bella coola valley

We went purposely to photograph the grizzly bears. We were not disappointed. We met some amazing like minded people at the bear stand and shared many stories and great camaraderie . We did the river rafting with Fraser from the Bella Coola Mountain Inn twice. He is a very knowledgeable guide and very respectful of nature. We hope to return soon. If you are not interested in the bears or the fishing there is not much here for you but if you love nature you have to go to Bella Coola Valley

A drive through the Chilcoltin and a rapid descent into the coastal rain forest of B.C. leaves you with your breath taken away. The beautiful mountains on either side of the valley and the Bella Coola river in the valley bottom complete a great landscape. You can see grizzly bears in several viewing areas or hire a tour guide. All 5 salmon species travel the waters throughout the year. The communities are small and the people are very friendly. We have been going on and off for the last 15yrs. We just returned from Coho salmon fishing Oct 3-6.

Go up Nusatsum River Road all the way to the end. Incredible. Watch the grizzlies at the bear platform in Tweedsmuir, right at the bottom of the Hill. Friendly, friendly people.A hideaway.

You spent 16 days in Bella Coola mid July. The weather was very pleasant just had to deal with horse flies . The people that live that are very friendly we went to two potlucks at the Nuxalk hall.Also went to see the rock cravings and many park . We stay at a home 4 km out of bella coola called 4 mile .. The family was great they had a smoke house and it was always gone . We just happen to be there for a salmon ran on the river. We enjoyed the smoked fish very much . The bella coola music fest. was also on when we where there this is a must if you go two days off great music and great people .

We went to Bella Coola for the annual Music Festival. Three days of music from various artist from all over Canada. This is a family affair and not a small one. We were fortunate enough to have rented a cottage, CottonWood Cottage, just a short walk from the fair groups. This was intimate and all the artist were available to sign your swag.

We were looking for a rugged and beautiful part of the BC coast for our vacation, and Bella Coola turned out to be perfect! The Nimpkish ferry is way too small to service this whole valley, but we found it to be comfortable given that we travelled during calm weather. (Note: we almost cancelled our trip due to the small size of the Nimpkish but are so glad we didn't!). We stayed at the Float House Inn and the Tallheo Cannery - both were absolutely delightful and perfect for our family with young kids. We hiked from Blue Jay Lake campground, explored green bay and the cabin there, kayaked, did a bear tour in Tweedsmuir park with Jeff Bray at Great Bear Chalet, and thoroughly enjoyed all that the beautiful Bella Coola valley had to offer. If you are looking for whales and bald eagles, glaciers and fresh salmon, bear, cougar and wolf tracks, and rugged untouched scenery - this place is for you. We hope the Canadian government recognizes the natural beauty and prioritizes tourism over resource extraction in the years ahead. There are few places left on earth that compare with the Bella Coola Valley. We can't recommend it highly enough.

The valley is so beautiful. Hagensborg is lovely. Too bad the town of Bella Coola does not have more charm, It is somewhat run down.

We've been to New Zealand, and with all due respect to the Southern Hemisphere, Bella Coola was equally outstanding. The combination of glaciers, fjords and rain forest is exquisite beyond belief. The potential for major wildlife encounters (it isn't bear season until August/September) adds to the excitement of the place. The drive from Vancouver was long, but it was well worth the schlep. I highly recommend a tour on the Fjord. Garrett Newkirk does a great one. Plenty of short hiking trails in the area.

Bella Coola was awesome! The drive there was so picturesque just take care once you hit the dirt road. The road down The Hill was very steep and at time hairy. We stayed at the Bella Coola Valley Inn. It was very comfortable and the restaurant had nice food. I had seafood caessr salad which had so much fresh seafood in it. The petroglyphs were fantastic, very special. The walk there was well worth doing. The best thing we did was take an hour boat trip around the fjord. We ssked around the harbour andcwere put onto a guy who lived at the cannery. Beautiful piece of heaven.

There are three ways to reach this remote valley; by plane (an hours flight from Vancouver with Pacific Coastal Airlines), by boat (don't bother trying to get here with BC Ferries, it's a nightmare) or by road (highway 20 is paved the entire way except The Hill). We've done all three. The best is by road! Shortly after entering the boundaries of Tweedsmuir Park is the Infamous pass known locally as The Hill. You will drop a mile in height from the arid Chilcotin Plateau to the verdant rainforest in the Valley in about 20 - 30 minutes. Then a scenic drive of about 45 minutes winding along the valley to the first village, Hagensborg. Dramatic glimpses of waterfalls, rivers, and thick forest are revealed around every bend. In early spring, and then again in early to mid fall, it is common to see Grizzlies along the roadside. Bald eagles perch at the top of snags, and it's not uncommon to see 3 or 4 in one tree.Absolutely the main reason for the lush growth, the bears and the eagles is the presence of the salmon. All five species of Pacific Salmon spawn in the rivers and tributaries of this hidden valley.Several excellent, private, safe campgrounds are located in the western end of the Valley around Hagensborg. In Tweedsmuir Park, shortly after the decent into the Valley is Tweedsmuir Park Lodge, a high end spa. In Hagensborg and through to the village of Bella Coola are several boutique hotels, motels and lodges.

We drove from puntzi lake and the views on the way was stunning I'm from the u.k so was in awe all the time my friend kept me in the dark about the freedom pass boy that's some road ..I was relived when we got to the end but it was worth it saw some great sights ,totem poles and old Indian boat ..paintings on walls great place never saw any bears lol we stayed in a small motel place cos we had the dog with us that was nice right by a small kinda creek if you go you will love it

We spent 2 nights camping in Rip Rap in the valley and had a great time. We loved the hike up the forest to see the petroglyphs. Hidden treasure. its worth the adventure and we loved the fact that it wasn't marked anywhere.

The Valley is great. I loved the boattrip to the Cannery.After our stay we left with the BC Ferry to Port Hardy, which is a very nice trip.

Drive the rock encumbered gravel road to Blue Lake and let the magnitude of the alpine peaks give you strength and wonder.

i first came to bella coola by pure chance around 1972.it was then mostly a dirt road,but upon arivel ,it was like a time machine.the wooden shacks the harbor,but mostly the locals.then most where of norwegian desent ,and they told me the story of the only road connecting them with the rest of b c and canada.the provincial burocrats had told them that a road was imposibel to build but two stubbern men and an old caterpilar dozer did the job.those men where the baker and the blacksmith. bella coola is very well worth a visit,because of this road that could not be built. my last visit was too short,but the fronteersmanspirit lives on.enjoy