Watch These Explorer Visit a WWII Plane Crash Site in British Columbia

The Forgotten Crash of Canso 11007

In the forest near Tofino, British Columbia, lies the wreck of a Royal Canadian Air Force bomber. Canso 11007 crashed on February 12, 1945, shortly after taking off on a patrol mission. Though the aircraft was loaded with fuel and depth charges, all 12 crew members survived. This crash site remains a lesser-known part of World War II history.

The story began in 1941 when an airfield was built in Tofino to defend against possible attacks from the Pacific. By 1945, aircraft like the Canso patrolled the coastline. On the night of the crash, the bomber was carrying over 3,000 liters of fuel and explosives. When one of the engines failed during flight, the pilot, Ron Schulz, managed to control the descent enough to reduce the force of the impact.

Survival in the Wilderness

After the crash, the spilled fuel caught fire, forcing the crew to take shelter in the woods. They used parachutes as makeshift tents and waited for help. Eleven hours later, a flare they launched was spotted by another aircraft, and rescuers arrived soon after. Military crews later returned to the wreck to safely detonate the remaining explosives, leaving behind a large crater that can still be seen today.

The trail to the crash site is unmarked but maintained by Parks Canada. Reaching it takes effort, especially through the mud and dense forest, but those who find it come face to face with history. The aircraft wreck remains mostly intact, with the fuselage, wings, and even interior sections still recognizable.

The Canso’s Legacy

The Canso was a reliable flying boat used during World War II for patrol, search and rescue, and anti-submarine duties. Built with two powerful engines and capable of carrying bombs or depth charges, it was one of Canada’s most important maritime aircraft.

Today, the wreck has been covered with graffiti by visitors. While some see this as damage, others believe it adds a modern story to the aircraft’s past. The setting—quiet, overgrown, and untouched—makes the site feel frozen in time.

Keep going for the video below: