Revelstoke Mountain Resort focuses on trail maintenance, p · 19. Get your gears in motion for Go by Bike Week, p · 20.
Meet Revelstoke's local bike shops, p · 22. Your guide to mountain biking Revelstoke’s trails this summer, p · 24.
Rural BC Matters!
Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine is a free monthly publication featuring the best of Revelstoke outdoor life, food, style, visitor experiences, lifestyles, entertainment, home style and healthy living.
We are an independent, locally owned publication dedicated to showcasing our amazing mountain town and the great people who create the stoke.
Each issue we distribute 2,000 copies to public venues across Revelstoke, including hotel rooms, shops, restaurants, cafes, community centres — everywhere people meet.
For all inquiries, please contact us at info@revelstokemountaineer.com
For more local news visit www.revelstokemountaineer.com
· 250 571 9525 info@revelstokemountaineer.com Discourse Community Publishing 213-1130 Sun Peaks Rd, Sun Peaks,B.C. V0E 5N0, Canada
PUBLISHER
Brandi Schier info@revelstokemountaineer.com
PARTNERSHIPS SPECIALIST
Justin Moore justin@revelstokemountaineer.com
EDITOR
Hollie Ferguson info@revelstokemountaineer.com
REPORTER
Lys Morton lys@revelstokemountaineer.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Charlotte Smith
EDITORIAL DESIGN/ADVERTISING DESIGN/ WEBSITE
Chris Payne chris@revelstokemountaineer.com
Introduction
I spent a lot of May itching to get my bike into town so I could start riding to work. Living out in the bush wasn’t going to deter me from enjoying the trails, good weather and #BikeVibe that quickly took over throughout May. My second summer in Revelstoke, it was time to join in on the fun everyone seemed to be having.
While last year our Bike Issue focused a lot on ways Revelstoke and local organizations are trying to build bike infrastructure around town, this year we got to put a bit more focus on all the ways folks enjoy biking, including information on the new pump track, the ShredHER and ShredCOED camps for teen riders, the seemingly endless trails around Revelstoke and more. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist excited to see some love for the sport or someone just getting their foot on the pedal, I hope there’s something for everyone in this issue.
The change of season has also brought a host of events with it as well. We’ve got previews for National Indigenous Peoples Day, Go By Bike week, Open Mountains Pride celebration and our calendar is chock-full of events. Go out and enjoy June in Revelstoke, and don’t forget your sunscreen and hat.
- Lys Morton, community journalist
COVER AND INSET PHOTO:
Riding Martha Creek’s alpine downhill trail. Photo submited by Wandering Wheels/Scott Cody
18 20 24 16 14 26
19
14
Find out what’s happening in and around Revelstoke this month in the events calendar. Don’t forget to contact Lys to add your event to our calendar and newsletter.
8
CITY COUNCIL RECAP
Revelstoke city council focuses on property tax, infrastructure upgrades and more.
9
THE BASICS OF EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
From Alertable to City of Revelstoke alerts, here’s how to be ahead of emergencies.
10
REVELSTOKE RECEIVES
MAJORITY SUPPORT AT SILGA City council’s four resolutions all passed at the Interior municipalities conference hosted in Merritt.
12
JOIN LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS TO CELEBRATE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
DAY
Alpha Mountain Lodging will host a celebration Saturday, June 21, along with other local organizations offering workshops, activities and more.
REVELSTOKE THRIFT STORES URGE DONORS TO VET ITEMS
‘Would you pay money for it yourself?’
15
MOUNTAIN PRIDE EXPANDS CELEBRATIONS
The multi-day event hosted by Open Mountains Project celebrates Revelstoke’s 2SLGBTQ+ community.
16
FROM GRAVEL LOT TO GROWING GROUND, THE FOOD COMMONS PROJECT BLOOMS IN REVELSTOKE
Recently granted a 10-year lease from the city, the Indigenous Friendship Society of Revelstoke and Revelstoke Local Food Initiative dig in to improve food security.
18
THE ROAD TO REVELSTOKE’S PUMP TRACK: ‘IT’S BEEN A LONG TIME COMING’
After over a decade in the planning phase, the Revelstoke pump track could see riders by late June.
REVELSTOKE MOUNTAIN RESORT FOCUSES ON TRAIL MAINTENANCE FOR UPCOMING SEASON
No new trails planned, but upgrades to the current system in the works.
20
GET YOUR GEARS IN MOTION FOR GO BY BIKE WEEK 2025
Revelstoke’s Go By Bike week kicks off Saturday, May 31 and runs until Friday, June 6.
22
MEET THE LOCAL BIKE SHOPS AT THE HEART OF REVELSTOKE’S CYCLING COMMUNITY
Whether you’re visiting town and need a rental, a local rider looking to upgrade your set-up or someone with a bike in need of a service, these Revelstoke bike shops have you covered.
24
YOUR GUIDE TO MOUNTAIN BIKING REVELSTOKE’S TRAILS
THIS SUMMER
Revelstoke Cycling Association maps out trails for riders new and seasoned.
26
FROM SNOW TO SHOCKS, MOUNT REVELSTOKE THAWS FOR BIKE SEASON
Tour Mount Revelstoke National Park’s bike trails and the Meadows in the Sky parkway.
27
REVELSTOKE YOUTH HIT THE TRAILS WITH SHRED BIKE PROGRAMS
The partnership between Revelstoke Cycling Association, Stoke Youth Network and Wandering Wheels aims to make mountain biking accessible.
28
EXPLORE REVELSTOKE’S TRAILS WITH WANDERING WHEELS
Whether you're a first-time rider or a seasoned shredder, Wandering Wheels offers opportunities to experience Revelstoke's world-class terrain.
30
WICKETS UP FOR REVELSTOKE CRICKET CLUB
Revelstoke Cricket Club preps for a big season, hoping for support from home crowds.
31
PUZZLES
Check your answers for last month’s puzzles and try your hand at May’s crossword and sudoku.
JUNE 2025 CALENDAR
JUNE EVENTS
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4
SKATE THE GREENBELT
Kovach Park, 1000 Edward St., 5:45 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Revelstoke Roller Derby invites you to come skate the Greenbelt. All ages and skill levels are welcome to come meet at Kovach skate park and enjoy some skating at your own pace. Limited skate rentals available, meet the Roller Derby crew at the Revelstoke Forum at 5:30 p.m. to secure a pair for $5.
THURSDAY, JUNE 5
DOWNTOWN WALKING TOUR
Revelstoke Museum & Archives, 315 First St. West, 11 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Explore Revelstoke’s downtown with a historical lens and learn the stories around Revelstoke’s iconic buildings. Tours start at the museum every Thursday, tickets are $10. Dress for the weather, tours can be canceled due to extreme conditions.
THURSDAY, JUNE 5
THURSDAY GAME NIGHT
Revelstoke Railway Museum, 719 Track St. West, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Swing by the Revelstoke Railway Museum for an evening of board and card games every Thursday. Enjoy 50 per cent off admission and try your hand at a range of board games. All skill levels are welcome.
THURSDAY, JUNE 5
DROP IN ART NIGHT
Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre, 320 Wilson St., 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Bring a project you’re working on, your favourite supplies and maybe some snacks to the free drop-in art night. Enjoy creating in a relaxed environment and connecting with other local artists. Entrance on the left side of the building through the RVAC kitchen.
FRIDAY, JUNE 6
BIKE PARK OPENING DAY
Revelstoke Mountain Resort, 2950 Camozzi Rd., 10 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. Get the tires inflated and brakes fine-tuned, mountain bike season is officially open at Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Come on out and enjoy trails new and old throughout the Revelstoke Mountain Resort area.
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
REVELSTOKE PARKRUN
Kovach Park, 1000 Edward St., 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Come by Kovach Park and try out the Revelstoke Parkrun, hosted every Saturday. All levels of runners welcome, your only competition is your last score. Free to attend, pre-registration through the website is required to receive a score.
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
LFI SUMMER MARKET
Revelstoke downtown, First St. East, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Bring your reusable bags and enjoy the Revelstoke Local Food Initiative sumer market, held every Saturday on First Street. Enjoy a range of homemade gifts, local produce and more.
SUNDAY, JUNE 8
SILENT BOOK CLUB
Queen Elizabeth Park, Robson Ave., 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
This month Silent Book Club is headed for the outdoors. Bring your current read and a picnic blanket to Queen Elizabeth Park for an evening of relaxed reading among other book fans. No need to discuss the existential themes in your book, no need to try and answer what the narrative thread
is. Just some dedicated reading time and maybe some friendly chatter later on. Open to ages 16 and up, free to attend.
