Safe route to Train Wreck opens this weekend

Visitors and residents will be able to safely access Whistler’s historic Train Wreck site starting this weekend, thanks to a new suspension bridge over Cheakamus River.

A long-time favourite among hikers and mountain bikers, Train Wreck features graffiti train cars and spectacular views of Cheakamus River. The trail was built many decades ago, and in 2013 received attention as a result of people crossing CN train tracks to access it.

The Resort Municipality of Whistler’s new pedestrian bridge will create a safe, legal access point. The bridge crosses Cheakamus River and connects Train Wreck to the Sea to Sky trail, which is part of the Trans Canada Trail. Associated trail connections have also been built on either side of the bridge.

“The Train Wreck site and trail is a unique, authentic Whistler experience, and it is exciting to now be able to provide a safe way for people to access it,” said Whistler Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden. “Visiting the site and taking in the beautiful views of Cheakamus River is an excellent activity to do this summer, whether mountain biking or hiking. A huge thank you to the Province of British Columbia for making this new amenity possible.” 

“Thousands of tourists visit British Columbia every year because of its rich history and beautiful landscapes. I’m thrilled that our government worked on a local solution for British Columbians and tourists alike to safely access this historic site,” said Jordan Sturdy, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky.

The Train Wreck suspension bridge can be accessed off Jane Lakes Road in the Cheakamus Crossing neighbourhood at the south end of Whistler from two locations: via the multi-use singletrack “Trash” trail or the double track Sea to Sky trail. Parking is located in the Whistler Interpretive Forest parking lot off Cheakamus Lake Road at Highway 99. Download a map.

Construction work was undertaken by Axis Mountain Technical, with engineering and design work provided by Bruce Hamersley at KCB. The total budget was $176,000, funded through the Province of British Columbia’s Resort Municipality Initiative.