Whistler Train Wreck | Best Hiking In Whistler Canada | What To Do In Whistler, BC

Tucked away in the old growth forest surrounding Whistler, British Columbia, lies a unique site; a colourful contrast between the old and modern worlds.

It’s been a while since I’d been on a solo adventure, so I was itching to get out and explore. I decided to hit the road, and drove up BC #99 from Squamish to Whistler… the beautiful Sea to Sky highway. I was in search of some cool local places to see, and one of the most popular spots on my list was the Whistler train wreck site located along the Cheakamus River. Let’s go check it out!

To get to the train wreck site, park at the parking lot located just off Jane Lakes Road (50.081345, -123.044649). Walk West, along the edge of Jane Lakes Road until you see the Sea To Sky Trail sign, and head into the forest.

A quick reminder to hikers unfamiliar with bear territory… the spring is when the local bear population becomes active once again. Make sure you read up on bear safety and pack your bear spray

The majority of this short section of the Sea To Sky trail leading to the train wreck is very easy, and only takes about 15 minutes. The path is mainly gravel and well maintained, which makes it an excellent hiking choice for all ages. Once you reach a junction, stick to the right and follow the signs to the train wreck. Be mindful of the tree roots along the path! You’ll slowly begin to descend and the Cheakamus River will become visible. Follow the last slightly steep section to the suspension bridge. Once you’ve crossed and walked up the little hill, you’ll get your first view of the train cars. You’ll arrive to multiple mangled, colourfully spray painted train cars which have rusted away in the forest for over 65 years. However, the urbanization of these train cars by a riot of colourful graffiti leaves a juxtaposition for the onlooker. There are 7 cars total, two of which are a bit further downstream from the rest… most hikers miss them so make sure to walk the extra few minutes to check them out.

For those wondering how the train cars got to this peculiar place, it wasn’t until 2014 that the mystery was finally solved. The wreck occurred on August 11th, 1956. Loaded with lumber in Lillooet, the train made its way to whistler, but was behind schedule. The crew tried to make up time by going faster at twice the speed limit. The wreck happened when the train sped through a narrow rock cut with a sharp curve at the end. The front engine jumped off the tracks causing 12 boxcars to derail and some to become wedged on the tracks within the narrow rock cut, blocking the railway for days. At the time, this was the only route to distribute resources and people to and from Squamish, so delays were a big problem. Five cars were salvageable, but the rest were stripped of useful parts and dragged into the forest by heavy duty machinery donated by the Valleau family. This was the quickest way to free the tracks and get things moving.

Overall, I really enjoyed this short hike. A few unique attributes including a suspension bridge, waterfalls and mountain biking trails make this a great family friendly adventure. Hope you get out and enjoy this ever evolving art gallery caught in British Columbia’s old growth forest.

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