Wildlife viewing opportunities abound in Bella Coola. The Valley supports a truly rich environmental habitat ranging from rivers, estuaries, old-growth forests, provincial parks, mountains, glaciers, waterfalls and more, and a diverse list of animals make their homes here.
Salmon and Fish in Bella Coola
For fish fans, the area's rivers and streams are teeming with life. Visit Bella Coola during the right part of summer (mid-July to mid-August) and take a fascinating "Snorkel with the Salmon" tour. Kynoch Adventure Tours equips visitors with wet suits and takes day-trippers right into the water to swim and snorkel with the spawning salmon. Guides are expert river guides and fisheries biologists, and the tour is one of only a couple offered within BC.
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.
Birds of Bella Coola
Bird watchers will delight and find a rich playground within Bella Coola. Large numbers of the majestic Bald Eagle live in the Valley year round, as does a wide variety of land and water birds including the Steller's Jay (the province's official bird), Whiskey Jack, Junko and humorously named Buffleheads and Coots. From the bugle of the snow-white Trumpeter Swan to the trill of the diminuative Rufus Hummingbird in courtship or the drumming of the Ruffed Grouse calling a mate, the mountains here are alive with birdsong.
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, 14 km (9.5 mi) 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.
Learn more about Bear Watching in Bella Coola.