Activities

Swimming, Fishing, Hiking and More

Blue River area activities

There are a ton of ways to enjoy your stay in Blue River. Rain or shine, family outing or solo adventure, there is always something to do in Blue River.

Swimming at Eleanor Lake

Eleanor Lake is only a five-minute drive, or ten-minute walk from the campground. The fine sandy beach is perfect for kids and adults alike. The beach provides a diving tower, docks, rafts and a slide. A volleyball court, gazebo, playground and fire pits make this park enjoyable for young and old.

 

Rent a canoe or kayak from the campground and enjoy an easy paddle or an hour of fishing just for fun! The footpath around the lake is ideal for an evening walk.

Canoeing

Rain or shine, a canoe trip is fun and relaxing. For beginners it only takes a short introduction and off you go to your first paddle adventure. The lakes around Blue River are pristine and beautiful. There is enough time to fish, take pictures or have a picnic on a sandy beach. Transportation to the lakes is optional. Canoes will be mounted on your car or truck with lots of padding and straps. We rent out camping , fishing and back country safety gear if needed. Please book your canoe tour with your campsite reservation.

 

  • A pleasure paddle on Eleanor Lake (1-3 hours) Close to the campsite with beach, playground and concession stand.
  • Mud Lake Excursion to Parberry Falls (3-4 hours) Equipped with walkie-talkies, you will glide along the shore of Mud Lake to Parberry Falls, on the way you can stop and enjoy a picnic on a sandy beach. The lake is surrounded by the majestic Monashee Mountains which is home to bears, moose, cougars and wolverines.
  • Wilderness Experience at Murtle Lake (2 plus days) The portage to the lagoon is just the beginning of an adventure which includes 65km of shoreline, 20 backcountry campsites, amazing hikes and nothing but unspoiled and pristine wilderness. One of the best multi day canoe trips in BC. Our rentals are popular; it is highly recommended that you book ahead. Blue River is the Gateway to Murtle Lake in Wells Grey Provincial Park, a well-known canoeist’s paradise. This can also be done as a day-trip for fit individuals. If you only have one day, it’s worth the effort!

 

Additionally there are numerous other beautiful lakes in the area that are worthwhile exploring.

Fishing

Come and enjoy a fishing adventure in Blue River. Our lakes and streams are full of rainbow and lake trout, Kokanee and Dolly Varden.

 

The four most popular lakes nearby are Murtle Lake, Mud Lake, Mystery Lake and Eleanor Lake … each has a vastly different character. We know the secret spots to go to and we also enjoy watching our guests barbecue their catch of the day.

 

The store has B.C. Fishing Licences, live bait, fishing equipment for sale or rent a canoe or a boat with electric motor for the larger accessible lakes …. the advice is free.

Hiking

Those who love to hike and to explore will be pleased to find networks of trails, some starting right behind the campground. Wildlife sightings of eagles, deer, moose and bears are possible. We sell bear bells and bear spray in our store to help you feel more secure venturing out into the wilderness. Rent a gold pan and take it with you to the river and try your skill at this western tradition. A “how to pan for gold” video runs in the store.

 

Wild blueberries are a natural ground cover at the campground and on all trails in Blue River. Enjoy picking (and eating) from late July through early September.

 

Wild mushrooms of all varieties start appearing in mid-July and keep on appearing until the fall frost. They are everywhere and of many unusually types.

River Safari

This amazing River Safari tour, ten minutes away from the campground, is available every day from 9am-4pm during the summer months. Each boat accommodating up to ten guests and one guide will travel 12 km through the spectacular Grizzly Bear Valley. Enjoy the action, the wilderness, Parberry Falls and more!!!

 

Increase your wilderness experience by renting a mountain bike from the campground and riding to the River Safari docks for lunch before your Jet Boat ride with wild life viewing surrounded by the stunning scenery of Mud Valley, and the Monashee Glaciers.

 ATV Riding

From town you can access a huge network of logging roads and trails that will lead you to scenic alpine meadows, lakes and creeks. As you ride along you might see bears, moose and other wild life.

 

Please be well prepared for the backcountry and ride responsibly to make your adventure safe and fun. There is active logging in the area.

 Berry Picking

Wild blueberries are a natural ground cover at the campground and all the trails in Blue River. Enjoy picking and eating them from late July through early September.

 Horseback Riding

Try a North Thompson Valley horseback ride with Vavenby Trails Rides

 

On this scenic working cattle ranch, riders of all levels, from novice to expert, can enjoy a variety of options and choices.

Gold Panning

Golding panning in the Blue River, BC area is new in 2011. A practiced panner stayed last year and found bits of gold in a few select spots. The campground is carrying gold pans in the store for sale or rent.

 

Try your hand at this truly Western Canadian activity after watching a “how to” video and a few practice runs right on site at our make-shift panning station!

Golfing

There are three golf courses within a 1.5 hour drive from Blue River

 

Winter Activities

We will be updating this section shortly. Please check back soon!