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2lazy4U's avatar
2lazy4U
Explorer
Jul 16, 2016

Headed for Bella Coola

I'm finally going to hit the road tomorrow! I managed to pull some back muscles in a pretty serious way and have been waiting for them to heal, but they're taking too long, so I'm just going to go anyway as time's a wastin'. Since I tent/car camp, I may have to get a few motel rooms, but so be it.

I was going to Alaska (went last summer, it was great), but now I think I want to go see the Great Bear Rainforest and Bella Coola. I'll drive from Colorado - have been to Williams Lake where you turn off to Bella Coola, so some of it's familiar country, but the road on across the Chilcotin is all new.

I'll have three dogs with me, all good travelers who go all over with me. I may take the ferry back to Port Hardy or even on up to Alaska, but knowing my concern for the dogs over being pent up too long, I'll probably drive instead of taking a ferry.

Anyway, any words of encouragement and/or sage advice or travel tips would be greatly appreciated. Have been reading Explore North's blog about his trip there, so have an idea of what's what. Thanks in advance.

16 Replies

  • As Gary mentioned, there is not a lot to do in Bella Coola.

    The Hill makes for interesting experience but once you have done it a few times, it is not that bad.

  • Gary - bugs = mosquitoes?

    I may make it a day trip from Anahim Lake or something like that.
  • The Hill is a thing of beauty. Biggest awareness? Watch for on-coming. Lots of single lane stuff.

    If you are into Boondocking? once down, the river provides lots of opportunity.

    The thing I found? Was nothing. It was the only place I have ever been to where I could find nothing to do. Yes, the river/beach area was pretty but the bugs? geeesus, I hate those things. The drive? OMG..fabulous. The end of the road? not so much.

    I look forward to your thoughts.


    Gary Haupt
  • I have a good friend who was a nurse in Haida Gwaii for awhile and she told me a lot about it. Highly recommended it, but I think I would rather go w/o the dogs.

    Thanks for the link on the Hill, Orion. It doesn't sound any worse than a lot of Colorado roads I've driven. Just gear down and pretend you're in Kansas (don't look down). :)
  • Have a great trip. I have been to the Great Bear Rainforest and have seen the Kermode (Spirit) bears. It was a very intense experience. I truly hope you experience the Spirit bears.

    You could also make a trip to Haida Guai (Queen Charlotte Islands), a different world would be a good description. If you are considering that side trip please investigate the situation as regards your dogs. i don't know what the status of that may be. BC Ferries Prince Rupert to Skidegate.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kermode_bear
  • This guy really enjoyed the trip. I didn't know though that part of The Hill was single lane! THE HILL