North Thompson Oxbows Jensen Island Park

Highlights in this park

This park offers an oxbow feature in the North Thompson River lowlands. The oxbow fills in spring freshet and dries through the summer, to create a seasonal range of riparian habitats. There are no camping or day-use facilities provided at this park

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

Located 24 km north of Kamloops off Westsyde Road. The park can only be accessed via private land. The closest communities to this park are Kamloops, Barriere and Clearwater.

Things to do

Canoeing

Canoeing permitted but there is no access through adjacent private land.

Fishing

There are fishing opportunities in this park.

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

Wildlife viewing

There are wildlife viewing opportunities from Highway 5 (Yellowhead) and from Westsyde Road. Surrounding private land limits access to this park.

Pets on leash

Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. 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

Established April 30, 1996 as a result of recommendations made in the Kamloops Land and Resources Management Plan.

Conservation

The oxbow fills in spring freshet and dries through the summer, to create a seasonal range of riparian habitats.

Wildlife

Rich oxbow, marsh and wetland habitat for waterfowl, otter and beaver. A migration stop for white pelican, tundra and trumpeter swan, migrating passerines and waterfowl. Possible chinook salmon spawning.

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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