TUESDAY, JUNE 10
NO OTHER LAND SCREENING
Revelstoke United Church, 314 MacKenzie Ave., 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Humanity in Revelstoke hosts the screening of Oscar winning documentary No Other Land Tickets are by donation with all proceeds going to The Sameer Project. Food donations for the Revelstoke food bank will also be accepted. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., tickets available at the door or by contacting humanityinrevelstoke@gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11
S x ʷnitk ʷ CANOE JOURNEY COMMUNITY PADDLE
Martha Creek boat launch, 9:30 a.m. The community is invited to join the Sinixt Paddlers in a trip from Martha Creek to 5 Mile Boat Launch as they start their journey to Kettle Falls. The community paddle is expected to take around three hours, depending on skill levels, and participants must bring their own gear, mode of transportation and safety equipment. For more information about events celebrating the Sinixt Paddlers, check out Tourism Revelstoke.
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
ROLLER DISCO
Revelstoke Forum, 1100 Vernon Ave., 6 p.m. 6:00 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Roller Disco is back, but for one night only this season! Head to the Revelstoke Forum for an evening of disco jams, skate games and more in this family-friendly event supporting Revelstoke Roller Derby. Limited rentals are available on site, snacks available, tickets purchased through revelstoke-roller-derby.square.site. Interested in a dance class before the disco fun? Bruiseberry Pie will host a skate dance class at 4:30 p.m. Those interested in registering can contact revelstokerollerderby@gmail.com for more information.
Join the Sinixt Paddlers in a canoe (or kayak) trip from Martha Creek to 5 Mile Boat Launch Wednesday, June 11. Photo by Lys Morton/Revelstoke Mountaineer
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18
HERITAGE CEMETERY
TOURS
Mountain View Cemetery, Highway 23
North, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Learn the stories of some of Revelstoke’s earliest occupants with a tour of the Heritage Cemetery. All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult and mature content is discussed during portions of the tour. Ticket price includes museum admission, which can be used before or after the tour.
THURSDAY, JUNE 19
GALLERY OPENING DAY
Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre, 320 Wilson St., 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Get a sneak peek of Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre’s latest exhi bit, featuring Revelstoke’s David Walker in the main gallery and the members' Laughter is the Best Medicine show. Enjoy drinks and live music starting at 5 p.m.
THURSDAY, JUNE 5
DROP IN ART NIGHT
Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre, 320 Wilson St., 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Bring a project you’re working on, your favourite supplies and maybe some snacks to the free drop-in art night. Enjoy creating in a relaxed environment and connecting with other local artists. Entrance on the left side of the building through the RVAC kitchen.
SATURDAY,
JUNE 28
REVY.LIVE OUTSIDE PRESENTS CAYLIE G Grizzly Plaza, 111 MacKenzie Ave., 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Columbia and Duncan operations update meeting
We are hosting a virtual meeting to provide updated information about this year’s operating conditions in the Columbia Basin and forecasted reservoir levels and river flows, including Kinbasket Reservoir, Revelstoke Reservoir, Arrow Lakes Reservoir, Duncan Reservoir, and the Columbia River at Birchbank. We will also provide updates on the Columbia River and Duncan Dam Water Use Plans.
When: Wednesday, June 18
Time: 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. PDT
Location: MS Teams
We hope you can join us. For more information, or to register, please email southern-interior.info@bchydro.com by Friday, June 13.
Columbia Basin reservoir information is also available online at bchydro.com, by phone at 1 877 924 2444, or through our reservoir updates that are distributed via email every Friday.
evening June 28 to August 30, hosted by Arts Revelstoke. Kick off the summer concert series with Caylie G at Grizzly Plaza and check out the entire lineup
Join Revelstoke Roller Derby Saturday, June 14 for the only Roller Disco night of the season!
Photo provided by Revelstoke Roller Derby
Get ready for an evening of free concerts when Revy.LIVE Outside kicks off Saturday, June 28.
Photo by Lys Morton/Revelstoke Mountaineer
CITY COUNCIL RECAP
REVELSTOKE CITY COUNCIL FOCUSES ON PROPERTY TAX, INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES AND MORE.
By Lys Morton
Property tax notices mailed ahead of schedule
In an effort to get property tax notices out to the public before a potential Canada Post strike, the City of Revelstoke mailed them out ahead of schedule. That hasn’t changed the Wednesday, July 2 due date and staff are encouraging property owners to explore all payment options in case of strike.
Property owners can pay their property taxes through their financial institutions by adding the city as a payee, in-person at City Hall via cash, cheque or debit, or pay online with credit card through the OptionPay portal on the City of Revelstoke website.
Information about taxes due and how to pay is included on both sides of the notice, further questions can be directed to the Finance team at finance@revelstoke.ca.
City still waiting for wastewater treatment plant update from the province
At a Tuesday, May 13 meeting, Coun. Matt Cherry asked about updates on any news from the provincial government regarding Revelstoke’s wastewater treatment plant upgrades before a Wednesday, May 31 deadline. The city recently awarded the project to Chandos Construction and MPE Engineering but is still waiting for the province to sign off on updated plans.
“The ball is in the [provincial] government’s court to make sure that the information provided by the city to the province checks all the boxes,” Evan Parliament, chief administrative officer told council. “Hopefully the minister who’s been alerted of the timeline May 31 will sign off.”
The May 31 deadline is due to Chandos Construction’s agreement to hold firm on estimated prices until that day. If shovels aren’t in the ground by then, Chandos is allowed to adjust prices based on their own changing
costs which could inflate the projected $23.17 million for the project.
“I do believe we’re going to get good news before May 31, that’s the spidey sense in me,” Parliament added.
Microbrewery gets public hearing
A bylaw amendment to allow a microbrewery to operate in one of Mackenzie Village’s commercial spaces was instead pushed to a public hearing during the Tuesday, June 10 regular council meeting.
The space was previously zoned for cafés, convenience stores, liquor stores or neighbourhood pubs along with other options. But the allowance for a brewery, cidery, distillery, meadery or winery would allow for brewing on site and the sale of alcohol as retail and in a tasting room setting, alongside food sales. The business would join Ray of Sunshine daycare, Alpine Echo Gallery, Avenue Home + Boutique and Cabin Collective.
Coun. Tim Palmer put forward a motion to delay third reading and possible adoption of the amendment until after a chance for the public to have a say on the project.
“The reason that we have public hearings is there might be something that’s not in the body of knowledge for staff and ourselves,” Palmer said, speaking from his previous experience working in Whistler where a local brewery had ongoing odour issues that were not known about before the approval of the project.
Staff clarified that the application has been available for public feedback, with the application advertised in the Revelstoke Review, notices sent to residents in the area and a notice also placed at the property. The project would also be back for council review later on once the brewery applied for a liquor licence, allowing another chance for feedback to be heard.
“That’s where we’re looking at our liquor policy of the operation, if there’s any noise issue, you can deal with odour at that time,” Erica Kovacs, senior planner said.
Coun. Lee Devlin spoke in favour of the additional chance for public input, noting that the overall Mackenzie Village development has long been a point of interest for the general public.
“We’ve had issues with this specific development and people’s perception of this development,” Devlin said, adding that residents have also shown previous interest with retail space changes and Comprehensive Development zone changes. “When it comes to continuously editing the CD zone and adding new uses, maybe slowing it down and getting some feedback from the public is actually a good idea.”
Council voted unanimously to push third reading and possible adoption to after a June 10 public hearing during the regular council meeting.
Staff set sights on inclusionary zoning planning with provincial funding
In an effort to capitalize on funding provided by the Government of B.C., Paul Simon, director of development services, proposed a remaining $100,000 be used to bring on a consultant to help staff develop plans to implement Bill 16. The bill gives municipalities the ability to develop inclusionary zoning and density bonus systems. These systems can require developers to earmark a certain amount of units as affordable housing or develop bonus amenities for the municipality on top of the proposed development.
“We would do an analysis of all our existing housing needs, come up with some zoning bylaw amendments,” Simon said. “We have to perform – and this is where costs get higher – a financial feasibility analysis as part of this.”
Council expressed concerns that this would be added work for staff, however this was eased by Simon who noted that staff had been expecting a project like this to help with Bill 16 implementation and the expected workload had already been planned for. Staff had initially planned to work the project alongside the Zoning Bylaw Rewrite project, but delays in materials and tools from the province hindered staff plans.
“I don’t want to say we’re behind the eight-ball. We have already begun a little bit of the leg work at least to get quotes from consultants,” Simon said.
Simon also noted that if the remaining funding provided by the province isn’t used, it has to be returned to the province and Revelstoke risks using local taxpayer dollars if the community later on decided to explore strategies for Bill 16.
“If we start going down this road and we realize this isn’t going to work in the context of Revelstoke… then we don’t have to go down this road. But at least we’re not spending dollars from our local taxation base to explore the viability of it,” Simon said.
Council voted unanimously to direct staff to review future inclusionary zoning and density bonusing implementation.
Keep up to date with the latest general council meetings by subscribing to our City Council Minute newsletter at revelstokemountaineer.com.
Revelstoke city council. Photo by Keri Knapp/Keri Knapp Photography
THE BASICS OF EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
FROM ALERTABLE TO CITY OF REVELSTOKE ALERTS,
HERE’S HOW
TO BE AHEAD OF EMERGENCIES.
