Cruise Ship Viewing Schedule May 30th To June 5th

The following estimated viewing times are based on scheduled Alaska cruise departures from Vancouver and typical Inside Passage transit speeds past Kelsey Bay. Actual passage times may vary due to weather, tides, marine traffic, and itinerary adjustments.

 

DateEstimated Time at Kelsey BayDirectionShip
Saturday, May 307:00 AM – 9:00 AMNorthboundGrand Princess
Saturday, May 307:30 AM – 9:30 AMNorthboundNieuw Amsterdam
Saturday, May 308:00 AM – 10:00 AMNorthboundCelebrity Summit
Sunday, May 317:00 AM – 9:00 AMNorthboundWesterdam
Sunday, May 317:30 AM – 9:30 AMNorthboundSerenade of the Seas
Sunday, May 318:00 AM – 10:00 AMNorthboundNorwegian Jade
Monday, June 18:30 AM – 10:30 AMNorthboundCoral Princess
Monday, June 19:00 AM – 11:00 AMNorthboundDisney Wonder
Tuesday, June 27:00 AM – 9:00 AMNorthboundCrown Princess
Tuesday, June 27:30 AM – 9:30 AMNorthboundNoordam
Wednesday, June 37:00 AM – 9:00 AMNorthboundZaandam
Wednesday, June 37:30 AM – 9:30 AMNorthboundKoningsdam
Wednesday, June 3Evening TransitSouthboundGrand Princess
Thursday, June 48:30 AM – 10:30 AMNorthboundDisney Magic
Thursday, June 4Afternoon TransitSouthboundSerenade of the Seas
Friday, June 57:00 AM – 9:00 AMNorthboundDiscovery Princess
Friday, June 57:30 AM – 9:30 AMNorthboundRoyal Princess
Friday, June 5Late EveningNorthboundOvation of the Seas

Best Viewing Notes

  • The Kelsey Bay Wharf and shoreline areas near the marina provide some of the best unobstructed viewing angles.
  • Early morning northbound sailings typically offer the clearest visibility and calmest water conditions.
  • Large vessels are often visible well before passing directly offshore, especially during clear weather.
  • Binoculars or a zoom camera lens help identify ships while they transit Johnstone Strait.

Cruise Ship Viewing Schedule May 23rd To 29th

The following schedule is based on published Vancouver Alaska cruise departures and typical Inside Passage transit times past Kelsey Bay. Times are approximate and can vary due to tides, weather, traffic, and vessel speed. Northbound ships are generally heading toward Alaska, while southbound ships are returning toward Vancouver. 

DateEstimated Time at Kelsey BayDirectionShip
Saturday, May 237:00 AM – 9:00 AMNorthboundms Koningsdam 
Saturday, May 237:30 AM – 9:30 AMNorthboundDiscovery Princess 
Saturday, May 238:00 AM – 10:00 AMNorthboundStar Seeker 
Sunday, May 247:00 AM – 9:00 AMNorthboundCelebrity Solstice 
Sunday, May 247:30 AM – 9:30 AMNorthboundSerenade of the Seas 
Sunday, May 248:00 AM – 10:00 AMNorthboundms Westerdam 
Monday, May 259:00 AM – 11:00 AMNorthboundDisney Wonder 
Tuesday, May 267:00 AM – 9:00 AMNorthboundEmerald Princess 
Wednesday, May 277:00 AM – 9:00 AMNorthboundms Zaandam 
Wednesday, May 277:30 AM – 9:30 AMNorthboundIsland Princess 
Wednesday, May 27Variable / likely daylight transitNorthboundViking Venus 
Thursday, May 289:00 AM – 11:00 AMNorthboundDisney Magic 
Thursday, May 28Afternoon / EveningNorthboundSilver Whisper 
Friday, May 297:00 AM – 9:00 AMNorthboundSeabourn Encore 
Friday, May 29Late Evening / OvernightNorthboundOvation of the Seas 

Best Viewing Tips

  • Morning northbound traffic is usually easiest to spot from the Kelsey Bay Wharf area.
  • Binoculars help identify ships while they are still rounding the bends south of Johnstone Strait.
  • Calm mornings generally provide the clearest viewing conditions.
  • Southbound vessels returning to Vancouver often pass several days later, commonly during afternoon or evening hours.

Free Curbside Yard Waste Pickup On June 8th

Residents in the Sayward area are being encouraged to clean up their properties and reduce wildfire risks as part of a free yard wood debris pickup program taking place Monday, June 8.

According to the Strathcona Regional District, residents should place eligible wood debris at the end of their driveways by 9 a.m. on June 8 for collection and chipping. The initiative is part of ongoing FireSmart efforts aimed at helping property owners reduce combustible materials around homes and neighbourhoods.

