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Sayward, a Gateway to Northern Vancouver Island Recreation Opportunities

Sayward is a village located in northern Vancouver Island. It is a gateway to this region's recreation opportunities. First verified as Port Kusum in the 1890s, at the mouth of the Salmon River overlooking the Johnstone Strait. The settlement was named after William Parsons Sayward, a lumber and carpenter merchant who moved from California to Victoria and became a successful lumberman. He never visited the Sayward, but the government of the day decided that he deserved an honour, so he named the community after him.
The residents of the small coastal settlement of Sayward on Kelsey Bay live in a magnificent natural environment. Although logging is the primary industry in Sayward and Kelsey Bay, tourism is starting to grow. Protected harbour in Kelsey Bay provides service for tourism and marine recreation, particularly whale watching and fishing. Natural surroundings and access to the Johnstone Strait and nearby islands, the Salmon River, protected estuary and Mount H'Kusam, allowing other opportunities like bird watching, kayaking, canoeing, caving, hiking, camping, horseback riding, hunting, wildlife viewing, and photography.

Average Weather in Sayward

On average, the highest weather temperature that you can experience in Sayward is 17°C (62.6°F), and the lowest is around 2°C (35.6°F).

The Best Time to Visit Sayward

June to September considers as the best time to visit Sayward when the weather is mild.

How to Get to Sayward?

Sayward Airport Transfers

Campbell River Airport is the closest airport to Sayward. From there you can take a bus, taxi, or drive to Sayward.


Seaplane to Sayward

Kenmore Air offers seaplane services from Vancouver to Campell River city, the nearest community to Sayward. To reach Sayward take a bus, taxi or drive from Campbell River.


Ferry to Sayward

If you start your trip from Vancouver, take a ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay in Nanaimo. Then continue your way by taking a bus or drive to Sayward.

Top Attractions in Sayward

  • Rock Bay Marine Provincial Park
  • Rainbow's End Golf Course
  • White River Provincial Park
  • Sayward Futures Society
  • Salmon River Estuary Trail
  • Salmon River
  • Yorke Island
  • Hkusam Mountain
  • Hənʎəmdᶻi Məkola/Yorke Island Conservancy
  • Newcastle Ridge
Visiting Sayward

Discovering Beauty and Entertainment in Sayward

Mount H'Kusam, the Salmon River and Kelsey Bay are the hit in Sayward, what you shouldn't miss. Dedicate more time to a 23 km (14.2 miles) loop circuit of the Kusam Klimb Trail. Also, shooting during this trail race would be another choice, held annually on the summer solstice. Watch and enjoy the birds, bears and other wildlife at Salmon River Wildlife Reserve. You can check out artist Hetty Frederickson's "Valley of a Thousand Faces" (a unique outdoor portrait gallery), then dine in a fantastic café that is wrapped in 26 tons of steel logging cable.


gardens Sayward

Gardens, Parks, and Natural Green Attractions in Sayward

  • Salmon River Estuary Trail
  • Salmon River Estuary - Kelly's Trail
  • Salmon River Wildlife Reserve
  • Elk Creek Recreation Site
  • Sayward Fisherboy RV Park Motel and Resort
  • Hənʎəmdᶻi Məkola/Yorke Island Conservancy
  • Halifax Range

Beaches, Lakes, Rivers, and Water-based Activities in

  • Haihte Lake
  • Rooney Lake
  • Keta Lake
  • Santa Maria Lake
  • Tlowils Lake
  • White River
  • Salmon River (Vancouver Island)
  • Elk Creek
  • Fishing
  • Kayaking
  • Whale watching

Museums and Art Galleries in Sayward

  • Karen Martin Sampson
  • Greensides Art

Festivals and Events in Sayward

  • Kusam Klimb
  • Oscar Daze
  • Car Show
Entertainment in Sayward

Nightlife and Entertainment in Sayward

  • Crossroads Restaurant & Pub

Free Attractions in Sayward

  • Walking near shoreline
  • Kayaking
  • Visit the Salmon River
  • Fishing
  • Wildlife watching around the Salmon River

Services in Sayward

Public Transportation in Sayward

Sayward is a small village, and there isn't any public transportation there. But public boat launch is available in the protected harbour.


Where to Stay in Sayward

Sayward offers some excellent places to rest and stay.

Sayward Fisherboy RV Park Motel and Resort
Salmon River Inn
Sayward on Sea
Salmon River Guesthouse
Mt H'Kusam View Lodge (2-star hotel)


Shopping in Sayward

  •  Andi Thirty One Consultant
  • Mid Island Liquor (Sayward)

Food and Beverage Services in Sayward

Restaurant and Café in Sayward

  • Crossroads Restaurant & Pub
  • Cable Cookhouse

Restaurants and Cafes Sayward

Wineries, Breweries, Distilleries, Pubs, and Bars in Sayward

  • Crossroads Restaurant & Pub
  • Mid Island Liquor (Sayward)

Health and Wellness in Sayward

Sport and Wellness Centers, Spas, and Recreational Therapy in Sayward

  • Sayward Community Health Society
  • Royal Canadian Legion Branch 147

What you Can Expect to Do Near Sayward

Hiking on the Mount Menzies Access Road

Hiking on the Mount Menzies Access Road

Hiking on the Mount Menzies Access Road through a logging road and having a forest walk is a challenge you can take near the Campbell River. The trail and the view from the lookout are incredible in colours. Get away from the humans by going on a beautiful trail which is nice and quiet!

