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April 14, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Construction on the Splatsin te Secwépemc / Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail is still underway, and the majority of the 50 kilometre trail is not yet open to the public. While some short sections are available for walking and cycling, most of the corridor remains closed due to ongoing construction, safety concerns, and required environmental work.

Limited Sections Currently Open

At present, approximately 19.8 km are open, spread across three disconnected segments:

• Sicamous to Mara Lake (km 0.5–14.8): Open with caution and subject to periodic closures due to erosion repairs and nearby highway bridge construction. Access is limited, and users must obey all posted signage. Park in Sicamous and check ferry access options (April – September).
• Enderby – Splatsin pilot section (km 35.5–40.5): A completed test section offering a short out‑and‑back experience. Trailhead parking at Belvidere Park in Enderby.
• Armstrong – Lansdowne Road (km 49.15–50.15): A 1 km completed segment providing a safer alternative to Highway 97A.

There is no through travel between these sections, and access south of Mara Lake and north of km 0.5 remains closed.

Most of the Trail Remains Under Construction

The largest portion of the rail trail - particularly between Mara Lake and Enderby (km 15–42.6) - is currently under construction and not open to public access. Work includes trail building, erosion repairs, agricultural crossings, road crossings, signage, and environmental mitigation. Archaeological and environmental assessments are ongoing, as required.

Additional delays at the northern end, related to Bruhn Bridge construction in Sicamous, mean that the full northern trailhead connection will not be complete until 2027, even after the main trail corridor is built.

What to Expect Going Forward

Funding is in place to complete most of the trail by the end of 2026, but the final 6.5 km section still depends on additional funding approvals. Until construction is finished, trail users should expect closures, detours, and changing access conditions, and should check for updates before visiting.

Dogs On Leash Etiquette

Trail users are reminded to stay on the trail and that dogs must always remain on leash. This requirement is an important part of the agricultural management plan to protect adjacent farming operations. Failure to comply may result in dogs being prohibited from the trail.

A Public Information Bulletin with access details, maps, and construction updates is available at
www.shuswapnorthokanaganrailtrail.ca

Media Contact:
Ken Barnes
Communications Specialist, Splatsin
Cell: (250) 801-8256; ken.barnes@splatsin.ca