Last Spike

The Last Spike is a railway monument in Craigellachie located alongside active train tracks, where provincial stones from across Canada surround a commemorative spike. The site sits on the Trans-Canada Highway between Sicamous and Revelstoke and provides parking and interpretive plaques for visitors.

This location marks the completion of Canada's first transcontinental railway when CPR director Donald Smith drove the final spike on November 7, 1885. The event was crucial in physically connecting the eastern and western regions of the country.

The stones surrounding the spike come from every Canadian province, making this spot a physical representation of national unity through rail. Visitors can sense how this railway transformed the way people and goods moved across the country.

The site is easily accessible from the Trans-Canada Highway with ample parking available for visitors. Informational plaques on location help explain the significance of this historic spot.

The original spike used in the ceremony went missing after being removed to prevent souvenir theft. It later reportedly became a knife handle in Winnipeg.

GPS coordinates: 49.27655,-122.85676

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:44