Premier Listings for Blue River
Set in an untouched natural valley, the winter sports paradise of Blue River lies in one of the world’s most productive snow belts for high-quality, reliable powder snow. With the Cariboo Mountains to the north, the northern reaches of the North Thompson River to the east, and Wells Gray Provincial Park to the west, Blue River is a great base from which to explore British Columbia’s vast and unspoiled wilderness Interior.
From a lakeside spruce lodge or private chalet, this corner of the world famous Cariboo and Monashee mountains has some of the most breathtaking views in the province, and some of the best heli-skiing in the world.
Consistent accumulations of 30 feet or more are normal, and reliable snow cover runs right through the winter into late spring, making Blue River an international destination for the ultimate skiing experience.
Logging and tourism are the mainstays of Blue river’s economy.
Location: Blue River is located on the Yellowhead Highway 5 along the North Thompson River, on the western edge of Wells Grey Provincial Park, midway between Clearwater and Valemount.
Heli-Skiing: Using a helicopter as your ski lift, you can ski vast fields of snow in the majestic splendour of the Cariboo and Monashee Mountains. These mountains are famous around the world for their incredible powder skiing from November through May. The heli-skiing is no less inspiring in the summer months, a truly unique experience.
Heli-Hiking & Heli-Fishing: Experience the beauty and solitude of the mountains. Whether it’s a peaceful ramble through a secluded alpine meadow or a demanding multiday hike over ridges and glaciers. Fish lakes teeming with rainbow and cutthroat trout high in the mountains. Go heli-hiking or heli-fishing, or both!
Whitewater Rafting: One of the most exhilarating outdoor activities has got to be whitewater rafting, and you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to indulge in it while you’re in this chock-full-of-rivers region. For easygoing paddling, the North Thompson River is perfect. The current gently pulls paddlers downstream all the way to Kamloops, although you’ll need several days to cover the entire distance.
Mountain Biking: Blue River is surrounded by mountain biking adventure. Hundreds of miles of trails and roads lead from Blue River into the mountains. The terrain challenges vary from a gentle path by a lake to gruelling climbs followed by exhilarating descents. Outdoor recreation in the Thompson Okanagan area.
Canoeing & Kayaking: For a peaceful canoeing experience, head to Murtle Lake, in Wells Gray Provincial Park, which has over 100 km of shoreline. Providing visitors with a quiet wilderness experience is the goal in this park, and motorboats and combustion engines are not permitted. Access is from Blue River along a narrow, winding, 27-km gravel road. A parking lot at the end of this road is the trailhead for a 1.5-km portage to the canoe launch.
Cross-country skiers should check out the untracked backcountry routes in the region around the Blue River on Eleanor Lake. Hut-to-Hut backcountry skiing provides an extended multiday winter adventure in Wells Gray Provincial Park.
Horseback Riding: This is great country to see from the back of a horse. Many commercial outfitters offering guided horseback riding trips operate in the area. Check with the Visitor Centre.
Eleanor Lake: Right in the centre of town is Eleanor Lake, which offers a great beach, swimming and fishing in summer, and cross-country skiing and ice fishing in winter.
Wells Gray Provincial Park is one of British Columbia’s largest and most spectacular parks (515,785 hectares). Its area encompasses the greater part of the Clearwater River watershed. There are five major lakes here, as well as two large river systems, numerous small lakes, streams, and waterways, and a multitude of waterfalls, rapids, and cataracts. Although boating and paddling are major attractions for campers, the area has something for everyone. In winter, there are just as many opportunities for recreation as in summer, with the advantage of no bugs! This park is as ideal as any you will find in the province, with a climate and terrain varied enough to suit the most demanding backpacker or mountaineer. We have more information on the park than can be provided here, so please follow the above link to our page on Wells Gray Provincial Park.
Finn Creek Provincial Park encompasses the lower part of Finn Creek and several small islands in the North Thompson River, and protects spawning habitat for the bull trout, Coho salmon and Chinook salmon. The park also provides important for moose. Located 17 kilometres south of Blue River.
North of Blue River is Valemount, a friendly village cradled in a valley between the Rocky Mountains, the Monashee Mountains and the Cariboo Mountains.
South of Blue River is Clearwater, the Gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park, located on the Yellowhead Highway.
Circle Tours: See the best of the area on Okanagan and Kootenay Rockies Circle Tour. Travel the sunny interior of British Columbia, north through the Okanagan to Sicamous, following Highway 1 into the mountains of the BC Rockies. From Golden, head south through the Columbia Valley to Creston, and west through the Southern Okanagan, starting and ending your sun-drenched voyage in Osoyoos, the place where two lakes come together. Circle Tours in British Columbia.
Premier Listings
Biographical Info
Clearwater Valley Resort is a modern motel in a park-like setting. Enjoy a relaxing stay with us after your visit to Wells Gray Park and its world-famous waterfalls, scenic beauty, ancient volcanoes, abundant wildlife and clear freshwater lakes. Heated outdoor seasonal pool, individual patios or balconies, cable TV, in-room coffee, queen beds, large rooms, laundry facilities and air-conditioned units are just a few of the amenities.
Biographical Info
Clearwater Wells Gray KOA Campground is a great location for your stay. The campground / RV Park stand at the doorstep of Wells Gray Park and its world-famous waterfalls, scenic beauty, ancient volcanoes, abundant wildlife and clear freshwater lakes. Our sites were designed to accommodate a variety of RV’s, campers, trailers and tents. The spectacular scenery is the reason Wells Gray Park is a “must see” on your trip through BC.
