Whistler Train Wreck

A scenic 2 kilometer forest hike. A suspension bridge that dangles over a wild rush of river water. And beyond that, the twisted metal remains of a historical accident lay waiting. Welcome to Train Wreck.

Located about 15 minutes outside the Whistler townsite, it’s a nice addition to include on a day trip from Vancouver to Whistler if there’s a spare hour or so.

Painted, rusted, and repainted, these CP Rail cars have sat in the forest ever since 1956.

Part outdoor art exhibition and part historical artifact, spend some time wandering around this unintended attraction.

Don’t forget to check out the insides, but watch your step!

A few steps away from the site, train tracks can be seen, but the actual accident happened a few miles away.

In 1956, a train from Lillooet was falling behind schedule, and so, in order to make up time, it began to go way beyond the recommended speed limit. A sharp turn through a narrow construction area lead to a disastrous derailment. With the train tracks blocked, nothing could get through and the scene needed to be cleared as soon as possible.

Seven of the twelve cars were deemed unsalvageable and lifted by crane into the forest, where they’ve sat ever since.

One car dangles over the river for a bit of a thrill.

The suspension bridge was added in 2016 to allow a safer passage to Train Wreck and connects to the Sea to Sky Trail.

The Cheakamus River. Kayakers can sometimes be seen traversing downstream.

There are seven box cars in all, but two are a little ways away from the others. Make sure to keep count so you don’t miss any of them.