As Vancouver’s Playground, Whistler has so many fun activities. However, if you are looking for something a bit more off the beaten path, Parkhurst Ghost Town is for you. Parkhurst was once a logging town and railway siding, but as the story goes a changing economy lead to its decline and eventual abandonment by the early 1960s. Now it exists as a surreal discovery to be made after a short hike.
You can take a short one hour hike up and over the Hill or you can walk along the railway tracks for 15min to get there. While the tracks are easier, there are some extra discoveries to be made in the trees. Please also note that the tracks are active so you have to be aware of oncoming trains.
Once there you can check out the maze of small trails within the old community. From a 1920s truck to a 1960s convertible there are many fun discoveries to be made while you explore for yourself how things once looked and how they may have got there. If you have any four legged friends with you be extra careful as the decades have led to an excess of broken glass littering the entire area.
Most of the houses have long since collapsed from the heavy winter snow, but there was one still standing last we were there.
Should you want to stay the night in this slightly creepy setting there is an informal pad here, but we found a nice spot overlooking Green Lake that had a convenient swimming dock and even a picnic table nearby. Please remember that Whistler is bear country so always make sure you are equipped with the appropriate gear and if you plan on staying the night hang up your food!
Green Lake is a great place to see the stars, even with the glow of Whistler lights in the near distance. It’s an ideal spot for some night photography. Get out there on a clear night with your camera and tripod and shoot away!
Hikers: Devon, Josie, Lindsay, Luke, Nick
Four-legged Friends: Rey
All photos by Josie.