Blue River, Canada
It is a small community located in British Columbia halfway between Kamloops and Jasper, in a wide, rocky part of the North Thompson River Valley. Around it there are forests and mountains where deer, elk, black bears, brown bears, caribou, eagles, ospreys, woodpeckers, crows and mountain pine beetles live, which has become the most important insect in the area. There are also a variety of trees and plants such as: pines, firs, western hemlocks, cedars, poplars and birches. Its local economy is supported by the logging, tourism and transportation industries.
The most popular stops for tourists visiting the area are:
- Lake Murtle:It is world-renowned as the largest canoe-only lake in North America. Located in a mountainous valley, its northern and western arms are approximately 20 kilometers long and an average of 3 kilometers wide.
- Blue River Black Spruce Provincial Park:It is an important conservation area for diverse wetland and black spruce habitats, which give the park its name. It has an area of almost 2 square kilometers, is located on the North Thompson River and is known for its diversity of wildlife and plants. Protects important habitat for elk, mule deer and black bear. The waterways provide important spawning habitat for steelhead and bull trout, and nursery habitat for juvenile Chinook and Coho salmon. The great blue heron is also a variety of waterfowl that uses the park for nesting. It is primarily a conservation area, so recreational activities are very limited and camping is not allowed. However, there are many opportunities for bird watching and nature appreciation.
- Mud Lake Delta Provincial Park: It has an area of 5 square kilometers and an interesting mosaic of rich wetland habitats in floodplains, beaver ponds and oxbow lakes. It contains an area of the original delta suitable for nature study, wildlife viewing, fishing and hunting.