About Sayward
Sayward:
The friendly residents of the small coastal settlement of Sayward on Kelsey Bay live in a spectacular natural enviroment in the Sayward Valley of North Vancouver Island.
Logging is the primary industury in the area around Sayward and Kelsey Bay, but tourism continues to grow and gain in importance. Outdoor recreation includes caving, kayaking, hiking, whale watching, and wild life viewing.
The wharf at Kelsey Bay was the southern terminus for the B.C. Ferries Inside Passage route until 1978, when Highway 19 was extended north to Port Hardy, but is now a convenient stopping point for sport fishing and eco-tourism. Fresh seafood is often available from one or more boats tied up at the federal wharf.
As with all communities on northern Vancouver Island, Sayward was only easily accessible by water in the past. It was not until after World War ll that a gravel road connected Sayward to Campbell River, and not until 1979 that a paved road connected the North Island.
Kelsey Bay Harbour is the only small craft harbour located between Campbell River and Port McNeill on Johnstone Straits. It offers a loading ramp, a derrick, and wave reduction system. A boat launch ramp is located at the end of the old BC Ferry’s parking lot.
Mount Cain Ski Resort is located southwest of Sayward, 25 minutes west of the Sayward Junction along Hwy 19. It’s a 16 km drive on a gravel road from the highway to the day lodge (at 3,900 ft), with chains being mandatory on the last 10 km. Mount Cain offers a unique experience for skiers, snowboarders and backcountry explorers, with virtually no line-ups for lifts, and a friendly, welcoming atmophere. The community-run Mount Cain is located in a regional park, and is ideal for families and snow enthusiasts of all skill levels. The Mount Cain resort usually opens from November to April. http://www.mountcain.com/
Hikers can spend the day on the trail up Mount H’Kusam, called “Bill’s Trail” by the locals, since it was begun and developed by Bill West-Sells. The 8-hour return trip to the summit (peak at 5,261 feet) will reward you with sweeping views of the area, including the Village of Sayward and Kelsey Bay, as well as the Salmon River estuary and wildlife reserve. Stop at the Sayward Futures Society located on the old goverment dock for visitor information, maps and directions to the trailhead. For information about the world-famous H’Kusam Klimb see http://www.kusamklimb.ca/index.htm.
A public campsite is located at H’Kusam Park by the Village of Sayward Office. With magnificent views of the ocean and mountains, this is a small and quiet campsite which has washrooms, but no electrical hookups. The cost is $11.00 per night (including HST.) A block away at the Kelsey Centre, campers can go swimming, take showers or use the hot tub. Information is available at the Village Office.
With no public campgrounds located between Campbell River north and Cape Scott, travellers must go further afield to seek out a provincial or regional park or Forest Service recreation site. Pockets of Forest Service sites occur around McCreight Lake as well as nearby Pye and Stella Lakes, all located east of Sayward and north of Hwy 19. To reach McCreighton Lake, take Rock Bay Road east of Hwy 19, about 23 miles (37 km) north of Campbell River. Both Pye and Stella Lakes are located short distances south on Rock Bay Road, and their respective turnoffs are well marked.
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