Tofino, BC

1998 - A Visit to Tofino – David Hayer


October, 1998

The last time that I visited Tofino, I made the expected visit to Radar Hill which was the location of the Operations site that had once been located in Tofino. I failed to visit the Tofino airport - which was also the location of the domestic site, back in the 1957-1959 time period. While 52 AC&W Squadron was only operational for a short span of three years, the existence of this radar station in the post war years contributed a great deal to the Tofino area as well as the local economy.

I was determined that the next trip I made to Tofino would include a visit to the Tofino airport. After all, what might one find after close to 40 years since 52 AC&W Squadron shut off the power to its radar equipment, and closed its doors?

That "next trip" took place in October 1998, when accompanied by a friend and co-worker (David Hayer) we treked out to Tofino "one more time". The weather was cloudy, low ceilings, marginal rain. At least that part of the trip was no different in 1998 than one could have expected back in 1958. David made the mistake of bringing his camera, and with this in mind, he automatically became the chief photo taker. The following photos share what we found on this gloomy and cloudy day. Did I mention that it was raining?

As can be expected, we have absolutely nothing to go by - from the perspective of trying to identify the various buildings which remain. Perhaps you can assist a little. If you happen to recognize anything in these photos, please take note of the photo number, and send me an email message with the appropriate description. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.



Click on the description text to view the photograph.
  1. Road sign indicating Tofino Airport (approaching from Port Alberni) - October 1998.

  2. Airport Road sign (Make a right hand turn at this sign) - October 1998.

  3. Transport Canada, Tofino Airport sign on right hand side (partially hidden by weeds and brush) - October 1998.

  4. Weather station on left hand side approximately 400 meters from highway - October 1998.

  5. Transport Canada, Weather Station sign - October 1998.

  6. Chain link fence and barbed wire blocking access to runway areas - October 1998.

  7. Old building, use (then or now) unknown - October 1998.

  8. Operational antenna, suspect used by airport radios - October 1998.

  9. Remains of original fire hydrant. I wonder how many dogs? - October 1998.

  10. Building on ramp presently being used by Tofino Air Line Ltd - October 1998.

  11. Concrete base where a building was once located. Broken fencing on ground in foreground - October 1998.

  12. Original building, use (then or now) unknown. Perhaps a mess or barracks - October 1998.

  13. Different angle of previous building - October 1998.

  14. Sign is self-explanatory, but "Danger" from what? - October 1998.

  15. Another original fire hydrant at a corner with modern day trailers in background - October 1998.

  16. Original fire hydrant in present day trailer area with local decorations - October 1998.

  17. Another original building, use (then or now) unknown) - October 1998.

  18. Different angle of previous building. Note small satellite dish mounted on left hand side of building - October 1998.

  19. Yet another original building, use (then or now) unknown - October 1998.

  20. Gasoline compound - October 1998.

  21. Another original building. Suspect MSE section - October 1998.

  22. Another original building. Note all windows and doors have been cemented shut. - October 1998.



Photographic Credits

All photos are used with permission.


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Updated: April 25, 2000