Base Your Adventure at The Cumbrian Inn – Bella Coola’s Cozy Wilderness Gateway
cumbrianinn.ca
Nestled in British Columbia’s rugged Coast Mountains, Tweedsmuir Provincial Park is a hiking paradise. Whether you’re looking for tranquil forest strolls or multi-day alpine expeditions, this vast park offers something for every adventurer. The best part? You can explore it all while enjoying the comfort and convenience of staying at The Cumbrian Inn in Bella Coola.
This guide highlights the park’s top trails — categorized by difficulty — along with key details like trail conditions, maps, seasonal access, and safety tips. Plus, we’ll explain why The Cumbrian Inn is the ideal place to base your journey.
Why Stay at The Cumbrian Inn?
Before we dive into the trails, here’s why staying at The Cumbrian Inn makes sense:
- Location, location, location – Just minutes from Bella Coola’s amenities and near the Highway 20 access to Tweedsmuir South.
- Comfort after adventure – Cozy rooms, WiFi, and peaceful surroundings help you rest and recharge.
- Local insight – Staff can help with updated trail conditions, wildlife safety tips, and even guide referrals.
- Flexible adventure planning – Hike by day, relax by night. Build your ideal trip with support from your home base.
Trail Categories & Conditions
Tweedsmuir’s trail network is diverse. Here’s what to expect:
- South Tweedsmuir is the most accessible from Bella Coola and contains many of the park’s established trails.
- Trails range from easy interpretive walks to difficult, unmaintained alpine routes.
- Conditions vary seasonally — most hikes are best from mid-July to late September due to snow melt, trail dryness, and weather reliability.
Easy Trails: For Casual Walks & Families
1. Kettle Pond Trail
- Distance: ~1 km loop
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Best for: Families, seniors, quick nature walks
- Highlights: Serene pond, interpretive signage, birdwatching
- Season: May to October
- Notes: Flat and well-marked — perfect for a leg-stretcher after the drive into Bella Coola.
6. Hunlen Falls via Tote Road
- Distance: ~16 km one way
- Difficulty: Hard
- Highlights: One of Canada’s highest waterfalls (260+ meters), panoramic views, remote feel
- Season: July to September
- Access: 4WD access road + hike
Maps & Navigation Tips
- Paper maps: Carry topographic maps for all but the easiest trails.
- Apps: Gaia GPS, AllTrails, or FATMAP can help but often lack signal in remote areas.
- Trail markings: Some trails have cairns, others are unmaintained — don’t rely solely on signage.
- Ask locals: Staff at The Cumbrian Inn or local visitor centres can offer up-to-date advice
Challenging & Epic Hikes
5. Crystal Lake Trail
- Distance: ~20 km return
- Difficulty: Hard
- Highlights: Steep elevation, alpine lakes, solitude
- Season: Mid-July to early September
- Tips: Expect fallen trees or rough terrain. For experienced hikers or those with guides.
Suggested 4-Day Hiking Itinerary (Based at The Cumbrian Inn)
- Day 1: Arrive, check-in, stretch your legs on Kettle Pond Trail
- Day 2: Tackle Rainbow Range for sweeping alpine views
- Day 3: Drive to Hunlen Falls trailhead, hike to falls, return
- Day 4: Half-day hike to Burnt Bridge, then relax before departure
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is the best time to hike in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park?
Answer: Mid-July to late September offers the best trail conditions — dry, snow-free, and with milder weather.
2. Do I need a guide to hike here?
Answer: For short trails, no. But for longer or alpine hikes like Crystal Lake or Panorama Lakes, a guide is highly recommended unless you have advanced navigation skills.
3. Is it safe to hike alone in Tweedsmuir?
Answer: Solo hiking is possible, but not recommended due to wildlife and remote terrain. Hike in pairs or groups and carry bear spray.
4. How can I access trailheads without a 4WD vehicle?
Answer: Some trailheads like Rainbow Range are accessible by 2WD. Others, like Hunlen Falls, require 4WD or can be accessed by floatplane.
5. Can I do day hikes if I’m staying at The Cumbrian Inn?
Answer: Absolutely. Many trails are within a 30–60 min drive from the inn. It’s a perfect base for day hiking and returning to comfort at night.
Final Thoughts: Nature and Comfort Combined
Tweedsmuir Provincial Park offers unforgettable hiking — from quiet pond loops to epic alpine vistas. Whether you’re a weekend hiker or a seasoned backpacker, there’s a trail with your name on it.
Make The Cumbrian Inn your launchpad. With its central location, cozy charm, and local support, you get the best of both worlds — wild nature by day, warm hospitality by night.
Book your stay today at cumbrianinn.ca and start planning your Bella Coola hiking escape!
