
Summit Area Mount Revelstoke National Park
Experience breathtaking alpine vistas and vibrant wildflower meadows on the scenic Meadows in the Sky Parkway.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers in bloom, fewer crowds

Summit Area Mount Revelstoke National Park
Best Time
Wildflowers in bloom, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience breathtaking alpine vistas and vibrant wildflower meadows on the scenic Meadows in the Sky Parkway.
"Absolutely stunning place with panoramic views at the top!"

🚗 Parkway Parking Tips
Arrive early! The summit parking lots fill up fast. Consider walking the last 1km if lots are full. :car:
🌸 Wildflower Season
Mid-August is prime time for stunning wildflower displays in the alpine meadows. :bouquet:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Meadows in the Sky Parkway
Scenic drive to the summit
A stunning drive with numerous viewpoints leading to the alpine meadows. Enjoy panoramic mountain vistas.

Summit Trails
Summit Area
Explore well-maintained trails through alpine meadows, offering incredible views and wildflower displays in mid-August.

Upper Jade Lake
Summit Area Trail
A beautiful alpine lake accessible via a hike from the summit. The ridge between Miller and Jade Lakes offers the best views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Summit Views
Park Pass & Parkway Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parkway Parking Tips
Arrive early! The summit parking lots fill up fast. Consider walking the last 1km if lots are full.
:car:🌸 Wildflower Season
Mid-August is prime time for stunning wildflower displays in the alpine meadows.
:bouquet:☁️ Haze & Weather
Wildfire haze can obscure views. Check conditions and be prepared for cooler summit temperatures.
:cloud:🥾 Trail Choice
For best views without camping, stop at the ridge between Miller and Jade Lakes.
:hiking_boot:Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parkway Parking Tips
Arrive early! The summit parking lots fill up fast. Consider walking the last 1km if lots are full.
:car:🌸 Wildflower Season
Mid-August is prime time for stunning wildflower displays in the alpine meadows.
:bouquet:☁️ Haze & Weather
Wildfire haze can obscure views. Check conditions and be prepared for cooler summit temperatures.
:cloud:🥾 Trail Choice
For best views without camping, stop at the ridge between Miller and Jade Lakes.
:hiking_boot:🎟️ Parks Pass Ready
Have your Parks Canada Discovery Pass handy to expedite entry at the parkway booth.
:ticket:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mount Revelstoke's summit area for its stunning panoramic views and the scenic Meadows in the Sky Parkway. The alpine meadows, especially when adorned with wildflowers in August, are a major highlight. However, be prepared for potential queues at the park entrance and the possibility of hazy conditions due to wildfires, which can impact visibility.
"Be prepared for cooler temps than down in the town of Revelstoke.
Many gorgeous trails criss-crossing the top of the mountain. Picnic tables and pit toilets. Amazing wildflowers when we went in mid August.
You cannot drive the last 1km, but the road is still available to walk up. My husband went up and said the view was fantastic.
Even if you just stay near the parking lot it is still gorgeous and there are many trails to explore."
Catherine van Kampen
"An absolutely stunning place, the meadows in the sky parkway is a great twisty drive with viewpoints along the way and it brings you out to a panoramic view at the top. There are two small car parks at the top that fill up early - one for RVs and one for cars. It's popular because the summit is a short 1km hike from the car parks.
The panoramic viewpoint is 100m from the road which you can park cars along one side of (but not the other). It is a beautiful view from here over the mountains and there is a nice bench.
One problem we had was there is only one way onto the parkway and a booth with a single person controlled entry. We had a parks pass already but it seemed like many people didn't and decided this was a good time to have a discussion on the merits of the parks pass. Unfortunately there was no lane for drivers who already had a pass so although we were only 5 cars back it took about 15 minutes to get it. I think this is an oversight and could be managed better, but didn't spoil the drive."
Luke Holmes
"Fairly simple trails at the top of Mount Revelstoke that could be completed in ~4-5 hours. The trail is well maintained, but could get muddy under sub-optimal weather conditions. I had a great hike despite the rapid-changing weather conditions. The views at Jade Lake was a bit anti-climatic. If you aren't intenting to camp, stopping at the ridge between Miller and Jade lakes is sufficient. The ridge had by far the best view of the trail."
Kevin Luo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary access is via the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, a scenic drive that winds up to the summit. You'll need a Parks Canada Discovery Pass to enter. Be prepared for potential queues at the single-lane entry booth.
You can drive most of the way up the Meadows in the Sky Parkway. The final 1km to the absolute summit requires a walk, which is still accessible and offers fantastic views.
Yes, there are two small parking areas at the top: one for RVs and one for cars. These fill up very quickly, so arriving early is highly recommended.