Mount Cain Snowmobiling

Mount Cain Snowmobiling

Mount Cain is one of the pioneer points for snowmobiling in Vancouver Island for modern snowmobile engines. The good news is that snowmobiling in Mount Cain full of endless excitement, and you can enjoy the rare beauty of its nature while surfing the snow.

Mount Cain Snowboarding

Mount Cain Snowboarding

Mount Cain Ski Resort is a snow-capped location on the northern part of Vancouver Island, in which you can experience a new sense of winter activities, snowboarding in particular. It boasts a wide range of snowboarding facilities, and skis, poles, helmets and boots are rented near Mount Cain and are available at nearby ski shops.

Mount Cain Snowshoeing

Mount Cain Snowshoeing

Mount Cain ski resort is a suitable place for snowshoeing and a renowned destination for snowshoeing followers. Take the risk of exploring a non-patrolled wilderness area and enjoy the spectacular surroundings and natural habitat. Mount Cain has the highest base elevation of any coastal ski resort in British Columbia, Alaska, and Washington.

Mount Cain Skiing

Mount Cain Skiing

As the only community-owned and operated ski resort, Mount Cain has heavy snowfall in winter, making it an ideal place to experience winter activities. The breathtaking slopes of Mount Cain, besides various trails and logging roads, multiply the skiing attractiveness in this location. The drier snow condition of Mount Cain makes it a better place for spring skiing.

What you Can Expect to See Near Sayward

Sayward

Sayward

Sayward Valley is located in northern Vancouver Island. Mount H'Kusam, the Salmon River and Kelsey Bay are the hit in Sayward, what you shouldn't miss. Natural surroundings and access to the waterways and Mount H'Kusam, allowing opportunities like bird watching, kayaking, canoeing, caving, hiking, camping, horseback riding, hunting, wildlife viewing and photography.

Sutton Range

Sutton Range

The Sutton Range is a group of mountains and a subrange of the Vancouver Island Ranges that form the greater Insular Mountains. The amazing rock formation and alpine scale make the mountains within the range perfect for climbing. While you're atop Sutton Peak, Victoria Peak, Warden Peak, and mainland coast mountains are within your sight.

Mount Elliot Ecological Reserve

Mount Elliot Ecological Reserve

Located north of Woss, Mount Elliot Ecological Reserve has about 324 hectares (800 acres) area. It was established in 1989 to preserve representative old-growth montane forests and a small self-contained subalpine drainage, including Tsitika Lake, in its natural state. Nature observation, hiking and photography are permitted in Mount Elliot Ecological Reserve.

Prince of Wales Range

Prince of Wales Range

The Prince of Wales Range is a subrange of the Vancouver Island Ranges, and the highest summit is Hkusam Mountain. Hiking up to the magnificent mountain peaks within the Prince of Wales Range offers astonishing views of surrounded peaks with a 180-degree view of the Johnstone Strait from south to north and Sayward Valley as your backdrop.

Halifax Range

Halifax Range

The Halifax Range is a small mountain range consists of hills covered by gorgeous trees. The area is ornamented with wildlife like elk, dear, bear, and many bird species. While ascending the mountain, mountaineers will be refreshed by the Halifax Range's pleasant ambiance overlooking the Johnstone Strait. McCreight Lake and Pye Lake are nearby suitable for camping with facilities.

Franklin Range

Franklin Range

The Franklin Range is a subrange of Vancouver Island, perfect for mountain climbing. It is located southwest of the Johnstone Strait and Robson Bight. Start a fantastic adventure by launching a boat at Telegraph Cove, having pleasant hiking through gorgeous forest, and step into the breathtaking ambiance of Franklin Range shrouded with clouds and covered by trees.

Bonanza Range

Bonanza Range

The Bonanza Range is a small mountain range. While approaching the Bonanza Range, you will experience a beautiful wilderness passing through the Tsitika River and Bonanza Lake. The area is a paradise dotted with gorgeous lakes and tarns winding through alpine and subalpine mountain forests having spectacular views of incredible snow-capped mountains.

Brewster Lake

Brewster Lake

The first step to find happiness in nature is to get connected with it. An outdoor adventure can be found anywhere, but for relaxation, rest, and tranquillity, don't skip Brewster Lake. This serene lake with mountain views is the right place for canoeing, paddle-boarding, kayaking, power-boating, or anything you expect from a beautiful lake.

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