Archaeological remains confirm that Indigenous peoples have lived in the Bella Coola Valley for at least 10 000 years. The unbroken oral histories of the Nuxalk first peoples (“Nuxalk” means “becoming one”) confirm archaeological findings. There is evidence of Indigenous villages throughout the valley, as well as on the coast. The community of Hagensborg is located in the traditional territories of the Nuxalk Nation.

Settler arrival
In 1894, having been granted permission to clear land and build houses in the area, 79 Norwegian Lutherans arrived in the Bella Coola Valley from Minnesota and Wisconsin. The colonists cleared land for agriculture, constructed a school and church, and built a road from Bella Coola.

The Norwegians called their settlement “Hagens Borg.” “Borg” means fortress or castle in Norwegian; the first store and post office in the area was opened by Hagen B. Christensen. The community is now known as “Hagensborg.” Prior to the smallpox pandemic of 1862-63, Nuxalk communities resided in the area.

Hagensborg is located in the Bella Coola Valley. Travel west on the Chilcotin-Bella Coola Highway 20. Hagensborg is 437 km (271 miles) from Williams Lake, approximately six hours and forty-five minutes by car.

Boat

BC Ferries offers ferry service from Port Hardy to Bella Coola, from June to the second week in September. The direct sailing from Port Hardy to Bella Coola takes 13 hours.

Indirect sailings to Bella Coola may also stop at McLoughlin Bay, Shearwater, Klemtu and Ocean Falls, resulting in either a 24- or 36-hour trip to Bella Coola. 

Great Bear Chalet
https://greatbearchalet.com

Kynoch Adventure Tours
https://www.kynochadventuretours.com/

Bella Coola Valley Museum
https://www.bellacoolamuseum.ca

Norwegian Settlement in the Bella Coola Valley (Bella Coola Valley Museum: B.C. Central Coast Archives)
https://www.bellacoolamuseum.ca/en/digital_heritage/norwegian/index.php