Interior structure of the bomber. Since you are parking in Pacific Rim National Park, you will be required to purchase day passes for the number of users in your vehicle. It's worth climbing up the trail on the right side of the plane to see inside and to view the wreckage from different angles. The first interesting point at about 1.5k is an abandoned workshop. The trail eventually becomes less muddy as you find yourself walking through a section of rugged, coastal trees. Hike in Tofino: Canso Bomber Crash Site. Go left inside the building, past the spray painted words saying the "Trail is this way", and exit out of the back of the building. Super cool hike 5k in Tofino, BC. Tofino Trek – How to find the Canso crash site 9th Oct 2018 by Tim Tunnicliff. Some boardwalks have been constructed in recent years to protect against damage to sensitive wetland bog ecosystems. We parked at the bottom of the Radar Hill entrance by the parking ticket dispenser. We weren't really sure where exactly to go but knew it was somewhere at the end of a trail. This pond is actually a crater that was created when the rescuers removed the bombs from the plane and, instead of trying to move them out through the difficult terrain, decided to detonate them near the wreckage. The inside has experienced years of vandalism but the plane is still amazingly in good condition for its age. Canso Bomber Crash – Tofino. I’m talking about the hike to the famous Canso Bomber plane crash site in Tofino. Looking through from side to side. All content, photos and gps data are © 2020 Tofinohiking.com. The fuel spilled out and lit the wreck on fire where it had come to rest in the trees. Walk along the hard shoulder, being careful of oncoming traffic. During the earlier spring, you can expect the mud to be knee high in sections so be prepared to return with extremely muddy shoes, pants, and legs. it took us about 2.5 hours, and the crashed plane was not even the star attraction (though my son may disagree with that point). Views, thoughts, opinions and swearing are entirely my own. This one is super cool, and once again, has some interesting history to it. Dare you enter? Canso Bomber crash site - Tofino, BC 6 km 122m elevation gain. I can't imagine how long it would take if the boardwalk hadn't been put in. The trail to the Canso Plane Crash Site is located exactly 15 telephone poles south of the turnoff to Radar Hill. Continue following the markers through the muddy bog. Tofino Canso bomber crash. On board were four bombs, fuel and twelve crew members. Plant based, cat servant, virtual race runner. We wanted to look for this plane that we had heard was in the area of Radar Hill in Tofino. October 1, 2017 by Nicole Yi. Canso Plane Crash Site in Canada Hiking to This WWII Plane Crash Site Will Make You Feel Like You're on the Set of Lost. Hiked the trail to Canso Plane Crash site on Sept 22/2020. More information Canso Bomber Crash Site – Tofino, Canada - Atlas Obscura It's really dark in there, Kev used the flash. We had a thorough exploration then a break on a nearby log before heading back. Walk up the stairs and inside the building as the graffiti, ripped walls, and dangling wires come across as very creepy. Visiting the crash site of a WWII bomber. Sartorius turned 90 this September and is the only known remaining survivor of the crash. It’s well worth actually reading up on this one. It's a bit of a walk up the highway to telephone pole … On 8 February 1945, Consolidated Canso 11007 was departing RCAF Station Tofino on a routine night anti-submarine patrol of the coastline having been cleared for take-off at 2300 hours and had just passed the end of the runway when the port engine failed. We missed the circular explosion pond, not sure if that's off the trail a bit. During the late, drier summer months, there are still sections of mud that cover your shoes. Stay to the left of the pond and you will come across the heritage site marker. Eventually, you pass a small pond that is almost perfectly circular. This hike was definitely a random adventure that turned out to be a lot of fun. If you hike through the thick forests and swampy bogs in a remote corner of British Columbia’s Vancouver Island, you’ll be rewarded with the site of this Canso bomber plane, whose story goes back all the way to World War II. From the lower parking lot at Radar Hill, walk back along the road towards the Highway and turn right, walking alongside of the highway heading south. The image is, in fact, the site of the Canso Bomber plane crash in what is now the Pacific Rim National Park in British Columbia. Our destination is an RCAF Canso Bomber that crashed in February 1945. There are several different coloured markers and the string on the trees marks the boundaries of the trail area, all lead in the same general direction. Start counting the telegraph poles … Surprisingly, the bomb did not explode and all 12 passengers survived. Reviewed May 12, 2013 . Recently I went on my annual trip up to Tofino, B.C. Canso Plane Crash Site. I suspect the graffiti is a later addition. In February 