The program is being funded through the Village of Sayward’s 2025 FireSmart Community and Funding Support Grant, allowing debris to be disposed of free of charge. Depending on participation levels, crews may require several days to complete all pickups.

Residents do not need to register in advance, although organizers ask anyone with a difficult-to-find driveway to contact the SRD so their property can be added to a special list.

Accepted materials include tree trimmings and branches under 16 centimetres in diameter and no longer than 10 metres. Organizers say debris piles must not contain rocks, nails, roots, treated lumber, or invasive plant species such as Scotch broom or knotweed. Residents are also reminded not to block roadways when placing debris out for pickup.

The SRD notes there is no limit to the amount of eligible wood debris that can be chipped, provided materials meet program guidelines. Wood chips generated through the process will not be returned to residents due to FireSmart fuel reduction principles.

Village Of Sayward Street Sweeping – May 26

The Village of Sayward would like to inform residents that annual municipal street sweeping operations will take place throughout the community on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, beginning at 8:00 a.m. Sweeping activities are expected to continue for most of the day as crews work to clean roadways across the Village.

Residents are kindly requested to assist with this important maintenance program by removing parked vehicles from streets and roadways during scheduled sweeping hours whenever possible. Clear road access allows crews to complete the work more efficiently and helps ensure that all areas can be properly cleaned.

Motorists are reminded that street sweeping equipment travels slowly and may make frequent stops while operating. Drivers are encouraged to use caution, reduce speed, and exercise patience when approaching or passing sweeping crews to help keep both workers and the public safe.

Street sweeping is an essential service that contributes to the cleanliness, safety, and environmental health of our community. By removing sand, dirt, leaves, litter, and other debris from road surfaces, the program helps:

  • Improve roadway appearance and safety
  • Reduce dust and airborne pollutants
  • Prevent debris from blocking storm drains
  • Protect nearby streams, waterways, and marine environments from contamination

Cruise Ship Viewing Schedule For May 6th To 12th

Wednesday – May 6
Northbound (evening/night)

  • Discovery Princess — ~10:15 PM
  • Grand Princess — ~10:45 PM
  • Zaandam — ~9:45 PM

Thursday – May 7
Northbound

  • Coral Princess — ~11:00 PM

Friday – May 8
Northbound

  • Multiple ships expected
  • 10:00 PM – 12:30 AM

Saturday – May 9
Northbound

  • 2 to 4 ships likely
  • 10:30 PM – 1:00 AM

Sunday – May 10
Southbound

  • Returning Alaska ships
    5:30 AM – 8:00 AM

Monday – May 11
Southbound

  • Several ships expected
    5:00 AM – 7:30 AM

Tuesday – May 12
Southbound

  • Emerald Princess — ~6:15 AM

** Accuracy Notes: Expect variation of 30 to 60 minutes depending on tides, ship speed, and traffic. Some ships may pass outside these windows, but most cluster around slack tide.

Campfire Ban Takes Effect May 7 Across B.C.’s Coast Including Sayward

A campfire ban is set to take effect across British Columbia’s Coastal region starting at noon on May 7, 2026, as officials move to reduce wildfire risk during increasingly dry conditions.

According to the BC Wildfire Service Coastal Fire Centre, the prohibition will apply to all campfires, along with Category 2 and Category 3 open fires. Fireworks and similar high-risk activities are also included in the restrictions.

This early-season ban reflects growing concerns about wildfire hazards and the need for residents and visitors to take extra precautions outdoors.

What’s Prohibited

  • Campfires and smokehouses
  • Category 2 open fires (including fireworks)
  • Category 3 open fires

Fire Safety Starts With You

Even small actions can prevent devastating wildfires. Improperly discarded cigarette butts remain a common cause of human-started fires. Officials are reminding everyone to:

  • Never use planters, decks, gardens, or trash cans as ashtrays
  • Always fully extinguish cigarette butts and matches in water before disposal

Burn Ban Safety Tips

Reducing fire risk around your home is just as important:

  • Trim tree branches up to six feet from the ground
  • Mow grass short (about two inches)
  • Water lawns, shrubs, and surrounding areas regularly
  • Clear away dead leaves and plants
  • Store fuel and flammable materials safely
  • Keep ladders and trellises away from rooftops

With wildfire seasons becoming longer and more severe, cooperation from the public is critical. Respecting fire bans and practicing safe habits can make a real difference in protecting homes, forests, and communities.

Residents are encouraged to stay updated on current fire restrictions and report any signs of wildfire immediately.