“Ocean Falls” is a translation of the Heiltsuk name for the head of what is now called Cousins Inlet. According to the late Heiltsuk elder and historian Gordon Reid Sr., ‘Tuxvnaq means “big sea, out in the ocean” and refers to the wave breaking over a big rock in the middle of the falls coming out of the lake at the head of the inlet.There are no roads to Ocean Falls; seaworthy watercraft, float plane or helicopter are the only way to get to our community. BC Ferries offers service to this remote community on the ‘Discovery Coast Passage’ ferry.
Approximately 480 km north of Vancouver, 170 km northeast of Port Hardy and 88 km west of Bella Coola. Ocean Falls is perched beside the deep waters of Cousins Inlet, 24 km from the open Pacific.
The community has 35 fulltime residents and 100 addtional seasonal residents and is divided into two neighbourhoods. Ocean Falls Townsite is on the right and Martin Valley is on the left. The road between them is approximately 1.5 km. There is a hydroelectric dam and waterfall just above the townsite.
INDUSTRY:
Utilities, fishing, forestryPopulation
Town Population: 50 (BC Registered Ghost Town)
Health Administrative Information
Health Authority: Vancouver Coastal Health
Health Service Delivery Area: North Shore/Coast Garibaldi
Regional District: Central Coast
Rural Designation: RSA community
RRP Designation: A
RRP Points: 39.0
Practitioner + Clinic information
There are no general practitioners yet in this community.
The nearest health services are in Bella Coola (by ferry).