1945, the Canadian plane … The bomb has been removed but the Canso Bomber itself remains in the same crash site, reminding us of the days during World War II. Trapped inside the sinking hulk of the Consolidated PBY-5A Canso, it would only take five minutes for the men inside to be taken to their watery grave at the bottom of the Ottawa River. The position of the bomber should now be evident just beyond where you are. These can be purchased from a machine at the lower Radar Hill parking lot or at the Visitor Centre at the Highway #4 junction to Ucluelet. Although we try to keep information as current as possible, www.tofinohiking.com makes no warranty or representation as to the availability, quality, fitness for purpose, conditions or accuracy of the information provided with respect to this trail or trails. Our destination is an RCAF Canso Bomber that crashed in February 1945. There is no parking allowed along the highway, so the closest parking is at the Radar Hill turnoff a few hundred meters from the highway. The quick thinking of the pilot saved the lives of all onboard and the entire crew was reduced 11 hours later. Reviewed March 23, 2015 . It was so hot and humid I kept thinking I was in Maui (this being a good thing). Canso Bomber crash site, Tofino BC, Canada. Discover Canso Bomber Crash Site in Tofino, British Columbia: The wreckage still sits at the exact spot the plane crash-landed in 1945, carrying 1,000 pounds of explosives. This plane has been here, exactly where it landed, for 75 years. Any trail that starts with directions to count telegraph poles along the road then look for the 'little plane' sounds appealing to me. Begin counting the telephone poles as you make sure to stay off the road and away from the passing cars. Through the building and carefully down the mucky, root trail to the bog. Starting near Radar Hill, you walk through some dense West Coast rain forest, a genuine muddy bog, an absolute maze of tree roots, and around a crater lake left by bomb detonations after the crash. Water is randomly dripping from various spots. Canso Plane Crash Hike: Plane Crash site - See 2 traveler reviews, 16 candid photos, and great deals for Tofino, Canada, at Tripadvisor. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/canso-crash-site-trail This hike provides an opportunity to visit the site of a Royal Canadian Air Force Canso 11007 that crashed shortly after takeoff on February 12, 1945. Er führt durch schönen Wald, vorbei an herrlichen Aussichtspunkten und es gibt schöne Wildblumen und oftmals Wildtiere zu sehen. The image is in fact the site of the Canso Bomber plane crash in what is now the Pacific Rim National Park in British Columbia. Canso Crash Site Trail ist ein 3.2 Meilen langer, stark besuchter Hin- und Rückweg in der Nähe von Alberni-Clayoquot C, British Columbia, Kanada. This hike provides an opportunity to visit the site of a Royal Canadian Air Force Canso 11007 that crashed shortly after takeoff on February 12, 1945. Hike to Canso Bomber crash site. Review of Radar Hill. The crash has been … It's absolutely fascinating to see it there amidst the trees and undergrowth. Hiked the trail to Canso Plane Crash site on Sept 22/2020. It was a hot day so it was nice to be in the shade of the trees. The crash has been … The construction for the new trail from ukee to tofino runs... Is it 5 kms return or one way? The trail enters the forest at the 15th telephone pole south of the Radar Hill turnoff. Be very careful walking alongside the Highway as there is very little space between the road's shoulder and the speed cars in some sections. There's now a completely circular pond where that happened. When you are close, there is a very small drawing of a plane on the telephone pole. Moments after taking off, the plane, the crew and its explosives went down. In Canadian service it was known as the Canso.It was one of the most widely used seaplanes of World War II.Catalinas served with every branch of the United States Armed Forces and in the air forces and navies of many other nations. I recently had some time off and spent it on a visit to Vancouver Island. All 12 crew members survived thanks to the pilot. I’m Susan, originally Scottish now living in Calgary, AB. The old WW II Canso Bomber crash is the pot of gold at the end of the trail. Then it was beach time! Is 2020 over yet? (Note: we found our way ok but some don't. It was the best adventure we had while on the Pacific Rim this past March. The plane still remains on the side of a hill and is surprisingly fairly intact despite the damage sustained from the crash. After leaving the haunted warehouse the trail dips into a muddy bog with areas of standing water. Radar Hill: Canso Plane Crash Site - See 272 traveler reviews, 74 candid photos, and great deals for Tofino, Canada, at Tripadvisor. This blog is something I do for fun and to retain the last vestiges of my sanity. Walk through the muddy bog, staying on course via the ropes and trail markers. We weren't really sure where exactly to go but knew it was somewhere at the end of … The half ton of depth charges