For families traveling to or near Revelstoke, British Columbia, consider spending a few hours at The Enchanted Forest for a variety of attractions and activities. The park is easily located on the Trans Canada Highway between Sicamous and Revelstoke and caters mainly to young children with its main attraction of mystical fairy tales displayed in a forest setting.
This unique park, located in the Monashee Mountains, features over 350 Jolly Folk Art fairy tale figurines set among nature’s beauty. There is much to explore including BC’s tallest treehouse, a cedar stump house, and a castle with dungeons and a dragon.
Meet beloved fairy tale characters in the forest, such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears (the Three Bears house is shown in the lead photo), Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Winnie-the-Pooh, and Captain Hook to name just a few.
It’s likely that adult visitors won’t be nearly as impressed by the whimsical and simplistic displays as youngsters will be, so luckily the park offers more than just nursery rhyme exhibits so that children of all ages can find something that pleases them. For example, for older children and adults, the adjacent Skytrek Adventure Park is a sure bet for fun with ziplining and tree trekking through the forest’s 800-year-old cedar trees. Access to Skytrek is priced separately, but it’s the perfect scenario for thrill-seeking with a view.
There’s also a self-guided Wildland Interpretive Nature Walk that stretches 2 kilometers through the flourishing forest and along a boardwalk that crosses wetlands. Visitors will note several species of trees and plants, some of which hold medicinal value and are used by the First Nations People. Wildlife trails are also prevalent in the area, with animals such as deer and moose making use of the well-worn pathways, as well as caribou during the winter months. Given the dense forest of the region, nature seekers should keep their eyes open and cameras ready for regional wildlife including a wide variety of birds. For those wishing to explore the wetlands beyond the boardwalk, 4-person paddleboats are made available. To keep visitors from being stranded in this section of The Enchanted Forest, The Nature Walk closes 1.5 hours before the park’s regular closing time.
If you plan on visiting in the fall, the Seasonal Salmon Run is a phenomenon worth experiencing. With educational signs posted along the trail, sightseers can learn about salmon spawning and life cycles. Other species of fish, such as Kokanee Sockeye and Rainbow trout can also be seen spawning in this area.
The Enchanted Forest hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as photo contests and special celebrations on Father’s Day and Canada Day (July 1st). Children aged 3-15 are eligible to receive complimentary admission and a surprise gift on their birthday.
For visitors expecting to find a full-fledged theme park that includes rides and food outlets, etc., there’s a good chance you will be disappointed. However, for young children that still enjoy fairy tales, and certainly for nature lovers, this attraction is a pleasant way to spend the day. It’s also a great place for a family picnic.
For more information including park hours and ticket prices, visit The Enchanted Forest website HERE.
Photos Courtesy of The Enchanted Forest