As we continue our journey West on
Canada's Trans-Canadian Highway Route 1 we pass through a lively
small city called Revelstoke. It sits in Southeastern British
Columbia on the Columbia River just South of Revelstoke Dam. I only
stayed one night but looking back it really should've been two to
three as it's a cracking city with a great vibe.
Again tourist information offices found
at virtually all town and cities offer you what you want at some
great prices. Although the city is fairly bite-size with everything
in walking distance, I'd advice staying on the other side of the
railway lines where there are large mansion style houses lined up
against the outlying mountains. With most of them being used as B&B's
you can get a steal of an offer giving you access to most rooms in
the homes which include balcony's over looking the city. You name
the breakfast you want and the owners will go out and buy it ready to
cook fresh in the morning and of course it's a great way to meet
plenty of other holidaymakers sharing the same experience.
If it's a chilled out relaxing time
your after in Revelstoke then you'll be spoilt for choice with the
plenty of parks in the city. You can sit under a willow tree on
the banks of the Columbia river and take in the impressive mountain
ranges for hours. Not to mention the railway line that
crosses the river carrying carriages that can go into the hundreds!
After that gentle stroll along the river you could check out the
famous Revelstoke Railway Museum which details how the town came to
be what it is today due to the rail industry.
However if your in Revelstoke for a
more adventurous experience then look no further than Revelstoke
Mountain Resort. The resort offers up to 3,121 acres of skiing area
not for the faint hearted. The bars and restaurants are lively as
well and when the sun sets behind Mount Revelstoke the city begins to
buzz. Grab a crisp Kokanee beer with larger than life pub grub at the
Grizzly Sports Bar & Grill while catching the Ice Hockey on the
big screen late into the night!
If your going to continue West on Route
1 you'll be heading towards Vancouver but if you head South as I did,
you'll drop down onto the 97A at Sicamous. Leaving the mountains and
forests behind you'll hit Kelowna which sits on the Okanagan River.
Now I never stayed in Kelowna as we wanted to head further South but
if you've got the time it's definitely worth a day out or even
a night!
Kelowna is large and actually has the
feel of a 'city' unlike Revelstoke. If it's an urban feel your after
in a built up metropolitan area surrounded by extreme environment
then the city is worth a visit. On the South bank of the Okanagan
river there are beaches which are packed during the summer months
when temperatures can sour over 40 degrees Celsius.
As I followed the Okanagan River South
I noticed the winter scenery disappear completely being replaced by craggy desert like mountains. The red soil paired with high
humidity is worlds apart from Revelstoke but makes this area of
Canada popular for sun worshippers. Winding down the 97A you'll pass
through Summerland which sits on the edge of the Okanagan River and
offers great spots for bathing and sailing. Due to the climate here,
fruit is popular and plentiful and with acres of vineyards on the
riverbank your living the perfect summer paradise.. hence the name of
the town!
Next Week: Penticton
and Osoyoos.
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