Kelsey Bay Lookout Trail

The Kelsey Bay Lookout Trail is a very rough trail, with a fair bit of bushwhacking. You should also be in good condition. I have had plans to redo this trail to make it a bit easier to get to the top. There is potential for it to be a very nice hike, all it would take is some summer work. I have been thinking of applying for a grant to hire some youth to work on it.

Kelsey Bay Lookout Trail, Sayward BC
Kelsey Bay Lookout Trail, Sayward BC, photo by Bud Logan

Although the trail is an extreme hiking trail, the views make it all worthwhile. You head uphill right from the Port of Kelsey Bay. As you hike along, you pass through a variety of forest types, from lowland thick growth up through a managed forest and into old-growth trees.  I must warn you that signage is poor so you need to keep an eye out for the orange markers or you will find yourself off-trail rather quickly.

Kelsey Bay Lookout Trail, Sayward BC
Kelsey Bay Lookout Trail, Sayward BC, photo by Georgina Logan

Once you reach the lookout, you will be blown away by the views of the surrounding islands and oceans. There is a road that takes you right up to this lookout for those who want the views but not the hike. After resting you can hike back down the road where there are several other trails that take you into the village. If you have left your auto at the wharf, you can walk the short way back from the village.

Sayward Village viewed from the Kelsey Bay Lookout Trail, Vancouver Island, BC
Sayward Village viewed from the Kelsey Bay Lookout Trail, Vancouver Island, BC, photo by Bud Logan

It would be awesome if either the Village of Sayward or Community Futures were to take a serious look at the potential of this trail that could easily be a 15 or so km loop trail right in the village.  They could apply for a grant to hire some summer students to create what could be a world-class trail system that would draw tourists to the village. The trail could start and end right at the village campground.

A message from Bud

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