The Chilcotin Cariboo region is dotted with lakes, waterways and rivers, so its no surprise that Williams Lake is one of the favorite spots kayaking, canoeing, river rafting or jet boating.
Kayaking and Canoeing
In addition to the city's namesake, Williams Lake, there are literally dozens of lakes within a half-hour drive of the city, where visitors are welcome to dip their paddles. Canoes and related equipment can be rented at Cariboo Chilcotin Canoe Rentals, located at 150 Mile House, 20 minutes south of Williams Lake. For multi-day trips, the company offers shuttle service as well. The Williams Lake Tourism Discovery Centre/Visitor Centre provides maps and information on the best places to go, and is located just off Highway 97 at the south end of town.
Best Kayaking/Canoe Spots
There are myriad places to paddle within an hour’s drive of the city, including on Williams Lake itself, around the Scout Island Nature Centre off Mackenzie Ave and Borland Rd. About a half-hour away, canoeists will find Mcleese Lake, north of Williams Lake on Highway 97. And about 45 minutes drive from town, enthusiasts will find great paddling at Tyee Lake (northeast of town, off Highway 97 and the Lyne Creek Road), Till Lake (west of Williams Lake and located off Highway 20 on the Meldrum Creek Road) and Robert Lake (east of the city on the Beaver Valley Road near Horsefly).
Guided Tours
Local suppliers also offer guided waterway tours and equipment rentals. For those who prefer a day trip, the rapids at Big Canyon on the Quesnel River can be relaxing if one takes the time to drift past and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the river while gliding past rolling farmland. Two-day trips can include runs on the Cariboo River and overnight camping in the partially restored ghost town of Quesnel Forks. The next day typically involves tackling the advanced (Class IV) rapids on the Devil's Eyebrow section of the upper Quesnel River.
Whitewater and Jetboat Tours
Experienced guides are available for river drifting and searching for the renowned grizzly. Guided jet boat cruises on the Fraser River to Soda Creek and Xatsull Heritage Village pass by the territory of the largest non-migratory California Bighorn Sheep population in the world and proceed through Churn Creek Provincial Park where ancient First Nations people lived, hunted and fished for centuries. Notable whitewater trips also take place on the Quesnel, Cariboo and Fraser Rivers, although side trips on quieter sections of rivers and lakes are popular as well. Experienced enthusiasts can bring their own equipment although rentals are available. The Chilko River Rafting Co. offers a number of day trips.