Meadows in the Sky Parkway

Mount Revelstoke National Park offers you the extraordinary experience of driving a paved road from an elevation of 470 metres on the Trans Canada Highway to 1835 metres at Balsam Lake.  Winding 26 kilometres uphill, the Meadows in the Sky Parkway takes you through forests of cedar and hemlock, spruce and fir to the renowned subalpine wildflower meadows of Mount Revelstoke National Park.

Easy strolls as well as longer hikes begin at the Balsam Lake parking area and the summit. To prevent damage to this mountain-top environment, you are asked to stay on the system of marked trails only. The subalpine vegetation of the meadows area is extremely fragile and the growing season is very short. The summit offers rare mountain-top hiking, strolling, picnicking and photography opportunities. A historic firetower crowns the summit.

You can reach the summit by hiking 1 km on a paved road or on a trail through the woods. Accessible parking is available at the summit for those with permits. Check with the gate attendant to ensure someone is available to provide access.

Please note: there is no summit shuttle for the 2022 summer season. The summit is a 1 km walk from the Balsam Lake parking area along a trail or paved road. Accessible options are available.

Hours and seasons of operation for Parkway

Visiting with dogs

Dogs are not allowed in the summit area (this includes dogs in vehicles) and backcountry of Mount Revelstoke National Park. Elsewhere in the park, dogs must be on leash at all times.

Vehicle restrictions

The Meadows in the Sky Parkway is narrow and has tight switchbacks. Some vehicles are not permitted:

• Buses and Class A motorhomes over 7.9 metres (26 feet)
• Towed trailers or towed vehicles. These may be dropped off at the Nels Nelsen Historic Area, 0.5 km up the parkway from the Trans-Canada Highway.
• Parking at the summit area is limited. Arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Parkway roadside viewpoints