North Thompson Oxbows Manteau Park is 280 kilometres north of Kamloops on Highway 5. BC Parks says the park is accessed by logging roads six and 12 kilometres west of Highway 5 where the highway crosses the North Thompson River.
The park protects a wide, meandering glacier-fed river system with floodplain wetlands, oxbow lakes, sandbars, back channels, and levees.
Manteau is a remote North Thompson River lowland for paddlers, anglers, hunters, and wildlife observers who can travel without facilities. BC Parks notes that no camping or day-use facilities are provided.
A canoe or kayak is necessary to access the river in this area, and visitors must watch for sweepers and log jams that may not be visible in advance. The park has opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, nature study, and hunting during open seasons.
The conservation values are substantial. Floodplain wetlands, back channels, natural levees, and spring runoff from steep forested slopes support suspected Chinook and coho spawning, high rearing potential, Rocky Mountain whitefish, rainbow trout, and one of the region's few stable bull trout populations. The park also provides excellent moose habitat and is noted for grizzly bear, wolves, and beaver.
Canoe or kayak if experienced, fish with the proper licence, watch wildlife, study wetlands and oxbows, hunt during open seasons, and orient trips from McBride, Blue River, Clearwater, Vavenby, or Kamloops.
Expect logging-road travel, boat-dependent access, no facilities, and river hazards. Bring navigation, water, food, emergency gear, and communications. Pets must be leashed and are not suitable for backcountry areas with wildlife concerns. Follow all fishing and hunting regulations.
