The Last Spike — Attraction in Area E (Eagle River Valley)

The Last Spike, Craigellachie: A Historic Gem Near Revelstoke

On Friday, August 15, 2025, my family and I visited the Last Spike historic site in Craigellachie, British Columbia, located just 45 km west of Revelstoke along the Trans-Canada Highway. This iconic location, where the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) was completed in 1885, offered a fascinating glimpse into Canada’s history and a perfect stop for travelers seeking both education and convenience. The site features a spacious parking lot, easily accommodating small vehicles and larger commercial ones, making it accessible for a wide range of visitors. Clean, well-maintained washrooms are available, a welcome amenity for those on a road trip. Adjacent to the parking area, active CPR train tracks run parallel, adding an authentic touch to the experience as trains occasionally rumble by, evoking the site’s railway heritage. The centerpiece of the visit is the Last Spike monument and its associated open-air “museum” area, managed as a satellite of the Revelstoke Railway Museum. A restored red caboose, though not accessible to the public, stands proudly on display, alongside informative plaques and displays detailing the CPR’s construction and the settlers’ history in the region. We spent considerable time reading the historical information, particularly on the interpretive panels, which vividly recount the monumental effort to connect Canada’s east and west coasts by rail on November 7, 1885. The site’s significance as a symbol of national unity, marking the completion of over 3,000 miles of track, is palpable. We captured numerous photos, captivated by the stories of perseverance and the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape. One minor disappointment was noticing a damaged monument cordoned off with caution tape. While this did not detract from our enjoyment, we hope repairs are made promptly to preserve the site’s integrity. The nearby Last Spike Gift Shoppe, open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM (Victoria Day to Thanksgiving), offers souvenirs and snacks, adding a charming touch to the visit. Additional Context and Tips: The Last Spike site, located 25 km east of Sicamous, is a National Historic Site commemorating the ceremonial spike driven by CPR director Donald Smith. Interestingly, the original iron spike was bent during the ceremony and replaced, with the final spike later removed to prevent theft; it now resides in private hands. For history buffs, the site’s proximity to other attractions, like Kay Falls (a short drive west), makes it a great addition to a day of exploration. Visitors should note that the site can get busy, especially with tour buses, due to its large parking lot and historical significance. Arrive early to secure a spot and enjoy a quieter experience. Binoculars are recommended for spotting wildlife, such as bald eagles or ospreys, often seen soaring above the nearby Eagle Pass. Be cautious near the active train tracks, and keep pets leashed to protect the area’s sensitive environment. The Last Spike is a must-visit for anyone traveling the Trans-Canada Highway between Sicamous and Revelstoke. Its blend of historical significance, accessible amenities, and scenic surroundings makes it an ideal stop for families, history enthusiasts, and road trippers alike.

I highly recommend pausing here to soak in the legacy of Canada’s railway pioneers and capture a piece of history in this beautiful corner of...

I've driven by Craigellachie almost every summer for all my 23 years of my life, but we rarely stop there. There's not a lot to do besides look at the train tracks.

But.

On a recent road trip with my sister, we decided to stop by just for fun. There's a spot in front of the Gift Shop where you can pretend to nail in the last spike. The lady running the gift shop - unfortunately I did not get her name - came out and let us know that she has some costumes and things that we can borrow to make our pictures more authentic!! She helped us put on the coats - the one I wore belonged to her grandmother - as well as top hats and beards. She told us she made the beards herself out of old stuffed animals! Once we were all dressed up she took photos of us for us.

I just want to say that she was a very sweet, kind lady who really made our visit special. I cannot emphasize that enough. She turned a roadside stop into a really great experience for us, and she was just incredibly, genuinely nice. Thank...

Very clean Garbage pails are adorable Interesting historical pieces/plaques Almost always a place to park if drivers are kind and actually park starting at West end and beside each other. A question was asked about the last spike MacDonald PM at the tune saw Ontario Quebec and the maritimes trading goods via rail Observed the prairies doing the same. BC also had some rail. MacDonald envisioned each province trading with each other all by rail Last spike at craigallachie was the union of bc and prairie rail lines Last spike at Feist lake was the joining of the east side if the prairie lines and Ontario and east. So ... On a fun note MacDonald was on the train and ran the full length of the country with his wife. Here's the great part!! Through the mountains apparently he and his wife were a pair of daredevils. They had chairs fastened to the front of the train then secured themselves to the chairs and rode the train through the hills ON THE FRONT OF THE TRAIN!! WOW that...