Mile Creek Trail Bridge

About This Project

The 21 Mile Creek Bridge, also known as the Rainbow Falls Trail Bridge, is located within the shared unceded territory of the Lil̓ wat7úl (Lil’wat) and Skwxwumesh (Squamish) Peoples in Whistler, BC. As part of the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s initiative to enhance its recreation trail network, the project replaced an aging 17-metre log stringer bridge that had reached the end of its service life.

The new 21-metre span offers improved safety, flood resilience and accessibility for all trail users, including adaptive mountain bikers. Designed with weathering steel stringers and Douglas Fir decking on cast-in-place concrete abutments, the bridge combines strength with a natural aesthetic that complements its forested surroundings. A custom guardrail system with weathering steel posts, a cedar top cap, stainless-steel cables and Whistler logo cutouts add a distinctive local touch.

ISL provided detailed design services for the reinforced concrete abutments, deck, guardrails and structural connections. Through careful design adjustments, the team improved trail alignment and sightlines, eliminated the former suspended walkway and created smoother, more direct access on both sides of the bridge, enhancing the overall user experience and connection within Whistler’s trail network while strengthening the community’s link to nature and recreation.