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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.