Sayward Forest Canoe Route - Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada - Canoe/Kayak Trips on Waymarking.com

The Sayward Forest Canoe Route is an official canoeing route located in the Sayward Provincial Forest, named after pioneer William P. Sayward. It's located approximately 20 kilometres northwest of the city of Campbell River, accessible via a number of unpaved logging roads.

With a total distance of 47.4 kilometres, trips can take anywhere from a fast-paced 2 days, to a more leisurely 5 days. Due to the length and variety of the route, some experience with longer canoe trips is recommended.

The route includes a chain of 13 lakes, with crossings ranging from only 300 metres to over 9 kilometres. In between, 12 portages with a total distance of 8.1 kilometres connect the lakes, with the longest being 2.3 kilometres. The route is a loop, and can be started at many different access points. Morton Lake Provincial Park is one of the more popular starting points, but logging roads provide access to a number of other recreation sites that are also suitable. It's recommended that paddlers travel in a counter-clockwise direction in order to take advantage of stream currents.

Over 30 official campsites are dotted along the route, mostly in official British Columbia Recreation Sites. Some are developed and accessible by vehicle, but others are more rustic and only accessible by water.

Portage locations are marked by triangular orange and white signs visible from the lakes, as well as information signs listing the starting and ending lakes and the portage distance.

The Recreation Sites and Trails BC website has more information on the route, including a brochure and map of the route.
Recreation Sites and Trails BC

Parking/put-in/launching information: There are roughly 20 good spots to park and start the route Paddling conditions to be expected: Mostly lakes, with a few streams. A few rapids can occur in the stretch between Gray Lake and Fry Lake. Difficulty of the trip: Novices can make the trip, but more experience is recommended Length of trip: 47.4 km/3-4 days Portages: 12 portages for a total of approximately 8.1 km. Most portages are on well-travelled trails, logging roads, or old logging rail grades Permits required: Morton Lake Provincial Park has a fee for camping, but most recreation sites along the route are free. Fishing would require a freshwater fishing license. Type of trip: Looping Take-out Coordinates: Not Listed Other information: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Logging waymarks in this category requires a picture of your boat and your GPS at the given parking/launching coordinates,and a brief description of your canoe/kayak trip.

Additional photos and information and/or suggestions for future waymarkers will be appreciated, but is not necessary.

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