This highway rest area has a special historical significance - it is where the last spike on the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven into the ground in 1885. There is a memorial to check out with some interpretative information.

Canada would not be the same place today without the railway line that runs from coast to coast - it united the country as we know it and triggered a boom in commerce, travel and population growth.

There is a high chance of seeing a train pass at the Last Spike rest area, which is always fun as the railway line is so very close!

History aside, this rest area has some of the best facilities along Highway 1. There is flush toilets and a seasonal gift shop (end of May to mid October).