By Lys Morton
What will you do in the event of an emergency? Do you have a plan or a go bag prepared in case evacuation is necessary? What would that look like? How will you know what to do or where to go? These questions were the main focus of a town hall aimed at emergency preparedness on Tuesday, May 6.
“Emergency preparedness starts with you,” Steven DeRousie, Revelstoke Fire Rescue Services chief, told the audience. “Know your hazards, make your plan, gather your supplies.”
Creating a plan and making a grab-and-go bag
Making an emergency plan can be as simple as following the B.C. Emergency Ready Plan or developing ones specific for your home or business. The key aspects of any emergency plan take into consideration the number of individuals or animals in a home or business, and what accommodations they may need in order to evacuate a property. Other details to contemplate include identifying relevant hazards, such as earthquakes, floods and avalanches.
Emergency plans should also contain important information, such as
phone numbers for emergency contacts, health details such as allergies or diseases, home and car insurance information and identification documents, among others.
Home grab-and-go bags and vehicle emergency kits were also recommended, with staff noting that most individuals often have a majority of the items needed. Bags should include first aid kits, pet supplies, medications and more. Various resources are available to help guide folks in building grab-and-go bags. While wildfires, avalanches and flooding are often top of mind for Revelstoke, DeRousie said that road accidents, train derailment and hazard spills were also key emergencies the city plans for and residents should be prepared for. With hazardous materials being transported year-round along the Trans Canada highway and via rail, DeRousie explained this threat doesn’t have seasonal windows like other potential disasters.
Making sure go-bags have masks for chemical hazards, that residents are ready for long highway closures, and that multiple exit strategies are known were key reminders for some of the risks Revelstoke could face.
Staying in-the-know and up-to-date
Francesca Williams, City of Revelstoke communications coordinator encouraged residents to sign up for Alertable, an emergency app that can also send alerts via email, text and phone calls.
“The main platform we’re going to be using during an emergency is Alertable,” Williams said, adding that the city would also share information on its social media channels, with news organizations in town, on the City of Revelstoke website via a banner at the top of the page and through newsletter blasts for those who sign up.
The range of emergencies municipalities are planning for and residents should be prepared for is always changing. The Lapu Lapu Day tragedy in Vancouver and increased cyber security attacks on municipal resources has communities across the province planning for emergencies that don’t always have a natural disaster element to them.
“There’s been talk around the local government circle on how to prepare your community so that doesn’t happen where we live and work,” Evan Parliament, Revelstoke's chief administrative officer said.
While staff are constantly finding new ways to connect with residents, tourists and possible evacuees from other regions, the Revelstoke emergency preparedness panel stressed throughout the evening that any steps residents can take will save valuable resources and keep communities safe when the time comes.
Revelstoke emergency preparedness town hall participants had the chance to sign up for Alertable, learn how to pack grab-and-go bags and hear what fire preparedness they could incorporate in and around their homes.
Photo by Lys Morton/Revelstoke Mountaineer
REVELSTOKE RECEIVES MAJORITY SUPPORT AT SILGA
CITY COUNCIL’S FOUR RESOLUTIONS ALL PASSED AT THE INTERIOR MUNICIPALITIES CONFERENCE HOSTED IN MERRITT.
By Lys Morton
Revelstoke Mayor Gary Sulz, councillors Matt Cherry, Lee Devlin, Aaron Orlando and Tim Stapenhurst and chief administrative officer Evan Parliament attended the Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) conference to network with other municipalities within B.C.’s Interior.
At the conference, leaders of the province’s municipalities gathered to discuss the unique issues facing each area, seeking support for resolutions from neighbouring communities.
Following the event, resolutions will be brought to the Union of BC Municipalities and presented to all attending provincial municipalities to be approved before being taken to provincial ministries.
Revelstokes took a record amount of resolutions, receiving support for all, including a request
for support for encampments, infrastructure, conservation officers and more.
It’s the most amount of resolutions Revelstoke has brought to SILGA and highlighted the various concerns municipalities are facing.
“We're all looking at the same things,” Sulz told the Mountaineer. “But there's only so much capacity for every community.”
Revelstoke will host SILGA in 2026.
Encampments on provincial land
Revelstoke originally planned to present a resolution requesting the Ministry of Transportation and Transit manage encampments located within municipalities, but on provincial property. A last minute amendment to the resolution proposed a new ministry be appointed to manage encampments on provincial land.
“It's not in the Ministry of Transportation's work list to deal with these sorts of things, they have so much on the go. So, it kind of gets less priority,” Sulz said.
Other municipalities supported the resolution, speaking on individual scenarios with encampments located within city limits but situated on Crown lands. While Revelstoke currently only has one individual sheltering within city limits along the Trans-Canada highway, Sulz stressed that the resolution was in part to get ahead of future developments.
“If we don't deal with it now, it's going to get worse, and we're not going to be able to deal with it.”
Other municipality representatives shared that previous efforts to remove encampments from provincial lands required injunctions ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 and oftentimes individuals moved back to the previous location.
Funding for municipal infrastructure upgrades following densification
In an effort to increase housing supply, recent provincial Bill 44 required municipalities to allow
SILGA attendees (L-R) councillors Matt Cherry and Tim Stapenhurst, Mayor Gary Sulz and councillor Lee Devlin.
Photo provided by City of Revelstoke
multiple units per property, a move that’s helped reshape Revelstoke’s zoning bylaw and is part of a long conversation around Revelstoke’s future with short-term rentals. However, that increased densification means reliance on municipal infrastructure that might not be ready for a sharp growth.
Revelstoke’s role as a tourist destination within the province needs to be supported, Sulz said, and it’s one of the reasons behind proposing the province provide more stable funding to municipalities working on upgrading infrastructure such as Revelstoke’s wastewater treatment plant.
Without provincial support to manage growth, “we're not able to enhance the construction in our community or support people who come and visit,” Sulz said.
Talks before the vote showed that even municipalities not impacted by tourism are scrambling to find ways to pay for infrastructure upgrades related to densification, and Sulz sees Revelstoke’s value to the provincial government as a leveraging point to get this resolution approved.
“As a tourist destination we give many millions of dollars to the provincial government,” he said. “We would like to see that come back in either grants or direct funding.”
Increasing conservation officer capacity
Revelstoke took advantage of increased support at SILGA for the resolution to increase conservation officer resources and presence throughout the province, something the city has been pushing for since before Sulz’s time as mayor, he said.
“What we're looking for is really additional funding for offices and staffing to support the conservation officer service to be more active and proactive in our area.”
While two conservation officers do work in and around Revelstoke, the region they cover stretches roughly from Golden to Salmon Arm – a workload that’s unmanageable and is costing conservation efforts within Revelstoke, Sulz said.
“If they were based in the community, they would be able to make their presence known on a regular basis in our back country,” he added.
Sulz wants to see a conservation officer or even a main office within Revelstoke to protect the habitats that shape Revelstoke’s tourism industry from poaching and illegal fishing, among other things.
Reducing highway speeds through municipalities
Two of Revelstoke’s main intersections were top of mind for a resolution requesting the Ministry of Transportation and Transit consider community safety concerns when reviewing speed limit requests. Current highway speed limits at the intersection entering the Johnson Heights neighbourhood and the gradual reduction of speed leading to the intersection between the Columbia Park neighbourhood and the majority of Revelstoke have both been points of high traffic stress over the years.
“There's accidents at those intersections on a regular basis, because those who are traveling through either haven't slowed down or they're not paying attention,” Sulz said.
While he agreed that a key solution would be increased enforcement within those high-risk areas, pushing the province to ease speed limit requests could be a broader solution for more municipalities.
“We’re asking that they actually include community safety concerns when they’re assessing requests to reduce speed limits,” he said.
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JOIN LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS TO CELEBRATE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
ALPHA MOUNTAIN LODGING WILL HOST A CELEBRATION SATURDAY, JUNE 21, ALONG WITH OTHER LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS OFFERING WORKSHOPS, ACTIVITIES AND MORE.
By Lys Morton
Alpha Mountain Lodging, a family-run and Indigenous-owned local cabin retreat is inviting the community out for Indigenous Peoples Day Saturday, June 21.
With a market featuring Indigenous artists, performances by Syilx singer Francis Baptiste, Elder-led storytime and guided tours through Alpha Mountain Lodging’s interpretive trail, the family-friendly event is a chance to celebrate the cultures throughout the region and across Canada.
“I really want it to be accessible to everyone to come and learn and experience,” Charlene Pors, Alpha Mountain Lodging owner and operator told Revelstoke Mountaineer. With a free shuttle bringing folks to the lodge from town and all tours and entertainment free, Pors is eager for the day to be focused on celebrating.
“The Indigenous Friendship Society of Revelstoke (IFSR) is really excited, Tourism Revelstoke is really excited, it already has a lot of support.”
Pors worked with IFSR to help map out the event and reach out to Indigenous artists, storytellers, Elders and more. While the event is free, donations will be accepted throughout the day for IFSR, and Pors has received funding to pay entertainers, storytellers and more for their knowledge.
