Running in Whistler                                                                            Train Wreck

The Whistler Train Wreck is a very convenient and amazingly beautiful trail run.  It's convenient as it is just south of Whistler with parking just metres from the Sea to Sky highway.  And it's amazingly beautiful as it runs through a wonderfully varied terrain of dense forest, train tracks, sunny clearings overlooking the crashing Cheakamus River and of course the wildly beautiful train wreck itself.

Decades ago a train derailed south of Whistler.  The cost to clean up the mess was deemed too high, so seven train cars were left scattered next to the Cheakamus River.  As it turns out, time and local effort has transformed this mess into a wonderful work of art, an extraordinary bike park, and a great place to trail run.

Though somewhat short, running to the end of the train wreck near the train tracks is just under 3k, then retracing your steps makes the run about 5.4k.  And of course repeating the run, which allows for some variation within the spider web of trails near the wreck can enjoyably double the run distance to 10.8k.

It's recent evolution into a manicured bike park has made it into a wonderful trail run as well.  It's growing use as a convenient running route from people arriving and departing Whistler on holiday is apparent, though barely.

It's still almost always wonderfully serene, and always wonderfully surreal.

Directions to the Whistler Train Wreck (Flank Trail) and Parking:

To get to the trailhead for the Whistler Train Wreck, drive 8k south of Whistler Village.  At the traffic lights at Function Junction turn right onto Alpha Lake Road, drive across the train tracks and drive for about 200 metres.  At the sudden 90 degree right bend in the road you will see Olive's Market on your left.  This is an amazing new Organic grocery store.  There is a huge parking lot to the left and behind this big building.  Take a look in Olives Market, they have amazing coffee and unbelievably good cakes, cookies, etc, as well as organic grocery store items.

From this parking lot you may spot the short cut to the Flank Trail.  Immediately you will spot the old sign indicating Flank Trail to the right and Train Wreck straight.  If you don't spot this short cut right away, just walk back to Alpha Lake Road, turn right (onto Alpha Lake Road) and you will immediately see the little Flank Trail, trailhead sign and the well used dirt trail descend into the trees along the river.

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Whistler Running Routes - List of the Best Trails >>