Community Collaboration: Lasting Impact & Legacy

The Markin-MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail has now been open for just over four years—and what a journey it has been. Since welcoming its first users, this 25-kilometre, fully accessible trail has become a beloved community asset, connecting Invermere & Fairmont Hot Springs while offering countless opportunities for outdoor recreation, connection, & wellness.

Whether on bike, foot, rollerblades, or with a stroller, people have enjoyed the trail’s scenic beauty, smooth pathways, and thoughtfully designed rest areas. Beyond recreation, the trail has strengthened community ties, enhanced tourism, and created a safe, sustainable route for active transportation across the Columbia Valley.

To mark this milestone, Gary Trigg has created a special video looking back on the making of the trail—from construction to completion. It’s a powerful reminder of the vision, collaboration, and community spirit that brought this ambitious project to life. Thank you Gary!

As always, thank you to our partners, donors, volunteers, contractors and trail users for helping make the Markin-MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail such a treasured part of our valley. Here’s to many more years of safe and happy trail adventures!

Watch the video and take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come together.