Last updated on March 8th, 2023 at 04:27 am
When it comes to hiking opportunities around the Tofino area, you are rather spoilt for choice but the Canso plane crash hike had been on my to do list for a long time. After all, how often do you get to explore, up close, to a plane crash?
This is not an official trail, therefore it isn’t technically maintained and you won’t find it signed. That being said, there have been wooden walkways installed in the wettest areas of the trail in order to reduce erosion of the area since it is such a popular hike.
History Of The Plane Crash
The west coast of Vancouver Island is steeped in history regarding being a front line in the defense against a possible invasion against the Japanese. The canso plane crash is just one of the remnants from these times.
Flight 11007 departed from Tofino airport on the 8th February 1945, shortly after takeoff the plane experienced engine failure, the pilot tried to turn back but clipped some trees and eventually ended up crashing. All 12 passengers luckily survived and were rescued many hours later.
All remaining ammunition was removed much later and now just the empty wreckage remains. It is in a recognizable shape, all things considered and attracts a large number of people every year.
Trailhead For The Canso Plane Crash Hike
The trailhead for the Canso plane crash hike is really easy to find. Right off Highway 4 towards Tofino, turn in to the parking area signed for Radar Hill. Park in the first parking lot you come across with the ticket machine. If you don’t have a national park pass, you’ll need to buy one here before starting on the hike.
If you have time, it’s well worth continuing up the hill to the top of Radar Hill, the views from the short and accessible hike are absolutely worth it!
The Canso Plane Crash Hike
From the parking area head back towards the highway and pick up the new paved trail which runs between Tofino and Uclelet. Head south on this trail, watch for bikes speeding along too!
After 15 telephone poles you’ll reach a crossing, this is the start of the Canso plane crash hike. Turn right and you’ll be on a fairly wide trail which slowly starts to gain elevation. A short while after you reach an abandoned building. I personally didn’t explore this but merely followed the trail round the outside.
The Canso plane crash hike continues from the back left corner of the building and is marked by flagging tape in the trees. From here the trail thins and starts to descend through the forest. Expect to encounter some mud here. Nothing unpassable but it’ll take some thought at times to not end up with a sinker!
Some serious trail maintenance has been conducted along the last half of the Canso plane crash hike and before you know it, it’s easy cruising on nice raised boardwalks through, what I can only imagine, was once an awful, boggy, section of trail.
As the boardwalks end look up to the trees and the plane is on the left. Scrambling over muddy tree roots will get you a closer look. Stick to the trails which already exist to prevent further erosion of the area.
The hike back to your vehicle is just about retracing your steps. The Canso plane crash hike is an incredible hike. Not too hard, with an amazing ending but it’s a busy place, please stay on the trail and respect the signage to keep this area accessible for the future.
What You’ll Need For The Hike
This trail is at times rough, wet and muddy, there are some items you won’t want to leave the house without to complete this hike.
Good boots! This trail can be very muddy, good waterproof boots will make the trip a lot more enjoyable!
Water and snacks are a must, this isn’t a particularly long trail but it was hot on the day we did it and we were thankful to have plenty of water and well, I’m always hungry, so a snack to enjoy before returning to the car was definitely needed.
Hiking poles aren’t strictly necessary but the trail requires some hopping over tree roots so if you are less than stable, you may want to take some poles, they’ll also help when it comes to jumping over puddles!
Rain jacket…you are after all, hiking on Vancouver Island where it regularly rains, it’s always worth having one in your pack when hiking on the Island, or anywhere really!
Accommodation Options Near The Hike
There are lots of accommodation options near The Canso plane crash hike, we camped at the Parks Canada campground, Green Point, which was close by. There are lots of other camping options in Tofino and Ucluelet.
In the towns of Tofino and Ucluelet, there are also plenty of other accommodation options, however they can be quite expensive, so it all depends on your budget. The HI Whalers On The Point hostel in Tofino is a nice option right in Tofino or there are plenty of hotels and cabins.
