Eagle Lodge / Jim and Rosemary Smart

Website Links

Description

In the last decade, the Bella Coola Valley has become a popular destination for eco tourism adventurers, with bear viewing topping the Things To Do list. Solitary creatures, the Grizzly and Black bears roam the hillsides & lowlands throughout the Bella Coola Valley. Their population is densest within Tweedsmuir Park South, where the presence of abundant spawning salmon streams ensure these magnificent creatures are well fed. A more dominant species, the Grizzly, sometimes known as Kodiaks, will normally displace the Black bear. But the valley’s abundant food source makes them far more tolerant. Since bears are omnivorous they can be viewed year round, with the easiest sightings from Mid August to late October. Then the Grizzly and Black bears can be seen along the river banks fishing for the spawning salmon. Sport fishermen must sometimes give way to these mighty beasts when their favorite fishing spot is challenged by a hungry bear. Nearby, on Princess Royal Island, the snow white Spirit Bear rummages along the streams, they too feasting on the spawning salmon. The Spirit Bear or Kermode bear is related to the Black bear, but are not albinos. When the Spirit Bears emerge from their dens in early spring, their coats are snow white. By late fall they’ve built up fat from the spawning salmon and rich berries, giving their thick coats a butter yellow sheen. For those wanting to strike out on their own Bella Coola Valley Tourism has produced an excellent Trails Guide that includes maps and descriptions of 17 of the most popular hikes. Click here for an easy-to-follow online version.

Products & services

Similar companies nearby