 Farwell Canyon near Williams Lake, Albert Normandin photo Learn more about Williams Lake by clicking on Field Reporter Ivan's video below.
Location and GeographyWilliams Lake is located in a sheltered valley of the vast Interior Plateau of central British Columbia 552km/343mi north of Vancouver and 240km/149mi south of the city of Prince George. Two main highways intersect within the city core, Highway 20 from Bella Coola, and Highway 97, the main provincial corridor linking Vancouver with Alaska. Williams Lake is, therefore, a natural location for a commercial and industry service centre In addition, the city is a main hub for several scenic tour routes, including the historic Gold Rush Trail, the Coast Cariboo Circle Tour, the Fraser River Trail and the Lakes and Trails Circle Tour.
History and Heritage The history and heritage of Williams Lake includes the First Nations people, gold rush days in the mid-19th Century, and the cattle industry that came with the arrival of the railway. The picturesque stampede grounds in the heart of the city sit shoulder to shoulder with the commercial and industrial core and a modern sawmill rising on the hillside to the west.
The Williams Lake Stampede grew out of the flourishing ranching industry in the area around Williams Lake and has become one of the largest rodeos in western Canada. The Cowboy Hall of Fame is housed in the Williams Lake Museum. Just 37km/23mi north of Williams Lake on Highway 97, the award winning Xats'ull (pronounced Hat-sool) Heritage Village invites discovery of the ancient Shuswap history and culture.
Explore the TownIn the downtown core, quaint shops and retail stores are sprinkled amongst the banks and office buildings. Locally owned restaurants are found on nearly every side street. The fairways of the Williams Lake Golf and Tennis Club's 18-hole golf course are located on the gentle west slope overlooking the stampede grounds and lake-head. Also with in the city, at the verge of the lake, Scout Island Nature Centre provides a perfect place to picnic in an oasis of nature.
Tourism Discovery Centre South of town within view of Highway 97the city has built a stunning, 1300sq m/14,000sq ft Tourism Discovery Centre and Visitor Centre. Reflecting the connection with the forests, the building's massive log pillars frame glass windows which rise more than 40 feet, and look towards the lake. A log cabin has been built inside the centre and acts as a mock lodge. Have a seat on a comfortable leather sofa and watch a video about the lodges and resorts in the area. There are also interactive displays including a kayak and a bike, set up in front of 12 foot backdrops. An Internet kiosk with computers and free wireless connection is available. The Centre also houses a gift shop, a coffee shop and washrooms, and provides excellent pull-through RV parking.
Williams Lake Visitor Centre staff will be happy to provide maps, information and insiders' tips.
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