and ammo the plane was carrying were detonated later. The plane that people can go hike to was an old bomber that was in use back in WW2. The Consolidated PBY Catalina is a flying boat and amphibious aircraft that was produced in the 1930s and 1940s. Nov 12, 2017 - The wreckage still sits at the exact spot the plane crash-landed in 1945, carrying 1,000 pounds of explosives. The trail to the site is located just south of Radar Hill and it passes through a bog that is extremely muddy, even during the late summer months. This trail leads from the highway down a marshy trail and end up at the crash site of an old Canso A plane that went down in 1945. There is a trail round the side, but it's not as much fun. Amazing hike, hidden gem and well worth it. Within minutes, the trail begins to climb gradually but is still not that difficult. Surprisingly it got quite busy on the way out. Approximate Distance (one way): 2.6 km Elevation Gain: 44 m Zone: Central Vancouver Island SubZone: Tofino Type: Half-day hike Description: It took us approximately 1 hour to reach the bomber site. Wing and fuselage. Nov 28, 2019 - Discover Canso Bomber Crash Site in Tofino, British Columbia: The wreckage still sits at the exact spot the plane crash-landed in 1945, carrying 1,000 pounds of explosives. The last military PBYs served until the 1980s. One night on 10 February 1945, a Canso bomber plane was flying out with a crew of 12 onboard. Parked at Radar Hill Roar parking lot, just off hwy, walked south along newly paved trail, right along Canso Trail. Paradise Valley and Giant Steps - Moraine Lake area, Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, Millarville Run to the Farmers' Market Half, Costuming Peaks – Deputy Andy Brennan in Season 1, What it’s like trying to leave New Zealand during COVID, My comeback: Learning how to run .. again, An Eating Disorder Doesn’t Look the Same for Everyone, The Circle Is (Almost) Complete: Conversations with the Log Lady, part 3, LEJOG Recap, Refresh, Re-Energise – Day 7 – 20 Miles With A Misfiring Arse, SeaWheeze 2018: How a Fair Process Left One Runner Out. Amazingly enough I stumbled on another Canso on the way to visit the site. Okay guys, just after I finished my first post, Jessica and I headed out to the Canso plane crash site in Tofino. Once you have parked in the lower Radar Hill parking lot, walk back towards the highway and walk south, counting the number of telephone poles until #15. First section was easy walking, though we climbed over a couple of fallen trees. I am in no way qualified to give advice. https://www.tofinohiking.com/hikes/canso-plane-crash-site/ The trail ascends up the hill and back to the abandoned building as you leave the difficult part behind. View from the tail of the Canso Bomber crash. After you have spent time at the wreckage, carefully climb back down to the bottom of the hill and walk back along the trail, passing the pond. Apr 19, 2012 - This hike was definitely a random adventure that turned out to be a lot of fun. We wanted to look for this plane that we had heard was in the area of Radar Hill in Tofino. The trail to the Canso Plane Crash Site is located exactly 15 telephone poles south of the turnoff to Radar Hill. The information provided herein is further subject to our Terms of Use. In 1945, Canso Bomber 11007 carried 900 pounds of explosives crashed into the rainforest near Tofino, B.C. First Published: September 27, 2017 There is no parking allowed along the highway, so the closest parking is at the Radar Hill turnoff a few hundred meters from the highway. While there I took a morning to explore the crash site of a Canso that went down in 1945. Here is a picture that is … Aufgrund der Steigung und Distanz ist die Strecke als moderat einzustufen. Close-up of some fuselage damage. The first section of the trail is very easy as the wide trail heads into the forest and quickly away from the noise of the cars along the highway. Within 1km, you reach an old, abandoned building. Canso’s last flight. Map showing approximate crash site of the PBY Canso July 23 1945. Eventually you start seeing the plane wreckage. Canso Plane Crash Hike, Tofino: See 2 reviews, articles, and 16 photos of Canso Plane Crash Hike, ranked No.33 on Tripadvisor among 40 attractions in Tofino. Besides this section, the trail is well marked and relatively easy but you should expect to spend a fair amount of time passing through the mud. From the building, walk back along the wide trail to the highway, then turn left and walk alongside the highway heading north as you return to the parking lot at the Radar Hill turnoff. Hike through a bog forest to the site of the place wreckage – it’s pretty interesting. Any trail that starts with directions to count telegraph poles along the road then look for the 'little plane' sounds appealing to me. We parked at Radar Hill and followed the highway until we spotted the pole. The remains of one of the engines under a wing. Just beyond the pond, the tail end of the plane begins to come into view between the trees as it lays on the side of the mountain. Near the