08/10/2026
One of the most dangerous highways in Canada ?
Drive hwy 20 west from Williams Lake to the end of the road and you come to Bella Coola, located in the Great Bear rainforest and situated on an arm of salt water connecting to the Pacific Ocean. This visit requires you to drive in 6 hours and back out the same road.
On the Chilcotin Plateau, ranches are everywhere and cattle roam freely. It was common to come across herds wandering the roadsides and crossing the road without any regard of us.
We experienced the steep winding descent known as ‘The Hill’ at Heckman Pass - a steep, unpaved descent from the plateau down into the Bella Coola Valley that features many tight switchbacks, grades up to 18% and sheer dropoffs without guardrails. I only held my breath a couple times hahaha.
We saw the most stunning views of the surrounding landscape!!!
There are several small communities along the way. We parked up for the night overlooking the Bella Coola River, full of rapids and beautiful mountainous views.
We spent a few days in the Bella Coola valley and absolutely loved the area. Nestled in the lush valley with mountains surrounding it you were in awe of the view every where you looked. The drive back up “the Hill” seemed easier than the way down, but the views were just as stunning!