A highlight of the event will include tours of the Alpha Mountain Lodging’s Kihîw Nature Trail, a one-kilometre interpretive loop with signs about the local flora and fauna and how Indigenous nations throughout Canada have used them. Pors worked with Christy Shaw, local ethnobotanist and Elder Randy Williams, from Secwépemc nation and Enderby on the signage and information that dots the trail.
“It was really fascinating learning about all these plants can do. I’ve definitely found a new passion on top of loving nature and animals already,” Pors said. The signage includes the Cree names for the various species, a nod to Pors’ husband and business partner Logan and their two kids who are all Mountain Métis.
Local organizations have stepped up to help celebrate Indigenous History Month and Indigenous Peoples Day. A series of events will be hosted around
town with the support of Arts Revelstoke, IFSR and Tourism Revelstoke along with Alpha Mountain Lodging, City of Revelstoke, School District 19, the Resort Municipality Initiative and the National Film Board. Check Arts Revelstoke's Facebook page for updated locations and information.
Local events
Sunday, June 1, 1 p.m. – Traditional drum making workshop with Marlene Brajak.
Wednesday, June 4, 5 p.m. – Dreamcatcher workshop with Delrée Dumont of Onion Lake Cree Nation. Hosted at the Revelstoke Community Centre. Email info@indigenousrevelstoke.com to register.
Sunday, June 8, 2 p.m. – Drum circle and lessons. Free to attend, open to all, bring your own drum.
Tuesday, June 10, 1 p.m. – Traditional birth teachings, lactation support and prenatal plant teachings. Hosted by Faith Zacherelle, Sinixt member of the Colville Confederated Tribes at Begbie View Elementary School.
Wednesday, June 11, 9:30 a.m. – Revelstoke stop of the Sinixt Canoe Journey to Kettle Falls. Join in for the public paddle at Martha Creek Provincial Park for 9:30 a.m. Join the medicinal plant workshop at Queen Elizabeth Park at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Enjoy dinner, a history presentation and entertainment at the Revelstoke Community Centre. Registration and details at seerevelstoke.com/ event.
Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m. – Dreamcatcher workshop for children with Delrée Dumont of Onion Lake Cree Nation. Hosted at the Revelstoke Community Centre. Children ages 10 and up invited, email info@indigenousrevelstoke.com to register.
Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m. – Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day at Alpha Mountain Lodging.
Logan and Charlene Pors and their kids invite the community out to Alpha Mountain Lodging for Indigenous Peoples Day Saturday, June 21.
Photo provided by Alpha Mountain Lodging
REVELSTOKE THRIFT STORES URGE DONORS TO VET ITEMS
‘WOULD YOU PAY MONEY FOR IT YOURSELF?’
By Lys Morton
Revelstoke Hospital Auxiliary Society (RHAS) thrift store and Bargain Basement thrift store volunteers and staff are urging donors to pause and assess items before dropping them off. The call comes after a spring cleaning rush of donations to both locations included numerous items that cannot be sold.
“We spend close to $20,000 a year on dumpster fees,” Cathy Thacker, RHAS president told Revelstoke Mountaineer. “It comes three times a week but we can fill it up in a day no problem.”
While the Bargain Basement is a smaller operation compared to the RHAS thrift store, it is still spending a fair penny discarding items that can’t be sold.
“It’s $400 a month for our garbage fees,” Wilma Mollerud, Bargain Basement volunteer said.
From ripped clothes to broken toys and soiled linens to cookware with last meals still burnt on, both locations said they’ve seen it all.
“I really think for some people they don’t want to deal with the dump,” Thacker said, noting that some volunteers have opened the RHAS thrift store only to find large garbage bags of actual waste dropped at the donation door. Other times it’s items with good intention but no place for either thrift shop to store.
“We have no space for big furniture, it stays outside if the weather is good and we hope it sells.
But this is Revelstoke. You can’t leave a bedframe outside if it’s raining or snowing,” Thacker shared. Dealing with items that can’t be sold requires hours from all volunteers, from those who initially sort donations to those taking scrap metal, broken electronics and overall trash to waste stations.
Not only are volunteer hours wasted trashing items instead of updating the stores and helping customers, it’s money not going to the organizations both thrift stores support. Along with supporting the Revelstoke Legion with furnace updates and other maintenance projects, the Bargain Basement has also donated to organizations such as Open Mountains, Revelstoke Unstuck, School District 19’s breakfast program and more.
RHAS has donated to Revelstoke Search & Rescue, the new echocardiogram ultrasound machine at the Queen Victoria Hospital and various medical resources for residents in town.
It makes the rising costs of waste removal that much harder to swallow.
“That’s money that could be going to the community, that should be going to the community to help out,” Renee Howe, Bargain Basement volunteer said.
Both Howe and Thacker hope increasing awareness around what should and shouldn’t be donated helps put money earmarked for trash removal back into the community.
“Some people it might not take, but I think some people just don’t know that we don’t have the resources to mend everything that comes in, clean the toys that have been out under the snow all winter, wash every piece of clothing that comes in,” Thacker said.
Both encourage folks to explore other reusing and reselling options in town, whether bringing items for mending to Revy ReFest, selling larger furniture items on marketplace, organizing mom share groups and more.
“You see the worst, but you also see the best of this town,” Mollerud said, noting that many times, the store sees brand new items in the donation bins, some even with tags still on.
“It’s something about this town, people want to help out and want to give when they can,” Howe added. “It’s why we’re so very supported in donations, it just needs to spread out a bit more.”
Some helpful things to keep in mind before donating.
• Would you pay money for the item in its current condition?
• Has it been washed/cleaned before being donated?
• There are no missing pieces, rips or broken features.
• The item is safe for the next person to use.
• It will soon be in season (don’t donate Christmas items in June).
Cathy Thacker, RHAS president sorts through recently donated clothes before sending them out to the thrift store.
Photo by Lys Morton/Revelstoke Mountaineer
‘You can get down to the bottom, the last layer and then the next day it’s back to this level,’ Renee Howe, Bargain Basement volunteer said about the level of donations the store sees.
Photo by Lys Morton/Revelstoke Mountaineer
MOUNTAIN PRIDE EXPANDS CELEBRATIONS
THE MULTI-DAY EVENT HOSTED BY OPEN MOUNTAINS PROJECT
CELEBRATES REVELSTOKE’S
2SLGBTQ+ COMMUNITY
By Lys Morton
Mountain Pride 2025 is taking the lessons from previous years and giving Revelstoke some extra time to celebrate the 2SLGBTQ+ community in outdoor recreation spaces. With the Mountain Academy now hosted Saturday, June 28 and the Queer Village hosted Sunday, June 29, participants will have a bit more time to enjoy all that Open Mountains is hosting this year.
“We heard from people who wanted to be at the academy but also at the village and they were feeling stressed trying to get to everything,” Laurie Villeton, Open Mountains event manager told Revelstoke Mountaineer.
The Mountain Academy is a collection of courses this year featuring mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking and paddleboarding that helps introduce marginalized communities to the outdoor sports and gives an accessible chance to try things out. Registration through Open Mountains will launch closer to the academy date through their website.
This year the Queer Village will include arts and craft stations, local vendors, live music, activities in the skate park and more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mountain Pride is also still working to finalize some evening activities to keep the
celebration going past the closing of the Queer Village.
Mountain Pride 2025 and Arts Revelstoke are partnering for a June launch of REVY.Live Outside with Caylie G, a queer pop-roots artist and singersongwriter from Edmonton opening the summer series of free outdoor concerts. The show will take place at Grizzly Plaza and Mountain Academy attendees can head to the concert together after their event has wrapped.
Partnerships with local organizations, building the event for multiple days and a growing list of vendors for the Queer Village all show the support Mountain Pride 2025 has and its importance in the community, Villeton said.
“It's super important to be out there, to show that we’re here and that inclusivity is very important, especially in mountain sports and in mountain towns.”
Follow Open Mountains Project on social media to keep up-to-date for more Mountain Pride 2025 information and other events hosted throughout the year. Mountain Pride takes place Saturday, June 28 at various locations and Sunday, June 29 at Kovach Park.
Mountain Pride 2025 takes place Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29.
Photo by Maia Christian
FROM GRAVEL LOT TO GROWING GROUND, THE FOOD COMMONS PROJECT BLOOMS IN REVELSTOKE
RECENTLY GRANTED A 10-YEAR LEASE FROM THE CITY, THE INDIGENOUS FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY OF REVELSTOKE AND REVELSTOKE LOCAL FOOD INITIATIVE DIG IN TO IMPROVE FOOD SECURITY.
By Lys Morton
On a 2.5-acre piece of land off Powerhouse Road, hazelnut trees frame the site of the Food Commons Project, where roses, spirea and more are already helping steward Revelstoke’s latest food security project.
Lisa Moore, Michif woman and chair of the Indigenous Friendship Society of Revelstoke (IFSR) walks through the lot, previously used for demolition derbies and road gravel, painting a picture of what the future holds for this space.
