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Anyone who reads my blog often will know that I am an avid hiker. Having gotten into hiking a lot more during the Great Travel Ban of 2020, my adventures have progressed to more difficult and longer hikes, often over multiple days. But that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy a nice easy hike every now and again. And the Whistler train wreck hike in BC fits that bill perfectly – a unique but easygoing hike for the whole family.
What is the Whistler Train Wreck hike?
Sounds potentially unappealing, and maybe even a little morbid doesn’t it? First things first, I should state that based on all known information about the train crash there were no casualties. It was a freight train carrying lumber, rather than a passenger train. Now that we’ve all breathed a collective sigh of relief about that, what exactly is the Whistler train wreck?
The accident happened in 1956 as the train barreled through a narrow section of the track near Whistler, Canada at more than double the posted speed. The rock cut on either side made for some tight corners and since the train was making up time for being behind schedule, it ran off the tracks and got stuck.
Since this effectively blocked the route, the box cars were moved further into the forest to get them off the track. And that’s where they’ve stayed ever since. Now, various artists have brightened up these box cars leaving a unique visual treat in the middle of the forest. And a reason to take this short hike.
Where is the train wreck hike?
The parking area for the Whistler train wreck hike is only a short distance from the Sea to Sky Highway. Although it’s classed as a Whistler hike it’s actually about 8km south of Whistler village in British Columbia. If coming from Vancouver it’s roughly a 90 minute drive. However don’t just make this a day trip – spend a fun weekend in Whistler.
When traveling northbound on the Sea to Sky Highway (Hwy 99) you’ll need to turn right onto Cheakamus Lake Road. Follow the road as it turns into Legacy Way and instead of keeping straight towards the Olympic Village, turn right onto the smaller Jane Lakes Rd. Follow this around until you see the parking on the left.
Parking Tips: When the lot is full there is some parking on the side of the road wherever there are no signs. Parking is free in the lot and on the road, but it does get busy on weekends and in the height of summer so arrive early.
How difficult is the hike?
Short answer: it isn’t difficult at all. This is a relatively short hike along a clearly marked trail which is also more or less flat. In fact calling it a hike is a bit of a stretch. We met families with smaller children, older people and self professed non-hikers just out for an afternoon stroll.
The out and back trail is 1.4 miles (2.3 km) and takes only about 15-20 minutes each way. This will allow you to reach the first train cars. There is an option to make it a 3.6 mil (5.8km) hike by continuing on further but the trail is a little less well marked and a bit rougher in places.
What will you see on the hike?
The trail from the parking area is nice enough. It’s a forested trail, not overly wide, and with the occasional peek at the nearby Cheakamus river. Don’t worry, you’ll get closer views of the river as you continue along the trail.
The rush of water can be heard getting louder as you approach the river. A newly built suspension bridge allows for some good photos of the fast flowing white-crested rapids below on one of the bluest rivers you might ever see.
Reaching the other side you’ll find an interpretive board giving a little more info about the train wreck. Then you’ll start to see some of the train cars doused in brightly colored graffiti.
There are 7 train cars in total spread out over a substantial area so allow plenty of time to check them all out. The first few are relatively close together with additional box cars scattered a little further.
Often graffitied places can just look a bit of a mess. But with the antiquated train cars and the wild setting here, it just works. The vivid colors adorn twisted rusty metal and it’s one of the most interesting things I’ve seen on a hike. There are also a couple of very impressive artwork designs on the train cars.
Beyond the train wreck
As mentioned above, you can either call it a day here after spending some time exploring a piece of local history, or you can continue on. From this point on the trail gets closer to the actual train tracks and there are a couple of opportunities for some really great shots.
Keep going a little further and there’s a raging waterfall and the trail heads up and around the highway. Eventually you can reach Function Junction complete with a couple of breweries. A nice cold beer before you head back is worth the trip.
Top Safety Tip: It can be tempting to get closer to the train tracks although please remember that it is illegal to play around active train lines. Not to mention dangerous. Keep your distance as much as possible.
Would I recommend the Whistler Train Wreck hike?
For an outstandingly unique visual treat this trail is difficult to surpass. Sure it’s a short trail, relatively easy and often too popular for its own good. But there’s a reason why everyone wants to go here: it’s a really cool place to see.
My best advice is don’t go in expecting to have the trial, or the site, to yourself. Temper your expectations and enjoy it for what it is, a piece of local history.
This is of course Whistler, so there are more hardcore trails if you want them. In this case, just enjoy the relaxing walk and enjoy an easy activity in the midst of what might well be an already outdoorsy-heavy trip.
If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Have you been to the Whistler train wreck or somewhere else equally as unique?
We love to hike! This sounds like a really fun adventure that we will definitely check out when we find ourselves in BC.
That looks like a refreshing hike. And with the blue waters welcoming you, it must have been lovely.
It is rather brilliant to turn a tragedy into a work of art that also leads to getting exercise! I was relieved to hear there were no casualties. Looks like a very interesting hike!
This looks like my kind of hike. I love lost places!
What a cool and unique hike! At first it doesn’t seem the trains cars would belong but the bright colors of the art against the forest is gorgeous. I like that it’s not difficult and has an interesting story. That bridge is beautiful and makes for a spectacular photo too!
What a cool hike! The art is super unique and makes it just that much more interesting. Plus, the color of that water is gorgeous on its own merit!
Definitely an unusual thing to find on a trail. An interesting bit of history and well worth the walk. The graffiti does add something to the carriages too.