Bella Bella

Bella Bella, also known as Waglisla, is a vibrant community located on Campbell Island, off the central coast of British Columbia. It is the heart of the Heiltsuk First Nation and the largest First Nations community on BC’s west coast, with a population of approximately 1,400. The village is marked by a striking eagle head painted on its Native Cultural Centre, symbolizing its roots as a fishing and forestry community.

Bella Bella offers essential services, including boat and fuel docks, a general store, police station, hospital, pharmacy, and an airport with regular flights from Vancouver and Port Hardy. Accessible only by BC Ferries or Pacific Coastal Airlines, it serves as a gateway to the breathtaking Great Bear Rainforest and a hub of Indigenous culture and history.

History

Bella Bella’s history is deeply connected to the Heiltsuk Nation, whose people have lived in the region for thousands of years. In the 1830s, the area became the site of Fort McLoughlin, a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post. Today, the Heiltsuk people actively preserve their rich cultural heritage, including their ancestral language, traditions, and stories. This cultural wealth is celebrated at the Heiltsuk Cultural Centre, which features traditional totem poles, exquisite art, and historical artifacts, providing a vivid glimpse into the community’s past.

Wildlife

Bella Bella’s location within the Great Bear Rainforest and its proximity to the Pacific Ocean make it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. On land, the iconic Kermode bear, or Spirit Bear, is a rare and revered resident of the region, along with coastal gray wolves, black bears, and cougars. Smaller mammals such as minks, river otters, and beavers thrive here, while bald eagles, ravens, owls, and woodpeckers grace the skies.

Meanwhile, in the ocean, marine life is equally abundant, with humpback, grey, and orca whales frequenting the waters. Visitors can also spot sea lions, porpoises, and a variety of seabirds, including puffins and cormorants. The intricate ecosystems surrounding Bella Bella create unparalleled opportunities for wildlife observation.

Things to Do

Bella Bella offers a diverse range of activities that blend outdoor adventure with cultural discovery. Visitors can paddle through inlets and around picturesque islands by kayak or canoe, encountering marine life and breathtaking coastal scenery. Hiking opportunities abound, with trails that wind through lush rainforests, along rugged coastlines, and up to scenic viewpoints, catering to all experience levels.

For those fascinated by wildlife, guided tours provide respectful and safe opportunities to observe bears, whales, wolves, and other remarkable creatures in their natural habitats. The surrounding waters, teeming with salmon, halibut, and other species, also make Bella Bella a favourite destination for fishing enthusiasts.

Culture is another highlight of Bella Bella. Visitors can immerse themselves in the traditions and history of the Heiltsuk people by touring the Heiltsuk Cultural Centre or joining guided cultural experiences. Boat tours offer access to remote locations, including hidden coves, uninhabited islands, and soothing hot springs, while bird watchers will delight in the diverse species found in the area’s rich ecosystems. For a more leisurely experience, beachcombing along the coastline reveals tidal pools and marine life, perfect for discovering the treasures of the Pacific Northwest.

Accommodations & Attractions