All of the plans showcase an intermingling of Indigenous agricultural practices and small-scale sustainable farming, including cultivating the Indigenous plants already located on the site, planning for a smokehouse and greenhouse and mapping out a market garden beside accessible community
garden beds. That partnership of techniques has been the vision from the start.
“It was a bit hard to imagine in the beginning, but I had this fuzzy picture in my mind of rosehips growing beside potatoes. That’s where we’re headed with this,” Moore said.
That picture is becoming more clear thanks to a 10-year lease granted to the project at a April 22 general council meeting.
A collaboration between IFSR and the Revelstoke Local Food Initiative, the
Lisa Moore, IFSR chair points out the hazelnut trees the Food Commons project plans to cultivate in the coming years.
Photo by Lys Morton/Revelstoke Mountaineer
Work will be done to revitalize the soil at the Food Commons Project site, including laying down chicken manure and mulch. Photo by Lys Morton/Revelstoke Mountaineer
project will not only give Revelstoke one more point of food security but it will also be a learning space to highlight the agricultural practices Indigenous nations throughout the region use.
“There’s reconciliation in that. Especially reconciling with the land and rebuilding that connection,” Moore said.
The team wasted no time getting infrastructure and gardening resources installed after the lease was officially signed, with volunteers coming out to the site Monday, May 19 to build fencing and raised garden beds. Emcon Service donated vehicles and staff time to help clear out gathering areas and where underground utilities will be laid as the city works to set up the site with power and water.
“That freed up so many resources for us, money that can go towards soil and other supplies,” Moore said.
The project received another surprising update that will help stretch some resources farther than originally planned.
“Structurally, the soil is in way better shape than we were expecting,” Moore said, adding work is being done to increase the health of the soil. Nitrogen-rich chicken manure has been spread throughout sections of the Food Commons, followed with an oat and pea cover crop designed to protect the soil from high temperatures and rain erosion this summer. The cover crop will later be mulched, providing “green manure” to continue building the nutrient profile in the soil.
A return on community investment
At just $10 a year, The 10-year lease on the plot is a community investment with expectations for returns. Neighbouring the Revelstoke Disc Golf course, the goal is for the Food Commons to become a community hub for everyone in Revelstoke.
“It’s the kind of project that will evolve with the community and be in constant flux,” Teal Randle, Food Commons infrastructure coordinator told Revelstoke Mountaineer. “I believe that after the 10-year lease comes up, the benefit it provides to the community will carry it forward into the next phase.”
Moore and Randle are eager to see the space used by community members of all ages throughout the year. Raised garden boxes will help with accessibility and the planned greenhouse will extend Revelstoke’s growing season, giving folks a chance to stay connected to the space even as winter settles in.
“I think of my mom, as she got older she just wanted to garden, but it’s hard
Summer adventure
CAMPS
MONDAY — FRIDAY JULY & AUGUST
kids mountain bike
CAMPS
MONDAY — FRIDAY JULY & AUGUST
keeping up with the care of some gardens,” Moore shared. “To make this space, we’re all sharing in the weeding, the cultivating, the care. How many more people will get to enjoy gardening because it’s not all on their shoulders?”
With trips for the local schools in the works and students from Revelstoke Secondary School already testing soil samples, Moore sees the Food Commons project connecting generations.
Volunteer opportunities have already started for the community to help out with the Food Commons, and Randle encourages folks to keep an eye out for more projects throughout the summer and into the fall. Youth ages 12 to 30 will get the chance to join upcoming summer youth-led projects and a community survey is available through the LFI website to map out volunteer opportunities and community visions.
Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to join the IFSR and LFI mailing lists for future projects.
“It’s so exciting,” Moore mused. “We’ve been talking about this for so long.”
Emcon Service donated vehicles and staff time to help clear out sections of the Food Commons area and lay down utilities for the site.
Photo by Lys Morton/Revelstoke Mountaineer
THE ROAD TO REVELSTOKE’S PUMP TRACK: ‘IT’S BEEN A LONG TIME COMING’
AFTER OVER A DECADE IN THE PLANNING PHASE, THE REVELSTOKE PUMP TRACK COULD SEE RIDERS BY LATE JUNE.
By Lys Morton
Ground broke on Revelstoke’s anticipated pump track Monday, April 14 after over a decade of imagining, planning and partnering. The track officially became a goal for the city in the 2011 Parks Master Plan but budget, location and partnerships pushed the project back until it was finally reaffirmed as a goal for the city in 2022. In October 2024, international pump track developer Velosolutions was awarded the contract.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Alex Cooper, Revelstoke Cycling Association executive director told Revelstoke Mountaineer. Talks about a Revelstoke pump track have been on the radar since he moved to town in 2009 with Cooper himself writing updates for the Revelstoke Review about the proposed development.
“This project has been a long and winding journey with lots of back and forth,” Laurie Donato, director of Revelstoke Parks, Recreation & Culture told Revelstoke Mountaineer in a written statement. Now, with the help of Velosolutions’ expertise in pump tracks and other recreational
bike infrastructure, the Revelstoke pump track is nearing reality.
Pump tracks provide a consistent environment for riders focused on skill development before testing things out on more challenging trails. With an asphalt-looped track, riders have a continuous route with easier banks, hills and turns than what can be found on more advanced trails.
“You really get to focus on your bike handling abilities, and it’s in this central location, you don’t have to drive out to the trails. You can get to it very easily and have some fun,” Cooper said.
One particular local voice has been key to getting the project over the finish line, Cooper emphasized. Harrison Salisbury, RCA trail construction director and Skookum Bike and Ski manager has championed the project since joining the RCA board. Connecting with Revelstoke’s biking community, Salisbury made sure it was a resource the community would use and then worked with Donato and other community members to map out what was possible.
“His goal, his main priority, was to work to get a pump track built for this community,” Cooper said.
Once the city heard from the community about a want for a Revelstoke pump track, staff got to work sorting out how to make it happen.
“I have to give Laurie [Donato] a lot of credit for listening to the cycling community and community as a whole, making this project a priority, taking the lead on it and doing everything she could to get it built,” Cooper said.
Donato doesn’t have one particular group in mind that she’s most excited to see use the track once it opens.
“I’m just truly happy that this project has finally become a reality for the entire community,” she said, noting that working with Velosolutions has been a breeze and the company’s knowledge and resources for the project have been vital in keeping things on track.
“They’ve been highly professional, accommodating and detail-oriented, making the process smooth and efficient,” Donato said.
Currently the Revelstoke pump track is expected to open June, 2025 for all riders. The City of Revelstoke will announce the official opening of the track through its newsletter and social media.
Velosolutions has been hard at work getting Revelstoke’s future pump track ready for June.
Photo by Francesca Williams/City of Revelstoke
REVELSTOKE MOUNTAIN RESORT FOCUSES ON TRAIL MAINTENANCE FOR UPCOMING SEASON
NO NEW TRAILS PLANNED, BUT UPGRADES TO THE CURRENT SYSTEM IN THE WORKS.
By Lys Morton
Revelstoke Mountain Resort (RMR) is spending the spring fine-tuning the biking trails before summer season officially begins Friday, June 6. The resort focused last year on sections of Fifty Six Twenty, the trail that runs the full 5,620 feet vertical of the mountain, including reopening the Aspen Glades section. Crews will continue working their way up the trail this spring, fine tuning features and upgrading sections for performance.
“While we aren’t adding any new trails to our network this summer, our Trail Crew will focus their efforts on maintaining high-quality trail conditions and enhancing the overall bike park experience,” Laura Meggs, RMR communications manager told Revelstoke Mountaineer.
Crews will also be working on Bagful of Boogie to refine the main ride lines and build up berms with a focus on creating another trail that riders can longterm progress on.
Opening of the upper mountain is scheduled for June 21, and first rides on the Stoke Climb, Mac Ridge and upper section of the Fifty Six Twenty will be dependent on snowmelt in the coming months.
Newer riders and those looking to build on their skills will have the option of RMR’s various Mountain Bike School courses including Discovery and Progression sessions, kids’ camps, Ladies’ Day and private lessons.
“Whether you’re looking to learn the basics or take your skills to the next level, our team is ready to help,” Meggs said.
Plans are still in the works for events on the mountain and in the village this year, with some locally organized bike events earning a spot at the resort. Beloved winter Locals’ Days get a summer twist with 50 per cent off tickets to the Pipe Mountain Coaster. Information for future events and all opening days can be found on the RMR events page.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort trails are getting some seasonal maintenance in preparation for the 2025 bike season.
Photo submitted by Revelstoke Mountain Resort/ Hywel Williams
Participants of all ages are welcome to sign up and track their distance for Go By Bike week.
GET YOUR GEARS IN MOTION FOR GO BY BIKE WEEK 2025
REVELSTOKE’S GO BY BIKE WEEK KICKS OFF SATURDAY, MAY 31 AND RUNS UNTIL FRIDAY, JUNE 6.
