
Fire Lookout Mount Revelstoke National Park
Historic fire lookout offering stunning 360° views atop Mount Revelstoke, accessible via a scenic drive and short hike.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Alpine flowers in bloom

Fire Lookout Mount Revelstoke National Park
Best Time
Alpine flowers in bloom

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic fire lookout offering stunning 360° views atop Mount Revelstoke, accessible via a scenic drive and short hike.
"Spectacular! On top of the world, 360 view and the alpine flowers in August! Gorgeous ❤️"

🦟 Pack Bug Spray!
Essential for August visits to ward off mosquitoes and deer flies. Don't let them ruin your views!
🥾 Easy Summit Hike
A short, well-maintained 15-20 minute hike from the parking lot to the lookout. Fairly easy with some elevation.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Summit Fire Lookout
Mount Revelstoke Summit
Historic 1927 fire lookout offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Columbia River and surrounding valleys.

Alpine Meadows
Mount Revelstoke Summit
Vibrant alpine flowers bloom in August, adding a splash of color to the already stunning mountain scenery.

First Footsteps Trail
Near Summit Fire Lookout
An interpretive 10-minute loop detailing Indigenous history, plant uses for food and medicine, and local heritage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ascent
Bug Protection is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🦟 Pack Bug Spray!
Essential for August visits to ward off mosquitoes and deer flies. Don't let them ruin your views!
🥾 Easy Summit Hike
A short, well-maintained 15-20 minute hike from the parking lot to the lookout. Fairly easy with some elevation.
📸 Camera Ready
Stunning 360-degree views and historical insights make this a photographer's paradise.
📚 History Buffs Rejoice
Read the informative materials about the lookout's history and the First Footsteps Trail.
Tips
from all over the internet
🦟 Pack Bug Spray!
Essential for August visits to ward off mosquitoes and deer flies. Don't let them ruin your views!
🥾 Easy Summit Hike
A short, well-maintained 15-20 minute hike from the parking lot to the lookout. Fairly easy with some elevation.
📸 Camera Ready
Stunning 360-degree views and historical insights make this a photographer's paradise.
📚 History Buffs Rejoice
Read the informative materials about the lookout's history and the First Footsteps Trail.
🚗 Scenic Drive
The drive to the summit parking lot offers incredible scenery. Consider the shuttle bus road for different perspectives on the way down.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Mount Revelstoke Fire Lookout for its absolutely breathtaking 360-degree views and the rewarding, relatively easy hike to reach it. The historical significance of the lookout and the informative First Footsteps Trail are also frequently highlighted as positive aspects. However, a significant drawback mentioned by many is the prevalence of mosquitoes and deer flies, particularly in August, which can detract from the experience if not adequately prepared for.
"It was a long drive up to the top but well worth it. The hike to the Fire Lookout was relatively easy. The views from the top were amazing."
Stuart Wharf
"Spectacular! On top of the world, 360 view and the alpine flowers in August! Gorgeous ❤️"
tracylee wilson
"Before you go up the mountain - Bring bug spray! There were swarms of mosquitoes and worse - deer flies. They kept trying to get us even through the car windows. (Went in August)
From the parking lot, it’s about 15 min to the Fire Lookout. The trail is not flat and has a bit of elevation, but it’s fairly easy to walk. Unfortunately the fire house was locked, but there’s lots of reading material about its history. Stunning 360 degree views from the lookout.
Next to the Fire house is the First Footsteps Trail (10 min loop). It’s an interpretive trail that teaches about how Indigenous people lived in that area, which plants they used for food and medicine. It was very informative.
It took a us an hour to do both trails, read all of the info and take picture. Well worth the time! On the way back to the parkade, take the shuttle bus road for different views."
Jen S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive up the scenic Meadows in the Sky Parkway to the upper parking lot. From there, it's a relatively short and easy hike (about 15-20 minutes) to the Summit Fire Lookout. Some visitors also opt to take a shuttle bus from the parking area.
The drive is winding but well-maintained. It offers spectacular views as you ascend. It's recommended to drive during daylight hours to fully appreciate the scenery.
Public transport options directly to the park's summit are limited. Driving your own vehicle or joining a tour is the most common way to access the park and its attractions.
This is the scenic road that winds its way up Mount Revelstoke, offering access to various viewpoints and trailheads, including the one for the Summit Fire Lookout.
Yes, a shuttle service is often available from the upper parking lot to the summit, providing an alternative to the hike. This can be a good option for those with mobility concerns or who prefer not to walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required for entry into Mount Revelstoke National Park. These can be purchased online or at park gates.
Beyond the park pass, there are typically no additional fees to access the Summit Fire Lookout itself or the surrounding trails.
The Fire Lookout structure itself may have limited access, with the interior sometimes locked. However, the surrounding trails and viewpoints are generally accessible during park operating hours.
