Castlegar to Revelstoke Road Trip: 15+ Stops Along the Way

The Slocan Lake Viewpoint is a must stop on the Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip
The Slocan Lake Viewpoint is a must stop on the Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip

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.

This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, I will receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. Thank you very much for your support.

Paddleboarding to Silvertip Falls on the Lake Revelstoke Reservoir south of Martha Creek Provincial Park
Paddleboarding to Silvertip Falls on the Lake Revelstoke Reservoir south of Martha Creek Provincial Park

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.

Some of the driving is great fun on the Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip
Some of the driving is great fun on the Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip

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.

Mountain backdrop in Revelstoke at dusk
Mountain backdrop in Revelstoke at dusk

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.

Millennium Park in Castlegar is located on the shores of the Castlegar River
Millennium Park in Castlegar is located on the shores of the Castlegar River
Easy access to the water from Millennium Park
Easy access to the water from Millennium Park

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.

Love this Housing Crisis by Rabi'a - one of the fun stops on the Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip
Love this “Housing Crisis” by Rabi’a in Castlegar

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.

Love this mural at Maggie's Mug in Castlegar
Love this mural at Maggie’s Mug in Castlegar

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.

Visit Zuckerberg Island on foot
Visit Zuckerberg Island on foot
Pretty walking trails on Zuckerberg Island
Pretty walking trails on Zuckerberg Island

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.

Picturesque Crescent Valley Beach Regional Park on the shores of the Slocan River
Picturesque Crescent Valley Beach Regional Park on the shores of the Slocan River

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.

The colourful Frog Peak Cafe
The colourful Frog Peak Cafe

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.

Picturesque Crescent Valley Beach Regional Park on the shores of the Slocan River
It’s easy family-friendly rafting with Endless Adventure on the Slocan River

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.

My lunch stop at a scenic section along the Slocan Valley Rail Trail near Passmore
My lunch stop at a scenic section along the Slocan Valley Rail Trail near Passmore

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.

The view of Slocan Lake by the beach in the Village of Slocan - one of the stops on the Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip
The view of Slocan Lake by the beach in the Village of Slocan

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!

Looking south down Slocan Lake
Looking south down Slocan Lake

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.

Lots of cute locally owned shops on the main street in Silverton
Lots of cute locally owned shops on the main street in Silverton
The Silverton Camp Cafe is a must stop on a Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip
The Silverton Camp Café is a must stop on a Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip
The Silverton Camp Cafe is a must stop on a Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip
Relics from the mining days seen at the Silverton Gallery

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.

A beautiful view of Slocan Lake from New Denver

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.

The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre in New Denver
The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre in 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.

Caught the Kohan Reflection Garden on an amazing fall day - one of the stops on the Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip
Caught the Kohan Reflection Garden in New Denver on an amazing fall day

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.

The Adventure Domes in New Denver
The Adventure Domes in New Denver

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.

Mountain biking the Galena Trail near New Denver, BC
Mountain biking the Galena Trail near New Denver, BC

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.

Mist rising over beautiful Summit Lake - one of the stops on the Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip
Mist rising over beautiful Summit Lake

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.

Nakusp Hot Springs are the closest to Nakusp - and one of the stops on the Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip
Nakusp Hot Springs are the closest to the town of Nakusp

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.

Halcyon Hot Springs near Nakusp
Halcyon Hot Springs near Nakusp

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.

The largest pool at Halfway Hot Springs
The largest pool at Halfway Hot Springs

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.

The free Upper Arrow Lake ferry - a must do on the Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip
The free Upper Arrow Lake ferry

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.

Stand up paddle boarding on the Lake Revelstoke Reservoir - a refreshing stop at the start or end of the Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip
Stand up paddle boarding on the Lake Revelstoke Reservoir – a refreshing stop at the start or end of the Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip

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.

The hike to Eva Lake in Mt. Revelstoke National Park is a beauty
The hike to Eva Lake in Mt. Revelstoke National Park is a beauty

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.

Our rustic log cabin at Boulder Mountain Resort

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

Click on the photo to bookmark to your Pinterest boards.

15 plus must see stops to make on a Castlegar to Revelstoke road trip

My Cart Close (×)

Your cart is empty
Browse Shop