Remote Cannery Town, Shut Down in 1947 Now has a Brand New Life | Destination Adventure

Through all of my adventures on the Pacific Ocean departing from Bella Coola, not once have I passed this. cannery without admiring and wondering of its history. Today, I finally got my chance to go over and do some exploring and interview the current owner of the property.
This is the Tallheo Cannery, and its history stretches back more than 100 years. It is pretty remarkable walking around this property and seeing all of the old historic buildings, but the coast of BC, used to littered with operations much like this one. Unfortunately, changes in world markets and our turbulent BC coast weather, has brought an end to all of these old operations, often leaving no trace of their existence. We are lucky to have several left along our coast, but the upkeep is a constant battle.
I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to cover this story and see this property, as there is so much to see. The buildings left are in great shape, but what is historical and original, is maintained only to a necessary level, keeping it as original as possible. The loft in the cannery building still has nets hanging from the rafters, having not moved for decades. The general store still has items on the shelves, and the office has books sitting open on the desk as if they had just left yesterday.
I knew I would enjoy this location, but it far surpassed my expectations, and I hope you all enjoy it as well.
If you want to see places like this, youre going to need a great adventure boat to get there, and I have just the boat for you ;)
swellfish.co/?rfsn=5864361.30...
If you enjoy this channel, please consider supporting on Patreon: / destinationadventure

[@shelbygreen5132]

Every episode that I watch, I marvel at the thought of the people who were once there. Their lives, stories, families. It amazes me that so many people have touched so many places on this earth. I'm also so heartbroken at the homes and boats and businesses once owned and the sadness that must have come with walking away from all of it.

[@michaeleyre290]

I remember clearly sailing on and doing repairs and maintenance with my dad and my grandfather and grandmother on that boat between 1994 and 1997-98. I was just a kid back then but remember it clearly. My grandparents owned and operated it as a fish packer. Awesome find!!!! Had no idea what it’s fate was after they sold it. Crazy!

[@KrazyMitchAdventures]

Growing up on the West Coast of BC. Watching videos like this, reminds me, just how much of the coast I've never seen. my days of Adventure are done, I need my knees replaced, so now I'll watch my adventures through your lens. Thank you Captain D

[@davidmenzies4704]

The first time I was in Bella Coola was the summer of 1988. I was bush pilot flying out of Terrace, recently arrived from Manitoba. My company sent me down to Bella Coola for some reason I can’t remember using a 206 on wheels. I don’t remember what the job was but what I do remember was standing on the airport apron with my mouth hanging open, just blown away by the beauty of the place! I’m still living in Terrace, still flying. Awesome place to live a life. Thanks for what you are doing.

[@lharestad6804]

Hi Dave, I used to live in Terrace and was good friends with Char. Hope you are both well. Leslie H. PS I did not know you had been to Bella Coola (my home town). Love it here.

[@yooper6161]

Lots of Aussie watching!!! They are imprisoned in their own homes living vicariously through you. Thanks for the videos Dustin. Abandoned history is a favorite past time of our family and it's good to see others who enjoy is so much.

[@bikepacker1367]

We all will be free again to explore.

[@helengrunow5094]

Bring on 11th October!

[@wademcmillan2798]

Haha. Covid has not effected me one bit. Not imprisoned. I have mountains north south east west to wander at leisure. I'm lucky I live in a beautiful area. This is a pretty good channel I say. Very interesting and entertaining.

[@SuperJohnhughes]

@@helengrunow5094 WHAT happens on the 11th Helen ?

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

I would suggest getting some kind of a tether that would kill your boat engine in the event you might be thrown out of your boat by accident. I know it sounds like overkill but I have seen people thrown from their small boats when the hit something submerged like a log. Here in Florida it isn't as life threatening as it would be where you are from. Hypothermia would probably set in within a few minutes and if your boat is near you would have a better chance of getting out of the water...