The Meadows in the Sky Parkway is a paved, albeit twisty, road. It's generally well-maintained, but can be subject to closures due to weather or wildfire activity. Always check current conditions before you go.
Public transport options directly to the summit area are limited. Most visitors access the park via private vehicle. Consider local shuttle services if available in Revelstoke town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required for entry into Mount Revelstoke National Park. You can purchase passes online or at park gates.
The Parkway typically opens in late June or early July and closes in early October, weather permitting. Hours can vary, so check the Parks Canada website for the most up-to-date information.
Entry fees are covered by the Parks Canada Discovery Pass. The cost varies depending on the type of pass (daily, annual, etc.).
You can purchase a pass at the entrance booth, but it's recommended to buy it in advance online to save time, especially during peak season.
Parks Canada offers various passes, including family passes and annual passes, which can be more cost-effective for multiple visits or groups. Check their official website for details.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular hikes include the short summit trail for panoramic views, and longer trails like the one to Upper Jade Lake. The ridge between Miller and Jade Lakes offers excellent vistas.
Expect breathtaking panoramic views of surrounding mountains, valleys, and alpine meadows. On clear days, the vistas are spectacular.
Yes, there are picnic tables and pit toilets available at the summit area for visitors.
Dress in layers. Even on a hot summer day in Revelstoke town, the summit can be significantly cooler. Be prepared for changing mountain weather.
While not guaranteed, you might spot various wildlife. Some visitors have reported seeing lizards and looking for salamanders.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic viewpoint near the parking lot, the summit trails, and the ridge overlooking Jade Lake are prime photography locations. Capture the expansive mountain landscapes.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. However, clear midday can offer stunning, crisp views.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast mountain scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Generally, photography is allowed throughout the park. However, always be respectful of the natural environment and any posted signage.
Drone usage is subject to Parks Canada regulations. It's essential to check their official website for current rules and restrictions regarding drone operation in national parks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities are limited to picnic tables and pit toilets. Emphasize the importance of staying on marked trails and respecting the natural environment. The cooler temperatures at the summit can be a welcome relief on a hot summer day for families.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For the best results, aim for the 'golden hours' of early morning or late afternoon for softer light. Don't miss the chance to capture the vibrant wildflowers in mid-August. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the scenery and a telephoto lens for potential wildlife encounters.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
Be prepared for varying trail conditions and mountain weather. The chance to see wildflowers in bloom during mid-August adds an extra layer of beauty to the hiking experience. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve this beautiful natural area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Meadows in the Sky Parkway
As you climb, you'll transition from dense rainforest to open meadows, especially vibrant with wildflowers in mid-August. The drive culminates near the summit, where a short walk leads to breathtaking panoramic vistas. It's important to note that the final kilometer to the absolute summit is a walk, not a drive, but the effort is well rewarded.
Be prepared for the drive to take longer than expected due to the numerous stops and the winding nature of the road. The single-lane entry booth can also be a bottleneck, so factor in potential wait times. Despite these minor inconveniences, the Parkway is an absolute must-do for its unparalleled scenery and accessibility to the alpine environment.
Hiking Trails for Every Level
For more dedicated hikers, the trail to Upper Jade Lake is a popular choice. This hike takes you through diverse terrain, including alpine meadows and forested areas. While the lake itself is beautiful, many visitors find the ridge between Miller and Jade Lakes offers even more spectacular views and is a sufficient turnaround point for day hikers not planning to camp. The trails are generally well-maintained, but can become muddy in wet conditions, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
Remember to check trail conditions and weather forecasts before heading out. The alpine environment can change rapidly, and it's always best to be prepared for varying conditions.
Understanding the Summit's Climate
Visitors should also be aware of the potential for wildfire haze, which can impact visibility and the clarity of the stunning mountain views. Checking air quality and weather forecasts before your visit is advisable. The alpine environment is also prone to rapid weather changes, so being prepared for sun, wind, and even occasional rain is wise, regardless of the forecast.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit