Parks
Park in BC (JF Bergeron photo)
Bella Coola is surrounded by the largest protected area in the province, part of which includes the enormous Tweedsmuir Park.
At 981,000 hectares/2.4 million acres, it is BC's biggest park and has become a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking, horseback riding, camping, and fishing opportunities abound in the south portion of the park. One of the more popular sites, Hunlen Falls is Canada's third-highest waterfall and it slim chute drops 260m/853ft. Because of its remoteness far south of the highway, and the full day of difficult hiking to the observation point, this area maintains an almost mystical reputation.
The best access is by air but Hunlen is reachable on foot. Bella Coola Air offers a number of flightseeing tours, but also will fly hikers in and lands on the nearby high-alpine Turner Lake. Most hikers choose to hike out (and mostly downhill) to the Tote Road, and arrange a car pick-up from there.
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Burnt Bridge Creek, just inside the west boundary of Tweedsmuir Park, is the site where Alexander Mackenzie first reached the Bella Coola Valley in 1793 and includes a portion of the Nuxalk-Carrier Grease trail system established by First Nations for trade between the west coast and the interior of BC.
Conservancies in Bella Coola Valley
In addition to Tweedsmuir Park, there are a number of conservancies and biodiversity areas within the Bella Coola Valley. Three popular sites to visit have paved road access. The Bella Coola Estuary near the government wharf, is 269ha/665ac and has delicate and sometimes rare plants – bring boots when exploring this spot.
Thorsen Creek, approximately 5km/3mi east of Bella Coola townsite includes a valuable fish habitat and is home to one of the largest and most significant collections of ancient rock carvings. These petroglyphs are of significant cultural heritage value to the Nuxalk First Nation – good hiking shoes are advised as the ground can be stony and muddy. See information on the petroglpyhs below.
Other Highlight Parks in Bella Coola
There are two additional parks well worth visiting, both with easy vehicle access. Clayton Falls Recreation Site, just over 2km/1.2mi west of the Government Wharf, is where visitors can watch seals play in the ocean. The highlight for most visitors are the falls, which gently tumble over well-worn, smooth rocks. This is an excellent place to stop and stretch after a long drive or just to enjoy the view of the inlet. Walker Island Park is 10km/6.2mi east of Bella Coola townsite and is filled with giant, old-growth cedars. Both parks have good signage.
And if visitors have four-wheel drive vehicles to negotiate logging roads, a trip to M Gurr Lake and Blue Jay/Grey Jay Lake Conservancy, (located approximately 25km/15mi and 27km/17mi south-east from the wharf, respectively) have spectacular alpine viewpoints. Camping is allowed, but services are limited.
Park Safety
- Visitors to the parks are reminded that the backcountry is isolated wilderness, and patrols by parks personnel within Tweedsmuir Park and near by conservancies are infrequent.
- Cell phones do not work outside of the villages of Bella Coola and nearby Hagensborg.
- Hikers should be fit and well-equipped for all weather. Snow is possible all year round in the high country.
- Please tell a responsible person of your plans including how and where you are going and when you intend to return.
- Because the area is bear habitat, visitors are asked to familiarize themselves and observe with bear safety guidelines.
- Domestic pets are not allowed on beaches or in park buildings such as camp kitchens unless permission is designated by a sign. All domestic animals must be kept on a leash or in a vehicle at all times and their excrement must be disposed of.
- Tweedsmuir Park, and the alpine country is mosquito habitat as well, and visitors are advised to bring repellant.
- Within the park, not far off the main highway and Corbould Road, is a sacred First Nations (Ulkatcho) graveyard. Visitors are asked to respect the beliefs and wishes of the Ulkatcho peoples and avoid entering this area.
- Access to the ancient petroglyphs in Thorson Creek Conservancy is not allowed without prior permission. Several Nuxalk Guides operate every year, giving tours of cultural sites that may include these carvings. Contact the Visitor Information Booth for contact information for these guides.
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