Are you planning a move to British Columbia but looking for a quieter location away from the big cities? If so, you may be interested in living in Revelstoke, a lively mountain community in southeastern BC and just one of the many attractive small towns in BC.
Revelstoke is classed as a city, but with just over 8000 people, it has a small-town feel. Here you will be surrounded by mountains, fast-flowing rivers, and a winter wonderland in the colder months.
It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities such as skiing, hiking, and mountain biking available in the surrounding area. It is also home to Revelstoke Mountain Resort, a large ski resort which opened in 2007.
This article will give you all the key information you need about living in Revelstoke. In addition, we will provide you with an unbiased view of the pros and cons of living in Revelstoke to help you decide whether it is the place for you.
Living In Revelstoke, BC – The Facts
Here are some key facts about this small city for anyone interested in living in Revelstoke.
Where Is Revelstoke?
Revelstoke is a resort city in southeastern BC, on the Trans-Canada Highway between Calgary and Vancouver. It is located 641 kilometres east of Vancouver and 415 kilometres west of Calgary, Alberta.
The city sits on the banks of the impressive Columbia River, just south of the Revelstoke Dam. It is surrounded by mountains, including the Selkirk Mountains and Glacier National Park.
What Is The Population Of Revelstoke in 2023?
The population of Revelstoke in 2023 is around 8,439, based on the latest estimates by the government of BC.
The town has seen steady growth in recent years. The latest federal census data (released in 2022) showed a population of 8,275, representing a growth in the population of Revelstoke of 9.4% between 2016 and 2021.
The average age of the population is 39.2, which is a few years below the national average of 41.9. This reflects the popularity of the town, with younger people seeking an active outdoor lifestyle.
The population of Revelstoke is predominantly white and English-speaking. According to the latest census data, visible minorities account for around 7% of the population. The largest minority groups living in Revelstoke are South Asian, followed by Japanese and Filipino.
What Is The Weather In Revelstoke, BC, Like?
Most of Canada experiences cold, harsh winters with pleasant, moderately hot summers. However, BC’s coastal location and mountain ranges mean that its climate isn’t typical of Canada.
You will find significant variations in the climate even within the province. Overall, the BC weather is milder and wetter than the rest of Canada. The south coast has the mildest winters in Canada and warm, pleasant summers, while the southern interior has very short winters with long, dry, hot summers.
Revelstoke and the other mountain communities in the east have warm summers and cold winters. A wet climate leads to heavy snowfall in the winter and excellent skiing conditions. Revelstoke’s summer highs are around 25 degrees C, and winter lows are -6 degrees C.
What Is The Cost of Living In Revelstoke Like?
Most immigrants find the cost of living high in Canada, and BC is one of the more expensive provinces. House prices in BC are around 50% higher than Canadian averages.
Rural areas tend to be cheaper but are still subject to higher provincial taxes. Sales tax is 12% on most goods and services (5% GST plus 7% PST) compared to 5% in provinces such as Alberta, and the top income tax bracket is relatively high.
Property prices in Revelstoke are close to the average for BC but higher than most communities of its size. This is due to the increased popularity of the city following the opening of its ski resort in 2007.
What Is The Revelstoke Economy Based On?
Revelstoke’s economy has traditionally been tied to the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and mining. Since then, forestry has become an important industry for the town, as has tourism.
Tourism has become increasingly important in recent years, and the development of Revelstoke Mountain Resort (for skiing) provided a further boost.
The area is popular with hikers and mountain bikers in the summer, and Revelstoke Railway Museum and Revelstoke Dam are also popular attractions.
Is Revelstoke A Safe Place To Live?
Canada is one of the safest countries in the world to live in. Crime rates are low, and the country always features near the top of the annual Global Peace Index rankings.
Within Canada, Quebec, Ontario and the Maritime provinces have the lowest crime rates, while rates are highest in the territories. BC crime rates are above average for Canada.
Revelstoke is a very safe place to live, even by Canadian standards. Its crime rates are extremely low compared to both provincial and national averages.
Are You Planning A Move To Canada?
Are you wondering whether to make the move and have endless questions?
Do you want to know about living in the city of Regina, Saskatchewan, or if living in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, would be a better option than living in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan?
We have the answers to these and many more questions.
What Are The Schools In Revelstoke, BC, Like?
Canada has a strong and publicly-funded education system, which consistently ranks as one of the best in the world. Education is administered at a provincial level, and BC has a reputation for excellent education within Canada.
Revelstoke has a range of schools covering ages from kindergarten to grade 12. There are several elementary schools covering kindergarten to grade 7 and one public high school for grades 8 to 12.
The post-secondary institution, Okanagan College, also has a campus within the city.
What Is The Healthcare In Revelstoke, BC Like?
Canada has an excellent publicly funded healthcare system that covers “medically necessary” care. Generally, hospital and doctor visits are covered, while other types of care, such as dental, optical and prescriptions, are funded for certain groups of people.
In Canada, healthcare is administered at a provincial level, so anyone living in Revelstoke would be covered through BC Healthcare.
You should be aware that there is currently a shortage of family doctors in much of Canada, and it can be difficult to find clinics taking on new patients. This is especially true of the smaller towns and cities.
The Queen Victoria Hospital, based in Revelstoke, offers inpatient facilities, acute care, laboratory services, obstetrics, and 24/7 emergency care.
Pros And Cons Of Living In Revelstoke
The pros and cons of living in Revelstoke will vary from person to person, but whatever you are looking for, these are key factors for you to consider.
Pros Of Living In Revelstoke
- Beautiful location
- Outdoor activities
- Ski resort
- Mild climate
- Low crime rates
- Strong economy
- Good hospital facilities
Cons Of Living In Revelstoke
- High BC taxes
- High property costs
- Over a 2-hr drive to an international airport
- Relatively wet climate
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Funny , you totally missed fishing, camping and hunting as sports- things to do ….but worse you mentioned the 12% taxes on goods, but forgot it’s 12% on services as well…heating, electricity, haircuts, dentists, nail services, plumbers, electricians, gas, oil, hamburgers, pizza… So crazy expensive, close by Alberta gas is way way cheaper, provincial sales taxes so everything is 5% cheaper… BC has coal mining, fishing and lumber all under attack by lib politicians.
Hi Joe, thanks for your comments. You are correct that the PST applies to many services as well. I have amended this sentence to ensure it is clear. And people living in Revelstoke have access to a vast range of outdoor activities, way beyond those mentioned in the post, it is one of the major benefits of the town. Jill