Blue River Black Spruce Park

Highlights in this park

An area of deep river meanders, oxbows, sandbars, and uplands in the North Thompson River. This park protects the southern most extent of black spruce into the region. Nature study and ecological education opportunities exist in the area. Also, the park has river access for canoeing. Note that no camping or day-use facilities are provided here.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

Wildlife is potentially dangerous and may be encountered at any time. Never approach or feed bears or any wild animal. Make lots of noise when hiking where signs of bear are found.
There are no developed trails in the park.
Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.

Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.

Visit responsibly

Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:

Maps and location

Getting there

Located 230 km north of Kamloops on Hwy 5. The park is located beside Hwy 5, on the North Thompson River, on the north boundary of the community of Blue River. The nearest communities are Blue River, Clearwater, Vavenby, McBride and Kamloops .

Things to do

Canoeing

Canoe or kayak would be necessary to access the North Thompson River in this area. Always exercise caution when navigating the North Thompson River. Sweepers and log jams may not always be visible in advance.

Fishing

Fish species include rainbow and bull trout, chinook and coho salmon.

Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Pets on leash

Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.

Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

About this park

History

The park was created on April 30, 1996 as a result of recommendations made in the Kamloops Land and Resource Management Plan. The park will be managed according to the Interim Management Direction Statement for Blue River - Black Spruce Park.

Conservation

The park protects diverse wetland habitat that includes an extensive stand of black spruce, which is unique to the region. Noted for acidification of soils with associated plants: sundew, Labrador tea, sphagnum moss, and sundew. Also noted for moose calving, rearing and winter habitat as well as mule deer and black bear use in the spring. The area is important rainbow and bull trout spawning habitat, and chinook and coho juvenile salmon rearing habitat. The area is also used for nesting by Great Blue Heron. Flowers, trees and shrubs are part of the park’s natural heritage, please don’t damage or remove them.

Wildlife

Fish species include rainbow and bull trout, chinook and coho salmon. Noted habitat for moose, black bear, and mule deer. Bird species include great blue heron and a variety of waterfowl. Park users should always be aware of bears and other wildlife in our park environment. Never feed or approach bears or other wildlife.

Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.

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