The best walks and hikes in Dawley Passage Provincial Park
4.5
(297)
2,452
hikers
24
hikes
Hiking in Dawley Passage Provincial Park, located on Vancouver Island, offers exploration within a region characterized by coastal temperate rainforest and marine environments. While the park is primarily known for its water-based activities and protected marine ecosystem, its upland portions provide a natural backdrop for terrestrial routes. The area is part of the scenic Clayoquot Sound, featuring rich biodiversity and Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations heritage sites. Visitors can experience the unique blend of coastal landscapes and forest trails.
Best hiking trails…
Last updated: October 8, 2026
4.8
(89)
734
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(81)
668
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(5)
39
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
14
hikers
659m
00:12
20m
20m
Hard hike. Great for any fitness level. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
2
hikers
10.3km
02:43
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Popular around Dawley Passage Provincial Park
Tips from the Community
Radar Hill offers the highest viewpoint in the Long Beach Unit of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, with sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean, surrounding rainforest, and the mountains beyond. During the Second World War, the summit was the site of a military radar station built to help defend Canada's west coast. A later radar installation operated here in the early 1950s before being decommissioned, giving the hill the name it still carries today. A short paved trail leads to the observation platform, making it one of the park's most accessible viewpoints.
0
0
This memorial honours the Canadian and Australian soldiers who fought in the Battle of Kapyong during the Korean War in April 1951. Unveiled on Radar Hill in 1988, it commemorates one of Canada's most celebrated military engagements and serves as a place of remembrance overlooking the forests and coastline of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. It's a worthwhile stop before continuing to the nearby viewpoint.
0
0
Incinerator Rock is a striking rock formation on Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The beach is popular with surfers. There is paid parking for cars and small RVs – included in the entrance ticket to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. During World War II, the Royal Canadian Air Force maintained a waste incinerator next to this rock to burn waste from the Tofino Air Force Base. https://www.knowbc.com/limited/Books/The-Encyclopedia-of-Raincoast-Place-Names/I/Incinerator-Rock We are at the beach early in the morning on May 18, 2025. The temperature is pleasant under blue skies and light clouds. At low tide, we take the opportunity to walk far out on the beach and observe the numerous surfers – a magnificent setting.
1
0
From the Pacific Rim Highway, the Canso Bomber Ruins Trail leads to a low ridge where the ruins of a building stand. The former utility building is covered in graffiti. The trail continues down a muddy, root-filled path into a wetland; rubber boots are recommended for the hike. Fortunately, wooden planks have been laid in the depression, allowing us to reach the site where the plane wreckage was left with dry feet. The wreckage fascinated more than just us; on no other hike on Vancouver Island did we encounter so many people. (May 17, 2025)
2
0
On the path to the crash site of the Vickers PBV-1A Canso A, there is an abandoned building, a lost place, covered in graffiti. It was presumably part of a communications or radar station during World War II and was used for coastal surveillance.
0
0
The Royal Canadian Air Force's Canadian Vickers PBV-1A Canso A crashed at the foot of Radar Hill shortly after takeoff in February 1945. All 12 passengers survived the crash. https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/338715 https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/canso-bomber-plane-crash The path to the aircraft's wreckage is not an official Parks Canada trail but is entirely within the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
2
0
Long Beach is an almost ideal beach for surfing: wide, shallow water, nice waves and a parking lot directly behind a row of trees. You only have to carry your surfboard very far at low tide 😄
0
0
Beautiful route through the forest, the swampy areas are well secured with a boardwalk. Still not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. The plane is well preserved and worth the trip. History: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._4_Squadron_RCAF?wprov=sfla1
1
1
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Dawley Passage Provincial Park?
Komoot features over 20 hiking routes in and around Dawley Passage Provincial Park. These trails range from easy coastal walks to more moderate excursions, offering diverse experiences within the region's unique landscape.
What are the typical difficulty levels of hikes in the park?
The majority of trails in the Dawley Passage Provincial Park area are rated as easy, with 17 easy routes available. There are also 6 moderate trails and 1 difficult option for those seeking a greater challenge. This variety ensures options for different fitness levels.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options?
Yes, many of the easy trails are suitable for families. For instance, the Canso Plane Wreck – Canso Bomber Ruins Trail loop from Old Radio Building is an easy 1.8-mile path that offers an interesting historical site, making it a good choice for families.
Can I bring my dog on the trails in Dawley Passage Provincial Park?
While specific regulations for Dawley Passage Provincial Park regarding dogs on trails are not detailed, it's generally advisable to keep dogs on a leash in provincial parks to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. Always check local signage for any specific restrictions.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see while hiking?
Dawley Passage Provincial Park is renowned for its rich marine ecosystem, so while hiking the upland portions, you might spot coastal birds like great blue herons and bald eagles. The broader Clayoquot Sound area is home to diverse marine life, and if you're near the water, you might observe seals and sea otters.
Are there any circular routes available?
Yes, several circular routes are available. A popular option is the Canso Plane Wreck – Canso Bomber Ruins Trail loop from Radar Hill Rd Parking Lot, an easy 3.0-mile loop. Another is the Kayak Beach – Mother Tree loop from Calf Island, which is 1.9 miles and takes you through coastal forest and along beaches.
What is the best time of year to hike in Dawley Passage Provincial Park?
The park's coastal temperate rainforest climate means hiking is generally possible year-round. However, the spring and summer months typically offer milder weather and less rainfall, making them ideal for exploring. Always be prepared for changeable coastal weather conditions.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails here?
The trails in the Dawley Passage Provincial Park area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 250 reviews. Hikers often praise the unique blend of coastal landscapes, the temperate rainforest environment, and the historical sites like the Canso bomber ruins.
Are there any notable landmarks or points of interest along the hiking routes?
Yes, a significant point of interest is the Canso bomber ruins, which can be explored via routes like the View from Radar Hill – Canso Plane Wreck loop from Tofino Visitor Centre. This offers a glimpse into local history amidst the natural beauty.
What facilities are available within Dawley Passage Provincial Park?
Dawley Passage Provincial Park is a wilderness park with no designated campsites or facilities. Visitors should be prepared with their own drinking water and pack out all waste, as no potable water or services are provided within the park boundaries.
How do I access Dawley Passage Provincial Park, and is there parking?
Dawley Passage Provincial Park is accessible solely by boat. While there is no parking within the park itself, access points for water-based activities, such as Tofino or the Grice Bay boat launch in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, would have parking facilities for launching kayaks or other vessels.
Are there any moderate hiking trails for more experienced hikers?
Yes, for those looking for a more challenging experience, the area offers moderate trails. An example is the View from Radar Hill – Canso Plane Wreck loop from Tofino Visitor Centre, which is a 9.6-mile route with more elevation gain, providing a good workout and expansive views.
Most popular routes in Dawley Passage Provincial Park
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
