Welcome to Sayward, a friendly village nestled in the picturesque Sayward Valley at the mouth of the Salmon River, where it meets Port of Kelsey Bay. Sayward truly embodies the wonders of nature and the North Island, and despite its small population, Sayward offers so many things for nature lovers. Join us for a three-day jaunt up Highway 19 as we find the joys of limited phone reception, hit an iconic trail, and finally kick back with some fly fishing. We might even spot a grizzly bear!
Day to Day
Creature Comforts
There are a limited number of lodgings in Sayward, so make sure to book ahead. If you’re into camping, there’s no shortage of sites with stunning backdrops. But if pitching a tent isn’t your style, you’ll probably want to check out some of the cottages available at Sayward Valley Resort: Fisherboy Park or the Sayward White River Resort.
Make sure to stock up on provisions in Campbell River before you get to Sayward, as facilities in the village are limited.
Day One
As the World Wakes Up
Start a tranquil morning at your campsite with some coffee and a breakfast over the campfire. Watch for wildlife as you listen to the breeze and the birdsongs. Then get your daypack set to explore the area. And don’t forget your lunch and a pair of binoculars!
Set Off on the Trails
Today, start off on an easier trail and set out to explore the ruins original European settlement in Sayward on the Port Kusam Trail. You’ll find the Port Kusam Trail Road south of the large bridge across the Salmon River near the village. It’s a 45-minute stroll with only 500 feet of elevation change that ultimately drops you off at the shore. You’ll find remnants of the general store and other buildings.
After enjoying a snack, head back to the car and travel to the Salmon River Estaury via the village for some epic wildlife spotting. The Nature Trust of BC has been working with partners to conserve the Salmon River for nearly half a century. All five species of Pacific Salmon are present here, and the ecosystem is a thriving habitat for Roosevelt Elk and birdlife. Recently grizzly bears have even returned to the area to sample the salmon buffet. It’s likely that they swim from nearby islands. Across the river, you’ll spot a reserve where there was once a vibrant K’omoks First Nations community. By 1917, the village was empty, and today the reserve is used on a regular basis by members of the K’omoks First Nation for recreational purposes, though many of the members live in nearby communities.
Kick Back
It’s going to be a big day tomorrow so get that campfire going, grill up some dinner and start planning your adventure
Day Two
Stretch It Out
Today you’re setting off to hike up Mt. H’Kusam and as you eat breakfast you might want to warm up those muscles a bit. The summit is at 5,261 feet, so things are going to get a bit steep.
Get Hiking
It’s about an eight-hour return trip to the summit of Mt. H’Kusam and you’ll be on your feet for over 13 miles. Before you set out make sure you are comfortable with the challenge: this trail is tough. And it’s best for seasoned hikers. Be prepared with first aid kits, plenty of water, and other emergency supplies. For those confident in their abilities and eager to take on the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with stunning vistas of the landscape all around.
You’ll find the trailhead off Sabre Road, about two kilometres past the Heritage Hall. Turn left where the road bends right and you should see trail signs and a parking lot.
Treat Yourself
Stop by the Crossroads Restaurant and Pub back near the highway junction for a beverage and dinner because you’ll probably appreciate someone else doing the cooking tonight. Celebrate checking a pretty famous hike off your list!
Day Three
Rest Up
You’ll probably be a bit sore and tired today from your trek, so take in all of the tranquility Sayward has to offer. Salmon fishing here is epic, and fly fishing is quite popular too, so find yourself a fishing spot and simply enjoy being in nature.
Important Considerations
TRANSPORTATION
DRIVE
Sayward is located about an hour north of Campbell River off Highway 19. Look out for Sayward Junction Gas as your sign to turn off the highway
BY WATER
Located in Kelsey Bay, the small Craft Harbour is managed by the Sayward Harbour Authority and has a new loading ramp, derrick and wave reduction system.
DID YOU KNOW?
H’Kusam, meaning “having fat or oil” in Kwak’wala, referred to both the Salmon River and a large First Nations village situated on its southern bank. The village was at the border between the Kwakwaka’wakw and Coast Salish language groups and changed hands between these groups over time.
Mt. H’Kusam, near the historic village site, is known for its unique weather phenomenon of clouds clinging to the upper mountainside. The mountain, called “Hiyatsee Saklekum” by the First Nations, was believed to be a place where the breath of sea lions gathered at a blow hole, with a tunnel through the mountain for their breath to travel. Locally, the perpetual cloud at the peak of the mountain is affectionately known as “Oscar.”
Fun Fact
While Mount H’Kusam is a spectacular and challenging hike year round, every year people from all over the world gather in Sayward to race to the top and back down again in an endurance race called the Kusam Klimb.
Highlighted Local Providers
Sayward Valley Resort: Fisherboy Park
Cottages, tenting, RV spots, and more – all with a tranquil riverside scene. You can even catch salmon off their dock!
Village of Sayward Campground
A small, quiet campsite with services and unserviced sites. Washrooms available and showers are nearby at the Kelsey Centre.
Kelsey Bay RV Campground
A stunning setting right on the waterfront, this campground offers free firewood and boat launch.
Sayward White River Resort
Large and very private RV sites are what draw campers to this spot. There’s also a beautiful meadow for tenting. Fall asleep to the sounds of the White River rushing by.