[@danielbianchi3479]

Great advice my friend!❤

[@brendonray1402]

The Qualicum L @21:24. My Father, owned this boat from 88' to the mid-late 90's. He used it to transport fish food to the fish farms up the inside passage from Vancouver. At one point he even installed a Hiab crane on the back to assist with loading & unloading. I believe the wooden name sign on the port side of the cabin by the door is the same one that was created by wood sign craftsman at the PNE back in the day. I remember fishing off it in Mosquito Creek Marina in North Vancouver using KFC chicken when I was five years old. My father told me he couldn't compete with the larger ships that began supplying the farms, and eventually moorage became too expensive to keep it if it wasn't generating income. I showed him photos of his beloved boat years ago beached at this location, when it was still relatively intact but with a broken keel beam (I think that's what it is called). It was sad to learn what had become of it, and sadder now that the stern has completely disappeared. My father was especially proud of the work he put into the hull boards and ribs which still shows - the boards still appear attached well at the bow. I found an old photo from 1946 showing it low in the water, full of fish. searcharchives.vancouver.ca/sockeye-seine-fishing-25 Love the channel, especially the interest in the History of the West Coast. Keep up the great work!

[@SJB117]

I’ve learned more from your videos about my own province than I learned in all my years of school. Thanks for your amazing work Dustin! ❤️🇨🇦

[@kathnh6795]

I just love these old places you show us. I am always amazed that people just left whole buildings and even their belongings behind when they left a place. I want to know their stories although in many cases, you can fill in their histories. This is a great series! Thank you!

[@MurnickMediaProductions]

The Bella Coola footage at the beginning is pure awesomeness Dustin!! UPDATE: After watching fully I can not state that this was a very nice way to end my day at work. Thanks Dustin for sharing your adventure to Bella Coola.

[@MVClupea1930]

Thank you for sharing this . My grandparents lived in Bella Coola and brings back many memories.

[@grahamwood9842]

Another Aussie enjoying your content. This one exceptional. Like it when you are able to interview a local. So much history. Thanks Dustin, Cheers Graham

[@SuperJohnhughes]

im in Perth, WA , WATCHIN

[@countrybns]

@@SuperJohnhughes I'm in Western Australia too

[@LiquidAudio]

Another Perth 4WDer loving the channel!

[@ivanolsen8596]

Ex Freoite watching from the Philippines, loving it! Hey John Hughes, not the car dealer, surely? if so bought a few cars from you!

[@newman977]

As always, Dustin. Top-notch presentation and production. Love your content and channel, brother. All the best from Alberta!

[@AngieDoesStuff]

Thank you for giving my computer speakers the workout they deserve! That bass! I never would have imagined I'd be fascinated by the history of the color of gill nets, but here we are. Thank you so much for your hard work in traveling, doing research, and making contacts to bring us these cinematic masterpieces. This is top-shelf content, my friend.

[@Destination_Adventure]

I appreciate this comment. The small section about the Gill nets almost got cut, but last minute decided to keep. I’m happy I did.

[@parkerottoackley5587]

I've got a buddy that looks and acts just like Dustin. Poor guy 😄 . Thanks for all the videos

[@cdeboer11]

The poor Aussies are stuck in lockdown wishing they could be here in Canada! Great Edit, keep it up!

[@beverlysettle1084]

The video of the different shades of blue netting….stellar!! Thanks for sharing this historic diary of the cannery. I hope you were able to catch a few salmon!! I think he needs a Go Fund Me to be able to really make the needed repairs in order to keep from losing more buildings! Good on him for what he is able to do!!

[@donchandler755]

It is so good to see that they are trying to maintain the property. So many are lost to nature. Seeing the pictures of what the buildings looked like when in use really puts things into perspective. Good job Dustin.

[@hilarywesthoff]

That boat is awesome! That was my favorite part of this episode.

[@cathymacdonald1469]

Thank you for bringing us the history of an old cannery on our coast, absolutely beautiful Dustin.this is usually the wettest place in our province.this is absolutely stunning.

[@johnnyg2969]

Dude! As soon as I saw the boat I immediately... 🎶🎶 Juuuust sit right back and you'll hear a tale...🎶🎶 Another great vid by the way! Cheers!

[@Bruce-ks7md]

without reading all the way to the end, that thing in the boat is the radar, you put your face on the rubber and look to see how far away you are from another boats. it worked in conjunction with the spining thing you will see on the top of the boat. today they use a big screen monitor and ajust the contrast and sharpness.

