Sutton Range
Prince of Wales Range
Halifax Range
Franklin Range
The Prince of Wales Range is a small mountain range located on the east of Vancouver Island, 50 km (31 miles) northwest of the Campbell River city. The Prince of Wales Range is a subrange of the Vancouver Island Ranges, with 188 square kilometres (73 sq miles) area. The highest summit of the range is Hkusam Mountain, which is broken off by the Salmon River.
This area is approximately 10 km (6.2 miles) southeast of Kelsey Bay and adjacent to the Johnstone Strait. Access to the Hkusam Mountain is via several trails, two of which form a portion of Kusam Klimb. The quick access is via Stowe Creek Trail but requires a vehicle with high clearance and 4WD to reach. Lacking this, camp at the trailhead and start your journey from there, which is more challenging. The Kusam Klimb is an annual train running out of Sayward that goes through a pass near Mount Hkusam. Access to Springer Peak is possible by the Kusam Klimb Trail. Springer Peak is an unofficial name for the peak and is located 2 km (1.2 miles) northwest of Mount Hkusam.
Along the ridge of peaks, Stowe Peak is located with an elevation of 1500 m (4921 ft.) between H’kusam Mountain and Springer Peak. Same as Springer Peak, Stowe Peak is not an official name for the peak.
Hiking up to the magnificent mountain peaks within the Prince of Wales Range, passing lakes through bush garnished by colourful birds 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.
The small Prince of Wales Range is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, adjacent to the Johnstone Strait. It is between the Salmon River and Amor de Cosmos Creek, with rooms to pitch a camp and chances for excellent fishing or spend a day kayaking and paddling.
McCreight Lake, Pye Lake, and Stella Lake that are surrounded by the forest, would be perfect for strolling by and enjoying the natural beauty of the area near the Halifax Range.
The Prince of Wales Range is 50 km (31 miles) northwest of the Campbell River and 73 km (45.3 miles) southeast of Telegraph Cove.
Going 35 km (21.7 miles) to the southwest of the Prince of Wales Range, Schoen Lake Provincial Park is located. It has calm water and a peaceful area with paddling and fishing opportunities in Schoen Lake's fresh crystal clear water.
From Nanaimo:
The fastest route to get to the Prince of Wales Range from Nanaimo is via BC-19 N. It is a 223 km (138.5 miles) route and takes almost 2 hours and 24 minutes.
Head west on Fitzwilliam St toward Wesley St. After 800 m (2624 ft.), continue onto Third St for 1.9 km (1.1 miles). Follow Jingle Pot Rd for 650 m (2132 ft.) and turn right onto BC-19 N (signs for Campbell R). Drive 215 km (133.5 miles), then turn right onto Sayward Rd and continue for 3.6 km (2.2 miles). Turn right onto Ryans Rd. After 650 m (2132 ft.), Ryans Rd turns right and becomes Cottonwood Rd. Drive 300 m (984 ft.) to reach the Prince of Wales Range.
From Victoria:
Getting to the Prince of Wales Range from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N. It is a 333 km (206.9 miles) route and takes about 3 hours and 53 minutes.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N for 1.2 km (0.7 miles). Take BC-19 N to Sayward Rd in Comox-Strathcona H. After 327 km (203.1 miles) driving, continue on Sayward Rd. Drive to Cottonwood Rd for 4.6 km (2.8 miles), and you will reach the Prince of Wales Range.
"Kusam Klimb Trail" is a 21.6 km (13.4 miles) loop. It runs through the Prince of Wales Range out of the village of Sayward and passes near mountain peaks within the range. The Kusam Klimb Trail is rated as difficult and is moderately trafficked out. It is primarily used for hiking, birdwatching, and nature trips gaining an elevation of 1555 m (5101 ft.), best used from March through October.
The Prince of Wales Range, other nearby ranges, and the northern part of Vancouver Island is home to the traditional territory of Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw's. These people are known as Kwakiutl First Nation. Their language consists of four dialects, which is why they are known as Kwakʼwala-speaking peoples. The legends and culture of these people are rooted in the lands and mountains.
The nearby village of Sayward northwest of the Prince of Wales Range was first settled in 1890 as Port Kusum at Salmon River's mouth. It was named in 1911 after William Parsons Sayward. He became a successful carpenter and lumber merchant on the island, moved from California to Victoria in 1858. The day's government honoured him and named the community after him; however, he never visited Sayward.
Visiting the Prince of Wales Range would be fascinating. Climbing the magnificent mountains spread through the range and hiking through the gorgeous trees ornamented by bountiful birds passing along lakes and creeks are memorable. Camping on the lakes, Amor de Cosmos Creek, and the Salmon River would be great. Paddling can be done a whole day in the calm water through a pleasant atmosphere. Anglers have opportunities for perfect fishing with chances of catching several types of fish.