By Lys Morton
Polish up your wheels, check those brakes and grab your helmet for Go By Bike Week Spring 2025. The triannual provincial biking event encouraging teams and solo cyclists to track their biking distance kicks off for the spring round Saturday, May 31 to Friday, June 6.
Participants can sign up and track their distance on the GoByBike BC website where they’ll be entered to win various prizes including gift cards to local bike shops, a new bike and gear and the grand prize of a trip to Vietnam to explore the country by bike.
Revelstoke’s Go By Bike team will be at the celebration station Monday, Wednesday and Friday with free goodies, snacks, drinks and more. Participants will get a chance to spin the wheel of fortune and win a prize from one of the local businesses in town.
Revelstoke has been a part of Go By Bike Spring for over 15 years, and Lydia Muller, City of Revelstoke recreation programmer is still working with volunteers who participated in the first event.
“We have such a community who wants to be a part of it, who love biking and want to encourage that in town,” Muller said.
Whether it’s to reduce your carbon footprint, get in a bit more exercise or enjoy some extra outdoor time, Muller and her team are ready to cheer on everyone who participates.
“Since I started organizing Go By Bike I started biking myself back and forth to work. It was just the best switch I could have done,” Muller said, adding that biking helped her recover from a knee injury. It’s also helped her connect with her community, passing by neighbours often out in their yards in the morning and giving Muller a chance to say hi and catch up.
“What a way for us to stay connected to our community as Revelstoke grows,” Muller said.
While Muller and her team only have capacity to organize Go By Bike for the spring challenge in Revelstoke, she knows biking is a year-round activity for the community and encourages participants to find ways they can celebrate the summer and fall editions of the challenge. It’s a way to continue showcasing the need for bike infrastructure in and around Revelstoke.
“The more people bike, the more we make folks aware that we need the infrastructure. If you see 14 people biking down Fourth Street you go, ‘okay, what do we need to build here’?” Muller said, adding that Go By Bike participants and distance numbers are reported to city council at the end of the event to highlight community interest.
Photo provided by Go By Bike Revelstoke
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TOURISM TALKS
IT’S BIKE SEASON!
Bikes, Bikes, Bikes
Mountain, gravel, road, your beloved townie bike - we’re thrilled to see our community back on two wheels We thought we’d help you dust off the cobwebs with a few gentle reminders!
Where do the Trails Come From?
Our trail networks are managed and built by community groups If you love hitting the Beavers after work or heading to Boulder Mountain for some downhill laps, make sure you have a membership to the Revelstoke Cycling Association! They’re out there maintaining trails, organizing races, and the more memberships they get - the more they can build and maintain
our bike
is time of year when it’s light out ‘til late But we still see ing home in the dark who look like they’re trying their best to t’s time to get some bike lights! Lucky for you, we’ve ordered ive away for FREE all summer long so there’s no excuse If you to see our team out and about, you can purchase some at any in town Drivers are used to seeing lights on the road, so turn the day time too!
he road rules
you signal, wear a helmet, and obey all traffic signs!
Get stoked!
The bike park at Revelstoke Mountain Resort opens June 6! See you there.
Our Rental Shop’s Got You Covered! Whether you're after a Downhill or Enduro Mountain Bike, or would like a pedal-assist MTB or Townie — we’ve got the perfect ride for you.
CHECK AVAILABILITY RESERVE YOUR STAY
Want to learn more about where trails come from? We made a cool video to give you some behind the scenes footage and inspiration to get your membership!
To read previous Tourism Talks columns, to learn about destination management in Revelstoke, or read more about our team members head to DestinationRevelstoke com
MEET THE LOCAL BIKE SHOPS AT THE HEART OF REVELSTOKE’S CYCLING COMMUNITY
WHETHER YOU’RE VISITING TOWN AND NEED A RENTAL, A LOCAL RIDER LOOKING TO UPGRADE YOUR SET-UP OR SOMEONE WITH A BIKE IN NEED OF A SERVICE, THESE REVELSTOKE BIKE SHOPS HAVE YOU COVERED.
By Charlotte Smith
The Wax Bench
Known for its expert servicing, the Wax Bench is a go-to spot for maintenance or repairs. It stocks a wide range of bike components but staff are always happy to make special orders for customers in need of specific parts.
In store, you’ll find a range of safety equipment, including full-face and crosscountry helmets, halos and back protectors. This is alongside the essentials –pedals, grips, gloves, handlebars and a variety of tires.
The Wax bench also carries Scott bikes, including kids bikes, hardtails and enduro bikes.
Pop into the Wax Bench at 106 Orton Ave. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
Cycle Logic
Cycle Logic Revelstoke is one of five locations across the province and is well-stocked with footwear, accessories or more technical equipment. The bike inventory includes mountain, gravel, road and e-bikes.
Bike servicing is a major focus, with experienced technicians available for everything from minor adjustments to larger repairs. Cycle Logic welcomes walk-ins alongside appointments, understanding mechanical issues are often unexpected.
Visit the team at Cycle Logic at 709 Victoria Rd. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
Skookum Bike & Ski
Skookum is a community-focused bike shop that proudly caters to all cyclists, though mountain biking does remain a big focus thanks to its local popularity.
The shop stocks mountain bikes, e-bikes, townies and kids bikes, along with a wide array of gear to keep riders safe and trail-ready.
Its service team is friendly and efficient, prioritising high turnaround times, especially during the weekends. Drop-ins are welcome, making Skookum a great stop for those passing through town or needing last-minute repairs.
Find Skookum at 116 Mackenzie Ave., opening hours are 9 a.m. to 6 a.m. Monday to Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
Wandering Wheels
Best known for guided biking tours, Wandering Wheels also rents out a diverse and well-maintained fleet, with a collection of over 30 bikes, including almost 20 full suspension enduro trail bikes, eight electric mountain bikes and a handful of townies, electric townies and kids bikes.
The rentals are perfect for visitors or those new to town looking to explore the region’s trails without committing to buying equipment. The service is also
Skookum is a central hub for all things biking gear and services.
Photo by Skookum Bike & Ski
great for locals wanting to test ride a particular bike before making a purchase.
Visit Wandering Wheels at 709 Victoria Rd., open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week
Tantrum Bike Co.
Tantrum Bike Co. prides itself on being the go-to shop for bike care, offering everything from suspension tuning and pro builds to basic adjustments. It is a true one-stop shop for purchasing new gear and getting your bike trail-ready. Its selection of bikes caters to a variety of needs, whether it’s mountain, trail, road or town biking. If you’re not looking to buy, Tantrum offers high-quality rental bikes with the same variety in selection.
Tantrum welcomes all riders – local or visiting, experienced or beginners –and is committed to making biking accessible to everyone.
Drop by Tantrum at 306 First St. West from Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wandering Wheels has a fleet of over 30 bikes available for rent.
Photo by Wandering Wheels
Inside Cycle Logic’s Victoria Road shop.
Photo by Cycle Logic
YOUR GUIDE TO MOUNTAIN BIKING REVELSTOKE’S TRAILS THIS SUMMER
REVELSTOKE CYCLING ASSOCIATION MAPS OUT TRAILS FOR RIDERS NEW AND SEASONED.
By Charlotte Smith
Revelstoke is a mountain biking mecca, but with so many trails to choose from, it can be tough to know where to begin.
To help riders navigate the terrain, the Revelstoke Mountaineer spoke to Alex Cooper, executive director of the Revelstoke Cycling Association (RCA), the organization behind Revy’s renowned trail networks.
Founded in 1994, RCA manages 105 kilometres of mountain biking trails across four major networks – Mount MacPherson, Boulder Mountain, Frisbee Ridge and Sunnyside. The organization is dedicated to developing and maintaining sustainable mountain biking trails in the region, as well as supporting riders of all skill levels.
“We want to foster a sense of community around those trails and be advocates for cycling in the community,” Cooper said.
Entering the sport
For beginners, RCA recommends Mount MacPherson, which boasts a crosscountry network offering the greatest variety in terrain and difficulty.
“Miller Time is a nice wide easy trail with gentle grades, smooth downhills and no real technical sections – no roots or rocks to worry about,” Cooper said.
Other beginner-friendly trails branch out from the Griffith Creek parking lot, such as Leap Frog and Toad School. The green-rated Beaver trails, including Dusty Beaver and Eager Beaver, span five to six kilometres and offer a
progressive entry point for new riders.
“We often see tons of families with little kids going out there. Mountain biking on McPherson is one of the best places to start.”
While Revelstoke riders generally have a high skill level, RCA believes mountain biking should be accessible for everyone.
“A lot of those beginner trails on McPherson were only built in 2018, as we realized there was a gap in our network for new riders,” Cooper explained. “There are a lot of very good mountain bikers in this town, but we want to make sure we have trails that everyone can ride.”
Stepping it up
Once comfortable on beginner-friendly trails, there’s plenty more to explore. MacPherson also hosts intermediate and expert trails, with TNT and Berm Donor flow providing a more technical pedalling challenge. RCA also recommends Black Forest, a stimulating ride beginning at the Nordic Lodge.
