The Sawyard Forest Canoe Circuit is Vancouver Island’s most popular canoe route with an abundance of well maintained camp sites (drive-in to “rustic”) and good portages (the vast majority of them can be done with a canoe cart). It can be easily paddled in 3-4 days. Five days allows myself ample time to fully appreciate the canoe route. There are no circuit fees, reservations or registration required.
Not just for canoes, there is a variety of paddling experiences from long, narrow lakes to short river sections and tiny ponds. Conditions are often calm, creating a beautiful mirror lake effect on the best days. Surrounded by lush temperate rainforest (with a few patches of old growth), some lakes have views of densely forested hills with the odd mountain looming behind.
As most of the lakes along the circuit are accessible by road, the route can be done either as a whole, or in parts. In order to best navigate flowing water along the route it’s recommended that the route be done in a counter clockwise direction. The usual starting point is Morton Lake Provincial Park which offers a good start point with a spot to park your vehicle. Starting at the north end of Brewster Lake allows you to cut a kilometre or more off the longest portage.
Because of the ease of access and proximity to nearby Campbell River, it is recommended doing this route either early or late in the season and, if possible, through the week rather than on weekends. Water levels during the drier summer months can become too shallow to canoe. When water levels are high, currents in the creeks can be tricky to navigate. Parts of the route at the south end of Brewster into Fry Lake contain rapids. During normal water levels, these rapids can be canoed. Always assess the route for obstacles before running the rapids.
Total Distance: ~47.4 km. Paddling Distance: ~39.3 km. Portage Distance: ~8.1 km
History. The canoe route is located in the heart of the Sayward Provincial Forest, named after pioneer logger and sawmill operator William P. Sayward. The Sayward (or Bloedel) fire of 1938 burned much of the area, resulting in the first planting project in BC and the development of the seed orchard and nursery in Campbell River. In 1939, almost 800,000 seedlings were planted in one month – a huge accomplishment in those days. Early logging in the Sayward Forest was done via an extensive network of railroads. Logging company employees and families were housed in different camps – one of the largest being the community of Camp 5 at the south end of Brewster Lake. Sections of the portage trails are located on the old rail grades, and remnants of old train trestles can still be seen along the canoe route. With over fifty lakes and a multitude of developed campsites and trails, the Sayward Forest continues to be both a recreation destination and a working forest.
Direction: Morton Lake Provincial Park can be reached by following Hwy 19 North from Campbell River. Turn off at the Menzies Main logging road (There is no road sign at the junction but there is a small sign saying “Morton Lake”), approximately 10 minutes past the pulp mill. Follow the gravel Menzies Main for 12 km, then take Morton Lake Road for another 7 km to the park.
Park long-term at Morton Lake campground where there is a camp host on site 24/7.
For Brewster Lake continue on Menzies Main for another 3-4 km and then turn North onto Long Lake Main (Brewster Main) and 4-5 kms to the North end of Brewster Lake. Watch for portage signs. The portage touches the road in two places.
When travelling on logging roads, please drive carefully. Always give industrial traffic the right-of-way, drive with headlights on at all times, keep to your own side of the road, and park well off the travelled surface.
Lakes: Amor Lake, Brewster Lake, Fry Lake, Goose Lake, Gray Lake, Lower Campbell Lake, Mohun Lake, Surprise Lake
The river between Brewster and Gray Lake can be low and may require getting out and walking the canoe to avoid the rocks. The current can be surprisingly fast.
After the portage at the bottom of Gray Lake, there is a fun river section leading into Whymper Lake. Branches and plants can block your way as you quickly move down the narrow river.
Whymper Lake – one of the smallest on the circuit, it is a lovely quiet little lake, covered in lily pads and not accessible by any road.
Portages: Highly recommended to use a canoe cart and not carry a canoe traditionally (they are very heavy, you see nothing).
• The 1.1km portage (Lower Campbell Lake to Gosling Lake) is difficult whichever way you do it as it is mostly uphill and on a logging road.
• Between Higgins and Lawier Lakes (0.4km), there are some steep rocky sections and lots of tree roots.
• The 0.8km portage between Twin Lakes and Amor Lake is downhill and fairly steep the whole way.
• The longest portage (2.2km from Amor to Brewster) is very flat after the first hill and a lot easier than feared. It is possible to walk down the logging road for a section of this portage.
Campsites
• Rustic campsites are accessed only by water and have, at a minimum, an outhouse. Some may have wooden benches and tables created by other paddlers.
• Developed campsites are accessible by water but are more established than the rustic campsites. Mr Canoehead, for example, has picnic tables.
Brittany Bay Rec Site on Gray Lake. Few level sites for the tent.
Amor Lake is highly recommended – it has an interesting shoreline, sandy beaches, quite a few lovely water accessible only campsites and is harder to access by road. Try the rustic campsite on the western shore.
Others: a. developed campsite at the southern end of Fry Lake
b. the rustic campsite at the eastern edge of Brewster Lake
c. the rustic island campsites on Goose Lake (northern Mohun Lake).
d. Fry lake – shaded picnic table, great views, rope swing but many parties and motor boats.
e. Mohun Lake island – nice shaded cooking area and view.
• Recreational Sites are road accessible campsites with outhouses, fire pits and picnic tables. Some have caretakers and a nightly fee during the main season. They are popular with RVs and ATVs and are more likely to be busy.
• Private campgrounds are the most expensive option, have most facilities.
Warnings:
Wind can pick up quickly on the larger lakes such as Lower Campbell Lake, Mohun Lake and Brewster Lake. Try to paddle these early and stay close to shore.
Some of the lakes are the result of dams. Fry Lake, in particular, has lots of deadheads (submerged logs or tree stumps).
Bear caches: There are no bear caches on the Sayward Route so hang all food or use a bear-proof container like a USack bag which is very difficult for bears and vermin to get into.
Sawyard Forest Canoe Circuit Map
Useful Equipment
Lightweight tarp. This is Vancouver Island!
Water treatment method. It is advisable to treat the water from any of the Sayward lakes before drinking.
Waterproof camera protection
Kindling to start fires.
Information
Sayward Forest Canoe Circuit by Michel Gauthier. This excellent guidebook is a great read before and during the adventure. All of the campsites are described as well as recommended picnic spots. I enjoyed reading about the history of the area.
Sayward Forest Canoe Route brochure by Sites and Trails BC. Download and print this for a helpful map and useful information about the route.
Contact:
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Toll Free: 1-800-663-7867 www.gov.bc.ca/for
BC Parks Toll Free: 1-800-689-9025 www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks
Emergency Services Campbell River Hospital (911) 375 – 2nd Avenue, 250-850-2141 Campbell River RCMP 275 – South Dogwood St, 250-286-6221
Campbell River MoFLNRO 370 – South Dogwood St, 250-286-9300