Rail Trail Expansion Continues to Build Momentum for Sicamous and the Region
The Sicamous & District Chamber of Commerce is excited to celebrate another major milestone in the development of the Splatsin te Secwépemc / Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail—a project that is already bringing new opportunities for tourism, recreation, and economic growth to our region.
A newly completed 14-kilometre section of trail between the Rosemond Lake Bridge and Grindrod is now open to the public, along with a new parking area in Mara. This latest addition brings the total completed and accessible trail to approximately 32 kilometres, providing even more opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the incredible natural beauty of the Shuswap and North Okanagan.
The Rail Trail is much more than a recreational amenity—it is an economic driver. Across North America, rail trails have become destinations that attract cyclists, walkers, runners, families, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore communities at a slower pace. These visitors often stay longer, dine in local restaurants, shop at local businesses, fuel up, book accommodations, and discover experiences they may not have otherwise found.
For Sicamous, this represents an exciting opportunity to welcome a growing outdoor recreation market. As the trail network expands, we can expect to see an increasing number of visitors choosing Sicamous as a place to stop, stay, and explore. This creates new opportunities for businesses of every kind—from accommodations, restaurants, cafés, and retailers to tour operators, outfitters, service providers, and local attractions.
The Rail Trail also introduces a new culture of visitors to our community—people who value active transportation, outdoor adventure, local experiences, and supporting small businesses. This growing demographic aligns perfectly with everything Sicamous has to offer, from our beautiful lakes and trails to our welcoming business community and vibrant downtown.
As construction continues, we encourage local businesses to think about how they can connect with this emerging visitor market. Whether it’s providing bike-friendly amenities, offering trail maps, creating grab-and-go food options, or simply extending a warm welcome, every interaction helps build Sicamous’ reputation as a must-visit destination along the Rail Trail.
Please note that the section between Grindrod and Enderby remains closed while construction continues. We appreciate everyone’s patience as this important regional project moves toward completion.
Join the Celebration
The community is invited to celebrate this exciting milestone at the official ribbon-cutting ceremony:
Friday, July 17
3:00 PM
Mara Trailhead (across from Mara Hall on Coell-Jones Road)
The Sicamous & District Chamber of Commerce congratulates the Splatsin te Secwépemc, project partners, local governments, and everyone involved in bringing this incredible vision to life. We look forward to seeing the Rail Trail continue to strengthen our regional economy, support local businesses, and showcase the beauty and hospitality that make Sicamous such a special place to visit.
