Train Wreck Trail - Whistler, Canada

One of my favourite walks in the Whistler area and free activities to do is the Train Wreck Trail. Many people call this the "Train Wreck Hike" but it's really just an easy walk in. It's also easy enough to push a stroller in if needed. It is a packed trail with a few mild inclines. The walk should take you between 10-20 minutes each way depending how fast you walk (with small children it takes about 20 minutes, we walked it with my 85 year old Grandmother in about that time frame). This takes you to the wreckage of a train crash which took place in 1956.

It's a pretty cool place to visit as it's a "authorized graffiti zone" by the Municipality of Whistler, you can check out and climb the abandoned train cars (at your own risk), make your own art if you so choose and enjoy the new suspension bridge over the Cheakamus River (which is beautiful and free!).

It is getting a lot busier, many people are now hearing about it, especially with more people this year sticking close to home. I remember visiting here a couple years ago for the first time and having it to myself for a good hour. If you are going in the summer, I would suggest going before 10:00am to avoid the crowds, however if you don't mind a few people around you (especially if you're checking it out by yourself), early afternoon is a good time too and you can still get a photo by yourself on the suspension bridge with a bit more patience than early morning.

How to Get There

From Vancouver, once you start to approach Whistler you'll come to an area called Function Junction (the very first traffic light as you approach Whistler), you'll turn off the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) to the right onto Cheakamus Lake Road. Follow the road across the river and it will be the first road on the right after the bridge (you'll actually see a sign for Train Wreck Trail and the BMX Park). Keep following this road under the power lines and you'll see the parking lot for the Train Wreck Trail along the left side of the road.

If you're coming from Whistler, you'll be turning left onto Cheakamus Lake Road and following the same steps.

Here is a google map for reference:

The Train Wreck Trail

As I mentioned before, it's an easy trail and a great walk for the whole family. Once you've parked your car in the Train Wreck Parking Lot, head across the road where you'll find the trailhead just past a logging/dirt road to the right.

Train Wreck Suspension Bridge

One of my favourite highlights of this walk it the beautiful suspension bridge right before the train wreck. There is a lovely bench to sit and relax and take in the views of the rushing Cheakamus River below.

Train Wreck

I love to visit train wreck in Whistler, British Columbia because it's a unique art installation that changes pretty well each time I've visited. It's a beautiful walk and I personally enjoy visiting quite early in the morning as I have the entire wreck to myself for a bit of time. It is walkable at anytime of the year, however in the winter snowshoes are recommended if there is a lot of snow (again, a fun activity with no cost!).

Remember to pack out whatever you brought in with you! There are no garbage cans available, so please be responsible when using any of our beautiful trails in British Columbia. Also, be bear aware, Whistler is obviously a community surrounded by beautiful mountains and lush forests and we do share these forests with other animals. I personally have not seen a bear on the trail to train wreck, however it is bear country.

Happy travels and enjoy exploring Train Wreck! xoxo

Ariane

PS... Check out my YouTube Video on Brandywine Falls and Train Wreck Trail here: