Things to Do
Things To Do
Eco Tourism in Bella Coola
Suggested Itinerary when touring the Bella Coola Valley
Grizzly, Black and Spirit Bear Viewing
In the last decade, the Bella Coola Valley has become a popular destination for eco tourism adventurers, with bear viewing topping the Things To Do list. Solitary creatures, the Grizzly and Black bears roam the hillsides & lowlands throughout the Bella Coola Valley. Their population is densest within Tweedsmuir Park South, where the presence of abundant spawning salmon streams ensure these magnificent creatures are well fed.A more dominant species, the Grizzly, sometimes known as Kodiaks, will normally displace the Black bear. But the valley’s abundant food source makes them far more tolerant. Since bears are omnivorous they can be viewed year round, with the easiest sightings from Mid August to late October. Then the Grizzly and Black bears can be seen along the river banks fishing for the spawning salmon. Sport fishermen must sometimes give way to these mighty beasts when their favorite fishing spot is challenged by a hungry bear.
Nearby, on Princess Royal Island, the snow white Spirit Bear rummages along the streams, they too feasting on the spawning salmon. The Spirit Bear or Kermode bear is related to the Black bear, but are not albinos. When the Spirit Bears emerge from their dens in early spring, their coats are snow white. By late fall they’ve built up fat from the spawning salmon and rich berries, giving their thick coats a butter yellow sheen.For those wanting to strike out on their own Bella Coola Valley Tourism has produced an excellent Trails Guide that includes maps and descriptions of 17 of the most popular hikes. Click here for an easy-to-follow online version.
Preparing for your Bear viewing experience
- Book your guide through the lodge for bear viewing either by river drifts or hiking.
- Email us to obtain your free Bear Viewing Procedures Guidelines.
- There are plenty of books out there with a diverse view of the wild and human elements. We recommend the series of books by James Gary Shelton. Gary has written three best-selling books on the subject. Bear Encounter Survival Guide, Bear Attacks -- The Deadly Truth, and Bear Attacks II -- Myth and Reality. Recounting dozens of first hand experiences, Gary strives to bring a realistic view of bear behavior together with practical information and strategies for safe wilderness exploring. These books can be purchased in most book stores or borrow one from the public library. If you're in the valley, visit Kopas Store in Bella coola and pick up autographed copies.
Salmon Fishing
The pristine watershed of BC’s Central Coast and the Bella Coola Valley has been a popular destination for avid anglers for decades -- those seeking the fight of the wild Pacific Salmon.Foundational to the Bella Coola Valley’s rich eco system, all five species of Pacific Salmon return to the Valley’s rivers to spawn. Beginning in the early spring with the arrival of -- what else -- the Springs. Also known as Tyee, Chinook or King, these fish are the first to arrive, making their way up the Bella Coola River to the Atnarko River in Tweedsmuir Park. A sport fisherman’s dream, the Spring can grow to weigh over 100lbs/45kg with the world record standing at 126lb/57kg.
By mid July the Pinks (Humpies) are arriving. In August the Coho (Silvers) & the Chum (Dog) salmon are in full spawn.
The feisty Sockeye are the last to arrive, beginning in late August. As they make their way up to the channels, the earlier fish are either leaving or dying out. The Grizzly and Black bears are a treat to watch as they wade into the swift water and effortlessly dip a paw or snout, coming up dripping with a prize catch. The bald Eagles too, enjoy this natural feast.
Year round, Cutthroat and Rainbow trout, Rocky Mountain whitefish, Dolly Varden, and even Steelhead provide anglers with a reason to enjoy getting out into the Great Bear Rainforest. It is important to note that Steelhead are a protected species in the Bella Coola watershed and must be released immediately if accidently caught.Whether using gear or flies, when to fish will depend on what fish you want to catch and how skilled you are at fishing. Springs and Sockeye have long been the favourite for sport fishermen. I often recommend parents with young children just learning to fish bring them in August. It’s almost impossible NOT to catch a satisfyingly large salmon at that time.
Practical Notes:
- Local guides are available for drift or riverside fishing and are a good way to learn the rivers and best fishing spots.
- Licenses, gear and fly tying material can purchased locally.
- Rain is possible year round. Dress in layers.
- Click here for up to date regulations at BC’s Ministry of Environment website
Bird Watching
Follow any salmon river from the ocean to the source and discover the diverse bird life that calls the coastal rainforest home. Drawn by the presence of verdant plant growth and presence of fresh water, the forest resonates with bird song year-round.Throughout the year, the Bald Eagles call echoes across the misty mountain sides, the raucous caw of the Crows and the legendary Ravens chatter from the tree tops. The Winter Wren flits amongst the brush along the streams and meadows. The black capped Oregon Junco, Fox Sparrow, Chickadee and irridescent blue Stellers Jay raid the feeders put out by the Valley’s bird lovers. Hawks ride the thermals rising up the steep mountain sides.
