Favourite Things To See And Do In Bella Coola Valley

Bella Coola’s Hidden Hot Spots

These easy-access activities are suited to 15 minute to 1-2 hour self guided excursions in Bella Coola, or hire a guide for a more challenging adventure!

Clayton Falls
This 5 minute walk takes you behind the BC Hydro generating plant to see the cascading Clayton Falls up close. Across the road, you can walk to the mouth of Clayton Creek, where Alexander Mackenzie canoed past in 1793, to watch the seals bobbing their heads in and out of the water waiting for fresh fish.

Talleho Cannery
Charter a boat over to Talleho Cannery and explore the historic fishing cannery. By arrangement, a guide can take you through the old abandoned cannery site and lead you to hidden waterfalls and canyons of the area amongst giant Douglas fir trees.

Bella Coola Museum
This former school house reflects the eclectic history of the Valley from the first people to the early explorers, to the coming of the pioneers and the building of the “Freedom Road”.

Big Cedars at Walker Island
Take a stroll through giant cedar trees at Walker Island and watch for the Culturally Modified Trees used by past native populations for generations. This 15 minute walk winds through the old growth forest and takes you to a gazebo that overlooks a very popular beaver pond. This area is great for an afternoon picnic with the family any day.

Petroglyphs           
Take a guided hike to the Petroglyphs at Thorsen Creek. Become immersed in the Nuxalk (Noo-halk) culture as the guides take you through the forested trail and give you the experience of a lifetime. Stop by the gallery after and check out the local art.

Saloompt Trail
This intriguing forest trail leads you through old growth forest along side the Saloompt River and the Bella Coola River where bears can be found fishing during spawning season. The forest canopy makes this a great trail for you to stay dry on a rainy day.

Fisheries Pool
Take a drive up the valley to spend an afternoon at Fisheries Pool in Tweedsmuir Park. This swimming hole is popular with the locals. Picnic, camp, swim or just relax and enjoy the river as it passes by. For a bit more privacy, follow the second road to the lookout over the river bend.

Top Recommended Artisans

Listed from Bella Coola Town Site eastward towards Hagensborg.

• Kopas Store: souvenir items, BC books, native jewellery, masks, sporting goods, marine charts, licenses, clothing, footwear, toys and giftware. Located on Bella Coola Town Site.
• Native Art Galleries: Petroglyph Gallery and Sylias’ Gallery-authentic Nuxalk art. Located in Four-Mile region of Bella Coola Townsite, watch for signs on South Side of Hwy 20.
• Moore‘s Market: organic produce and grocery, locally crafted products & cards, nursery garden centre. Located on South Grant Road, approximately 5km from Bella Coola Town Site
• Barbs Pottery: quality handmade giftware by local artist. Approximately 8 km east of Bella Coola Town Site, on North Side of Hwy 20.
• Country Fair: located in Hagensborg at the Shop Easy, jewellery, gifts, clothing, souvenirs.
• Bella Coola Valley Seafood: an assortment of salmon, smoked, jerky, hot smoked, half smoked, all ready to eat. Located on Saloompt Road, past the interpretive trail, follow the easy to find signs.
• Coast Mountain Lodge: enjoy fine teas and espresso bar in the lobby to enjoy after an afternoon excursion, or plan a trip with their tour company.

Top Hikes

• Walker Island Loop: Easy flat access. a variety of trails they take you through old growth forest.  20-40 minutes.
• School House Falls: Steep but rewarding views.
• Hagensborg Loop: Moderately hilly but not steep.
• Lost Lake: Steep sections moderate difficulty, rewarding views.
• Mackenzie Loop/Burnt Bridge: Loop trail with short uphill, then moderately flat. Good all-weather trail.

Top Tours

• Snootli Creek Fish Hatchery Tours: Hwy 20, May-Aug
• Petroglyph Native Art and Culture (inquire at Native Art Galleries)
• Bear Tours: Aug15-Oct.
• Eco Rafting: May-Aug
• Estuary Tours: May-Aug
• Salmon Snorkeling: July-August

Additional Information available at www.bellacoola.ca