On Sunday in 1954 a large Canso Flying boat was practicing landing and taking off in the Bay.  By some miscalculation, it went aground and the dropping tide left it stranded at the foot of Handy Road.  A crowd gathered with coffee and food, a bonfire was lit and the crew enjoyed the friendliness of the Mill Bay people.  The next morning at high tide the plane was refloated and soared back to the airport. 

(Along Mill Bay Rd. / Adelaide Ellis)

(The Mill Bay/Malahat Historical Society)

To learn more about the Canso Flying boat visit:

https://www.vicnews.com/news/shady-lady-legendary-catalina-touches-down-on-vancouver-island/