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July 03, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Progress continues on the Splatsin te Secwépemc/Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail, with a new 14-kilometre section between the Rosemond Lake Bridge and Grindrod now open to the public. An additional parking lot is also now available in Mara.

The section of trail south of Grindrod to Enderby remains closed until further notice, due to ongoing construction and required environmental work.

Sections Currently Open

Currently, approximately 32 km of trail is open, spread across three disconnected segments:

• Sicamous to Grindrod (km 0.5–27.3): Open

1. A temporary closure is planned to start in September for the section adjacent to Mara Lake to facilitate shoreline erosion protection works during the provincially regulated fisheries timing window.

2. Access to the north end of the trail remains limited due to the R.W. Bruhn Bridge replacement project being undertaken by the Ministry of Transportation and Transit. Trail users are encouraged to use the free Sicamous Ferry to access the northern portion of the trail.

3. Watch for ongoing access by construction and maintenance vehicles on the trail.

• 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 one kilometre completed segment providing a safer alternative to Highway 97A.

There is no through travel between these sections.

Ribbon-Cutting to Open Mara-Grindrod Section on July 17

There will be a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the newest rail trail between Mara Lake and Grindrod on Friday, July 17, 3:00 pm, at the Mara Trailhead (across from Mara Hall on Coell-Jones Road).

Sections of the Trail Still Under Construction

The section of rail trail between Grindrod and Enderby (km 27.3–35.5) is currently still under construction and not open for public access but is anticipated to open soon. Work includes completion of road crossings, signage, and environmental mitigation.

Trail users are reminded that the northern area in Sicamous around Bruhn Bridge remains an active construction zone. Please stay out of the project site. The sidewalk across the existing bridge is closed until the new bridge is complete and traffic is shifted to the new structure sometime in 2027.

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. Continued non-compliance could result in future restrictions on dogs using the trail.

Horses are not allowed on the Rail Trail

Equestrian use is not allowed on the rail trail due to anticipated pedestrian and bicycle user numbers, safety, and infrastructure limitations.

Trail Conditions & Maintenance

If you encounter trail hazards, damaged infrastructure, unauthorized trail use, or other maintenance concerns, please report them through the Trail Report feature here to help keep the trail safe and enjoyable for everyone.

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

 

Media Contact:
Ken Barnes
Communications Specialist, Splatsin
Cell: (250) 801-8256

ken.barnes@splatsin.ca