North Thompson Oxbows East Park

Highlights in this park

North Thompson Oxbows East Park protects a stretch of wide meandering river system with a high level of diversity in a very productive part of the upper North Thompson river lowlands. This park protects small patches of old growth hybrid spruce and subalpine fir.

Know before you go

Advisories

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

North Thompson Oxbows East Park is situated 50 km north of Blue River and 280 km north of Kamloops. Access is by logging road, 6 km west of highway 5 (Yellowhead) where the North Thompson River crosses the highway. The communities closest to this park are Blue River, Vavenby and McBride.

Things to do

Canoeing

There are opportunities for canoeing and kayaking at this park. 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.

Wildlife viewing

This park has opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature study.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted only during lawful game hunting season. Check with Hunting and Trapping Synopsis for regulations.

Anyone hunting in British Columbia must comply with BC hunting regulations. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

About this park

History

This protected area was recommended through the Kamloops LRMP process and formally established on April 30th, 1996 as a provincial park through Order-in -council under the Park Act. The park was then designated in Schedule E of the Park Amendment Act.

Conservation

This park protects floodplain wetlands, numerous oxbow lakes, sandbars, back channels, levees and glacial river. Plant communities are indicative of cold air drainage and wet soils, small patches of old growth hybrid spruce, and subalpine fir.

Wildlife

This park protects excellent moose habitat. Habitat for wolves, grizzly bear, and beaver Important habitat for bull trout, Rocky Mountain whitefish, and rainbow. One of the few stable bull trout populations in the region.

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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