Incorporated in 1932, McBride is located in the Robson Valley surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and Cariboo Ranges.

[4]: 167 McBride's early industries were rail, shipping, forest harvesting and the agricultural development of the valley.

[5] In 1970 access to McBride changed with the opening of Highway 16 (Yellowhead), which enabled vehicles to travel through the valley.

[9] The Community Forest license grants the village exclusive rights to harvest Crown timber from approximately 60,000 hectares of land.

[3] The village has a ball field and Community Recreation Centre that is equipped with gym, a regulation sized ice hockey arena, two curling sheets and a convertible court.

The McBride and District Public Library and the Valley Museum and Archives are housed in a building on Main Street.

The library offers a variety of services to the community and tourists, including workshops for all ages, internet access and computer stations, and a wide selection of media.

The Robson Valley Community Centre in McBride has a stage, dance floor and commercial kitchen.

The Robson Valley Community Centre is available to rent for theatre performances, conferences, wedding receptions, tradeshows or a family reunion.