Blue River

“Jewel of the Yellowhead”

Blue River’s moniker, “Jewel of the Yellowhead”, is well earned. As the nickname would suggest, there’s plenty of treasure to uncover, the treasure of the natural variety, that is. Valley bottoms merge with forested mountains that lead up to the rugged slopes of the Cariboo mountain range. Experience the blissful silence of nature while trekking forests of spruce & cedar. Our glacier-fed lakes and soaring mountain peaks are rich wildlife habitats where you may have a good chance to spot caribou, moose, deer, lynx, bears, wolves, coyotes, eagles and several other species of birds. It’s one of the best spots to see black bears in British Columbia! With places like Eleanor Lake and Herb Bilton Way Park, it’s all just a step away. You’ll find Blue River at the junction of the North Thompson and Blue Rivers. Unique eateries cater to every palate here, so support local and sate your appetite on a patio with a dazzling view.

Canoes sit upon the sandy shore of Murtle Lake.

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Photo Mike Wiegele Heli-Ski Resort

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Photo Leigh Budgell

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Photo Mike Wiegele Heli-Ski Resort

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Photo Kelly Funk Photography

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1. POWDER CHASING

Fluffy, waist-deep powder is never far away. Snap on skis or a snowboard and enjoy alpine, backcountry, and cross-country skiing. Rev it up another notch with a snowmobile and power through 60 km of sled trails through the powdery backcountry.

2. NORTH AMERICA’S LARGEST NON-MOTORIZED LAKE

The azure blue and sandy beaches of Murtle Lake are stunning set against the forests of pine green. Find tranquility at the largest paddle-only lake in North America.

3. OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Exhilarating trails carve through lush forests of spruce and cedar— glimpses of mischievous wildlife reward the patient.

4. MAKE A SPLASH

Eleanor Lake is perfect for soaking up the sun with the family. Enjoy aquatic recreation, explore the beach trails, or catch some rays.

5. EATS & TREATS

Shop Local in Blue River. Restaurants to fine cuisine on patios. Local tasty finds to quench your hunger after a day of adventuring.

Visit us online at blueriverbc.ca

TOP 5

EXPERIENCES

A helicopter drops skiers off near this incredible ice cave in Blue River.

Photo Mike Wiegele Heli-Ski Resort

Snow-covered chalets welcome wintertime visitors.

Snowmobiling the varied terrain in Blue River.

Photo Blue River Powder Packers WINTER WONDERLAND

Blue River is renowned worldwide for its abundant dry powder snow to satisfy the world’s hungriest powderhounds. World-class heli-skiing operator, Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing, is famous for unlimited vertical, pristine snow and exceptional terrain.

There are plenty of other ways to explore the fresh powder snow here. Go backcountry skiing from a remote lodge, or explore our groomed cross-country ski trails. Snowmobile enthusiasts will love the 60 km (37 mi) of groomed and ungroomed backcountry trails for sledding. Embrace the warm sun on your face as you tear across this frozen frontier underneath bluebird skies. No matter what winter activity you prefer, this wonderland takes playing in the snow to the next level.

Expansive views looking over Blue River.

Photo Mike Wiegele Heli-Ski Resort

A little girl bundled up for Tobogganing.

Pristine Nordic Skiing trails through Blue River.

Two canoes lying on the shore during sunset on Murtle Lake, Wells Gray Provincial Park.

Photo Alisa Khliestkova

LAKES AND RIVERS

Imagine waking up to the sound of water lapping outside your tent. Murtle Lake, located in Wells Gray Provincial Park, is North America’s largest, non-motorized lake. You can rent canoes, carts and fishing gear at the Blue River Campground. Cast your line and catch a rainbow trout weighing up to 3 kg (7 lb). Rainbow trout and salmon are usually the catch of the day from our many lakes and rivers. The beautifully jadecoloured Mud Lake is right in the heart of bear country, while Eleanor Lake is the perfect place for a relaxing picnic and a swim.

Camping is located on the sandy beaches in approved locations on Murtle Lake, where you can share a campfire with new friends and old. Take a dip at sunset in the warmer months, then spend the night counting stars.

Sandy Point beach in the wilderness of Murtle Lake.

Photo Alisa Khliestkova Camping cabin at Blue River Campground.

Photo Kelly Funk Photography

A summer day at Eleanor Lake.

Blue River and Mud Lake viewed from White Rock.

Photo Kelly Funk Photography

SUMMER ADVENTURE

Summer in Blue River is both laid back and exhilarating. Spend your days exploring trails, whether on foot, mountain bike or for the more adventurous, ATV. There are peaceful forest trails within close access to town for hiking and biking, and with access to many kms of forest service roads and ATV trails, there’s no telling what adventures you might find on an ATV. Cool down with a relaxing swim at Eleanor Lake, enjoying its sandy beach, concession and dock system. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in Blue River!

The Lodge at Mike Wiegele Heliski Resort. ACCOMMODATION

Get comfortable at motels, inns, and B&Bs in the Blue River area. There are several places to park an RV or pitch a tent. You can even rent a tipi at the Blue River Campground. There’s also the luxurious Mike Wiegele Heli Ski Resort, open year-round, where you can choose chalets, or more private accommodations at the Bavarian Estate and Cabana, or Eleanor Lake Estate properties.