Mount Strachan Crash Site and Memorial – West Vancouver, British Columbia - Atlas Obscura

AO Edited

Mount Strachan Crash Site and Memorial

West Vancouver, British Columbia

The scattered debris of a T-33 Canadian naval jet crash from 1963 now stands as a memorial.  

18
80

It’s truly remarkable that for over half a century, the remains of a tragic military jet crash still resides at this location despite the many visitors.

Out of respect for the pilots who perished, the memorial reminds hikers “do not take anything.” The humid, short summers in Canada’s coastal rain forest, combined with the copious amounts of winter snow in the region are the perfect recipe for corrosion.

The debris stands as a true testament to the resiliency of aircraft aluminum as moss, mushrooms, and decaying leaf litter engulfs the still shining, decimated pieces of the jet. The painted badging is still readable on parts of the wing and fuselage. The jagged scars where the trees and rocks tore into the plane are still visible. A walk through the area is like a scavenger hunt, as pieces of the wreckage are peppered throughout the sloped, dense woods.

It was the day after the devastating news of President John. F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963 that inclement weather on British Columbia’s North Shore Mountains caused the T-33’s training mission to fail, killing both pilots. The site is a fitting tribute and is a moment frozen in time. There is also a memorial plaque dedicated to the pilots near the site.

Know Before You Go

This is a ski hill, so the hike can be a little steep. For more experienced hikers, the looping trails make for a beautiful day hike, but taking the ski run up is quicker and more direct. 

Hiking season runs from July to October; always check access and conditions prior to planning your trip. The elevation can keep some patches of snow year-round. Anticipate mud and mosquitos and also watch for bears.

Community Contributors
Added by
Edited by

December 31, 2020

Make an Edit Add Photos
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web