also a good spot for a picnic and a walk in the woods.
Crescent Valley
Frog Peak Cafe
Time to visit: Year round
Be sure to stop at the Frog Peak Cafe for breakfast or lunch on a Wednesday to Sunday basis year-round when you’re driving Highway 6 on the Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip. On a fine summer or fall day, enjoy your meal outside in their one-acre garden complete with a playground and picnic tables.
Raft the Lower Slocan River
Time to visit: Summer.
On a summer day sign up with Endless Adventure for a fun half day rafting adventure on the Lower Slocan River. It’s perfect for families as there is nothing harder that a Class III wave. There is an optional swim through the rapids which was the highlight for both John and me.
Slocan Valley Rail Trail
Time to visit: Year-round.
Explore a section of the 52-km-long scenic Slocan Valley Rail Trail that stretches between Crescent Valley and the Village of Slocan. With six well-marked access points, there are lots of options whether you bike, hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski. It’s free to use.
Slocan Beach – a scenic stop of the Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip
Time to visit: Best in summer and early fall.
Slocan Beach is only a few minutes’ drive off Highway 6. You’ll find the sandy beach – and plenty of parking at the end of the main street in the Village of Slocan. It’s not a big spot, so it’s easy to find.
Apart from the beach overlooking Slocan Lake, there is a dock, boat launch and a gazebo that also serves as the northernmost trailhead for the Slocan Valley Rail Trail.
You’ll pass the Springer Creek RV Park and Campground on the drive into the village. The campground is open from May 1 – October 15 and you can make reservations online.
Slocan Lake Viewpoint
Time to visit: Year-round.
The Slocan Lake Viewpoint is simply a pull off on Highway 6, about 6 km south of Silverton. The area around the lookout was badly burned in summer 2024, so it still looks a little bleak, with so many trees burnt and missing. However, the views of Slocan Lake off the trail to the north from the parking lot are still as magnificent as ever in both directions.
It’s an absolute must stop of your road trip between Castlegar and Revelstoke. I expected to stop for five minutes but was there for 30 minutes. The scenery was that compelling!
Silverton
Open: Year-round.
Silverton – population 195, is British Columbia’s smallest community. But it sure is a cute one and you don’t want to miss a stroll down main street.
Check out the Silverton General Store where you’ll find locally made artisanal wares and food. Don’t miss a stop at the Silverton Camp Cafe for great coffee and baked goods. Stop by the Silverton Gallery as you continue north on Highway 6.
New Denver
New Denver is a charming lakeside village tucked along the east shore of Slocan Lake, framed by the Selkirk Mountains. It’s the home of the first Valhalla Pure Outfitters which started in 1990. It’s popular with the outdoor crowd thanks to the wonderful hiking, biking and paddling amid stunning scenery.
Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre
Open: May 1 – September 30
The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre in New Denver, commemorates the internment of 22,000 plus Japanese Canadians during World War II. Located on the site of a former internment camp, the centre preserves original buildings and artifacts with the goal to educate visitors about this dark chapter in Canadian history. You’ll also find interpretive displays and the Heiwa Teien Peace Garden created by Mr. Roy Tomomichi Sumi, a former internee at Tashme, Rosebery and New Denver.
Kohan Reflection Garden
Open: Year-round.
The Kohan Reflection Garden is a Japanese-style garden set against the beautiful backdrop of Slocan Lake. It along with the Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre commemorates the Japanese Canadians who were interred in the area during WWII. (If you cycle the Slocan Valley Rail Trail, you’ll see many of the fields where up to 1,000 people were interred.)
In the garden look for lots of Japanese elements including 12 varieties of maple, cherry trees, Itoh peonies, and bamboo along with hardscape elements including stone lanterns, koi ponds, and a ceremonial bell.
It’s a lovely place to go for a contemplative walk and simply enjoy being surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Where to stay in New Denver
I stayed at the Adventure Domes in New Denver. It’s got a great location and a cool vibe to go with it. Their location is great too a short walk from the grocery store – and even the beach.
The Glacier View Cabins would be another option, especially if you want to cook your own meals.
There’s also lots of camping down by the lake. Reservations open in 2025. You must book for three nights, if it’s prior to the opening of the camping season.
Galena Trail – get a workout on the Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip
Best time to go: Spring, summer and fall. The cable and car are removed in winter.
The Galena Trail follows the historic route of the Nakusp and Slocan Railway from Rosebery to Three Forks over 13 km. There are three entrance points along the rail trail – Rosebery, New Denver and Three Forks.
Both mountain bikers and hikers will enjoy exploring the trail – and dogs are allowed too. The most memorable section includes a cable car crossing on route to and from Three Forks. But I think the most scenic section is closer to Rosebery where you get lake and mountain views.
Stretch your legs and enjoy a break from your Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip. You’ll need your own mountain bike and 2 – 4 hours to explore the full trail.
Summit Lake Provincial Park
Best time to go: Summer and early fall.
