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Train Wreck Trail – Everything YOU need to know
Whistler may be known for its world-class skiing and vibrant village, but just beyond the beaten path lies a hidden treasure waiting to be explored. The Train Wreck Trail is a hike unlike any other—where nature meets urban art, and history mingles with adventure. Winding through lush forests and alongside the rushing Cheakamus River, this trail’s highlight is the scattered remnants of a derailed train, now transformed into vibrant, graffiti-covered pieces of art.
Whether you’re seeking a short hike with big rewards or a peaceful stroll through Whistler’s lesser-known spots, the Trainwreck Trail offers an unexpected adventure with every step. Ready to explore? Let’s dive in.
YouTube Video of Train Wreck – Whistler
Train Wreck – Navigate our page below
- Train Wreck Trail Statistics
- Map of Train Wreck Trail
- How to get to Train Wreck Trail
- The Trail
- Facilities at Train Wreck Trail
- Bear Safety
- Historical Information & Development
- FAQ
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Train Wreck Hike Statistics
Difficulty Rating – Easy
Distance (Round Trip) – 2km
Net Elevation Change – 30m
Time Needed – 1 Hour
Season – May – November
Dog Friendly – Yes (Leash)
Est. Driving Time from Vancouver – 1 hour 30 minutes
Camping – No
Wheelchair Accessible – No
Map of Train Wreck Trail
The above image is the location of Train Wreck in regards to the Whistler Area.
The Trail itself is accessible by foot from anywhere in the Whistler area. It is easily accessible by car via the intersection at Function Junction. A car park is available near Cheakamus Crossing and accessible via maps online.
There are many trail options all similar in difficulty and easy to interpret. If you are seeking the easiest and fastest option you can watch my YouTube Video.
How to get to Train Wreck Trail
Walking/Biking, Driving & Public Transport
There are multiple ways to get to Train Wreck Trail. However, the most common and the easiest is by car. Though no public transport except for taxi’s can take you to the trail head, you can catch a bus and walk from it’s closest drop-off point. Otherwise riding your bike there is a breeze with the valley trail.
Walking/Biking – To reach the Train Wreck trailhead from Whistler Village, follow these directions:
From Whistler Village:
Start by heading south on the Valley Trail and follow the Sea to Sky Trail southbound. You’ll cross the Cheakamus River via a suspension bridge, where the famous train wreck can be found on the other side.The ride is about 30-40 minutes, while walking will take roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. The trail is well-maintained and provides beautiful views along the way.
Car – Driving is the quickest way to access the trailhead.
Driving from Whistler Village:
Head south on Highway 99 towards Function Junction.
Turn left onto Cheakamus Lake Road.
Not long after take a right down Jane Lakes Rd where you’ll find parking at the end of Jane Lakes Rd and the beginning of Whistler Quarry Rd.
Parking is free, but it can fill up quickly during peak times. The trailhead is a short walk from the parking lot
Bus –
You can take Bus 20 from Whistler Village to reach the Trainwreck Trail area.
Bus Route:
Take the bus towards Cheakamus Crossing and get off at the last stop.
From there, it’s a 15-minute walk to the trailhead, following the signs for Trainwreck Trail.
If you’re not keen on walking from the bus stop, taxis are available for around $15-$20 CAD from Whistler Village, making for a short and convenient ride. There are no Uber’s in Whistle
The Trail
With multiple ways to access this trail and it’s difficulty level (easy) means that this is a popular and busy hiking trail. For ways to access this trail head here or scroll up.
With many different trail options it is too overwhelming to explain simply. Just know it is a small looping trail with good signage and is family friendly. The trail option being covered in this blog is the easiest and shortest one whilst not missing any beautiful sights. The highlights of this trail are –
Graffiti-Covered Boxcars
Suspension Bridge
Up close Cheakamus River views
Once you’ve found a park on Janes Lakes Rd or have arrived via another mode of transport to the trail head you will head into the clearing of the forest.
The trailhead starts with some bins, info-boards and a narrowing flat, gravel path through the forest.
This path is well-maintained and distinguishable.
After about 600 meters. you’ll reach a junction – take the Train Wreck Express Trail to the right. As you hike, the trail gently ascends up into the alpine before gently descending bringing the Cheakamus River into view.
Just 800 meters in you’ll cross a beautiful suspension bridge that spans the river. The views of the rushing water and canyon below are breathtaking.
