The Belles of BC

One of my favourite places to visit is the Belles of BC. If you've never been then you`re missing out. Access is by a combination of land and sea or; you can fly in.
 
Bella Bella

The island village of Bella Bella is located 98 nautical miles north of Port Hardy and 78 nautical miles west of Bella Coola. The Heiltsuk First Nation live in the island village of Bella Bella and occupy 13,000 square miles of land and sea on B.C.´s coastal Inside Passage. Bella Bella is the name given to Heiltsuk Indian Reserve #1 and is the largest of the 23 reserves set aside in 1913 for the exclusive use of the Heiltsuk. The village located on Campbell Island is amalgamated from all Heiltsuk tribes who occupied numerous large winter and spring villages and associated camp sites spread throughout this traditional territory.

Its strategic location on the Inside Passage makes it the major transportation hub for the Central Coast of BC. Bella Bella has a regional airport, BC Ferries terminal, regional hospital, regional RCMP detachment, public dock, grocery store, post office, fuel station, fish plant, forestry company, freight company, cablevision and telecommunications infrastructure, Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue facility as well as a number of bed and breakfast establishments, restaurants and small shops. 

There are approximately 361 homes on reserve lands as well as a Band office, community hall, three schools - elementary, secondary, college - day care center and two churches. There's a population of just under 1500 people and only 5% are non-first nations, with 50% of the total population being under the age of 25.  With picture perfect mountain and ocean scenery it's a photographer's paradise. Hiking, fishing, kayaking, hunting, mountain biking, camping and quality outdoor time in one of the most beautiful rainforest areas on earth.... it's a outdoor lover's paradise right here in our own province.
 
Bella Coola

The Bella Coola Valley is tucked into the Coast Mountains about one-third of the way up our province of British Columbia. While it is remote, it is also surprisingly easy to access. Upon arrival there are many activities to choose from. Hike a mountain, enjoy a wide variety of river activities, go snorkeling with salmon, kayaking, birding, horseback riding, mountain biking, back roads exploring, 4x4'ing, camping, hunting, fishing, or go wildlife viewing!  The list truly is endless! Most of these activities are available year round and in the winter throw cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and Heli-Skiing in the mix and you've got the perfect spot to enjoy all of our four seasons!

As for accommodations Bella Coola offers a variety that range from Lodges and Inns to charming B&Bs, and campgrounds. You`ll also find well-appointed cottages with phenomenal mountain views. There is a total of 139 rooms to choose from plus 174 campsites; with 101 of those sites equipped to accommodate RVs. And with this beautiful area being surrounded by the Great Bear Rainforest you`re bound to see a few Grizzlies ! There are local companies offering tours for all age ranges and physical activity levels. For more info on tours see here: https://www.bcmountainlodge.com/
 
To plan your Beautiful British Columbia Adventure to the Belles...... stop in to see your Professional Travel Consultant today!

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.