Bella Coola Travel Guide, British Columbia

Bella Coola is a native village set in a scenic landscape, in a glacier-carved land. The fist to have inhabited the land was the Bella Coola tribe and then the Norwegians came and transformed the place in a fishing hub.Today the village is a popular destination for all those who enjoy a trip in a beautiful isolated costal community.

The surrounding area is just as beautiful and everywhere you go you get to see samples of breathtaking outdoors. There are lakes, mountains, desert canyons, and a beautiful fjord, everything an outdoor lover would want to see. Among the well known places are Williams Lake, Fraser Canyon, Fraser River, Chilcotin Plateau, Chilcotin River. You will find yourself in a true wilderness and a perfect place for those who want to get away from it all. It is not a place changed by tourism and there are few facilities so you have to be prepared and get all the supplies you need because you won’t be able to get much on the road.

A trip to Bella Coola is worth making for the village itself but also for the journey that is just as enchanting. You will probably want to stop many times along the way to admire the landscape so be prepared for the journey to last longer than expected. Your stop might include the Chilcotin Plateau where large ranches are settled. Chilcotin River can be another stop worth making especially for those who fancy kayaking and white water rafting. You can find accommodation at Chilcotin Hotel or camp at Bull Canyon Provincial Parks, the choice is yours. While you are there you can explore the beautiful park. Another park around is Tweedsmuir Provincial Park ideal for wildlife watching, hiking and water sports.

You can continue your trip to Bella Coola on Highway 20 which will lead you to other beautiful spots. Among them is the Poplar Grove Resort and Escott Bay Resort where you can also camp.The whole area is full of beautiful lakes, all inviting you to visit them luring you with their particular charm... there’s the Puntzi Lake, Williams Lake, Tatla Lake, Anahim Lake all perfect for fishing and water activities.

The mountains around are both a breathtaking view and a good opportunity for those who climb or hike. The highest peak is that of Mount Waddington of 4,016m.

Bella Coola is right in the middle of this wilderness surrounded by mountain peaks, lakes and abundant wildlife. But all this beauty around could not make up for the need of a link with the outside world. The people something had done something about it and began the construction of Highway 20. It is not an easy ride as it is quite dangerous but it’s definitely worth taking it as all you can see along the way will enrich your experience.Some days can be full of activity exploring the area; while others can be spent enjoying a late breakfast, a relaxed stroll, some time browsing through stores, and later, dining at leisure.

The pace of life in Bella Coola reflects a time, when not everything had to be done 'yesterday', and every season is beautiful.With its wide variety of great outdoors at the edge of the village and around, the village makes an ideal base for exploring a great part of the coast. So don’t hesitate to plan your trip, you'll be glad you did!