| When planning a trip to BC's coastal rainforest, keep | | | | ½ hr.) |
| in mind the purpose of the trip. Your eco tourism | | | | - Norwegian Heritage House: Built as an original |
| experience probably includes bear and wildlife viewing, | | | | Norwegian farm house, then relocated to its present |
| bird watching, walking amongst ancient cedars in an | | | | location on Highway 20 in Hagensborg, it is furnished |
| old growth rainforest, and standing beside mountain | | | | by donations from early settler's families. The |
| stream watching spawning salmon attempt to jump | | | | Norwegian heritage is prominent in the Valley and the |
| up a waterfall. It may include some First Nations | | | | stories of these amazing pioneers are something |
| culture and history, and shopping. | | | | special to discover. Local First Nations elders say they |
| In addition to the tours already covered in the series | | | | got along well with the Norwegian's "until the white |
| of articles "Adventures on the Wild Side", the | | | | people came." These Norwegian pioneers are the |
| following itinerary can help ensure a valuable | | | | people whose sons and daughters, in partnership with |
| experience. | | | | industry and First Nations, built the Freedom road, |
| - Clayton Falls: Just over 1mi/2km west of the Bella | | | | The Hill, when the government said it couldn't be |
| Coola docks where BC Ferries docks, Clayton Falls | | | | done. (1/2 - 1 hr.) |
| cascades down worn granite cliffs to pool a short | | | | - Saloompt Forest Trails: East of Hagensborg, this old |
| distance from the salt water of the Burke Channel. In | | | | growth forest offers a self guided tour on Saloompt |
| the autumn, watch salmon trying to jump up the cliff | | | | Road, approximately 3mi/5km east of Hagensborg. A |
| (they never can but they always try). A secure and | | | | gentle 20 to 45 minute walk, wheel chair accessible, |
| picturesque viewing platform is making this a popular | | | | the trails wind along the Bella Coola river. (1 hr.) |
| spot for weddings. (1/4 - 1/2 hr.) | | | | - Bella Coola Valley Seafood's: Just a bit further along |
| - Museum: Bella Coola's museum, housed in a beautiful | | | | Saloompt Rd., choose from a selection of the best |
| heritage building of Norwegian log construction, | | | | wild Pacific smoked and fresh salmon - a wide |
| focuses on early First Nations and the commercial | | | | selection of flavours is available including Lemon |
| fishing history. (1 hr.) | | | | Pepper, Teryaki,. For your next hike, pick up some |
| - Ancient Rock Carvings: Just east of Bella Coola | | | | Salmon Jerky. Sweet wild Prawns and Halibut is |
| village, visit ancient Petroglyphs with Nuxalk twins | | | | available most of the time. (1/4 - 1/2 hr) |
| Chris or Lance Nelson, a moderate 10 minute hike. | | | | - Shopping: In Hagensborg find those "necessities" at |
| The extensive collections of ancient rock carvings are | | | | the Shop Easy, a modern day General Store. You will |
| accessed via First Nations land and a very culturally | | | | not believe what you can buy in this store! Then |
| important location to the Nuxalk people. We strongly | | | | browse the adjoining boutique, the Country Faire, |
| recommend, out of respect for the peoples and their | | | | stocked with beautiful bath products, clothing, |
| heritage, that you hire a Nuxalk guide. We | | | | giftware and tourism memorabilia. Kopas store in Bella |
| recommend Chris and Lance as they are the only | | | | Coola village has a wide selection of clothing, shoes, |
| local guides who combine stories with drumming and | | | | First Nations art, books and gift ware. The Petroglyph |
| singing. (2 hr.) | | | | Gallery, located near the trail head to the |
| - Fish Hatchery: Located midway between the | | | | Petroglyphs, has a wonderful selection of First |
| villages of Bella Coola and Hagensborg, the Snootli | | | | Nations art and carvings. |
| Hatchery is one of only two hatcheries in the | | | | Practical Notes: |
| province that returns more in direct fishing revenue | | | | - Local guides can be booked for wildlife viewing, |
| than they cost to operate. Free tours available, | | | | bear viewing and hiking. |
| Monday to Friday, no pre booking required. (1 - 1 | | | | - Rain is possible year round. Dress in layers. |