Across the valley Sunnyside, located off Airport Way just South of Revelstoke, is another top pick for intermediate riders. It is one of the first trails to melt out in the spring, making it a popular early-season destination.
“It's a really fun, flowy trail,” Cooper described. “Pretty fast, with some slightly steeper sections, but not really any technical rocks or roots to worry about.”
Advanced riding
For those chasing a more challenging ride, Boulder Mountain hosts a variety of fun one-way downhill trails. Last year, RCA built a one-up trail called Sisyphus which has become quickly popular, allowing riders to pedal up to access Boulder’s downhill terrain.
There are a couple of intermediate trails in the area, but the terrain is mostly
The RCA manages 105 kilometres of mountain biking trails across four major networks– Mount MacPherson, Boulder Mountain, Frisbee Ridge and Sunnyside.
Photo by Alex Cooper
expert-orientated. Riders should be prepared for challenging rides, varying “from fast and flowy to steep and techy.” Expect technical sections, rocks and roots, and many opportunities for jumps.
“It’s an expert’s playground!”
The work behind the trails
While purchasing an RCA membership isn’t required to ride its trails, it directly supports the organization’s trail maintenance programme. The crew works from mid-April right through to Thanksgiving to keep the networks in top shape.
The RCA has over 600 members and its trails accommodate over 10,000 riders a year, heavy traffic which can quickly degrade the terrain. Add to that the impacts of climate change – like intense rainstorms that can wash away trails – and regular maintenance becomes essential to keep the trails rideable and safe.
“It's a lot of unglamorous work,” Cooper explained. “The team helps remove trees and overgrown brush to ensure riders have clear pathways. They'll fix everything from brake holes and bumps, berms and water issues.”
When time allows, the crew also builds new features and sections of the tracks to keep the terrain fresh.
How riders can help
Alongside purchasing a membership, there are also ways riders can assist in maintaining the trails while out on their bikes. Cooper noted that when encountering a wet and muddy trail, the natural instinct is to ride around puddles to avoid getting wet but this can actually widen the trails and increase the impact puddles have.
“We recommend if you encounter that situation to slow down and go straight through the puddle,” Cooper said. “Really, we want to minimize it to the trail corridor that we built.”
He also suggested grabbing a rock or a stick, or using your heel to kick a small drain into the puddle to allow it to slide down the hill. These actions take only moments out of your ride, but it’s this kind of trail karma that helps RCA keep these trail networks alive.
The Revelstoke Cycling Association’s 2025 trail crew, from left: Tyler Wakita, Kirk Murray (crew leader), and Jacob Tooke, with trail dog Illy.
Photo by Alex Cooper
FROM SNOW TO SHOCKS, MOUNT REVELSTOKE THAWS FOR BIKE SEASON
TOUR MOUNT REVELSTOKE NATIONAL PARK’S BIKE TRAILS AND THE MEADOWS IN THE SKY PARKWAY.
By Lys Morton
As the alpine snowline recedes, Mount Revelstoke National Park trail system and the Meadows in the Sky parkway opens up. Accessible via trails at the railway museum and open to anyone with a Parks Canada pass, the collection of mountain biking trails, road biking options and the Beaver Lodge Kids’ Bike Park provides a host of opportunities for bikers of all skill levels.
Established in 1914 by a group of locals determined to protect the sub-alpine wildflower meadows for future generations, Mount Revelstoke National Park remains a hub of hiking, biking, skiing and camping.
“Over a century later, residents and visitors continue to appreciate the park for its fantastic recreation offer, right next to the city,” said Sierra Stinson, Parks Canada public relations and communications officer for Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks.
Road biking
Not looking for a mountain bike challenge but still want to explore the scenery the park has to offer? Road biking Meadows in the Sky Parkway’s 1,4000 meter climb up to Mount Revelstoke’s summit gives a rewarding ride along the 26 kilometre route, providing a panoramic view of the mountain ranges surrounding Revelstoke. Seven different roadside lookouts offer a chance to rest and take in the sights.
“For the safest, stress-free experience, this route is best ridden earlier or later in the day, when vehicle traffic is lower,” Stinson said. Animals frequent the road as an easier way to travel through the region, meaning encounters with deer, bears,
amphibians and more is probable.
“Carry bear spray and give animals the space and respect that they deserve,” Stinson said.
Mountain biking
Riders can test their skills on nine kilometres of intermediate mountain biking trails that start off at the Nels Nelsen Historic Area. The Soren Sorensen loops, two main mountain biking loops, offer two-kilometre and five-kilometre route options, both featuring wide, double-track trails focusing on technical descents and climbs throughout the interior rainforest scenery. Lengthen your ride even more with the 23 Connector trail, linking the Nels Nelsen area with Highway 23 North, or head back down via the Mount Revelstoke Multi-Use Trail and carry on from the Revelstoke Railway Museum to the various pathways in Revelstoke.
Mountain biking is only permitted on Mount Revelstoke trails designated for cycling. Other trails throughout the park are solely for hiking and other permitted activities. If a trail is not signed for cycling, biking is not permitted.
Beaver Lodge Kids' Bike Park
Newer riders looking to build their skills, endurance and confidence before heading out onto the mountain biking trails can try the Beaver Lodge Kids’ Bike Park. Located at the top of the Mount Revelstoke Multi-Use Trail and beside the Nels Nelsen parking lot, the park is accessible for all budding bikers. Designed for families with children as young as two years old, the park includes features found on the main mountain bike trails such as banks, log obstacles, tighter turns and more.
“Visitors can develop bike skills, play and learn
about the park in a fun and active way. Explore interactive sculptures and features like the dragonfly teeter totter, animal overpass and the giant snail,” Stinson said.
Before heading out for biking adventures at Mount Revelstoke, check trail conditions on the Parks Canada website, have your parks pass on you or purchase a day pass at the Parks Canada Office in Revelstoke or the Parkway Welcome Kiosk and make sure you’re packed for all weather.
The Meadows in the Sky parkway offers 26 kilometres of road biking.
Photo provided by Parks Canada
Bikers of all ages are welcome to try out the marked bike paths at Mount Revelstoke National Park. Photo provided by Parks Canada
REVELSTOKE YOUTH HIT THE TRAILS WITH SHRED BIKE PROGRAMS
THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN REVELSTOKE CYCLING ASSOCIATION, STOKE YOUTH NETWORK AND WANDERING WHEELS AIMS TO MAKE MOUNTAIN BIKING ACCESSIBLE.
By Lys Morton
Youth ages 11 to 14 are hitting the local trails again this season with Revelstoke Cycling Association (RCA), Stoke Youth Network and Wandering Wheels’ ShredHERS and ShredCOED programs.
The bi-weekly Tuesday rides connect youth riders with qualified guides from Wandering Wheels to help build skills and confidence on the mountain biking trail networks throughout Revelstoke.
“We want to provide that supervision and expertise and professionalism that just makes it a fun, safe way for kids to get out on their bikes together,” Alex Cooper, RCA executive director told Revelstoke Mountaineer.
While RCA’s funding and resources have been key, Cooper said the work of Ainslee Arthurs, Stoke Youth Network’s youth liaison in organizing and advertising to students throughout Revelstoke and Matt Yaki, Wandering Wheels owner’s offering of guides, gear and bikes for rent has kept the program accessible as possible for Revelstoke youth.
Initially launched five years ago as ShredHERS by Stoke Youth Network to give girls a space to explore mountain biking and connect with women riders in town, both programs have remained free to participate, including free bike and gear rentals, shuttles to the trails and skills training for all levels.
“There are kids in town who are lucky, their families can afford mountain biking. Our hope is that this program makes those who don’t have that chance feel comfortable to get out there, get a bike and go out and enjoy the trails. Maybe they'll discover a new sport they love. And they’ll pursue it with passion and find a way to make it happen,” Cooper said.
While riders can drop in for any night, the first couple of nights are spent along the Griffith Creek trails and up on Miller Time to give newer riders a taste of the sport.
“As the weeks go on and they come out and get better, they get more excited, we can just keep challenging them and keep taking them out on different trails,” Cooper said.
Riders have already been out since ShredHERS’ Tuesday, April 29 start date, with 18 girls showing up for the initial ride despite heavy rainfall. Attendance has steadily increased, with the ShredCOED hosting over 30 riders.
“It almost creates a problem of its own, it’s become so successful that we almost can’t manage it. But you’re seeing the community really coming together to support it with the parents and volunteers and our guides.”
Cooper said it’s the challenge the Shred team is eager to overcome and find ways to keep the program growing while remaining manageable. Part of that comes down to the finances. With current support from BC Hydro community grant program, title sponsorship from Wandering Wheels and RCA membership and sponsorship fees helping support, the goal remains to keep both ShredHER and ShredCOED entirely free for all participants.
