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Blue River The “Jewel of the Yellowhead”
Wednesday, June 19th, 2002 by GetawayBC.com
The most northerly town in the North Thompson Valley, Blue River is located approximately halfway between Vancouver and Edmonton, 230 km north of Kamloops, and 212 km south of Jasper. It is on the Eastern edge of Wells Gray Provincial Park.
About 425 people call Blue River home and although the area depends largely on the forest industry, tourism is what gives it international recognition. Local grocery stores, gas stations, a post office, motels, a campsite and a nursing station provide basic amenities in a rustic village setting.
The Mike Wiegele Helicopter Ski Resort, with its winter and summer activities, gives the town a modern character, but there is still a sense of traditional hometown values here.
Canada Day, July 1, finds Blue River celebrating this special day in style. Starting with a parade through town, and finishing on the beach of Eleanor Lake, events throughout the day range from canoe races, to bucket relays and sand castle building. The festivities climax in the evening with a great BBQ, awards ceremony and a super large birthday cake for everyone to share.
Blue River is well known as mountain bike country. Both a Mountain Bike Camp and Festival are held in the summer months featuring events in Cross Country, Down Hill and Hill Climb.