Historic & Heritage Sites
Heritage buildings (Picture BC photo)
Bella Coola people pride themselves on their interesting history, and while there are no grand or ancient castles to visit, the heritage sites here are no less fascinating, and far more fragile.
Old-Growth Forests
Natural historic sites abound in Bella Coola. Visitors can hike through the trails at Snootli Park on Walker Park Rd to view an old-growth forest, one of many in the area. As they have for centuries, First Nations people still harvest cedar bark from standing trees in the park.
Bella Coola Petroglyphs
Deep in the rainforest by Thorsen Creek is Bella Coola's most ancient site, which has a number of petroglyphs (rock carvings). These petroglyphs have spiritual significance to the Nuxalk people. Visitors to the nearby Petroglyph Gallery may see the opening to the trail that leads to the Petroglyphs. Located on private land, visitors are cautioned not to venture in without a guide. Enquire at the Visitor Centre about this possibility but note that in an effort to protect the petroglyphs until proper measures can be taken to have them viewed safely, public access is quite restricted.
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Alexander Mackenzie Site
European history fans will find much to explore in Bella Coola. Charter a boat from the wharf to view the site where Alexander Mackenzie ended his cross-Canada trek in 1793 – 12 years ahead of Lewis and Clark's expedition further south. Mackenzie Rock stands on a lonely, isolated outcropping in the Burke Channel and commemorates the event.
Norwegian History in Bella Coola
The Norwegian Heritage House in Hagensborg, 14 km/9.5 mi east of Bella Coola, was originally built as the home of the Svisdahl family, early pioneers of the area. Constructed in the traditional, square, timber-log style, the home was relocated to the Hagensborg townsite and has been set up much as it would have appeared 100 years ago. Tours are by appointment only.
The Bella Coola Valley Museum, also a Norwegian log building, began life as a school house. The two-room building houses an excellent collection of fascinating First Nations and early pioneer displays. It is open six days a week, usually opening around the July 1st weekend, and closing early in September.
Walking Tour of Bella Coola
The Bella Coola Museum Society has also published a booklet, A Historic Walking Tour of Bella Coola, which outlines a self-guided walking tour around the village revealing many historic sites and buildings. With this book, visitors can learn the location and history of the Hudson Bay manager's residence, the House of Noomnst with its picturesque totem pole entryway, and the tiny cabin that used to be Bella Coola's original jail. These booklets can be purchased at the museum, or at the Kopas store (both of which are located in Bella Coola) for around $5.
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