Ditto to asking locals where to see elk in small places like Sayward. I've been off on most of the logging roads between Campbell River and Sayward and a few north of there, and seen elk on most of them. You will likely see some along the highway north of Campbell River. There is a herd that hangs around the scattered rural houses that comprise Sayward.
If you have time it is a gorgeous drive from Campbell River to Gold River and you will likely see elk and black bears from the highway. It is a major trip on from there to Tahsis, beautiful, partly gravel, lots of elk, bears and waterfalls.
It is a long and knock-out pretty drive from near Nanaimo through Port Alberni and on to Uclulet or Tofino. Superb beaches between jagged rock headlands, but waaaay far.