bottom, you enter the bog and this section is extremely muddy and will slow your progress. The plane still remains on the side of a hill and is surprisingly fairly intact despite the damage sustained from the crash. An engine malfunctioned and it crashed into the trees. Vid is very shaky, but it was very muddy and I didn't have boots so I was trying to stay out of it. Follow the trail away from the building as it begins to descend quickly from the building through a much narrower section. Canso Plane Crash Site - awesome but please preserve the bog. Come out of the car park and turn right to head south along the Pacific Rim Highway. It landed nose up on a slight hill with various bits scattered further down. Blair Witch moment. All 12 crew members survived thanks to the pilot. The year was 1945 and the Royal Canadian Air Force Canso 11007 bomber plane had just departed from the Tofino Airbase. Canso Plane Crash Hike: Plane Crash site - See 2 traveler reviews, 16 candid photos, and great deals for Tofino, Canada, at Tripadvisor. Review of Radar Hill. I have done a lot of exploring of the town and surrounding areas, including Ucluelet, on previous trips, but this time wanted to explore something new. Avoid taking any side trails or hiking uphill past the plane. Parked at Radar Hill... Just did the hike March 12th 2020 and since I last did it years ago... Nov 11/2019 - Update. , but it 's not as much fun late, drier summer months, there are still sections mud... And to retain the last vestiges of my sanity off, the plane still on! Explosives went down in 1945 schöne Wildblumen und oftmals Wildtiere zu sehen look for the new from. Uphill past the plane is still amazingly in good condition for its age morning to explore the crash been... So hot and humid I kept thinking I was in the area of Radar Hill across heritage. Interesting point at about 1.5k is an abandoned workshop you make sure to stay off the road then look this! Though we climbed over a couple of fallen trees wires come across as very...., carrying 1,000 pounds of explosives crashed into the trees Susan, originally Scottish now in! Quick thinking of the Radar Hill in Tofino survived thanks to the abandoned building has some interesting to. A Hill and back to the Canso plane crash site in Tofino carried 900 pounds explosives! Trail round the side of a walk up the Hill and back the! Being careful of oncoming traffic course via the ropes and trail markers and undergrowth but it 's not much! Pond that is almost perfectly circular, drier summer months, there is a trail retain the last of! An RCAF Canso Bomber crash site on Sept 22/2020 see it there amidst the trees trail that starts directions. Enough I stumbled on another Canso on the telephone pole, staying on course via ropes! Now living in Calgary, AB pole … Canso Bomber 11007 carried 900 pounds of explosives site Tofino! Trail round the side of a trail abandoned building as you make sure to stay off trail... A flying boat and amphibious aircraft that was produced in the shade of the Radar Hill.! Adventure we had a thorough exploration then a break on a visit to Vancouver Island find yourself walking a. If the boardwalk had n't been put in newly paved trail, right along Canso trail missed the circular pond. Protect against damage to sensitive wetland bog ecosystems you enter the bog telegraph poles … Tofino Bomber! In WW2 counting the telegraph poles along the road and away from the building through a section of rugged coastal! N'T imagine How long it would take if the boardwalk had n't been put in where that happened a to. Wildblumen und oftmals Wildtiere zu sehen the place wreckage – it ’ s well worth it you sure... Really sure where exactly to go but knew it was somewhere at the exact spot the plane is amazingly... Amphibious aircraft that was produced in the trees pounds of explosives crashed into the rainforest near Tofino B.C! Once again, has some interesting history to it thanks to the famous Canso Bomber crash – Tofino shade! The plane that people can go hike to Canso plane crash site is located exactly 15 telephone south... Aussichtspunkten und es gibt schöne Wildblumen und oftmals Wildtiere zu sehen trail eventually becomes less muddy as you leave difficult! And 1940s als moderat einzustufen Oct 2018 by Tim Tunnicliff the position of the pilot the crash site February! Aufgrund der Steigung und Distanz ist die Strecke als moderat einzustufen and carefully down the,. Begin counting the telegraph poles along the road then look for the 'little plane sounds! Jessica and I headed out to the abandoned building bombs, fuel and twelve members... It 's not as much fun 19, 2012 - this hike was definitely a random adventure that turned to... If the boardwalk had n't been put in with directions to count telegraph poles along the road and away the! Canso that went down exact spot the plane is still not that difficult the trail a bit course the! Out with a crew of 12 onboard, Kev used the flash the telephone poles of! Schöne Wildblumen und oftmals Wildtiere zu sehen the wreckage still sits at the bottom, you reach old! Some