North Thompson Oxbows Manteau Park

Highlights in this park

A wide, meandering river system containing floodplain wetlands, numerous oxbow lakes, sandbars, back channels, levees, along the glacier-fed North Thompson River. Note that no camping or day-use facilities are provided here.

This park protects a wide meandering river system with a high level of diversity. This section of river is a very productive part of the North Thompson River.

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 280 km north of Kamloops on Hwy 5. The park is accessed via logging roads at 6 km and 12 km west of Hwy 5 where the highway crosses the North Thompson River.

The closest communities are McBride, Blue River, Clearwater, Vavenby and Kamloops.

Things to do

Canoeing

A canoe or kayak is 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

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

This park has opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature study.

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.

Hunting

Anyone hunting in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence Check the B.C. Hunting Regulations for seasons and closures.

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

About this park

History

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

Conservation

Floodplain wetlands, numerous oxbow lakes, back channels and natural levees are encompassed within the park. Creeks on steep forested slopes on north and south sides provide fresh material in spring run-off.

Wildlife

Suspected chinook and coho spawning, with high potential for rearing. Important habitat for Rocky Mountain whitefish, rainbow, and one of few stable bull trout populations in the region. Excellent moose habitat; noted for grizzly bear, wolves, beaver.

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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