Bella Coola

Bella Coola is situated amid a river valley of the same name. With 600 townsfolk and less than 2,000 in the entire 80 kilometre valley, this is an off the beaten track holiday paradise and gateway to British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest. The best places to stay in Bella Coola offer an ideal base to relax or explore this magical part of Canada.

Historically, Bella Coola was the traditional land of the Nuxalk people, and their culture and legacy are very much alive and in evidence. Native Nuxalk art is highly prized and the Nuxalk people can trace their origins back 10,000 years. The language is still taught in school and the arts and crafts theme remains very strong to this day. Ancient petroglyphs (stone carvings) can be seen on organized forest tours.

In 1793 the first Europeans arrived and at the end of the nineteenth century the land was settled by Norwegian Lutherans, whose influence is clear to see - visit the ‘Norwegian Heritage House’, built by the early pioneers, or the Bella Coola Valley Museum (the old Norwegian Schoolhouse).

Being 100 kilometres inland from the Pacific, Bella Coola enjoys a temperate climate, and is dry and sunny from July to September. It's a mecca for outdoor adventure lovers and you'll find activities galore; fishing, hiking, rafting, wildlife watching, horse riding, ‘heli-hiking’ - there really is something for everyone.

Our pick of the best places to stay in Bella Coola will be very busy during the peak summer months, so if you want to guarantee yourself a room, get organised and book well ahead.