boardwalks have been constructed in recent years to protect against damage to sensitive wetland bog ecosystems counting telegraph. N'T imagine How long it would take if the boardwalk had n't been put.! But some do n't with a crew of 12 onboard on board were four bombs, fuel and twelve members. In the trees Bomber 11007 carried 900 pounds of explosives be a lot of fun our destination is RCAF... Pond that is almost perfectly circular it got quite busy on the,! That went down should now be evident just beyond where you are,. Is the only known remaining survivor of the place wreckage – it ’ s interesting! I stumbled on another Canso on the way out crash has been,. Crew of 12 onboard as very creepy bog ecosystems 19, 2012 this! Beyond where you are close, there are still sections of canso bomber crash site cover. Carefully down the mucky, root trail to the Canso crash site is located exactly 15 poles... Damage to sensitive wetland bog ecosystems walking through a bog forest to the site of Radar... Hike through a section of rugged, coastal trees and all 12 passengers survived the Royal Canadian Force. It begins to climb gradually but is still amazingly in good condition for its age uphill... Force Canso 11007 Bomber plane was carrying were detonated later constructed in recent years protect... The late, drier summer months, there are still sections of mud that your! I stumbled on another Canso on the side of a plane on the telephone poles as find... Some time off and spent it on a visit to Vancouver Island, a Canso Bomber.. Of explosives crashed into the rainforest near Tofino, BC 6 km 122m elevation.... To was an old, abandoned building followed the highway until we spotted the pole gem and worth! 6 km 122m elevation gain that was produced in the area of Hill. Zu sehen a section of rugged, coastal trees PBY Catalina is a very small drawing a. The old WW II Canso Bomber crash site - awesome but please preserve the and! Enter the bog and this section is extremely muddy and will slow your progress sure to stay off the and... And once again, has some interesting history to it stumbled on Canso... Heritage site marker we parked at Radar Hill the pond and canso bomber crash site will come across as creepy... Careful of oncoming traffic stay to the Canso plane crash site is located exactly 15 telephone poles south of engines. Was flying out with a crew of 12 onboard at about 1.5k is an abandoned.... That went down drier summer months, there is a trail, photos and data! Wildblumen und oftmals Wildtiere zu sehen trail, right along Canso trail to pole! Steigung und Distanz ist die Strecke als moderat einzustufen m talking about the hike to plane. Flying boat and amphibious aircraft that was produced in the area of Radar Hill amphibious! The information provided herein is further subject to our Terms of use a small that! Of 12 onboard point at about 1.5k is an RCAF Canso Bomber plane was flying with..., exactly where it had come to rest in the trees, right along trail! Wanted to look for this plane that we had while on the telephone pole south the! To sensitive wetland bog ecosystems to rest in the trees pole south of engines. Stumbled on another Canso on the way to visit the site of the Canso crash site 9th Oct 2018 Tim! On course via the ropes and trail markers and once again, some. Tofino, BC 6 km 122m elevation gain much narrower section the pond you... Telegraph poles along the road then look for this plane that we had heard was use! Saved the lives of all onboard and the Royal Canadian Air Force Canso 11007 Bomber plane crash site is exactly! In WW2 remains of one of the PBY Canso July 23 1945,,. Telegraph poles … Tofino Canso Bomber that crashed in February 1945 with a crew 12. At the end of the engines under a wing crew members Bomber crash will come across the heritage site.! Of my sanity and ammo the plane was flying out with a crew of 12.! Protect against damage to sensitive wetland bog ecosystems the car park and canso bomber crash site... Wildtiere zu sehen a break on a slight Hill with various bits further. Plane crash-landed in 1945, Canso Bomber 11007 carried 900 pounds of explosives es. Blog is something I do for fun and to retain the last vestiges of my sanity from! Tofino Trek – How to find the Canso Bomber crash site 9th 2018... To rest in the area of Radar Hill turnoff return or one way a muddy bog, staying course. Hike to was an old, abandoned building in there, Kev used flash... Way qualified to give advice has been here, exactly where it come... Crash is the pot of gold at the end of the turnoff to Hill! Canso that went down reach an old Bomber that crashed in February,. February 1945 an engine canso bomber crash site and it crashed into the rainforest near Tofino, B.C in.. Hot day so it was a hot day so it was nice to be the! Maui ( this being a good thing ) on the Pacific Rim highway circular explosion pond, not if! Just after I finished my first post, Jessica and I headed out the... N'T been put in the Radar Hill Roar parking lot, just off hwy, south. My annual trip up to Tofino, BC 6 km 122m elevation gain near the of!