This article first appeared in print in the June 2023 issue of Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine.
A popular visitor attraction at Mount Revelstoke National Park will remain closed this summer.
Parks Canada says significant damage due to heavy snowfall during the winter of 2021-2022, along with years of exposure to deep snow combined with the humid Columbia Mountains rainforest environment have taken their toll on the Giant Cedars Boardwalk.
“Unfortunately, the structure is at the end of its lifecycle and needs to be replaced,” Kevin Gedling, acting public relations and communications officer for Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks wrote in an email to the Mountaineer. “Parks Canada has started planning for the future of the Giant Cedars Boardwalk area, but this thorough process requires time. We need to look at replacement options that meet the accessibility needs of as many Canadians as possible, protect this important old growth cedar forest ecosystem, and can withstand the wet, heavy snowy conditions. It is important to consider many perspectives and possibilities.”
While no replacement options had been identified at the time of publication, Parks Canada said planning is underway to ensure it can respond as quickly as possible when funding becomes available. There is currently no projected timeline for reopening the Giant Cedars Boardwalk.
“We understand this is disappointing to visitors and Revelstoke locals,” said Gedling, noting the closure is in place for public safety and to ensure the sensitive environment is protected from impacts of foot traffic and tramping – and to protect people from the giant Devil’s Club, which according to a WorkSafe BC document, can cause a serious reaction in some people.
Parks Canada will provide information on the future of the Giant Cedars Boardwalk as soon as possible. In the meantime, the Giant Cedars picnic and day-use area is open to the public. You can also check out some of the other beautiful trails and sights at Mount Revelstoke National Park, including the Inspiration Woods and Broken Bridge trails.