Take a ride on Revelstoke’s mountain coaster

A new way to cruise through the Columbia Valley

Getting amped up about riding a new roller coaster is something that’s reserved for teenagers, right? Well, you might change your mind after watching a video of the Pipe Mountain Coaster in Revelstoke—and yes, a “mountain coaster” is exactly what you think it is. It’s the first of its kind in North America, and can reach peak speeds of 42 km/hr as it traverses more than a kilometre of twists and turns and drops 279 metres into the Columbia Valley (you can slow it down with the hand brake if the fun is a little too much). And while that might sound like an invitation to disaster in an area that’s full of wildlife (and sharp rocks and trees), Revelstoke Mountain Resort VP of operations Peter Nielsen says that you have nothing to fear. “The noise should keep the wildlife away, and the cart has no way of going off the track,” he says. “There’s a seat belt to strap you in as well. It’s completely safe.” Tickets for the ride (which lasts around two and a half minutes) start at $19, and the coaster will be open through to Thanksgiving weekend.