All the unique communities in the Central Coast of British Columbia are considered remote, and most (Bella Bella, Ocean Falls, Denny Island, Wuikinuxv/Rivers Inlet, and Klemtu) can be reached only by plane or boat. Communities within the Bella Coola Valley (Bella Coola, Hagensborg, Firvale, and Stuie) can also be reached by road, via Highway 20 from Williams Lake.
Traveling to the region is easiest with advance planning, especially during times of inclement weather. It is highly recommended that travellers make all travel plans and reservations well ahead of time.
By Air
Currently, Pacific Coastal Airlines offers the only scheduled air service to the Bella Coola valley. During the summer months, there are generally two flights per day from Vancouver Airport South Terminal, and at all other times of year there is generally one flight per day.
Travellers to the outer coast communities of Bella Bella, Ocean Falls, and Denny Island can fly via Pacific Coastal Airlines to the Bella Bella Airport. Generally there are two flights per day from Vancouver Airport South Terminal.
Air travellers to Wuikinuxv/Rivers Inlet and Klemtu must charter flights from Vancouver or Port Hardy. Consult the Wuikinuxv Nation website for suggestions.
There are also many charter flight options available for travel to and within the Central Coast region. Please contact Bella Coola Valley Tourism and Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association for further details and more information about traveling in this unique and beautiful region:
By Sea
BC Ferries offers transport to the Central Coast by sea from Port Hardy, located in the northeast corner of Vancouver Island, and Prince Rupert, located on BC’s North Coast. During the summer months, seagoing travellers can enjoy direct passage from Port Hardy to Bella Coola via the Northern Sea Wolf, and direct passage to Bella Bella via the Northern Expedition from Port Hardy and Prince Rupert. Travel to other outer coast communities (Denny Island, Klemtu, and Ocean Falls) is via a connector service on the Northern Sea Wolf or the Nimpkish. Please consult the BC Ferries website for details, or call them at 1-888-BC-FERRY (1-888-223-3779).
Sea travellers to Wuikinuxv/Rivers Inlet and Klemtu can charter boats from Port Hardy. Consult the Wuikinuxv Nation website for suggestions.
There are also many charter boat options available for travel to and within the Central Coast region. Please contact Bella Coola Valley Tourism and Cariboo-Chilcotin-Coast Tourism Association for further details and more information about traveling in this unique and beautiful region.
By Land to the Bella Coola Valley
Currently, travel via road to the Bella Coola valley is by private vehicle only. Travelers driving to the Bella Coola region should be aware that there is no cell service, and fuel stations and accommodation options on Highway 20 between Williams Lake and Hagensborg in the Bella Coola valley are limited. It is highly recommended that accommodations are booked in advance, and that drivers familiarize themselves with this beautiful and remote road before they travel:
Bella Coola Valley Tourism Association
Cariboo-Chilcotin-Coast Tourism Association