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Sayward Valley / Kelsey Bay
Last Next Return To North Island Tourism
Sayward is about an hours drive north of Campbell River on Vancouver Island.
Sayward is located in the Salmon River valley. Population is about 1200, the valleys economy is forestry based, but tourism is starting to be a big source of employment and I think, will be the job creating force in the future.
You can go fishing here for trout, steelhead and salmon or canoe the river, we used to put in at big tree creek and then canoe for 5 days until we would reach the estuary. There are many great bird watching areas with many types of birds and during the salmon run, you can watch black bears fishing in the salmon river. Fall and winter are good times to visit the Salmon River estuary to view winter waterfowl. Spring is also a delightful time due to the prolific nesting around the estuary. At one time the Salmon River estuary was home to the island's largest wintering population of Trumpeter Swans, which are still numerous here. The village maintains a few trails in the estuary to make your viewing experience even more special.
Year round access to sheltered, open waters, filled with insects and vegetation has made this estuary a very important winter destination for thousands of waterfowl and shore birds. During the winter, birds can be seen in the thousands, including large numbers of Green-Winged Teals, Golden Eyes, Widgeon and Mallards along with Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles, Red Tailed
Hawks and numerous shore bird species.
Cougars and black bears can be seen on the South side of the estuary, along with rare sightings of wolves.The plentiful estuary grass support a healthy population of deer and elk. Just off shore from the estuary Orca, Minke and, Grey whales pass on a regular basis.
Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of watching a fin whale swim past the
estuary.
With about 175 to 200 cm of rain annually and temperatures in July averaging 18c and in January, averaging 0c. The surrounding area is truly a rainforest.
There are great hiking opportunities in the valley, hikes the kusum climb, kings peak trail and many others.
Kelsey Bay harbor is the only small craft harbor located between Campbell River and Port McNeill on Johnstone Straits. It offers a loading ramp, a derrick, a break water system and a boat launch ramp is located at the end of the old BC Ferries' parking lot.
Last Next Return To North Island Tourism
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