There are plenty of moderately challenging Vancouver hiking trails to choose from. These are five trails that stand out from the rest. Not too difficult, yet all have sensational views. Hollyburn, Dog Mountain and Mt Seymour are at the end of beautiful drives to reach the trailheads.
The trail to Whistler Train Wreck is an easy, yet varied route through deep forest, across a great suspension bridge over Cheakamus River, to a stunning array of wrecked train cars. The trail from your car to the wrecks only takes about 15 minutes, however once you reach one wreck, you see another, then another. There are seven wrecks in total that are spread over an area about 400 metres long.
Surreal combination of wreckage & serene forest
Many excellent views of Cheakamus River
One of the coolest places to have a drink with friends
Along with the surreal train wrecks painted with stunning murals, you find yourself in a thick forest that runs along Cheakamus River. Cheakamus River is a beautiful, wild and crashing river that snakes past the train wrecks. Numerous side trails take you to some marvellous viewpoints, several metres above the rushing water below. If you follow a trail past the wrecks(heading north or in the direction of Whistler Village) you will emerge at the train tracks. If you are adventurous you will then walk along, beside the tracks for a couple hundred metres and some truly breathtaking views of Cheakamus River. Keep in mind that skirting the train tracks is illegal, so you must never do this if a train is in the vicinity. If you plan to bivouac under the stars, this area is a great choice. Multiple beautiful rock outcrops along and above the river and you may not get disturbed as most hikers don't risk violating the law. Camping is technically prohibited within Whistler's municipal boundary, which Train Wreck is within, yet a sleeping bag under the stars will almost certainly go unnoticed. If bivouacking or stealth camping is what you are after, you will find quite a lot to choose from as you hike in along the Train Wreck trail.
Whistler Train Wreck
Whistler Train Wreck is located along Cheakamus River over several hundred metres of scenic, and deep forest. The trailhead can be found in Cheakamus Crossing, a neighbourhood 8 kilometres south of Whistler Village. The area is home to quite a variety of hiking and biking trails, both old and new. The Whistler Train Wreck trail from Cheakamus Crossing was only established in 2016 after construction of a beautiful bridge over Cheakamus River. Previously you had to start the trail from the Function Junction side of the Sea to Sky Highway(and train tracks). This meant that you had to cross the tracks at least once and walk along or beside the tracks for two small sections where the Cheakamus River skirts the train tracks. Growing popularity in recent years meant that people were often noticed by train conductors, which led to BC Rail fining people for trespassing.
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