History
The Bella Coola Valley was originally a trade corridor between coastal and interior Native groups. Furs and leather were
exchanged for salmon and eulachon grease along trails established by the Nuxalk people. Things began to
change in 1793 when Alexander Mackenzie came roaring down the Bella Coola River. This led to a stampede of wild
gold miners during the 1850s and 1860s as they headed for the Cariboo gold fields. Thankfully, no one was hurt. In 1867,
a trading post was established by the Hudson's Bay Company, and a handful of farmers were granted land further up the valley.
In the 1890s, a group of Norwegian colonists arrived from Minnesota and settled in what would eventually become Hagensborg.
Location
Bella Coola is approximately 456 kilometres west of Williams Lake, at the point where the Bella Coola River flows
into the Pacific Ocean. Access to Bella Coola is available via BC Ferries' Discovery Coast route, or by plane.
For the more adventurous, Bella Coola can also be accessed by car via Highway 20. Visitors
will inevitably encounter the Hill, a treacherous section of the highway which is best described to tourists in a low,
ominous voice. Preceded by roughly 30 kilometres of narrow, winding, and unpaved road, the Hill is a 9 kilometre
stretch of switchbacks with grades of up to 18%. Those unfazed by the threat of impending doom as their car hurtles
downward will be treated to splendid views of the nearby mountains and valleys.
Note: Any threats of impending doom are unwarranted.
Places to See
- Clayton Falls Recreation Area
Owned and maintained by BC Hydro, the Clayon Falls Recreation Area contains walking trails which lead to views
of Clayton Falls Creek as it cascades over water and glacial sculpted rock. Depending on the season or the current
weather, the falls can be a full apron or follow ancient grooves. Pink salmon spawn at the bottom of the falls between
late July and September. Look for the pinks attempting to jump up the falls. Salmon also spawn in the spawning grounds
below the outflow from the generating station. These spawning grounds were created by BC Hydro to increase spawning
area.
In the park are picnic tables. Watch the boats coming and going and maybe even a sailboarder or yacht. Note the old
cannery across North Bentinck Arm. Seals hang out at the mouth of the creek in search of food. At high tide from the
bridge along the road you can sometimes see the seals chasing down salmon in the creek.
- The Bella Coola Townsite
Visit the Bella Coola Museum to learn more about the valley’s rich cultural history and the 1793 visit of Alexander
Mackenzie, or purchase the self-guided historic tour brochure and re-live the old days as you walk around town.
- Thorsen Creek
Do some angling for cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden! This is a favored spot for fly fishing enthusiasts.
Guides are also available to lead you on interpretive tours of the local petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings).
These were made by local Aboriginal peoples by pecking and abrading rock surfaces with stone tools in
order to create lasting designs.
Things to Do
- Horseback Riding
Horses are permitted on many of the trails leading from Rainbow Range trailhead, 30 km west of Anahim Lake.
The Alexander Mackenzie Trail can also be travelled by horseback. You'll also find good riding on the Puntzi Lake
trails, 7 km north of Highway 20, about 60 km west of Alexis Creek.
- Heli-Sports
Bella Coola offers superb heli-skiing and snowboarding in the BC Coast Mountains.
- River Rafting
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the river, mountains, and forests while licenced guides pilot you down the
ancient Trade Route that Alexander Mackenzie followed on his Historic Trek to the Pacific Ocean.
Events
- Bella Coola Rodeo
Taking place during the Canada Day long weekend, the Bella Coola Rodeo features horses, bulls, and cowboys!
- Discovery Coast Music Festival
This family-oriented event showcases musical talent from around the world and features music, dancing, storytelling,
family activities, regional handmade crafts, and food! E-mail info@bellacoolamusic.com for more information.
Notable Comments
- "Bella Coola is one of my favorite places because it's you, your friends, and the mountains. A place to ski
endless coastal Range peaks. Ski the gnar or mellow powder runs- Bella Coola offers something for every type of skier.
I hope to return year after year."
- Seth Morrison, professional skier.
- We rested there, just she and I, segueing from weariness to dreamlike lucidity on the banks of the Bella
Coola River. She told me the sky was burning her eyes. I told her I would tear down the mountains and build a golden
road for her. I was only 12. I wanted her to run away with me. We had tried before, getting only as far as
Hagensborg. Her parents were bitterly opposed to our being together. I was an American. She was a bear."
- Creston Williams, in his grand tale of passion and adventure, A Bear in Bella Coola
- "I like Bella Coola!"
- Delores Clayburn, an enthusiastic eight-year old from Kamloops
Contact Information
Bella Coola Valley Tourism
Toll-Free: 1-866-799-5202
E-mail: bellacoolavalleytourism@belco.bc.ca
Website: http://www.bellacoola.ca
