Mount Revelstoke parkway opens to the summit for vehicles

Revelstoke’s scenic 26-kilometre parkway has opened all the way to the top for motor vehicles, Parks Canada shared on Facebook June 26.

The Meadows in the Sky Parkway, which snakes 1,350 metres in elevation and more than 20 minutes by car to the summit of Mount Revelstoke National Park, can now be driven on past the Columbia Viewpoint.

Since May 16, the paved parkway sat open to all vehicles only along the first 12 kilometres, as snow continued to melt off the upper sections.

This full opening of the road comes as an early treat for summer mountaingoers. According to Tourism Revelstoke, the parkway didn’t open all the way to the top last year until as late as July 17.

As a drawback to an earlier opening, the federal agency emphasizes that snowy conditions remain around the summit and that motorists should come prepared for more than just a walk in the park.

“It might not be a long visit at the summit, but it could be cool to tell your friends you reached the summit of Mount Revelstoke before the month of July,” Parks Canada wrote on Facebook.

Still, those who make the drive to the top can wander through the subalpine meadows near Balsam Lake, within one kilometre of the summit parking lot. Other nearby trails available to avid hikers as the snow recedes include Eagle Knoll, Upper Summit, Fire Lookout, Koo Koo Sint and Heather Lake.

Motorists are encouraged to arrive early to avoid missing out on limited parking and having to turn back. Having a back-up plan is advised and dogs may not be brought anywhere past the Columbia Viewpoint, after the first 12 kilometres.

One thing for certain, however, is that visitors to the parkway this summer don’t have to budget for park passes. From June 20 to Sept. 2, admission to Mount Revelstoke National Park and all other national parks in Canada is free.

Check the latest trail conditions at parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/revelstoke/activ/randonee-hiking.

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