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Bella
Coola
Bella Coola is located approximately 460 km (288 miles) due west
of Williams Lake on Highway 20.
Traditional home of the Nuwalk First Nations, Bella Coola sits at
the end of a large remote valley called the Bella Coola Valley.
Hagensborg
Approximately 75 km (47 miles) in length, Bella Coola Valley attracted
Norwegian immigrants from Minnesota in the late 1800's and the community
of Hagensborg was formed.
Atnarko,
Talchako and Bella Coola Rivers
Flowing through the Bella Coola Valley are three rivers called Atnarko,
Talchako and Bella Coola. If you enjoy fishing and outdoor scenery,
these rivers are incredible.
Drift
Fishing
Try your hand at drift fishing. Lots of other wildlife can also
be spotted including bald eagles, bears and the occasional cougar.
'The
Hill'
At the head of the Bella Coola Valley lies 'The Hill.' This is the
part of Highway 20 that descends through Tweedsmuir Park into the
Bella Coola Valley. The story goes that some locals with two bulldozers
and a limited budget built the highway to free Bella Coola from
being only accessible by water.
Incredible
Views
Officially open since 1955, 'The Hill' has a grade up to 18% for
approximately 9 km (5.6 miles), making it one of BC's steepest stretches
of highway. Make sure your brakes are in good shape and enjoy the
ride down - the views are incredible.
Tweedsmuir
Provincial Park
At the base of 'The Hill' is a small settlement called Stuie. This
is where you want to watch for signs pointing the direction to Hunlen
Falls located in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park.
Hunlen
Falls
This is Canada's third largest waterfall at 253 meters (830 feet).
There is a hike into the falls; be prepared as it is quite a challenge
taking you overnight. Wilderness camping is available at Hunlen
Falls part of the Turner Lake Chain. Remember to be 'bear alert'
and be careful with your fires.
Bella
Coola area
Other sites to see in the Bella Coola area include the approximate
one hundred petroglyphs at Thorsen Creek and the Bella Coola Museum.
Sir
Alexander MacKenzie
If you get a chance, go by the ocean at Bella Coola and see where
explorer Sir Alexander MacKenzie in 1793 completed the first crossing
of North America by a European.
Bella
Coola Links
Accommodation
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