Vancouver International Airport

Bella Bella Airport (CBBC) sits on Campbell Island in British Columbia's Central Coast, serving the Heiltsuk Village of Bella Bella and the surrounding region. This small, single-runway airport is the only scheduled air link between this remote community and the outside world, with Pacific Coastal Airlines providing daily flights to Vancouver. Despite its modest size, the airport is a critical piece of infrastructure — it handles passengers, freight, medical evacuations, and serves as the last aviation fuel stop for general aviation aircraft heading north before Terrace. The terminal building is compact, but the service is notably efficient and friendly, with a coffee shop that produces surprisingly good espresso.

Getting There

Bella Bella is not accessible by road. The airport is located on Campbell Island, and the only way to reach the terminal is by water or air. For most travelers, arrival will be by plane — either on a scheduled Pacific Coastal Airlines flight from Vancouver (YVR) or via private aircraft. If you are arriving by boat, the village of Bella Bella is a short water taxi ride from the airport dock. The airport itself is situated about 2 kilometers from the village center. During daylight hours, a local taxi can be arranged by calling ahead, or you can walk the gravel road that connects the airport to the waterfront. There is no formal public transit. The journey from Vancouver to Bella Bella by air takes approximately 1.5 hours via a Saab 340 turboprop. For those flying their own aircraft, be aware that the airport is surrounded by water and dense coastal forest — approach procedures require careful attention to weather, as fog and low clouds can close in quickly.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Bella Bella Airport is small but functional. Upon arrival, passengers walk from the aircraft across the tarmac to a single-story building that houses the check-in counter, a waiting area, the coffee shop, and restrooms. The check-in process is fast — staff are known for their friendly, efficient service. The coffee shop is the terminal's main amenity, offering espresso-based drinks, pastries, and light snacks. The coffee is notably good for an airport this size, and the barista can prepare cappuccinos and lattes on request. The terminal is wheelchair-accessible, with an accessible entrance, parking, and toilet. There is no baggage carousel; luggage is brought in by hand and placed on a cart. Security screening is minimal — since flights are small, passengers are quickly processed. The entire facility is immaculate, but it can get crowded when flights are boarding, as the waiting area has limited seating. The runway is often cold and damp, and in winter it can become icy. Be prepared for potential delays if weather conditions deteriorate. There is no ATM, but the coffee shop accepts debit and credit cards.

Bella Bella Airport (CBBC) and Central Coast A

The Central Coast of British Columbia is one of Canada's most remote and spectacular regions. It is a vast archipelago of forested islands, deep fjords, and sheltered inlets, with a population of fewer than 5,000 people spread across a handful of communities. Bella Bella is the main hub of the Heiltsuk Nation, a First Nation with a history stretching back over 9,000 years. The area is rich in Indigenous culture — visitors can explore ancient village sites, petroglyphs, and the world-renowned art of the Heiltsuk people at the local cultural center. The surrounding landscape is dominated by temperate rainforest, home to bears, wolves, eagles, and abundant marine life including orcas, humpback whales, and salmon. Outdoor activities include kayaking in the protected waters of the Great Bear Rainforest, fishing for salmon and halibut, and hiking through old-growth cedar and hemlock forests. The region is also a gateway to the remote Fiordland Conservancy and the Hakai Lúxvbálís Conservancy, which offer some of the most pristine wilderness experiences in British Columbia. The airport is the primary access point for all of this. Without it, reaching the Central Coast would require a multi-day ferry journey or a long boat ride from Port Hardy. Pacific Coastal Airlines provides the vital air link, making it possible to travel between Bella Bella and Vancouver in a single day. For those willing to venture off the beaten path, the Central Coast offers a chance to experience a part of Canada that remains wild, largely untouched, and deeply connected to its Indigenous heritage.

Practical Information

Bella Bella Airport is open weekdays only, from approximately 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM Pacific Time. It is closed on weekends and public holidays. The best time to visit is during the summer months (June through September) when weather is most reliable. Winter flights are more likely to be delayed or cancelled due to fog, rain, or ice. There are no rental car services at the airport. If you need transportation within Bella Bella, arrange a taxi in advance by contacting the Heiltsuk Tribal Council or the local lodge. The airport does not have a control tower; pilots use a common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) to coordinate arrivals and departures.

For general aviation pilots: call ahead to confirm availability of AVgas (100LL). Fuel is not always guaranteed, and as of 2024, it is best to phone the airport at +1 250-957-2366 to check. Bella Bella is the last fuel stop heading north from Vancouver until Terrace, so plan accordingly. If refueling is not available, you may need to fly with extra reserves or be prepared to detour.

One concrete piece of advice: book the earliest flight of the day. The afternoon flight departs Vancouver around 1:00 PM and arrives mid-afternoon, but if the weather closes in, the aircraft may not be able to land. The morning flight has a higher chance of success, and if delays occur, you will have more options to rebook before the airport closes at 3:30 PM.