Canso Plane Crash Site

A short and enjoyable rainforest walk that goes through lush greenery to the remains of a 1945 aircraft crash site. Along the way, you’ll experience stunning West Coast scenery, dense forest atmosphere, and a peaceful natural setting. At the destination, the crash site offers a fascinating glimpse into local wartime history, making the walk both scenic and historical.

Details

n°95945429

Creation:
27 Apr 2026

Last update:
today

Last review:
–

Activity: Walking
Distance: 2.93 mi
Average duration: 1h 35
Difficulty: Moderate
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 269 ft
Descent: - 262 ft
Highest point: 200 ft
Lowest point: 79 ft

Country: Canada
Start/End: N 49.090122° / W 125.832755°
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Description of the walk

Start: Radar Hill Road Parking lot (N 49.09000 W 125.83244)

(S) From the car park, go to the information sign and start following the paved path to the east until you reach a path junction.

(1) Make a right off the paved path. Here the trail becomes more rugged as it winds through lush rainforest, with narrow sections where you'll squeeze between trees, step over fallen logs, and navigate numerous roots underfoot.

(2) Go around the abandoned communications shack and keep following the path to the Canso Plane Crash Site.

(3) Once you are done admiring the Canso Plane Crash Site, you go back the way you came (E).

Waypoints

S/E : mi 0 - alt. 82 ft - Radar Hill car park
1 : mi 0.58 - alt. 102 ft - Make a right off the paved path
2 : mi 0.9 - alt. 200 ft - Abandoned Communication Shack
3 : mi 1.47 - alt. 151 ft - Canso Plane Crash Site
S/E : mi 2.93 - alt. 82 ft - Radar Hill car park

Notes

The ground near the wreckage can be very muddy, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The historic plane wreck makes for a rewarding destination and a worthwhile stop when travelling to or from Tofino.

Worth a visit

See the remains of a historic WWII-era Canso bomber that crashed on the night of February 10, 1945. The aircraft was carrying four 100-kilogram depth charges when it suffered a mechanical failure during a night flight along Vancouver Island and crashed into the forest. Fortunately, all 12 crew members survived, and the depth charges did not detonate.

For more information, you can read the gotofino article