Along the Trans-Canada Highway, a short drive from Revelstoke, lies an unusual attraction that blends childhood nostalgia with the unexpected. The Enchanted Forest is a mix of fairy tale figures, oversized mushrooms, and rustic boardwalks that weave through an ancient forest. Unlike modern theme parks with sleek, high-tech attractions, this site feels raw and handmade. The sculptures, scattered among the trees, range from charming to bizarre, with exaggerated features and weathered surfaces that give them an eerie quality. It’s a place where visitors can step into familiar stories while encountering something just a little offbeat.
A Place Where Fairy Tales Take Shape
Between towering trees and quiet trails, an outdoor storybook attraction brings childhood tales to life. The Enchanted Forest near Revelstoke, British Columbia, is a mix of handcrafted fairy tale scenes, winding boardwalks, and interactive features built into an old-growth forest. Life-sized storybook characters appear along shaded paths. A multi-level treehouse, castle, and wooden bridges encourage visitors to climb, explore, and take part in the experience rather than just observe. The setting has remained largely unchanged since the first figurines were placed decades ago, maintaining a sense of timelessness that appeals to families and nostalgic visitors.
From a Private Project to a Public Attraction
Doris and Ernest Needham, a couple with an interest in nature and art, purchased a piece of forested land in the 1950s. Doris, a self-taught artist, sculpted concrete figures inspired by fairy tales. At first, this was a personal project, but as the collection grew, it drew attention. By 1960, the Enchanted Forest opened as a public attraction. More sculptures and structures were added over the years, expanding the site into what it is today.
The figurines and displays remain true to Doris’s original artistic style. Unlike modern attractions with digital elements, this space relies on handcrafted details, textured surfaces, and organic surroundings. The simplicity of the figures contrasts with the complexity of the forest, making each scene feel like part of the landscape.
Unusual Sculptures
Some of the sculptures in the Enchanted Forest appear oddly proportioned or unexpectedly eerie. Their handmade nature gives them an imperfect, almost surreal quality. Many figures have exaggerated facial features, blank stares, or stiff postures that make them look both familiar and strange at the same time. Unlike polished theme park characters, these sculptures have rough edges, faded paint, and visible repair marks that add to their odd charm.
Certain displays, especially those tucked into tree hollows or partially hidden by foliage, can feel unexpected. The aging paint and weathered surfaces contribute to an uncanny effect, where figures seem to blend with the forest in an unintended way. The contrast between the whimsical intent of the sculptures and their sometimes unsettling appearance makes them all the more memorable and entertaining.
Walkways, Storybook Scenes, and Interactive Displays
The trails wind past more than 350 figurines and storybook displays. Visitors can step into well-known fairy tales, walk through the Three Little Pigs' houses, and peek inside Red Riding Hood’s cottage. Some figures are arranged into dioramas, while others stand alone along the trail. Many are built into tree hollows, making them feel like natural extensions of the environment.
A castle with stairways and dungeons invites climbing and exploring. The tallest treehouse in British Columbia rises above the site, allowing visitors to look out over the forest. A giant cedar stump has been hollowed into a play area. Wooden bridges and tunnels add movement and variation to the walk, keeping it from feeling like a passive stroll.
A Forest Walk with Natural Landmarks
Beyond the fairy tale scenes, the site includes a two-kilometre interpretive nature walk. This section is quieter, with informational signs about plant life and local wildlife. The route passes through old-growth cedar and hemlock trees. In the fall, parts of the trail overlook the Eagle River, where salmon return to spawn. The walk also features a boardwalk through the marsh area where visitors can hop in a row boat and take a self guided tour of the pond.
The path is designed for a slower pace. The soft ground and shaded areas make it a comfortable walk in summer, and the dense tree canopy gives the forest a consistent, cool atmosphere. Unlike the fairy tale section, which encourages interaction, the nature walk is more reflective, focused on observation and quiet movement through the landscape.
SkyTrek Adventure Park for a Different Experience
Next to the Enchanted Forest, the SkyTrek Adventure Park adds a more physical element. This ropes course and climbing park includes zip lines, balance bridges, and an obstacle course suspended in the trees. A multi-level climbing structure and vertical drop tower provide options for different skill levels. The lower-level kids’ area gives younger visitors a chance to participate in scaled-down challenges.
SkyTrek is a separate attraction, but many visitors combine the two experiences. The contrast between the quiet fairy tale setting and the high-energy aerial course creates a varied day trip. The two parks share a parking lot and ticket booth, making it easy to access both.
Planning a Visit
The Enchanted Forest is 32 kilometres west of Revelstoke along the Trans-Canada Highway. It operates seasonally from early May to mid-October. The entrance includes a ticket booth, small gift shop, and picnic tables. A combination pass is available for those who want to visit both the Enchanted Forest and SkyTrek Adventure Park.
The site is designed for self-guided exploration, with clear signage and no time limits. The paths are compacted gravel and boardwalk, making them accessible for strollers and wheelchairs with assistance. The setting remains largely natural, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Visitor Impressions
Families with young children often find the attraction well-suited for ages three to ten, with enough interactive features to keep kids engaged. Those looking for a nostalgic experience tend to enjoy the handcrafted details and the simplicity of the displays, and adult visitors may find the sculptures unsettling but amusing or comedic to look at. The interpretive nature walk draws those interested in local ecosystems, while SkyTrek provides a contrasting high-energy activity.
The Enchanted Forest offers a setting that is both interactive and quiet, blending childhood storytelling with the experience of walking through a real forest. The unchanged design and handmade elements make it stand out from modern attractions, offering a slower-paced, tactile experience that encourages exploration for all ages.
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