How to hike Whistler’s Train Wreck Trail in Whistler, British Columbia

Whistler train wreck trail 

Whistler Train Wreck Site is a Whistler attraction that is quietly becoming a popular tourist destination. The site is tucked away in untouched old-growth forests, hidden between the tracks of trains and the Cheakamus river. 

The Train Wreck houses several decaying boxes cars that were left behind after a 1956 crash. Train derailments were not uncommon back in the 1950’s, however little was known about this particular crash until recent years.

Now, these rusty, old boxcars have been transformed by bright graffiti into an outdoor art exhibition. The mangled boxes cars are scattered throughout the crash site. One is clinging onto the edge. Cheakamus RiverSome are wedged between old-growth trees, while others are surrounded by them.

This unusual Train Wreck Site has a party-in-the-woodsIt has a certain vibe. It’s evident that this The secret to a successful business is to keep your secrets.Locals can spend the night at this location if they want a quiet place to howl. 

Here are some photos from the Whistler Train Wreck. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to view video footage from the train crash.

Our boys had fun exploring the crash site. Abandoned train + forest = happy kids!

Graffiti is constantly changing, as local artists repaint the old.

These box cars are still attached (above). The car on the right hangs over the river valley.

This box car is perched above the Cheakamus River on the edge of a valley.

On the right is a steep drop above the river. The photo below was taken inside this boxcar.

Inside the abandoned box car that sits on the river’s edge. The sun reflected off the river is the white glow at the bottom of the photo.

The box cars are safe, you don’t want to walk to the edge of this one. One slip and you’re going to be swimming in a chilly river below. 

The juxtaposition between metal box cars, and old growth forest.

It’s an unusual place that has a spooky Blair Witch ProjectFeel it.

Imagine walking around under a bright full moon at night.

The ladders on the rear of the boxcars can be used to climb onto the roof. Keep in mind, these old rusty cars have been decaying in the forest for over 50 years, so it’s best to play it safe.

The crash site looks like it was once a popular spot for mountain biking. If you look at the above photo, there’s a wooden bridge on top of the box car that drops off to the ramp that Braydon is standing on.

Here’s an old videoWhistler Train Wreck bridges and mountain bike trails. There are still many hiking and biking trails around the Train Wreck.

Learn more about the history and the Whistler Train Wreck. This articleWritten by the executive director of Whistler Museum.

The Whistler Train Wreck Hike

The access to the wreckage site is now easier than ever. The best time to do the Whistler Rail Wreck Hike is between May-November. You can visit the site all year round. However, the area sees a lot more snow during the winter.

Snowshoes should be worn from December to March.

The trail is well marked. flat.

Total elevation gain of only 30 meters. The distance from the trailhead up to the train wreck is approximately 45 minutes, assuming you walk at a moderate pace. The trail is accessible to all ages.

Allow yourself at least 2 hours to complete this hike including time to explore crash site. 

The trail is part of the Sea to Sky Trail, which connects Vancouver and Calgary. SquamishWhistler is also accessible by car. You can also get to the Brandywine Falls Provincial ParkThe parking lot for the Train Wreck Hike. It’s an additional 12.5 km hike to Brandy Wine Falls.

Whistler Train Wreck Hike: More information Here is a link to the article.

Caution – wild bears in the area.

The old boxcars make a great shelter for wildlife.

Enter each box car slowly to avoid waking up any wild animals.

The trails are flat and spacious. This trail could be used with a sturdy baby carriage.

This boardwalk links the suspension bridge with the site of the train wreck.

Cheakamus River Suspension Bridge

To reach the Whistler Train Wreck, you will need to cross the newly constructed Cheakamus River Suspension Bridge (also known as the Train Wreck Bridge).

Before this bridge was built, the only way to reach the Train Wreck site was to walk along the train tracks. This is dangerous and illegal. The suspension bridge was constructed to connect the Sea to Sky Trail to Train Wreck because the crash site is becoming more popular.

The new pedestrian bridge provides a safe and legal access point to Train Wreck. 

Map of Train Wrecks and Suspension bridge Here is a link to the article.

The sun beams as you cross the suspension bridge towards the train wreck. 

How to get to Whistler Train Wreck

To get to the Train Wreck Hike, drive along Highway 99 until you arrive at Function Junction. Turn south on Cheakamus Lakes Road. You will drive past the Whistler Interpretive Forrest parking lot. Continue driving south until you reach Legacy Way. You will have to cross a bridge.

Continue driving on Legacy Way for approximately 200 meters until you reach Jane Lakes Road. Turn right onto Jane Lakes Road, and drive 500 meters to see a small lot on your left. There are signs for Train Wreck but they are very small. 

If you pass through a residential community you’ve gone too far down Legacy Way. Turn around and take a left onto Jane Lakes Road. This is the Whistler Athletes’ Village, a legacy of the 2010 Winter Olympics. 

Whistler Trainwreck Parking

Jane Lakes Road is the parking lot for Train Wreck. Parking is always free. 

See the map for directions. Click here to learn more.

Another way to reach the Train Wreck hiking trail is via the Whistler Valley Trail, which is a car-free, paved trail that connects Whistler’s neighbourhoods, lakes and trails. This trail covers more than 40 km. 

Here’s the Whistler Valley Trail map.

Where to Stay at Whistler

Where to eat: Whistler Restaurants 

Have you been to the Whistler Train Wreck yet?

Please share your comments and suggestions below. Your feedback and experiences are helpful to our readers.

You are having trouble viewing the videos? Watch directly on Youtube Here is a link to the article.

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