Access to the summit and the Meadows in the Sky Parkway is seasonal, typically open from late May/early June to mid-October, depending on snow conditions.
Park passes can be purchased in advance online. There are no specific tickets required for the Fire Lookout itself, as it's part of the national park's accessible areas.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike from the upper parking lot to the Summit Fire Lookout is described as relatively short and easy, taking about 15-20 minutes. It has some elevation gain but is generally well-maintained.
Spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of the Columbia River, surrounding valleys, and the Trans-Canada Highway are consistently reported. It's often described as being 'on top of the world.'
Yes, the First Footsteps Trail is a short, interpretive loop near the lookout that focuses on Indigenous history and plant uses.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Layers are advisable as mountain weather can change quickly. Don't forget bug spray, especially in August!
While the drive gets you close, the final approach to the lookout involves a hike with some elevation. The shuttle bus option might be more suitable for those with significant mobility challenges.
📸 📸 Photography
The 360-degree panoramic views are the main draw for photographers. Capture the vastness of the Columbia River valley, the alpine meadows, and the historic fire lookout structure itself.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for landscape shots. However, daylight hours provide the clearest views of the expansive scenery.
Explore the area around the lookout for different perspectives. The First Footsteps Trail also offers opportunities for nature photography with its interpretive signs and flora.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the sweeping panoramas. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details in the distant landscape. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards!
Drone usage in national parks is subject to strict regulations. It's essential to check the Parks Canada website for current drone policies and obtain any necessary permits before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of bug spray, especially in August, as mosquitoes and deer flies can be a nuisance. Bringing snacks and water is also a good idea, as amenities at the summit are limited. The scenic drive up the Meadows in the Sky Parkway provides entertainment along the way, with opportunities to stop at various viewpoints.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Consider exploring other trails within Mount Revelstoke National Park for a more extensive hiking experience. The alpine meadows in August are a highlight for nature photography and observing wildflowers. Always check trail conditions and be prepared for changing mountain weather.
📸 Photographers
Aim for golden hour for the most dramatic lighting, but daylight hours offer clarity for the vast expanses. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the sweeping vistas. Be mindful of the park's regulations regarding drone usage if you plan to incorporate aerial shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Summit Fire Lookout
While the interior of the lookout may sometimes be locked, the surrounding area and the views it offers are fully accessible. The experience of standing at the summit, imagining the solitary watch of past lookouts, adds a unique layer to the visit. It’s a testament to the park’s commitment to preserving its natural and historical assets, allowing visitors to connect with both the landscape and its human history.
Many visitors find the historical context enhances the appreciation of the stunning scenery. It’s a reminder of the human element intertwined with the wild beauty of the mountains. The lookout is a focal point that draws people to the summit, offering a tangible connection to the park's past while they soak in the present-day vistas.
Navigating the Meadows in the Sky Parkway
As you drive higher, you'll transition from dense forests to subalpine meadows, which are particularly beautiful in bloom during August. The parkway leads to the uppermost parking lot, from which the final short hike to the Summit Fire Lookout begins. For those who prefer not to hike the entire distance, or for a different perspective on the return journey, the shuttle bus road offers an alternative route back down.
Important considerations for the parkway include checking the opening dates as they are weather-dependent. The drive is best enjoyed during daylight hours to fully appreciate the panoramic vistas. Be prepared for cooler temperatures at higher elevations, even during summer months.
The First Footsteps Trail: A Cultural Journey
The trail features informative signs that detail the traditional uses of various plants for food, medicine, and other purposes. It’s a valuable opportunity to learn about the deep connection Indigenous peoples have with this land, fostering a greater appreciation for the area's ecological and cultural heritage. The trail is easy to navigate and complements the stunning natural scenery with a rich historical narrative.
This short walk is highly recommended for its educational value. It provides context to the landscape and encourages a more mindful and respectful engagement with the park. Many visitors find it a moving and informative addition to their summit experience, enriching their understanding of the region beyond its visual beauty.
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