Train Wreck — Attraction in Whistler Resort Municipality

Note that the parking area isn’t well labeled. Best to keep running your GPS to find it. The entrance to the trail is on the right side if your back is facing against the Sea-to-Sky Hwy.

Best to wear proper shoes. Take your time. Approximately 10-15 min but not flat.

Switch your Google Maps to walking mode to help you navigate the trail to the exact spot. There’re a lot of mini trails in which can take you in multiple directions. Another thing to note, the trail is like a mixture of a downhill mountain bike course and a hiking trail. Be on a look out if bikers are around as they fly through the course super fast.

Later in the hike, you will see a junction with a sign showing two black diamonds on the left and one black diamond on the right. This is a guidance for the bikers (the black diamond is universal language for expert-only). For the easier hiking path, take the right side.

If you see a mini wooden bridge and later on crossing a railroad track, you are going in the right direction. Keep going until you see two boxcars (one flattened and the other not). There’s a trail on the left before you reached to those two boxcars. That trail will take you to 4 more boxcars as well as the suspension bridge (very bouncy so better hold whatever you have tight!)

It rained when I came but the forrest did good to keep me partially dry. The boxcars are definitely good for...

The Train Wreck Trail in Whistler is a truly one-of-a-kind experience that blends nature, history, and art into an unforgettable adventure. Nestled within the lush forests of Whistler, this trail is a relatively easy hike but offers so much more than just a walk through the woods. The journey itself is serene, with towering trees, soft forest floors, and the soothing sound of the nearby Cheakamus River accompanying you.

The highlight, of course, is the Train Wreck itself — a series of vibrant, graffiti-covered boxcars scattered through the forest, remnants of a derailment from the 1950s. The contrast of the colorful, artistic wrecks against the natural beauty of the surroundings creates a surreal, almost dreamlike atmosphere. It’s not just a hike but an immersive experience, where art and history collide in the most unexpected of places.

The suspension bridge over the rushing river adds a thrilling element to the trail, offering stunning views of the water below. Whether you're hiking, biking, or just out for a scenic walk, the trail is accessible and family-friendly, making it perfect for visitors of all ages.

For adventurers, photographers, or anyone seeking a unique slice of Whistler’s history and creativity, the Train Wreck Trail is an absolute must-visit. It’s the perfect blend of nature’s tranquility and human curiosity, with a surprise waiting...

I imagine that this would have received a 4 or 5 star rating before it got really popular. That said, it is still a worthwhile stopover if you’re in around Squamish or Whistler.

Because of its popularity, the municipality has added a small parking lot and clear markings for tourists to get to Train Wreck. While the lot was full when I arrived, there was a spot on the side of the road about a five minute walk away from the trail head.

The path down is fairly easy (about 15 min) with a little bit of elevation change. It’s doable for a stroller, but it would be a bumpy ride and you would definitely be working the legs on the way up.

Once you get down, there is a neat suspension bridge over the Cheakamus River immediately before the first train cars. It’s great exploring all of the artwork inside and outside of the cars and you can get some pretty good pictures from different angles.

With that all said, it was very busy and felt more like an amusement park than a hike. I was there in a Tuesday at noon and there was a constant stream of people hiking in and out and many people posing for pictures in, around and on the train cars. Maybe there are days and times that are less busy, but my guess is that you probably won’t have the area to yourself. Still, I’m glad I went, learned a little about the area and the train crash and got a little bit...