[@mymy3172]

Bet you there is an old water license issued and appurtenant to that property to use and generate power on that creek filed at the local ministry of environment or equivalent.

[@dawngallop]

Just wanted to tell you how much we love watching you and your opening is awesome. You always make us laugh at your little jokes and the views are SPECTACULAR. Thank you 😊

[@awizardalso]

My real name is Michael McCluskey. Thank you for taking me on your adventure. I have an interest historical things and the history of them.

[@quarlow1215]

Thats such a cool peice of our B.C. history. Although my time in the commercial fisheries was short I grew up here on the coast around boats and the like, it gives me a connection to our coastal heritage. I wish I was 10 years younger. I could get into helping someone like Garret with his war against time.

[@trog.lodyte]

Did some work up in the valley behind this place back in about 1990, beautiful rugged area. Found that a cougar had followed me up the access road as it's paw prints were beside mine in the snow upon heading back to the beach. The cannery was in a shambles back then, glad to see someone trying to preserve the historical buildings. Thanks for the vid, brought back a lot of memories.

[@helenamacrae6836]

yikes.. such a stealthy creature.. good escape trog. helena scotland..

[@ronteljeur]

I love the way you blend the history, interviews and travel into your videos. We really need to do a better job preserving the bits of this history. Love the shots down the edge of the roads, I do the same thing driving backroads, must be a BC thing.

[@YngveENess]

check out the window in the background at 12:27!!! very strange movement! great video! keep it up dude!

[@punchfisttop]

WOW. the workshop is AMAZING! THANK YOU DUSTIN!!!!

[@perryramberg9131]

I see the road hasn't changed much since i was a boy.still beautiful country though.

[@brsrc759]

That place is beautiful! The state of preservation on the inside is absolutely mind blowing! What a treat

[@Georgio80AU]

Another Aussie watching here … I live in regional Sth Australia and we have a lot of abandoned properties around … vast areas … lots of driving … I’d love to see some of your mountain settlements up close and personal. Love what you’re doin on the channel bro, keep up the good work.

[@richardp1522]

You just never fail to impress thanks for another great adventure.

[@GlacierPilotGst]

Awesome video! The abandoned canneries and saltries continue up the Alaska Coast as well as abandoned mining towns.

[@mariegilbert8766]

Thanks for visiting my home town. And showcasing family friends.

[@aspen9102]

This area of BC is so beautiful its literally candy for the eyes

[@raymondcoggins297]

Another awesome adventure love the history and the way they are preserving the property thanks for sharing

[@timothyhopkins6960]

So very wonderful, beautiful beautiful ! Even the music is great .

[@feathercatcher]

I always stop what I'm doing when you pop up. I love the travels. This place is beautiful!! You got me out of housework for the time. Thank you!

[@westcoastislander6699]

Nice. Definitely got to get to Bella C. Always like to see the locals included with their perspective and history. As always, enjoy the fade to black and funky tunes at the end. And BTW 9500 views and 87K + subs. Looking good!

[@trevorkenny]

Spot on cinematography as usual.

[@loribach534]

The entire landscape is breathtaking! I can only imagine taking in that fresh air! That little town was definitely up with the times back in the day!

[@robertsnyder5149]

My dad worked the canneries in Alaska for 48 years. He started out as a machinist and ended up as a cannery superintendent for Bumble Bee in Naknek, Alaska

[@klondikewoman2851]

Dustin. I have always wondered what Bella Coola looked like. Thank you for the video. It is very beautiful there.

[@hussar01]

Awesome, love the remoteness

[@ohjessika]

Loved seeing this whole place and hearing about all the hard work the owners are putting into it! Beautiful location!

[@_mcmuffinswife6660]

I actually stayed in this B&B in elementary school! I remember how cool it was to boat over and the bed was cute and metal. Very cool to see it again, forgot about this memory!

[@robroaring7175]

Wow! This is one of my favourite videos so far! Have always been fascinated with history and love exploring old buildings like this. That fella is doing a remarkable job preserving such an isolated place. Here in Tasmania, we have a fishing, logging, agriculture history. And thus, so many old places to explore. Keep it up, mate. Always stoked when a new video drops! Rob, Tasmania, Australia 🇦🇺

[@daverussell9627]

Hi D, That's an early commercial radar on the port side of the wheelhouse. The antenna was visible as you walked up. The haul out systems were known as marine railroads. Thanks for getting out there! Stay safe. David

[@johnp0125]

Reminds me a bit of the North Pacific Cannery at Port Edward. Been to Bella Coola many times in the 1980s. Great video.

