Bella Coola, British Columbia, Canada. Bella Coola is rich in people, character and history. The surroundings are peaceful and quiet. The deep, temperate rainforests of the valley provide a sharp contrast to the high alpine, permanent winter slopes above. If you're coming from a busy city lifestyle, prepare to be amazed at the healthful transformation that you feel in just a couple of days in Bella Coola.
Bella Coola Valley Inn. Our tours are based in the Bella Coola Valley Inn, in the village of Bella Coola itself. The hotel is small and friendly, with comfortable large rooms that all have private baths and satellite television. On- site you will find a restaurant, lounge, sports bar, internet cafe with a laptop station, European steam room. During the winter season, the Bella Coola Valley Inn accommodates our operational needs: ski shop, office and gift shop, massage therapist room. The sports bar is set up for viewing the day's ski footage or photos that guests take during the day.
Helicopter Base and Airfield. Twelve km to the east of the village is the Bella Coola Airfield, as well as a heated, indoor hangar where our helicopter crew is able to work on the machine nightly. The airport is in the easterly hamlet of the valley called Hagensborg, British Columbia. This is the area of the valley that Norwegian farmers settled. Private aircraft are welcome, please inquire.
Local Tours and Sightseeing. While every waking hour is spent skiing, talking about skiing or preparing for skiing, not every moment will be skiing. You will find time to read a good book, visit with the locals, or sight-see. There are several eco-tours that we include in most vacation packages, as you are inclined and may include:
- Natural hot springs (only accessible by boat or air, requires a short hike from the shore through the forest)
- Purchases of locally smoked salmon and other seafood specialties
- Hike to the Thorsen Creek petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings) with local First Nation guide
- Shop in the local stores and in our gift shop
- Visit to the Petroglyph Art Gallery owned by Sylvia and Mark Bradt
- Visit local artisans as they carve their famous Nuxalk masks or totems
- Visit the world's largest Western Red Cedar
- Fly-fishing (with local guides - requires licensing)
- Scouring the shores for fresh mussels
Skiing or Snowmobiling. Early in the season, approximately 1.5 hours to the east by road is a small ski area that is accessed by snowmobile. We have not had need to try this out with guests yet, but the opportunity exists if winds or high avalanche hazard prevents heliskiing activities.
