Wildlife Tours

For those seeking more information on the local fishlife, free daily guided tours are offered at the local Fish Hatchery, just 9 kilometers east of Bella Coola. See eggs harvested, feed the fry or watch the tiny fish receive their "mark," which identifies them as hatchery-raised.

Wildlife Hikes and Tours

For a more diverse wildlife experience, a number of companies offer drift guiding on the Atnarko and Bella Coola rivers from late August to late September, when the bears and eagles can be found along the shoreline feasting on the abundance.

Alternately, hire a guide for short day-hikes and look for a range of locals – from the powerful grizzly and black bears, to foxes, deer and mountain goats. Bear watching is incredibly popular within Bella Coola and a number of guided tours are offered in the area. Increasingly rare and also dangerous, locals also have spotted mountain lions/cougars within the valley.

Seasoned hikers may opt for a self-guided trip and a comprehensive Bella Coola Valley Trail Guide can be picked up at the Visitor Information Booth in town. The guide contains descriptions and maps of the most popular trails.

Wildlife Watching Reminders

• The Bella Coola Valley is a temperate rain forest and rain should always be expected during wildlife walks. Dress in layers, and bring appropriate rain gear and mosquito repellent in summer.
• If hiking without a guide, it is strongly recommended that visitors familiarize themselves with appropriate bear and wildlife safety precautions and let someone know of their planned route.
• Bear pepper spray can be purchased locally at Kopas store in Bella Coola, and at Hagensborg Shop Easy in nearby Hagensborg, 14km/9.5mi east of Bella Coola.
• Drivers should always be on the lookout for deer, which often dart out onto the road. Be particularly careful at dawn and dusk when the light is tricky and animals are out feeding.

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