The once endangered Trumpeter Swan, the largest of North America’s waterfowl, has made its come back in this region wintering in the marshes and wetlands of the Valley. Sharing the shores year round is the Great Blue Heron standing up to 5ft/1.5m tall.Spring heralds the return of the red breasted Robin and Swallows. The trill of the the diminutive Rufous Hummingbird can be heard as early as April 1st, as they seek to attract a mate. The thrum of the Ruffed Grouse rises out the forest. The brilliant red head of the Pileated Woodpecker, as well as the Sapsuckers, Flickers, and Hairy Woodpeckers hammer at rotting old growth forest giants and beetle killed snags. The saw and tick of the Townsend’s Warbler resonates in the cool fir forests.
Practical Note
- An excellent reference book is Birds of the Raincoast, Habits and Habitat by Harvey Thommasen and Kevin Hutchings. The book is full of the rich Coastal photography of Michael Wigle. Click here to look at Michael's on-line portfolio of photos.
- Local guides are available through the lodge for both river drifts and hiking or fishing. For those wanting to strike out on their own Bella Coola Valley Tourism has produced an excellent Trails Guide that includes maps and descriptions of 17 of the most popular hikes. Click here for an easy-to-follow on line version.
- Valley visitors should be prepared to explore the outdoors. The Bella Coola Valley is located in a temperate rainforest where rain is possible year round. Visitors are reminded to bring rain gear and good walking shoes. Plan on dressing in layers as the weather can change completely in just a few hours.
Suggested Itinerary when touring the Bella Coola Valley
When planning a trip to BC’s coastal rainforest and the Bella Coola Valley, keep in mind the purpose of the trip. Your eco tourism experience probably includes bear and wildlife viewing, bird watching, walking amongst ancient cedars in an old growth rainforest, and standing beside mountain stream watching spawning salmon attempt to jump up a waterfall. It may include some First Nations culture, early settlers history, and even some shopping.
All of these can be found throughout the Valley. None of these are found in the simple fishing village of Bella Coola.
The following itinerary can help ensure a valuable experience.
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CLAYTON FALLS: Just over 1mi/2km west of the Bella Coola wharf where BC Ferries docks, Clayton Falls cascades down worn granite cliffs to pool a short distance from the salt water of the Burke Channel. In the autumn, watch salmon trying to jump up the cliff (they never can but they always try). A secure and picturesque viewing platform is making this a popular spot for weddings. (1/4 – 1/2 hr.) |
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BELLA COOLA'S MUSEUM: Housed in two beautiful heritage buildings of Norwegian log construction joined together, the museum focuses on early First Nations and the commercial fishing history. The museum is on the bank overlooking the west side of the Bella Coola Village. A token admission is charged. (1 hr.) |
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PETROGLYPHS: Just east of Bella Coola village, visit the site of ancient rock carvings with Nuxalk twins Chris or Lance Nelson, a moderate 10 minute hike. The extensive collections of ancient rock carvings are accessed via First Nations land and a very culturally important location to the Nuxalk people. We strongly recommend, out of respect for the peoples and their heritage, that you hire a Nuxalk guide. We recommend Chris and Lance as they are the only local guides who combine stories with drumming and singing. (2 hr.) |
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SNOOTLI HATCHERY: Located midway between the villages of Bella Coola and Hagensborg, the Snootli Hatchery is one of only two hatcheries in the province that returns more in direct fishing revenue than they cost to operate. Free tours available, Monday to Friday, no pre booking required. (1 – 1 ½ hr.) |
| NORWEGIAN HERITAGE HOUSE: Built as an original Norwegian farm house, then relocated to its present location on Highway 20 in Hagensborg, it is furnished by donations from early settler’s families. The Norwegian heritage is prominent in the Valley and the stories of these amazing pioneers are something special to discover. Local First Nations elders say they got along well with the Norwegian’s “until the white people came.” These Norwegian pioneers are the people whose sons and daughters, in partnership with industry and First Nations, built the Freedom road, The Hill, when the government said it couldn’t be done. (1/2 - 1 hr.) | |
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SALOOMPT FOREST TRAILS: East of Hagensborg, this old growth forest offers a self guided tour on Saloompt Road, approximately 3mi/5km east of Hagensborg. A gentle 20 to 45 minute walk, wheel chair accessible, the trails wind along the Bella Coola river. (1 hr.) |
| BELLA COOLA VALLEY SEAFOODS: Just a bit further along Saloompt Rd., choose from a selection of the best wild Pacific smoked and fresh salmon - a wide selection of flavours is available including Lemon Pepper, Teryaki. For your next hike, pick up some Salmon Jerky. Sweet wild Prawns and Halibut are available most of the time. (1/4 - 1/2 hr) | |
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SHOPPING: In Hagensborg find those “necessities” at the Shop Easy, a modern day General Store. You will not believe what you can buy in this store! Then browse the adjoining boutique, the Country Faire, stocked with beautiful bath products, clothing, giftware and tourism memorabilia. Kopas store in Bella Coola village has a wide selection of clothing, shoes, First Nations art, books and gift ware. The Petroglyph Gallery, located near the trail head to the Petroglyphs, has a wonderful selection of First Nations art and carvings. |