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Frequently Asked Questions
How are the roads west from Williams Lake? Highway 20 is paved for about 150 kilometres west of Williams Lake with occasional passing lanes available. The next 150 kilometres is hard oiled road, much like a paved road. The gravel road starts just past Anahim Lake and continues west down the Bella Coola Hill. The pavement starts again as the road meets the valley floor and continues to Bella Coola. The speed limit is 90 km/H except through the villages along the way. This speed is easy to maintain in dry conditions but should be altered accordingly when the pavement is wet. Winter drivers should be prepared with winter tires and chains. 4WD is a plus, but the main highway is kept ploughed and sanded throughout the winter months. Back roads require 4WD and 4WD capabilities are recommended on the Bella Coola hill in the wintertime. Back to top The Hill is famous for its narrow switch backs, steep grades, and unguarded drop-offs though it is nonetheless well maintained year round. If possible, leave your motor home or travel trailer at the top of the hill at Pine Point Resort while you drive into the beautiful Bella Coola Valley for the day. Back to top From the Aldergrove border crossing, just north of Lynden, Washington, it is an 8 to 10 hour drive to Nimpo Lake. Overnight accommodations are readily available at either 100 Mile House or Williams Lake. This is recommended if you prefer to break up your drive and stop to do grocery shopping prior to reaching Nimpo Lake. It is suggested to call ahead for reservations at Pine Point Resort during the summer months. How do we prepare to get through Canadian customs driving north, and US customs driving south? US citizens generally have very little difficulty with customs. The biggest problem is generally the long lines of vehicles waiting to get through the crossings during the summer months. Bring something to drink in warm weather and snacks to get you through the wait in better humour. Be patient. Call ahead to determine what is prohibited, what is allowed, and under what circumstances. This is especially important for hunters who wish to bring firearms into Canada, or those who wish to transport fish or game back home. Follow the rules, write down everything you need to declare, and be patient and respectful of the customs personnel. Have your ID and Documentation ready and in hand when approaching the border crossing. Canadian beef is not allowed to be transported into the US. Certain fruit and vegetables are not allowed from Canada into the US. Watch what is left in your cooler or travel snack bag before approaching customs. Are groceries readily available in the area? The four grocery stores in the area have a varying degree of produce and other grocery items available. The variety is limited and shipping makes everything more expensive than at large supermarkets. The quality of produce is less than optimal so it is recommended that visitors purchase groceries for their stay in Williams Lake prior to driving out. Still, fresh milk, eggs, freshly baked bread, meat items, and other groceries are available to extend your stay, expand your dinner guest list, or otherwise fill in the gaps in your larder. Fresh produce and seafood is of high quality and in abundant supply in the self-sustaining Bella Coola Valley. These stores are just a drive away if you happen to plan a trip down the Hill. Most produce and seafood is grown or caught by the valley’s residents. Cheese and butter are more expensive in Canada so US visitors may find it cheaper to bring those supplies with them. Is there a cancellation policy? Please note that 30 days notice will be required to receive a full refund on a cancelled vacation. Pine Point Resort also understands that last minute events can spring up unexpectedly, and for this reason, we will try to reschedule your vacation at a more convenient time for you.
There are three liquor stores located in the Nimpo Lake area. They have a limited variety of beer, wine, and liquor, but between all three, you can generally find most of what you may desire. If you have particular brand favourites, it is recommended that they be purchased in Williams Lake before you drive out. What is the smoking policy at the resort and inside the rooms? Smoking is prohibited inside the cabins and the main lodge. However, smoking is allowed outside on resort property. Please be respectful of others and dispose of the cigarettes remnants accordingly.
Like most of the backcountry in British Columbia, a healthy mosquito population inhabits the Chilcotin plateau. It is recommended that you come prepared with your favourite personal and area repellents. This will allow you to better enjoy being out of doors anywhere during the day and relaxing along the lakeshore in the waning afternoon and evening sunlight. The mosquitoes eat us, the fish eat the mosquitoes and we eat the fish. What kind of fishing gear should we bring with us? Bring the fishing gear you normally use, as it all works. Trolling hotshots, flatfish, spoons, power bait or worms is the most popular method of fishing at Nimpo Lake. Fly-fishing is excellent and the nymph patterns, doc spratleys, and muddler minnows for wet flys as well as most dry patterns are effective. Spin casting in the rivers and smaller bodies of water also works well. What kind of clothing is appropriate for the area? It has been known to freeze overnight even in the summer months in the Chilcotin. Summer days can be very warm so it is wise to be prepared to layer clothing. Bring very light layers for the bright sunny days and heavier layers for the chilly winds on the lake and the cooler evenings. Rain gear is recommended if you want to fish or hike without worrying about a rain shower interrupting your fun. Sturdy shoes or boots are recommended for walking or hiking, and non-skid shoes will prevent slips from docks and boats. Waterproof footwear is recommended for traversing streams or swimming from the lakeshore. The area is located at about 4000’ elevation and a hat is recommended during summer days to minimize UV exposure. A good sunscreen is recommended, especially when you are out on the lake. Pets are welcome at Pine Point Resort. Please note that pet owners must clean up after their pets and ensure that their pets do not disturb other resort guests.
Each cabin kitchen has a range with an oven, a refrigerator-freezer, a microwave, a Coffee maker, a sink with hot and cold water, and a table with chairs to accommodate the all the guests sleeping in the cabin. Cooking pots, a broiler pan, a limited number of baking pans, and cooking utensils are also provided. The number of plates, bowls, cups, glassware, and cutlery are appropriate for the size of each cabin. Hot pads, cutting boards, a set of knives, a tea kettle and a tea pot are available. There is even a flower vase to decorate your table with the wild flowers you find on your walks. One roll of paper towels, a new kitchen sponge-scrubber, dishwashing liquid, salt and pepper, and small jars of coffee creamer and sugar are provided. Each bathroom has a shower with hot and cold water, a sink and a toilet. A 3-piece set of towels are provided for each guest, along with hand soaps and toilet paper. Each bathroom is provided with a bath mat and shower curtain. Only one cabin has two bathrooms while the remaining five have one bathroom each. The beds are made with mattress covers, sheets, pillow cases, a comforter, and an extra blanket. One pillow is provided for each guest. In cooler weather, you may ask for extra blankets as needed. A limited amount of hanging space and plastic hangars are provided. The size and configuration of the beds varies within each cabin. Lofts have limited headroom and are furnished with mattresses on the floor. The sitting area of each cabin is furnished with couches and chairs suited to the size of the cabin. A few books are provided for those who may have forgetten to bring reading material. The floor is painted wood. A small area rug is placed in the kitchen area and an entry rug is provided to keep the dirt from tracking in. Each cabin contains a broom and dustpan. All of the cabins are heated with wood burning stoves. Chopped wood and kindling to get your fire started will be waiting near the entry door. Wood rounds are stacked adjacent to your cabin. Axes are available to keep your wood supply maintained. Pick up a newspaper to read on your way to the resort and then use it to augment the supply of fire starter we will provide. Matches are provided and propane torches are available from the management if the fire is difficult to get started. Top of Page |
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