Norwegian Heritage of Bella Coola

Norwegian History

Norwegian settlers from Minnesota and Wisconsin arrived in 1894. The town was named “Hagen’s Borg” after Hagen B. Christensen, the first storekeeper in the area and postmaster from April 1, 1896 to October 14, 1910. (“borg” is Norwegian for a fortress or castle).

The Norwegian Heritage House in Hagensborg was originally built as the home of the Svisdahl family, early pioneers of the area. Constructed in the traditional, square, timber-log style, the home was relocated to the Hwy 20 Hagensborg townsite and has been set up much as it would have appeared 100 years ago. Open: Tuesday –  Friday 10-6pm

For Tours please call:
1-250-255-4088 Rhys Nygarrd
1-250-982-2270 June
1-250-982-2357 Peter

The Bella Coola Valley Museum, also a Norwegian log building, began life as a school house.

The two-room building houses an excellent collection of fascinating First Nations and early pioneer displays.

Open:  Tuesday- Saturday 9am- 5pm (closed 12-1pm), until August 31st.