[@davidbarnsley8486]

What an amazing bit of history there What a battle to keep those buildings up It doesn’t take Mother Nature long to claim it back

[@ant-1382]

Spent a summer working in Bella Coola, around 1992. Flew in, that was pretty spectacular! The hill freaks me out, couldn't watch that part. So many cool things to see, never saw this one though. First thing that came to mind was the old bottles, got quiet a collection myself. Caught some nice fish, in the pristine creek that I found. Couldn't believe the beutifull Norwegian ladies, tall, blond, was not expecting that.

[@tm8747]

at time 23\28 the white boat a converted 50 foot navy gig patrol boat , started making in 1959, till the late 60's, diesel power, , . my fathers shipyard in terminal island, ca made 25 copies, for coast guard, and navy patrol boats around the world. the boat was a open control boat for patrol food and support to ship to shore duties. the rails go back into the water about 150 feet to receive the boats, most are made to handle 100 tons support ships, we had 2- 200 tons rails plus 1 1000 tons rail on roller instead of the rails. the boats are placed in the center of the lift and then you crank to move the side blocks into the ship under the chine line for support of the ship, then lift up the launch bring in the ship out of the water, then when done reversing the launch into the water to release the boat. .,

[@tm8747]

one more thing to know my father purchased the original PTboat 85', , and we rebuilt a AVR, THATS A RESCUE BOAT FOR THE PT'S . 63'

[@Beachhopper]

My favourite video so far. Thanks for the memories. :)

[@anitavee6709]

Yay Dusty shouting out to us Aussies!!!!!!!!! Love from Australia.

[@TrailBum]

The old boat wreck has an interesting story... Headline: British Columbia Vessel Founders? Sub-headline: U.S. Coastguard Searching For Qualicum L., Which Is Overdue at Seattle From Chemainus Story: ANACORTES, Wash., Jan 18 (1930) Coastguard boats left here today to search for the British Columbia schooner Qualicum L., which is four days overdue here from Chemainus, Vancouver Island. Three men were aboard the ship, which, it is feared, may have foundered in storms. There's a radar on top, so this 1930 event was not the demise of the Qualicum L. Your camera showed the ancient radar inside. There was a shroud to put your face against to see a dim vacuum CRT monitor. Probably one of the first commercial marine radar units. These were first implemented out of Seattle after WWII and didn't become common until the 1960's.

[@leighsayers2628]

Yep .I'm an Aussie lady and just love your beautiful videos and great humour..

[@vickisawyer7405]

I worked in a seafood processing plant in AK in the 90's. All steel & metal. I loved it up there, but I could really enjoy this place. Thanks for the story!

[@JayHaurat]

Hello from Australia! ☀️

[@John.B.Jenkins]

Dustin, I've been stuck on your channel for a whole week. God bless ADD!!! (and you too bro!)

[@Henry-ol1jx]

I love the cannery, great place

[@ronalddailey5208]

Well done.

[@screwthecabal6453]

That was awesome, thank you.

[@exploringsydneyandbeyond9059]

Here here for the Aussies - great job mate , admiring your work and the views from Sydney down under , keep it up buddy .

[@GlennO1961]

@15:10 Old vacuum tubes for radios...so cool. Nice chunk of history, presented very nicely 👍

[@kevinforsyth3681]

Great vid Dustin being enjoyed and loved not only from oz but here in New Zealand too that’s an amazing part of the world your so lucky to experience it and thank you for bringing it to us so we can experience it as well thanks so much keep it up 👍

[@CaribooSawyer]

Dustin, l'm also in WL and a few years ago bought a huge old drill press and a horizontal milling machine from a gent in Quesnel, who told me that the guy he got them from brought them out of the Tallheo machine shop years ago. They're certainly old enough, 1910s vintage, and were lineshaft drive just like the lathe there but have since been converted to electric. Thanks for showing the shop they (purportedly) came from, I wonder if their footprints are still visible on the shop floor!

