Join us as we navigate the remote Sayward Forest Canoe Route, Vancouver Island's best-kept secret for freshwater canoeing! This 47 km adventure takes you through a series of lakes, rivers, and portages, and boasts some of the most scenic backcountry campsites in British Columbia, Canada. Watch as we live out of a canoe for three days and show you what to expect during a dry, late summer paddling adventure.
p.s. This route is a great canoeing alternative to the 116 km Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit and the 57 km Powell Forest Canoe Route.
We feel so fortunate that we had the gift of exploring within the territory of the Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Peoples: the We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum and Kwiakah Nations.
TIMELINE:
00:00: Adventure Trailer
00:13: Deciding on the adventure with three different opinions!
00:35: Day 1 - Starting Point, Mohun Lake to Amor Lake route conditions
06:29: Day 2 - Amor Lake to Fry Lake route conditions
09:46: Day 3 - Fry Lake to Mohun Lake route conditions
WHEN TO GO: Best months are May to October. We went in late August 2023.
WHERE WE RENTED OUR CANOE: Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes. We were very impressed with the Wenonah brand canoe. It was the first time trying this canoe.
ADVENTURE GUIDE THAT WE USED: Backroad Mapbooks (BRMB) - Vancouver Island, BC (Victoria & Gulf Islands). We absolutely love these adventure guide books!!!
ADVENTURE TIPS/NOTES FOR SAYWARD CANOE LAKE LOOP:
- start circuit on a Sunday to miss weekend rush
- boat-only access campsites will be quieter
- include water shoes, sunglasses, hat, reef safe SPF, rope/string in your adventure essentials
- have a Plan B campsite in mind in case your plan A is not achievable. Bring cash for the campsite fees.
- expect lots of mice at Fry Lake Rec Site
- be prepared to make your own bear caches (rope)
- bring a printed route map that is water proof
- Campbell Lake is the most busy
- bring bug repellent, although we did not experience any bugs at the end of August
- carry an emergency phone. There is no cell service on the route
FERRY FROM VANCOUVER: Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo. We used our BC Ferries Assured Loading Card. We love this convenient service during peak travel periods!
HOTEL WHERE WE STAYED IN VICTORIA: Fairmont Empress
CLOSEST AIRPORTS TO THE PADDLING ROUTE: Campbell River Airport (YBL), Victoria International Airport (YYJ)
SOUNDTRACK by Epidemic Sound (in play order):
The Bird’s World - Elm Lake
Between the Sun and the Deep Blue Sea - Katherine Appleton
Back to the Roots - Lindsey Abraham
From One to Ten - Mike Stringer
Last Stop Grand Junction - American Legion
Second Wind - Northside
The Next Chapter - Cody Francis
Awakening Wilderness - Tellsonic
Calm the Storm - View Points
Courting - View Points
Morning Mist - Staffan Carlen
A Nomad’s Journey - Victor Lundberg
Last Stop Grand Junction - American Legion
#SaywardForestCanoeRoute
#CanoeCamping
#explorebc
MESSAGE TO MY AMAZING VIEWERS:
Oh my gosh, I am humbled by your support. I really appreciate receiving your messages and I am thrilled that I can take you on a fun, wee escape every now and then. I love exploring and making videos. Knowing that you are coming along for the ride just gets me even more excited. Thank you!
Stay safe and stay curious,
Yaz
5 сен 2024
