With its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, Bella Coola offers a bounty of wild Pacific salmon, fresh prawns and delicate halibut.
However, Bella Coola has limited options for dining out, so visitors will have to know where to look. Most accommodations offer breakfasts (ranging from simple continental to fully cooked meals).
For lunch and dinner, there are a couple of restaurants in town that offer with a wide range of options and price points. Most notably is the Bella Coola Valley Inn's restaurant, which has a delicious and extensive menu that includes salads, sandwiches, pastas, burgers and Korean and Japanese options.
Other Bella Coola Restaurants
Alternately, the Bella Coola Valley Restaurant (different from the Valley Inn Restaurant) is a coffee shop within the Co-op store, are where locals stop for a quick bite and a chat, and are known for offering great home-made soups and dinner specials. In season, both restaurants serve fresh, local seafood. If you see it on the menu, ask if it's local! But be forewarned: most restaurants close around 9pm, even during the peak, summer season so eating out earlier is recommended.
Several of the B&Bs also offer sack lunches and outstanding dinners and are licensed to sell alcohol. Travelers should enquire about options when they make their reservation or upon arrival, as most require advance notice to prepare a meal and have a set time for serving. Some inns and lodges also offer rooms with kitchens or kitchenettes.
Picnics in Bella Coola
Taking a picnic to one of the many Bella Coola Valley community parks is another option. Pick up a selection of fresh baking from the grocery store, some refreshments (for personal consumption back at the B&B or hotel, there is also Liquor Outlet in town), and drop by Bella Coola Valley Seafoods (located about down the Saloompt River Road). BCV Seafoods sells fresh local wild Pacific salmon, both smoked and fresh, prawns, shrimps, scallops and more.
Most parks have picnic tables close to parking, with great views of the rivers or mountain peaks. Ask your host for suggestions and directions, or visit the Visitor Info Booth in Bella Coola.
Farmers Markets and Fruit Stands
Foodies will also enjoy The Bella Coola Farmers' Market, located at the Quonset Hut on Highway 20 and 6km east of Bella Coola. This market runs every Sunday from 10am – 2pm between from June until the end of September. During the summer and autumn months, some locals also set out roadside fruit stands.
Show Less