Wágḷísḷa Trails:

The Waglisla Trails Project:
A Community Success Story

Decades of Dedication

The trails that visitors enjoy today represent more than 30 years of community effort. Many attempts to build and rebuild these trails began in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but it wasn't until recent years that the community achieved the sustainable, high-quality standards we maintain today.

Key Milestone: In 2024, the Heiltsuk Nation officially completed the full rebuild of the Red Cedar Trail to professional standards, creating a pathway that is both beautiful and low-maintenance.

Strategic Funding & Support

The revitalization of Waglisla Trails has been made possible through strategic partnerships and grant funding from 2025 Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) Grant and 

Community Involvement

The success of Waglisla Trails is rooted in community participation. Funding supports:

•       Training community members in professional trail building and maintenance techniques

•       Employment for local workers in trail construction and maintenance

•       Sustainable, year-round employment opportunities that complement seasonal fishing work

As Evangeline Clifton, Economic Development Officer at the Heiltsuk Tribal Council, notes: "There's so much more that goes into trail building and maintenance than just cutting a few bushes." This commitment to quality and sustainability ensures that these trails will serve the community for generations to come.

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ARTICLE: https://theskeena.com/2025/05/07/bella-bella-cedar-trail-get-upgrades/

Trail Usage & Community Impact

Since revitalization efforts began in 2024, the Waglisla Trails have experienced a dramatic increase in usage:

• Approximately 1,500 community members use the trails regularly for walking, picnicking, and swimming

• Usage has increased significantly over the past year compared to the previous two to three decades

• New amenities like the zipline added to the Red Cedar Trail have attracted families and created fun new recreational opportunities

• Economic benefits: Trail-based recreation creates land-based employment opportunities that help fill gaps left by seasonal fishing work

Safety & Responsible Trail Use

Important Safety Information

Hiking alone in the woods of Bella Bella can be dangerous. The rugged terrain and dense foliage can make it easy to get lost, and encounters with wildlife like bears, wolves, and cougars are possible. Sudden weather changes can also be hazardous.

Please Stay Safe:

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• Never hike alone – bring a companion

• Bring essential items: Map, compass, GPS device

• Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising wildlife

• Carry bear spray and know how to use it

• Be prepared for weather changes – conditions can shift rapidly

• Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return

• Check weather forecasts before heading out

Wildlife Awareness

The trails pass through prime habitat for bears, wolves, cougars, and other wildlife. Respect their space and follow these guidelines:

• Make noise to alert animals of your presence

• Never approach or feed wildlife

• Store food securely

• If you encounter a bear, remain calm and back away slowly

What to Bring

• Comfortable, waterproof hiking footwear

• Weather-appropriate clothing (layers recommended)

• Water and snacks

• Map and compass or GPS device

• Bear spray

• Camera (optional)

• Insect repellent (especially in summer months)

• Sunscreen and hat

Trail Conditions & Seasonal Considerations

Summer (June-August)

• Best season for trail use

• Longer daylight hours

• Insect activity increases

• Trails are generally dry and well-maintained

Fall (September-November)

• Beautiful scenery with changing foliage

• Increasing moisture and mud

• Shorter daylight hours

• Wildlife activity increases

Winter (December-February)

• Wet conditions and heavy moss/mud

• Shorter daylight hours

• Trails may be slippery

• Not recommended for inexperienced hikers

Spring (March-May)

• Trails begin to dry out

• Increasing daylight

• Wildlife activity increases

• Stream crossings may be challenging due to snowmelt

Supporting the Trails

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The Waglisla Trails project is an ongoing community initiative. If you'd like to support trail maintenance and expansion efforts, consider:

Volunteering: Join community work parties to maintain and improve the trails

Donations: Support the Heiltsuk Nation's trail development fund

Respectful Use: Follow all safety guidelines and leave no trace

Sharing Your Experience: Tell others about the beauty and significance of Waglisla Trails

Get Started

Ready to explore?

Both trails are open year-round, with the best conditions during summer and early fall. Start with the Red Cedar Trail for a leisurely forest walk, or venture to the Narrow Trail for a more remote wilderness experience.

Questions?

Contact the Q̓átuw̓alas Visitor Information Centre at info@heiltsuk.ca or call for trail conditions and recommendations.

#WaglislaTrails – Explore, Respect, Preserve