“We see how great it is to be able to get kids involved and kids riding together at a young age. We hope they build kind of lifelong friendships through mountain biking, and that we can play a small part in that.”
ShredHERS runs Tuesday, June 10. ShredCOED runs Tuesday, June 3 and Tuesday, June 17. Participants and their guardians must sign a waiver before participating. Pre-registration is encouraged along with online signing of the waiver, all of it can be found on the Stoke Youth Network website.
ShredHERS participants ready to hit the trails.
Photo provided by Revelstoke Cycling Association
EXPLORE REVELSTOKE’S TRAILS WITH WANDERING WHEELS
WHETHER YOU'RE A FIRST-TIME RIDER OR A SEASONED SHREDDER, WANDERING WHEELS OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPERIENCE REVELSTOKE'S WORLD-CLASS TERRAIN.
By Charlotte Smith
Founded in 2012 by mountain bike and adventure enthusiast Matt Yaki, Wandering Wheels has grown into a thriving, multi-faceted provider for biking experiences. From guided tours to bike rentals and coaching programmes, the company opens the region’s terrain to locals and visitors alike.
The idea for Wandering Wheels came about from Yaki’s own experience as a newcomer to the region, where he discovered the challenges of navigating Revelstoke’s vast mountain biking landscape. This revealed a prominent gap – a lack of services providing the guidance many riders need.
“There were all these services for other outdoor sports – heli-skiing, ski touring, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, hiking guides - but there was nothing at all for biking,” he explained.
“Combined with my personal experience and the fact that there was nothing developed in that space, I had the idea for the company – and just went for it!”
Wandering Wheels launched its first operational season in summer 2013, and has continued to grow alongside the rise of mountain biking in the region.
Bike tours for every rider
At the heart of Wandering Wheels’ business are its guided day tours, available as half-day or full-day experiences. It offers cross-country pedal tours, downhill tours and shuttle tours, and caters to a range of abilities, from absolute beginners to pro riders.
Wandering Wheels also provides customised multi-day tours for riders looking for a lengthier trip, in addition to inclusive tours spanning several days, providing a truly immersive bike experience. These trips are geared toward more advanced riders and include multiple days of relatively challenging terrain.
The tours are an excellent gateway into the mountain biking scene, and the region itself.
Wandering Wheels accommodates guests from all over Canada, as well as further afield, including the U.S. and Europe.
The company also operates a shuttle service for high Alpine trails requiring a truck to access locations like Frisbee Ridge and Martha Creek. Without a designated driver, these areas can be difficult to reach – making this service popular with locals as well as tourists.
Kids camps and skill development
Kids camps became a key part of the business during the COVID-19 pandemic, when tourism slowed and Yaki was looking for new ways to keep the business alive and engage the community.
“The kids were all being homeschooled,“ he said. “So when summer came around and we were allowed to partake in activities again, parents were keen for their kids to get outdoors and do something!”
Riding Martha Creek’s alpine downhill trail.
Photo by Scott Cody
Since then, the camps have been a huge resource utilized by the community, drawing in returning local families and guests from out of town. They offer children a social outlet while helping them become capable young riders, building lifelong mountain biking skills and trail etiquette.
Wandering Wheels also offers skills clinics in the springtime. While appealing mostly to locals, the business also gets individuals travelling from surrounding areas to attend.
“It’s a great way for anyone to develop their skills, whether they’re beginner, novice or more intermediate, stronger riders,” Yaki said.
The shop and fleet
A physical shop and rental fleet became a natural extension of the business, streamlining the services already provided.
In the early days, the company relied on third-
party rentals but as the business grew, it built up its own fleet of bikes and moved to its current residence, a larger space next to Cycle Logic.
Having an independent space, where the team can meet guests, sort out any equipment and drive directly out to the trails has made a huge difference to the quality of the experience for the business and customers. It also ensures full oversight of rental quality, which Yaki prides himself in.
“Being a small business that I own, operate and am very passionate about, I hold my own high standard of conditions on these rentals,” he said.
The bikes are also available to rent for the general public not taking part in a tour.
“You can just rent a bike and go explore!”
Local and international adventures
One of the most exciting aspects of Wandering Wheels’ growth is its international trips.
Led by Yaki and a second guide, they offer unforgettable and immersive journeys taking riders to epic terrain abroad. In 2024, they ran four trips in Peru, all around two weeks long, and one in Nepal.
Combining Yaki’s passion for travelling, the outdoors and biking, these trips are an increasing focus of the business. But even with growing international horizons, Wandering Wheels remains committed to supporting riders navigating local terrain.
The company proudly supports the work of Revelstoke Cycling Association (RCA), which manages and maintains a vast network of trails in the region.
When guests book a guided tour with Wandering Wheels, a portion of the fee goes directly to the RCA, contributing to sustaining and improving the local trails that make Revelstoke such a well-loved biking destination, and supporting the adventures Wandering Wheels is so proud to provide.
Rider on Boondocker Trail at Boulder Mountain.
Photo by Scott Cody
WICKETS UP FOR REVELSTOKE CRICKET CLUB
REVELSTOKE CRICKET CLUB PREPS FOR A BIG SEASON, HOPING FOR SUPPORT FROM HOME CROWDS.
By Lys Morton
Revelstoke Cricket Club (RCC) is readying for the season and eager to play host once again with a pitch built in Centennial Park last year. Teams from across B.C. and Alberta traveled to Revelstoke last season, and RCC director Matthew Bramall said the whole team revels in showcasing the best of town.
“It's an exciting opportunity for us to showcase the game to the town, its residents, and maybe some new people who have moved to Revelstoke just this summer,” Bramall said.
This season is scheduled to go deep into August with a minimum of 20 games, giving residents plenty of chances to come down to Centennial Park and cheer on the team.
Bramall hopes RCC gets the same amount of love
and support the Revelstoke Grizzlies get from the community, and the RCC is taking a couple of tips from the local hockey team in getting the word out including posting game day signs around town when a home match is playing.
“We really just want to get people out to a beautiful place in our town and enjoy a fun game on a Sunday. There's nothing better than bringing down a picnic and watching some local boys play cricket.”
Growing cricket, B.C.-wide
For Bramall, his love of cricket started when he was a child watching the Ashes, a biennial cricket
series between England and Australia. Bramall and his brother would reenact the games in the yard, and the passion for the game has stayed ever since.
“There's never a moment with cricket where I think you fall out of love with it. You might stop it for a few years for whatever reason. But you always find yourself coming back to the sport," Bramall said.
That love is at the heart of the big goal RCC and other ISCT teams have in sight for the coming years: to grow cricket within Interior B.C. and spread out cricket resources that have been centred in Vancouver and coastal B.C.
The sport is already seeing a surge within the Okanagan and Columbia-Shuswap region, with what originally started as three teams growing to 10 and plans across the region to build women’s teams and youth teams.
“Our reason for being as a club is to provide opportunities to people in Revelstoke to play cricket,” Bramall said. But you don’t have to be a team member to get involved with RCC. The club is always looking for volunteers to help set up for game days, assist in promoting upcoming games and organizing future events, including possible “how to play” courses.
Even if folks can’t volunteer or join the nonprofit, simply coming down to cheer the team on and enjoying a free game of cricket is more than enough.
“The members of the club really take pride in representing the Revelstoke badge in these competitive games,” Bramall said. “For them to be able to do that in front of the home crowd, I think we’ll really feed off that support.”
Revelstoke Cricket Club shows off new jerseys, a blend of the old black and yellow colours with some new alpine blue highlights.
Photo provided by Revelstoke Cricket Club
And That's Final
by Barbara Olson
Merchant with a clickable shopping cart
63 Banister end post
Death ... or what each part of the answer to the starred clues can be 66 Seed's hard covering
Evening, in Paris
Back muscles, in gym lingo 69 Utter, in the Bible 70 Porcine pad 71 "While" beginning, once
"Self" starter?
Blade in the pen
A handful
Newfoundland's nickname
Nutty-as-a-fruitcake type
"Get going!" 7 Canada Dry ginger ___ 8 Followed too closely on the road 9 Wide-ranging, as a bill 10 Kid's retort to a skeptic
Canadian country singer Perras
Baker or brewer's buy
Double Stuf cookie
Knightly title
Calgary-to-Edmonton dir.
___ Saint-Jean, Québec
Trade 26 Enjoy many a liquid lunch, say
Kind of code or rug 29 Washed out, colour-wise
Lands with a thud, as a joke
33 Prince William's alma mater
35 "What ___-off!"
36 Canadian building supply chain
37 "Ignore this deletion," on a manuscript
41 Sympathy seeker's tale
44 What a party no-show might send
46 Be prone 47 Ball of laughs?
49 Tsk-tsk, old-style
52 Litter's littlest ones 53 "___ bad moon rising" (CCR lyric) 54 Filled with the latest 55 What Jay Z and TMZ share 57 Clumsy ox
59 Correct spelling, perhaps 60 Pinocchio, at times
61 Baby salamanders
62 Flautist's chance to breathe
65 Refusals
