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Prince of Wales 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.


Prince of Wales Range Location

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.


How to Get to the Prince of Wales Range by Car

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.


The Hike to Get to 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.


History of the Prince of Wales Range

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.


Things to do around Prince of Wales Range Area

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.

List of Mountain Ranges Near the Prince of Wales Range

Sutton Range

Sutton Range

Prince of Wales Range

Prince of Wales Range

Halifax Range

Halifax Range

Franklin Range

Franklin Range

Bonanza Range

Bonanza Range

Prince of Wales Range Activities

Fishing

You can camp on McCreight, Pye, and Stella Lake or Amor de Cosmos Creek and catch some fish in the pleasant environment of the lakes. There you have opportunities for Big Dolly Varden Char, Cutthroat, and rainbow. Also, by being patient, anglers can catch several types of trout at the Schoen Lake and Salmon River.

Camping

Mountaineers and visitors will have many rooms to roam at the Prince of Wales Range. Camping can be done along Salmon River, Amor de Cosmos Creek, and its nearby lakes or at Schoen Lake Provincial Park. Also, within the lake, there can be found places to pitch a camp and start the exciting challenge of climbing or ascending the mountains.

Climbing

Mountains within the Prince of Wales Range offer enriching climbing through the bush overlooking the Johnstone Strait.

Kayaking, Canoeing

Opportunities for excellent kayaking and canoeing exist in calm and freshwaters. They include Salmon River, Amor de Cosmos Creek and the nearby Pye, McCreightm, and Stella Lakes by a small boat launch, as well as Schoen Lake in Schoen Lake Provincial Park.

Hiking

Hiking through the thick bush and packed trees ornamented with lovely birds induces a sense of freshness passing lakes and the creek. High up at the peaks, the beautiful scenery of Johnstone Strait and mountains surrounding and SaywardSayward valley as the backdrop is fantastic.

Whale Watching

While visiting the Prince of Wales Range, have fun viewing whales passing by in Johnstone Strait. It is one of the most predictable and accessible orca viewing points throughout the world.

What you Can Expect to Do Near the Prince of Wales Range

Hiking on the Mount Menzies Access Road

Hiking on the Mount Menzies Access Road

Mount Cain Snowmobiling

Mount Cain Snowmobiling

Mount Cain Snowboarding

Mount Cain Snowboarding

Mount Cain Snowshoeing

Mount Cain Snowshoeing

Mount Cain Skiing

Mount Cain Skiing

Prince of Wales Range Outline

Specifications

Peaks and Heights

Climate

Timing

Get There



1. Temperatures are estimated on average and related to the Sayward Village.
2. Be well-equipped for climate conditions and check the weather reports before heading out.


What you Can Expect to See Near the Prince of Wales Range

Sayward

Sayward

Sutton Range

Sutton Range

Mount Elliot Ecological Reserve

Mount Elliot Ecological Reserve

Prince of Wales Range

Prince of Wales Range

Halifax Range

Halifax Range

Franklin Range

Franklin Range

Bonanza Range

Bonanza Range

Brewster Lake

Brewster Lake

Planning for the Prince of Wales Range

Suitability

Camping & Resort

Services

Tips

Packing


1. Distances are measured by a straight line on GPS to the campsites.
1. Distances are measured by a straight line on GPS to the Prince of Wales Range.

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