[@dronelandscapes8775]

Great video Dustin, big G'day from Australia mate.

[@noleftturnunstoned]

This puts that Cerro Gordo guy to shame. Saw the lights of the cannery, but had no idea there was so much over there. Please tell me this guy is on Airbnb

[@dalewatkins9889]

Hoping to head south ourselves this year with our motorhome! Thanks for the video, yes have been to Bella Coola and fished Nimpo Lake a few times as well. Been to Alaska, up to Inuvik and seen glaciers the size of houses dropping into the ocean. Now, look forward to playing Pickleball in Arizona....hopefully!

[@Midway_CV-41]

This is exciting to see can't wait to see what's in store for this video!

[@ImperialJedi]

I recently moved to BC and found your channel because I was looking for ghost towns to explore - thoroughly enjoying the content!

[@bryansmith1920]

I'm a Brit that you have captured in your web A transit across Canada has been number one on my Too Do list But because of your input It has now to be from West to East bugger ;-))

[@kathrynjohnston794]

I love the history of this area as told by the current owner. Very informative. May God keep you safe on your amazing travel adventures.

[@JustAlanJohn]

Brilliant video many thanks 🙏💖🙏

[@jerrycomo2736]

You might already know it, but that green light is a Starboard (right) Side Light from a ship. The Port or left side would be red. This would assist other boats at night to determine the "aspect" or direction it is facing. Still used today on boats/ships and now planes.

[@baker099]

Dustin I learn so MUCH Local History about our Province through your channel! I love how you go through so much effort to educate yoir viewers about the area you're in and the land marks. "Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints."

[@barfass]

Enjoyed that one! A lot of great history right there, thanks for taking me a long!

[@dawnhare6077]

Geez Ty just love these videos so great Ty again hahaha and again Ty for the Adventures

[@dodgeguyz]

Always look forward to your videos. Love it when you get the back story on a particular area. Really adds to the quality of your videos.

[@timwilliams2035]

Sense of adventure awakened. long slumber. thanx Dustin

[@iamacarnut]

You would make a great explore for the History Channel. Love every show and cant wait for the next...God Bless your travels..

[@genekied]

Thanks Dustin for bringing us this piece of history.

[@mavahuth5044]

How could somebody not like the mountains and everything around it. You are a good storyteller. Thanks for taking these trips. I haven't traveled outside my state in over two years. With me going along with you,on these trips. It doesn't matter if Covid is still out there.

[@jarrettschoenfeldt608]

I'm glued to this channel

[@Tuulessaistuja]

Another awesome video from You Dustin. Thank You for doing these and letting us to travel with You to all these cool places.

[@sketchingheather]

I loved watching this, thanks for making it.

[@camshaftP16]

Finding clear fresh water is were a lot of the canneries were built as a lot of streams had that tainted brown look from the forest that wasn't wanted in the canning process. thanks for showing us this place.

[@davebarry5269]

Just stumbled upon your channel. I feel like I won the lottery. Absolutely incredible videos. Your interviews and knowledge of the area are fantastic. Job well done. I wish you much success.

[@granthryze2694]

This was awesome !!!

[@RustyOlive]

Dustin! I am really enjoying the time and effort you are investing into the research and adding interviews from the knowledge locals. The b’roll through out is cued to the dialogue, spot on. I feel like I am there with you. I can really feel the investment you have put into these. Keep it up man!! I look forward to seeing your videos every Saturday morning when I have control of the tv. Hahaha.

[@jackkridler5714]

I'm so glad I found your channel again.

[@xrpfreak7881]

Your content is great bro. Thank you.

[@jenb7756]

Love when you're able to have people talk about these wonderful places! Thank you for sharing!

[@suzanneberkey1114]

WOW ! Such a beautiful place to see. I love the views and vistas from up high. The rolling clouds and fog are amazingly pretty. Thank you.

[@TheRoadpilgrim]

The Best Videos Dustin!

[@worknfun7368]

Wicked video Love learning BC history.

[@bsomero10]

Always educational, fun and great music! Thanks Dustin

[@dtaylor10chuckufarle]

What fascinating history! Thanks, mate!