THE WHISTLER TRAIN WRECK

Deep in the forest along the banks of the Cheakamus River, a half hour walk from Whistler's Function Junction, lie half a dozen train cars scattered beside the tracks. Your imagination can run wild recreating the events that brought these cars to their resting place.

After coming up with multiple theories of our own, it came as a surprise to us to read Sarah Drewery's article - the cars were not actually involved in a wreck. Drewery, who is the executive director at the Whistler Museum, reveals that in 1956 the cars were loaded up with lumber and became stuck at a rock cut near their current position. Unable to move the cars out, a local logging outfit used two bulldozers to pry the cars loose. Once the cars were lifted out, they were placed in the woods where they remain. The cars have since been unofficially turned into an artist haven and a bike park. 

To see the train wreck for yourself, hike along the 6km trail (return) that starts at the Function Junction parking lot.  The hike is well signed and not very challenging, though snow can make it considerably harder. Most of the path is through the woods, but occasionally the trees part, opening up to vistas of the Cheakamus River.  For a detailed description of the trail we recommend following the instructions on Whistlerhiatus.com

cheakamus river