Williams Lake to Bella Coola, Coast Route

A Popular Road Trip in British Columbia, Canada

Sep 25, 2009

British Columbia has incredible diversity throughout the province. One of the most popular road trip itineraries in BC offers an experience on a road less traveled.

A summer road trip is a popular way to experience the people, culture, wildlife and landscapes within British Columbia, Canada. Spanning from the coastal oceanside, heading into mountain passes, and fresh waterways, BC is one of the most diverse and scenic provinces in the country.

This suggested itinerary starts in Williams Lake in the Central Cariboo and ends in Bella Coola on the Central West Coast. It covers a distance of approximately 450 kilometres (280 miles). The drive explores the Cariboo and Chilcotin regions where ranching and forestry remain two strong industries. The elevation change from the Chilcotin Plateau makes for a dramatic descent to the seaside town of Bella Coola.

Long time home of the First Nations, Bella Coola became the westernmost point for Sir Alexander Mackenzie’s cross-continental trek with the fur traders in 1793. The expedition was successful in part due to the “grease trails” that were developed by the First Nations people long before them. Trade between coastal and interior First Nations was a significant way of life. The small fish called eulachon dripped oils while being transported for trade. Now the little village of Bella Coola is known for its artisans, fishing, logging, and wildlife tourism.

Driving West over Heckman Pass

The drive from Williams Lake on Highway 20 passes through many small towns and rises onto the highest part of the Chilcotin Plateau, famous for rare grasslands and some of the biggest ranches in BC.

The Coast Mountains begin at Anahim Lake heading west over Heckman Pass cruising down into the Bella Coola Valley. This part of the route is spectacular, winding back and forth between switchbacks on the way down the “The Hill” which overlooks the Atnarko Valley. Near the bottom, entering Tweedsmuir Provincial Park offers recreational camp sites for overnight stays and phenomenal hiking ranging from one to several days.

From Bella Coola, either return by making your way back to Williams Lake or complete a lengthened holiday with a BC Ferries’ ride over to the northernmost tip of Vancouver Island. Most who choose to continue along that route normally will venture south to enjoy the splendors of Vancouver Island and make their way back to the mainland via Victoria or Nanaimo into Vancouver and West Vancouver respectively.

For more information on travel in BC check out TourismBC’s official website and Drive BC for current road conditions.

The copyright of the article Williams Lake to Bella Coola, Coast Route in British Columbia Travel is owned by Maya Chang. Permission to republish Williams Lake to Bella Coola, Coast Route in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.