Tofino Plane Crash Hike: Complete Trail Guide And What To Expect
The Canadian wilderness isn’t the first place most people associate with WWII wreckage, however it has more than you might expect. Scattered across Canada’s forests and lakes there are remnants of training and patrol planes that never returned home and the Tofino Plane Crash Hike is one of them. Just outside of the surf town of Tofino lies arguably the most accessible wreck in the country, an incredible story and piece of history on Canadian soil.
A 5km round trip hike through the coastal forest of Vancouver Island will lead you to a WW2 Canso Bomber that crashed during a routine patrol in 1945. I’ll guide you step by step along this unique hike so you can arrive fully prepared and see the bomber for yourself at the end. Everything from what to bring, what to expect, and of course how to find the start. Get ready for this 50% history lesson and 50% adventure, also you’ll 100% have muddy shoes by the end of the trail.
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History of the Tofino Plane Crash Hike
The wreckage at the end of the Tofino Plane Crash Hike is the remains of a Royal Canadian Air Force Canso Bomber that crash landed in the forest during WW2. On February 8th, 1945 the bomber took off on a routine patrol, shortly after take off one of the engines failed. The pilot attempted to turn around and land back at the airbase but lost too much altitude and was forced to make a crash landing near Radar Hill. Amazingly all 12 members of the flight crew survived and none of the explosives on board detonated.
The military would come rescue everyone and then return to remove sensitive equipment such as radar devices, weapons, and ammunition. After the military stripped out the equipment, only the bomber’s hollow, heavy frame remained. Because of the remote crash site and the frame’s weight, crews chose to abandon it. So it has remained there for 80 years, creating a unforgettable landmark that people trek out to visit.
Decades after the war, the Tofino Plane Crash Hike took shape. At first only locals and adventurous hikers knew about it, a hidden gem rather than an established trail. In the 80s and 90s people were deliberately hiking to the bomber as an adventure destination, it became officially documented. Between 2000 and 2010 blogs and photography contests brought attention to the hike. After 2010 social media made it widely known, cementing its place as a must-do adventure on Vancouver Island.
How to Get to the Tofino Plane Crash Hike
The trailhead for the Tofino Plane Crash Hike isn’t officially marked but it is pretty straightforward to find. Leave Tofino heading south toward Ucluelet, as you drive look for signs for Radar Hill. The signs will point you to the Radar Hill parking area and this is the easiest place to leave a vehicle. Instead of climbing Radar Hill to the viewpoint continue walking along the multiuse path along the highway going south. After about a 1km walk you will see a small opening and trail into the forest on your right.
Again this trail isn’t officially marked, however there will be signs such as markers or tape in the trees, stickers on signs, the trail itself should be well worn enough for you to notice it. If you’re really worried about missing it Tofino trails has the exact location for the google map route going from the Radar Hill parking lot to the crash site.
Protip: You need a Parks Canada Pass to Park at the bottom of Radar Hill as it sits on the edge of a national park. We didn’t know at the time, luckily no rangers caught us and gave us a ticket but it can happen.
What to Expect on the Tofino Plane Crash Hike?
The Tofino Plane Crash Hike honestly isn’t a hard one, no sulfur or blue fire to see here. I would say it’s easy to moderate. There isn’t a huge distance to cover or massive elevation to climb. The hike is 5km roundtrip, it should take 2 hours or less for most hikers. The most difficult part is that at some points the ground becomes uneven. That and the mud, there will be lots of mud so wear appropriate footwear.
After you’ve found the trailhead and step off the multiuse path into the trees, the real hike begins. The noise of the highway fades away the cool humidity of the forest surrounds you. The trail starts off normally, however not long into the hike you will come across an abandoned building. This is a good sign, it means you’re going the right way. This building was an old military communications/transmission site, tied to coastal defense during the war. After the war the site became decommissioned and abandoned just like the bomber. Today it’s an empty shell covered in graffiti. It’s part cool and part eerie, nevertheless an interesting stop on the hike.
Lets Get Muddy
After the abandoned radar site, the trail on the Tofino Plane Crash Hike changes. It swiftly becomes more narrow and a lot more muddy. No matter the time of year there will be mud on this trail, however it will be substantially worse during the wet season from October-April. I would advise against visiting during this time as sections of the trail can become flooded enough to swallow your shoes. There are roots to step on and boardwalks to help you but they won’t protect you from the mud completely, and will be slippery if it’s raining as well.
After continuing down the path you’ll come across a circular pond, the last landmark before the bomber. This pond is man made, it was created after the crash landing. While the military was stripping the plane of equipment they felt it was to dangerous to carry explosives through the thick forest. Unable to leave them and unable to take them, they decided to detonate them. This created a crater and that crater would eventually become the pond we can see today.
The Tofino Plane Crash Hike Crash Site
Once you continue past the pond on the Tofino Plane Crash Hike twisted metal and wreckage appear almost out of nowhere. Pieces of the bomber sit scattered across the forest floor. The frame while still intact, is slowly getting consumed by nature. It’s a strange contrast, a machine designed for war sitting decayed peacefully in the calm setting of the forest. Every issue you might have faced on the trail will be worth it to witness this piece of Canadian history.
I’m not naive, I advise you not to climb in or on the bomber but I know that people will. I believe in free will, if you decide to climb it at least do it safely. First and foremost you’ll be climbing an 80 year old piece of scrap metal, there will be sharp edges and rust everywhere. You should already have good footwear for the mud but the rest of your clothes should cover you as much as possible to prevent scratches. According to locals we talked to about the hike the plane can rock or shift if you stand on certain sections. Too heavy to flip over but the movements can throw you off balance, risking falling into rusty metal. You should be up to date Tetanus and don’t go alone in case anything happens.
Be careful and use your best judgement if you end up climbing it. However we should leave it undisturbed, giving future visitors the chance to see it for themselves. If enough people injure themselves out there the government will be forced to do something. As with any hike in the world, bring out what you brought in and leave no trace.
FAQ
How long is the Tofino Plane Crash Hike?
The hike itself is 1.5-2 hours roundtrip.
How difficult is the Tofino Plane Crash Hike?
Easy-moderate and the hardest part will be uneven and slippery ground.
What should I bring on the Tofino Plane Crash Hike?
Waterproof shoes or boots, raincoat, clothing that fully covers your body, and water.
Do I need a Parks Canada pass?
Yes, will need a Parks Canada pass as this site sits in a national park.
Is the Tofino Plane Crash Hike suitable for kids and dogs?
The hike itself is ok for kids and dogs, though they will get extremely muddy. The site itself may not be suitable for kids and dogs due to all the debris on the ground.
What is the best time of the year to do the Tofino Plane Crash Hike?
May to September as this is the drier season.
Are there services at any point on this hike?
No, it is not an officially marked trail. The closest services would be Tofino.
Final thoughts on the Tofino Plane Crash Hike
This definitely isn’t the hardest or longest hike you’ll ever do and you won’t find Incan ruins at the end, however it will be one of the most memorable. It’s a strange feeling walking through the forest and stumbling upon a piece of WW2 history. My ideal combination of adventure and history lesson. If you’re in the area and bring the right gear it’s 100% worth checking out, something different than the beaches and surf towns. While you’re there take a moment to appreciate the story and this piece of history. Just absolutely don’t forget your waterproof shoes.
