The Port of Kelsey Bay is located 10 kilometres from the Junction of Highway 19 and Sayward Road approximately 78 kilometres north of Campbell River or 200 kilometres south of Port Hardy. Records indicate that this wharf was established in 1926 when the B.C. coast was in high production with logging and fishing. At that time, fuel and supplies were readily available to the marine traffic here on Johnstone Strait. It is one of the biggest and oldest wood structured wharfs in B.C. Over the years, it deteriorated due to the dwindling economy of the region & increased road access to the North Island. The Dept. of Transport divested the wharf in March 2002 to Sayward Futures Society, a non-profit community organization. Extensive renovations have been made by them to make it safe and accessible to the public.

On the Port wharf, an office provides tourist information and community services, which includes High-Speed Internet access, and a variety of office services including faxing and photocopying.. “Ocean View Gifts” features local crafts, as well as unusual nature & marine-related items. July, August & early September are premium months for salmon pier fishing. Gear & on-line licences are available in the shop. Rod rentals are available. Cruise ships, barges, & pleasure boats sailing by are a highlight for locals & tourist alike. Of course, the Orcas & sea lions are still the biggest hit! Inclement weather is not a problem as a glassed enclosure, “Al’s Room”, is available for wharf visitors. The Wright family donated the windbreak room in Al’s memory. Come in & partake of all the delights that Vancouver Island’s Inside-Passage has to offer.

The Deep Sea Port of Kelsey Bay structure forms an “h” shape & consists of an approach, a wharf, a gangway platform & a float. The approach trestle is approximately 5 m wide and 44 m long, and leads from the shoreline at the south end of the site to the wharf. The approach is accessed via a paved public road. The wharf is approximately 55 m in length, and is 9 m wide at the north end and 15 m wide at the south end. The variation in width is stepped approximately 37 m from the southern end of the wharf. Moorage depth on the outside is 13.4 m at low tide. Creosote beams & piles support a maximum GVW 50,000 kg. Arrangements can be made for trucks to deliver diesel from Campbell River and marine gas is available locally. Enquiries concerning rates & feasible usage can be obtained by contacting the Wharf Manager.

In adverse weather conditions, smaller vessels are encouraged to moor at the Sayward Harbour Authority’s Small Craft Harbour, located immediately at the south end of the port and protected by a rock breakwater and wave-reduction system. Within, a ½ mile walk of the wharf is an estuary teaming with migrating waterfowl. The mouth of the Salmon River and Johnstone Strait is a bird-watchers paradise. Adjacent to this stroll, The Village of Sayward offers most services including a post office, RCMP office, ambulance station, regional library, groceries, gas and a liquor store.