Check out our Mackenzie Sea to Sea Historic Park guide on this site for a walk about town in the footsteps of Alexander Mackenzie. Purchase the book at the Bella Coola Museum. This walk will take you on a self guided historical tour of the downtown area.
Bella Coola Estuary : The Bella Coola estuary which is a unique ecological area with a wide variety of common, rare or endangered bird and plant species. A large part of this estuary is on private land so please be considerate of this fact. It is rare for a marine estuary so close to human settlement to be in such a pristine state, there are many hours of enjoyment to be had here. Please be aware of the tides as some land areas can be underwater during higher tides. Check out our website for a listing of birds, plants and animals that you may find.
The Bella Coola Harbour offers you a glimpse of a recently closed cannery once owned by BC Packers and is now private. There is a history here, there is a small white/ metal building on the entrance to the cannery which served as the bunkhouse for the Chinese workers. Many people were employed at the cannery- today it serves as a net loft and one can still watch the net menders at work in the cannery building.
Tallheo Cannery across the bay has been restored and is open in the summer/ fall as a bed and breakfast in the old bunkhouse. Meals are served in the cook house with seating up to 50. Marine transportation from Bella Coola to Tallheo is provided for a nominal fee. Lots of history and things to look at. There is an artist on site and gift shop in the old store. Also available are canoe and kayak excursions.
Clayton Falls Park : Clayton Falls is a day park along Bentinck Arm where Clayton Falls flows into the chuck. There are picnic tables and fire rings plus a nice walk along the shore. Look for seals at the mouth of the river and further out you can sometimes spot sea lions. Good view of the Tallheo Cannery across the bay. You can also watch log barges come and go and some industrial activity. Clayton Falls is impressive in high water and mesmerizing any time of the year- easy trail behind the hydro building and a look out further up. Our website logo is a part of the falls. Look for marble murrelet, gulls, sandpipers, eagles, ravens and song birds.
M Gurr Lake : Take the first left off the logging road from the ferry terminal heading west. The road is steep and you should check for local conditions, once you get past the steep rough part at the front the road gets better. Great alpine lake with exotic plants and spectacular views and a beautiful gem of a lake. Good hiking around the lake- take bug spray and read up on any hazards to watch for.
Blue Jay and Grey Jay Lakes : Go past M.Gurr Lake until you come to the campground at Blue Jay Lake. These two alpine lakes and surrounding peak bogs are a delight to visit. Board walks are present over the bogs with a truly spectacular view of South Bentink Arm at the end of the trail. Look for alpine birds and very unique peat bog plants and insects- you will find the carnivorous sun dew plant here. Overnight camping is available, fishing in the stocked lakes is allowed and canoe or kayaking is safe. Take your bike too. (Please contact BC Forest Service at 982-2000 for road conditions) Outdoor toilets are available. Below : Blue Jay Lake in October.
Big Cedar Tree Picnic Site : Carry on from Blue Jay Lake over more logging road to discover the largest Western Red Cedar trees in British Columbia and a pleasant picnic area at the estuary and tidal flats. Camping spots are not available but you can tent or RV. (It is recommended to contact BC Forest Service at 982-2000 for road conditions as this part of the logging road can be rough). Check to make sure this part of the road is open. You can reach this great site by boat and local charters are available for a day trip.
© 1998-2001 Central Coast Regional District
Back to CCRD Communities