Whistler might be known for its world-class skiing and mountain adventures, but did you know that just north of Whistler Village lies an abandoned “ghost town” in the woods? Dating back to 1902, with a small family home built at the north end of Green Lake, Parkhurst changed hands more than a few times before becoming what Tourism Whistler calls a “sanctuary for ski bums.”

After its namesake, Mr. Parkhurst, died in 1926, the land was bought by the Barr brothers, who turned the area into a lumber mill. In the next 30 years, Parkhurst changed ownership a few times, survived a fire, and became a homestead with incredible, unobstructed views of Rainbow Mountain.

In 1956, the mill officially closed, but its surrounding homes and buildings went on “to live a second life,” as evidenced by the famed “Toad Hall photo” of a lineup of skiers and snowboarders in the nude — a picture that now resides at Whistler Museum.

Today, you can hike, bike, or even paddle to Parkhurst, exploring abandoned logging equipment, vehicles, tool sheds, and three remaining buildings. The rest has already been reclaimed by the old-growth forest covering the area.

As a result, snow tends to linger in the area, so it’s best to visit ahead of ski season, or starting in May of each year.

Parkhurst bc
Photo via Shutterstock

How to get to Parkhurst

The first route to the abandoned town is considered “moderate” and involves the Green Lake Loop and Sea to Sky Trail. According to Tourism Whistler, hikers will notice a sign for the Sea to Sky Trail that follows a road.

To access Parkhurst, they’ll follow this road (called the Green Lake Loop) until they encounter Jeff’s Trail, roughly 1.7 km in. At this point, they continue on the Sea to Sky Trail and turn right, followed by another quick left, onto Parkhurst Main. This trail leads to the Parkhurst Ghost Town Loop for an out-and-back style trail, a total of 4.7 km.

So pack your bags and get ready to enjoy an adventure off the beaten path.

Parkhurst 

How to get there: Drive two hours from Vancouver to Whistler Village via BC-99 N. From Whistler, head north on Highway 99 for 10.4 km. Turn right at the Wedgemount Lake hiking sign and cross Green Lake River, then turn right onto Riverside Drive for around 1.6 km at the T intersection.

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Isabelle Vauclair

Staff Writer, Vancouver – Isabelle is a West Coast native with an appreciation for Vancouver’s natural landscape, patio scene, and community spaces. She loves to discover new hidden gems in her neighbourhood and share them with readers across the city.

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