Bella Coola Valley facts for kids
The Bella Coola Valley is a special place in British Columbia, Canada. It is found in the middle part of the province's coast. The valley includes the land around the Bella Coola River and its smaller streams. You can reach this area by BC Hwy 20. This highway goes from Williams Lake all the way to the town of Bella Coola. The town of Bella Coola is at the end of North Bentinck Arm. From there, you can take a ferry during certain times of the year. The ferry can take you to Vancouver Island or Prince Rupert.
For a very long time, the Bella Coola Valley has been the homeland of the Nuxalk Nation. This includes the areas around North and South Bentinck Arm, and the Dean and Burke Channels. The Nuxalk people have lived here for thousands of years. They consider this land to be theirs, and it has not been given up to the Canadian government.
The Bella Coola River flows through the valley. It also acts as a natural border. To the north are the Kitimat Ranges. To the south are the Pacific Ranges. These are two big parts of the larger Coast Mountains range.
Towns and Villages
The Bella Coola Valley is home to several small communities. Each one has its own unique feel.
- Bella Coola proper: This is the main town in the valley. It is located at the head of North Bentinck Arm.
- Bella Coola Indian Reserve No. 1: This is a community that is part of the Nuxalk Nation's traditional territory.
- Nusatsum: This village is located where the Nusatsum River joins the Bella Coola River.
- Saloompt: This community is found where the Salloomt River meets the Bella Coola River.
- Hagensborg: This village is known for its Norwegian heritage.
- Firvale: A small community further up the valley.
- Stuie: Another small community in the valley.
More to Explore
- Tallheo, British Columbia: A historic village site across the water from Bella Coola.
- Kimsquit: Another important area for the Nuxalk Nation, located further north along the coast.
