Bella Coola Valley, British Columbia Canada
Tallheo Cannery
Thursday July 29th, 2010
Tallheo Cannery
The Tallheo Cannery reflects the history of a thriving canning industry that began in the late 1890s

Tallheo Cannery

Tallheo Cannery reflects the history of a thriving canning industry that began in the late 1890s. In the early days, the Norwegians, who had originally immigrated to farm in the Valley, found commercial fishing more lucrative. They and the Nuxalkmc caught spring and sockeye salmon, and canneries were built along the inlet and at the mouth of the Bella Coola River. Due to improved refrigeration and better transportation from the Valley, the industry faded out in 1948, but Tallheo Cannery still had a fleet of about 100 gillnet boats in 1954.

Cruise aboard Ladybug On a visit today you board the Ladybug to cruise 3 km (2 mi) across North Bentinck Arm to visit the cluster of red buildings nestled at the base of  Mt. Pootlass. A three-hour tour includes either lunch or dinner, barbecued salmon is a big treat , and time to explore  the remnants of a once-prosperous industry and the tiny community that was home to some of the employees. Flash back to the 1940s and '50s as you wander through the cannery office and general store. For those interested in old equipment, there is everything from canning machine parts to old boats that the owner is constantly upgrading and happy to tell stories about.
The 68 hectares (168 acres) have trails to hike, a stream to fish and a private beach. The beautifully set property is a highlight for photographers -- picture colourful wildflowers with ocean and mountains as backdrop. Follow trails to see one of the area's largest Douglas firs, bask in the view from the bridge above Nieumiamus Creek or stroll the beach. The owner claims you can fish the creek without bait and catch and release a salmon, and says he has guests who have done just that. From  Tallheo, tours can be booked to explore the North Bentinck Arm, or to fish and visit hot springs.
A haven for photographers

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