Highway 20: Anahim Lake to Bella Coola

Alexander MacKenzie Highway, BC 20, Christine Boulevard · Anahim Lake → Bella Coola

Sweeping85 mi2 hr 15 min4,100 ft climbHigh point ≈ 4,900 ftOne way

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The drive

Highway 20 is the Alexander MacKenzie Highway, and this drive takes its western end: from Anahim Lake out across the Chilcotin plateau, into Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park, over Heckman Pass at 5,000 feet, and down to the Bella Coola valley at sea level. The highway enters the park about 35 km west of Anahim Lake, and Heckman Pass sits a few kilometers past the park entrance.

The famous part is the descent known as "The Hill". A 9 km section has grades up to 18 percent, with hairpin turns and switchbacks beside Young Creek canyon. Some stretches are one vehicle wide, with a steep drop on one side and few or no guardrails. At the bottom the road follows the Atnarko River and then the Bella Coola River, passes Hagensborg and finishes in Bella Coola.

Until 1953 the road stopped at Anahim Lake. Local volunteers built the rest, working with two bulldozers that met on September 26, 1953, and the road became known as the Freedom Road. It is driven here westbound, which means the steepest part is a descent.

Along the way

Anahim Lake
Bella Coola

Elevation

4,100 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 4,900 ft

Anahim LakeBella Coola

Curves

Mostly gentle, with one twisty stretch

mi 26–31

Anahim LakeBella Coola

GentleHairpins

Good to know

The Hill has grades up to 18 percent and narrow, single-vehicle-wide sections; use a low gear and stop to let the brakes cool.
Heavy trailers are a problem on the Hill; westbound drivers towing large loads are sometimes advised to leave the trailer at the top.
Services are few along the way, so start with a full tank.
British Columbia requires winter tires on most Interior and Northern highways from October 1 to March 31, and to April 30 on some routes; signs mark them.
Closures are infrequent but do happen, from avalanche, rock slide or ice.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check DriveBC.

Questions about this drive

How long is Highway 20 from Anahim Lake to Bella Coola?

The Highway 20 drive from Anahim Lake to Bella Coola is 84.7 miles and takes about 2 hr 13 min, with extra time for the steep, narrow descent known as The Hill.

How steep is the Bella Coola Hill on Highway 20?

A 9 km section of Highway 20 has grades up to 18 percent, with hairpin turns and some single-vehicle-wide stretches. The descent is from Heckman Pass at about 5,000 feet to near sea level.

Can you tow a trailer or drive an RV down the Bella Coola Hill?

It is risky: the Hill on Highway 20 is steep and narrow, and drivers with heavy trailers are often advised to leave them at the top. Check DriveBC and local advice before going.

Is Highway 20 to Bella Coola open in winter?

Highway 20 is a year-round highway, but avalanches, rock slides and ice sometimes close it, and winter tires are required on designated British Columbia highways. Check DriveBC for current conditions.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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