Some of Whistler’s most memorable sights are hidden in the forest, and the Train Wreck is one of the best. In 1956 a freight train derailed just south of town, and the damaged boxcars were left among the trees. Over the decades, artists have covered them in bright graffiti, and mountain bikers have built features over and around them. The result is part outdoor gallery, part forest adventure.
The walk starts from the trailhead on Jane Lakes Road in Cheakamus Crossing, a short drive south of the Village. The trail is mostly flat and family-friendly, winding through tall cedars and firs before crossing a suspension bridge over the rushing Cheakamus River. From there, it’s just a few minutes to the wrecks. Allow around an hour for the return trip, plus time to explore and take photos.
Late spring through fall is the best time to go, when the trail is clear and the river is running high. Wear good shoes, as roots and rocks can be slippery after rain. It’s free to visit, making it a perfect half-day outing between bigger mountain adventures. Stick to the official trail and stay off the railway tracks, which are still in use.
Featured photo: Ruth Hartnup, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
