Gateway to the Great Bear Rainforest
Great Bear Rainforest Bella Coola

The Rainbow Range is Unforgettable

Adventures Along Hwy 20

'The Hill'

Even the Journey is an Adventure

Driving into Bella Coola is a Spectacular Experience.

From Vancouver, Bella Coola is approximately 1000 km (620 mi) north.

Directions: Follow Hwy 97 to Williams Lake and continue west on Hwy 20 for a 4-hour drive to Anahim Lake. Another 40 min. on a packed, dirt road to the top of what is affectionately known as ‘The Hill’.

The Hill is a 20-minute descent at slow speed, in low gear, to the Valley floor. From there, it’s another 1 hour or so of relatively flat driving to the village of Bella Coola.

Note the distances to Bella Coola from:

Williams Lake, BC: 457 km (284 mi)
Prince George
, BC: 693 km (431 mi)
Kelowna, BC: 903 km (560 mi)
Seattle, Washington: 1100 km (688 mi)
Jasper, Alberta: 999 km (620 mi)
Edmonton, Alberta: 1360 km (845 mi)
Calgary, Alberta: 1350 km (844 mi)the hill,

Drive BC’s website has Current Hill Road Conditions

Highway 20 BCMore about The Hill
The area of HWY 20 that leads through Tweedsmuir Park is a steep, dirt-packed incline known affectionately as “The Hill.”

The Hill is a series of switchbacks & has grades of up to 18 percent. The road handles all traffic year-round, including semi-trailer trucks & large recreational vehicles.

During steep sections, it’s best to put your vehicle in first gear & just go slow. Remember, uphill traffic has the right-of-way. Some sections are single lane. It’s a good idea to take note of the many pull-offs in case you need to let another vehicle pass. While exercising caution, you’ll find The Hill an exciting & enjoyable part of your Bella Coola holiday. For more information, read ‘Freedom Road’ – A History of the Hill.

Tastefull Excursions Shuttle Service from Bella Coola to Williams Lake.

No vehicle? Take the Tastefull Excursions Premium Shuttle Service to Williams Lake.

5-6 Hour Trip: Fueling Up along Hwy 20

Riske Creek:
Toosey Band Gas
Hours: 9am-9pm
 
Redstone:
Redstone Gas Bar
Hours: 8am-9pm

Tatla Lake:
West Chilcotin Trading:Light Mechanical Repairs
Hours: 9am-3pm

Nimpo Lake:
Nimpo Lake General Store
May – Sept Hours: 8am-8pm
Winter: 10am-6pm
 
Anahim Lake:
Grandma’s Corner Service
Hours: 8am-6pm