Located 26 km north of New Denver, Summit Lake Provincial Park is located on a peninsula jutting into the lake. This is the perfect stop on the Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip to enjoy fishing, canoeing, SUPing, and swimming. Reportedly, in late summer thousands of toads materialize from the lake and migrate to the forest for winter.
Of the 35 campsites in the park, half of them have their own waterfront access. Many of the campsites can be reserved from around Mother’s Day weekend until the end of September.
Nakusp Hot Springs
Open: Year-round seven days a week.
The Nakusp Hot Spring are about a 15-minute drive from the town of Nakusp. There are two pools – one warm and one hot. Their temperatures vary with the season. The warm pool is 36°C except in winter when it’s 38°C. The hot pool is normally 38°C but 41.5°C in winter.
You can stay near nearby too – in cedar chalets or at the campground and RV site.
Halycon Hot Springs
Open: Year-round 9 AM – 10 PM.
Halcyon Hot Springs is the most developed of the three hot springs in and around Nakusp. It’s a resort with accommodation, a full-service restaurant and a host of activities on the lake in summer. The location, 25 minutes by car north of Nakusp is dramatic – with Upper Arrow Lake and the Monashees serving as a backdrop.
There’s lots of choice here with both hot and warm pool on the upper deck and a swimming pool on the lower deck.
Book a stay online at theHalcyon Hot Springs Resort.
Halfway Hot Springs – a relaxing stop on the Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip
Open: In theory year-round BUT from late November until sometime in April you’ll have to hike, snowshoe or snowmobile in about 12 km.
Halfway River Hot Springs is the most natural and undeveloped hot springs in the Nakusp area. In spring, summer and fall, it’s also a lovely place to camp. Of the three Nakusp hot springs, it’s my favourite.
Halfway Hot Springs are located between the Nakusp and Halycon Hot Springs, up Halfway River FSR off Highway 23. There is an outhouse that is maintained from May 1 – October 31. There are lots of trails – and some are steep so don’t forget hiking and water shoes And of course your bathing suit and a towel.
Upper Arrow Lake Ferry – a must do on the Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip
Open: Year-round.
On a Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip you must take the Upper Arrow Lake Ferry between Galena Bay and Shelter Bay. It’s free and the crossing time is only 20 minutes. Check the schedule and plan to arrive early, especially on summer weekends as sailings are approximately an hour apart.
Revelstoke – the final stop on the road trip from Castlegar
Best time to go: Year-round.
Revelstoke is a charming mountain town known for its world-class outdoor adventures. Take advantage of incredible mountain biking, paddling and hiking, especially in nearby Mount Revelstoke National Park in summer. Come winter you can expect epic ski and snowboarding days at one of the snowiest ski resorts in British Columbia. In addition, there’s a vibrant downtown with cozy cafes and unique shops.
Recommended reading: 11 Great Things to Do in Revelstoke in Summer
Paddle the Lake Revelstoke Reservoir
Best time to go: Summer and early fall
Take a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard and launch north of the Revelstoke Dam at the Five Mile Boat Launch Recreation Site. Explore Lake Revelstoke Reservoir heading for Silvertip Falls, and Martha Creek Provincial Park if you have time. For those who want to overnight aim for Carnes Creek Recreation Site, 28 km north of your starting point.
Hike in Mount Revelstoke National Park
Best time to go: Summer and early fall.
Drive the Meadows in the Sky Parkway in summer and take off hiking into the wildflower-filled subalpine. One of the prime hikes takes you to Eva Lake where you can spend the night camping in the backcountry.
Where to stay in Revelstoke at the end of the road trip from Castlegar
TheRegent Hotel Revelstoke, rated very good, offers onsite dining at The 112 Restaurant and a continental breakfast. Rooms are comfortable and contemporary.
If you’re after a B&B experience, you’d well to choose theCourthouse Inn Revelstoke.
If you want to be up on Revelstoke Mountain, be sure to check out theSutton Place Hotel Revelstoke Mountain Resort. It offers condominium style accommodation.
I’d also recommendBoulder Mountain Resortin Revelstoke. We snagged a last minute stay on the drive to Vancouver Island and stayed in a cute cabin pictured below. There were no kitchen facilities so we just went into town for dinner. But they offer a bit of everything including glamping tents, glamping domes, rustic log cabins, kitted-out log cabins, and chalets.
What have I missed on the Castlegar to Revelstoke drive?
I know I missed a hike up to Wilson Creek Falls near Rosebery, BC. And I understand McDonald Creek Provincial Park south of Nakusp is supposed to be a beauty. If you have more ideas, I’d love to hear from you.
Also, if you have any questions related to the road trip between Castlegar and Revelstoke, why not become a member of my British Columbia and Alberta Travel Tips Facebook group – and many of us can weigh in on the answer. (You’ll need to be approved but that only takes seconds!)
More road trips in Canada you might enjoy
- Driving Across Canada:40 Places You Shouldn’t Miss
- 4 of the Best Road Trips in Alberta
- What to Do on a Winter Road Trip to Southwest Alberta
- Driving Vancouver to Calgary: 10 Stops Along the Way
- 6 Day Central Nova Scotia Road Trip Itinerary
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