Once across the bridge, the real adventure begins. The path will lead you uphill into a clearing where the first of seven train cars await. The boxcars, vibrantly painted with graffiti, are scattered across the forest, offering a striking contrast to the natural surroundings. Explore each car, take photos and enjoy the serene setting. Mountain bikers often use the ramps in the area.
There is also the train tracks that are still used just beyond the train-cars. Please be cautious whilst exploring the tracks.
Facilities at Train Wreck Trail
The Train Wreck Trail offers basic facilities due to its focus on maintaining a natural and outdoor experience.
Parking: There is a designated parking area near the trailhead at Jane Lakes Road, which fills up quickly during peak times. It’s recommended to arrive early to secure a spot
Trail Signage: The trail is well-marked with signs directing you to the train wreck and along the Sea to Sky Trail. There are interpretive signs at key points, such as the suspension bridge, providing historical context about the 1956 train derailment
Restrooms: There are no restrooms at the trailhead or along the trail. It’s recommended to plan ahead if you require facilities before starting the hike
Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on a leash, especially when crossing the suspension bridge
Bear Safety
It’s crucial to prioritize safety when in bear country, and Whistler, with its beautiful natural surroundings, is no exception. Here are some general bear safety procedures to keep in mind:
- Carry Bear Spray:
- Always carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make sure it’s easily accessible, preferably on your belt or backpack.
- Stay Alert:
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially when hiking or walking in wooded areas. Bears can be quiet, and surprise encounters can be dangerous.
- Make Noise:
- Make noise while hiking to alert bears to your presence. Clap your hands, talk loudly, or sing. This can help prevent surprising a bear.
- Travel in Groups:
- Traveling in groups is safer than going alone. Bears are less likely to approach larger groups.
- Secure Food and Garbage:
- Properly store food and garbage in bear-resistant containers or bear lockers. Bears have an excellent sense of smell and are attracted to food odors.
- Respect Closures:
- Follow any trail or area closures that are in place due to bear activity. These closures are there to protect both humans and bears.
- Do Not Feed Bears:
- Never feed bears intentionally or leave food out for them. Bears that associate humans with food can become dangerous and may need to be euthanized.
- Back Away Slowly:
- If you encounter a bear, back away slowly and avoid direct eye contact. Speak in a calm, assertive voice.
- Stay Calm:
- In the rare event of a charge, stand your ground. Do not run. Running can trigger a chase response.
Click here – Bear Safety – for more information. And Click here – Black Bear or Grizzly Bear? -for information on a Black bear vs a Grizzly Bear.
Cultural & Historical Information
The Whistler Trainwreck Trail has a fascinating history dating back to the 1950s. On August 11, 1956, a train traveling from Lillooet to Vancouver derailed near Whistler due to excessive speed. The train was behind schedule, so the crew attempted to make up time by speeding through a section of track, resulting in twelve boxcars being derailed. Seven of those cars were too damaged to be salvaged and were dragged off the tracks into the forest, where they still remain today
Initially, the train wreck was not a tourist destination, and visitors had to access it by trespassing on active train tracks. In 2016, a suspension bridge was built over the Cheakamus River to provide safe, legal access to the wreckage site. Since then, the site has become a blend of art and history, with local artists covering the abandoned boxcars in colorful graffiti.
Future Development:
As of now, there have been no major announcements for future developments at the Trainwreck Trail itself. The focus seems to be on maintaining the natural environment and keeping the trail safe and accessible, particularly with projects like the suspension bridge and improved signage. The area around the trail, such as Function Junction and the Cheakamus Crossing neighborhood, may see further development, as Whistler continues to grow, but the trail itself is likely to remain preserved in its current state.
There are also ongoing discussions about balancing the trail’s popularity with conservation efforts, especially as more visitors flock to the area year-round. Given the site’s historical significance and natural beauty, the priority remains ensuring it remains accessible while minimizing environmental impact.
In the future, we may see minor enhancements to facilities, like additional signage, but it is likely that major infrastructural changes will be kept minimal to preserve the site’s wild and historical character.
FAQ
How long is Train Wreck Trail?
1 hour
How Difficult is the Trail?
EASY
How much does it cost?
Free
Are there restrooms on the trail?
No public toilets on the trail but there are toilets available nearby
Best time to Go?
May-November
Are Dogs allowed?
Yes, but with a leash