The history of this alluring area is evident, dating back 10,000 years and blending into everyday life. The first native people were known as Nuxalkmc, who lived in villages along the rivers and on the coastline. By the time anthropologists researched the region in 1922, these indigenous people had already disappeared, with the Nuxalk (as it was shortened to) living only at the mouth of the Bella Coola River. Immerse yourself in the ancient culture and along with a Nuxalk guide, experience the region’s cultural heritage, whether gazing at weathered etchings carved into rock faces or visiting the local craftsman.

The grizzly bears are the main attraction when it comes to wildlife, and the vast mountain ranges and dense forests make a good home for them. Near the end of the summer, late August to September, the bears make their way down salmon spawning rivers to fatten up in time for winter. Watch them snap up fish in the air and swipe them from the waters with finger-length talons. Mothers may care for their cubs on the banks and males play fight, seemingly just to kill time. 

Tweedsmuir Park Lodge, on the banks of the Atnarko River, is the perfect place to start your grizzly bear journey. Bears wander up to the lodge, sometime napping on the lawn. Take a scenic float down the river whilst bears fish either side of you, or even try fishing yourself. Other activities include setting crab and prawn traps, visit Oceanside hot springs, bird watching, heli-hiking, flight-seeing, valley tours, guided nature walks and cultural tours.