If you're picturing an adventure elopement in the Canadian Rockies in Banff or Canmore, but feeling a little overwhelmed about the crowds in Canada's most visited park, then let me introduce you to Revelstoke. Just three hours' drive west on the most beautiful highway in the country sits Revelstoke, BC, nestled in the Selkirk mountains along the Columbia River. I'm Heather, a Revelstoke elopement photographer, and I'm so happy you have found your way here to find out all about my favourite elopement locations in Revelstoke!
Where is Revelstoke?
Revelstoke is a small but vibrant mountain town packed with history, adventure, and natural beauty in the Columbia-Shushwap region of British Columbia, Canada. It's about a three hour drive west of the Town of Banff on a stunning drive that will take you through Yoho National Park and Glacier National Park. If you are flying in to the area, the closest domestic airport is 2.5 hours southwest in Kelowna, BC, and the closest larger international airport is 4.5 hours away in Calgary (with the stunning drive through Banff).
Why elope in Revelstoke?
Banff is often the number one destination in the area for tourists and eloping couples alike, and for good reason—its iconic glacial lakes, snow-capped mountain peaks, and lush forests would take anybody’s breath away. But if you’re looking for an elopement destination that offers opportunities for adventures and just as many breathtaking landscapes, but waaaaay less crowds than Banff and a more intimate experience with nature, then Revelstoke might be the place for you.
Revelstoke is an incredible destination for all kinds of outdoor adventures, from skiing the world class Revelstoke Mountain Resort or backcountry touring in Roger's Pass, exploring the inland temperate rainforest, hiking in Mount Revelstoke National Park around Meadows in the Sky Parkway with it's sub-alpine wildflower meadows, exploring nearby waterfalls, or checking out local adventure activities like rock climbing and mountain biking. With a destination this adventurous, it makes sense that Revelstoke is also an amazing location for your adventure elopement!
Revy isn't just another mountain town - with a close knit local community and more artsy vibe than Banff, Revelstoke is truly something special!
Feel like Banff might be more your vibe? Both are amazing options–you may want to take a peek at my Banff Elopement Guide as well to see if it’s right for you! Also check out my full BC Elopement Guide and my guide to Eloping in Tofino!
5 Incredible Revelstoke Elopement Locations
While there is absolutely no shortage of incredible places to explore in and around Revelstoke, these are just a few of my absolute favourite spots for a Revelstoke elopement:
image sourced from Google
1. Begbie Falls
Trail length: 0.5 km to the falls, with plenty more trail to explore
Elevation gain: 220 m
I may be a little biased as a fully obsessed moss lover, but the Begbie Falls and the surrounding trails just south of town is one of my absolute favourite places in Revelstoke. A gentle trail through an old growth rainforest full of beautiful ferns and moss and towering cedars leads to the beautiful Begbie Falls, a stunning double waterfall that would make the most incredible location for your Revelstoke elopement. Imagine saying your vows in this enchanting forest???
A forest service road leads right to the falls, but there are tons of other beautiful trails that can lead you there in a slower meander through old growth forest and gentle riverside beaches, and I would love to show you my favourite spots!
The popular (and huge!) rock climbing area Begbie Bluffs is located along the trails as well if you are into climbing, and some of the trails are popular for mountain bikers and trail runners as well!
2. Meadows in the Sky Parkway
The Meadows in the Sky Parkway is a scenic 26 km paved road that ascends Mount Revelstoke National Park from the town. The drive gains 1600 m of elevation without leaving your vehicle, making it an incredibly accessible mountain summit (the parking lot is 1 km from the top lookout, but there are shuttles that can take you to the top)! Along the parkway, there are plenty of gorgeous lookout points, subalpine wildflower meadows, and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges. There are several trails at the top to continue exploring, and an old fire watch tower!
Notes: Dogs are not permitted at the Columbia Viewpoint due to wildlife in the area. July and August are the best times to see the wildflowers. The full parkway doesn't typically open until July when the summit is clear of snow, though the lower lookouts open earlier, and it closes again in mid-October when the snow returns. You can keep an eye on the website here to see how much of the parkway is currently open (as well as trail reports)!
image sourced from Google
3. Revelstoke Helicopter Elopement
Helicopter elopements are such an amazing way to see Revelstoke like you've never seen it before and say your vows on a mountain peak without another soul around. There are plenty of options to choose from, as Revelstoke is a popular destination for heli-skiing, like Glacier Helicopters or Arrow Helicopters. Imagine getting to explore a high alpine lake for your Revelstoke elopement, seeing once-in-a-lifetime views without the gruelling hike!
image sourced from Google
4. Mount Cartier Recreation Trail
Trail length: 30 km round trip
Elevation gain: 2300 m
This stunning trail is a BIG one for the type 2 fun-loving couples! The views from Cartier over the surrounding peaks, lakes and valleys are absolutely sublime, and hiking up here for sunrise would make such an epic and unique adventure elopement!
If the full hike isn't your jam, you don't need to do the full thing to get some amazing views! From the parking lot, you can head across Airport Road to the lakeshore where there is a sandy beach with incredible views of the surrounding mountains, which would be the perfect place for your Revelstoke elopement ceremony.
5. Giant Cedars Boardwalk
Trail length: 500 m
Elevation Gain: 28 m
This short, easy trail just East of Revelstoke is home to giant cedar trees over 500 years old in a lush forest full of ferns. These beautiful old trees would be such a stunning location for your Revelstoke elopement, especially if you are as fond of a whimsical forest vibe as I am, and the wooden boardwalk makes this a beautiful place for those looking for a more accessible spot in nature to elope.
I am so excited to help you plan your ultimate elopement advenutre!! As a Revelstoke elopement photographer, it's so important to me to help you plan an experience you will absolutely love. Mountian views are incredible, but the most important part of any elopement day is presence and connection, which is why I help all my couples co-plan their elopement for a totally relaxed, stress-free day where you can focus on being present in nature together, having your best adventure yet.
Ready to chat about your Revelstoke elopement dreams? Reach out here to get started!
