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Williams Lake is centrally located to offer a wide variety of outdoor activities. And with several lakes and rivers just a quick drive from town, water activities including fishing, boating, rafting and kayaking/canoeing are all popular here. Hikers and mountain bikers will find plenty to explore along nature trails and in the surrounding forests and hillsides.
Winter Activities For five months of the year, the snow covers the countryside in a deep powder, inviting all to strap on snow shoes or cross-country skis, or load up the snowmobile for some breathtaking scenic touring on local backcountry roads and trails. Bull Mountain, located north of Williams Lake, offers dozens of kilometers of groomed trails, including a portion of which is lit for night skiing.
Land ActivitiesWilliams Lake is becoming renowned for mountain biking on an extensive trail system that laces the valley floor and surrounding hillsides. An active biking club ensures that the trails are well-maintained, which is also to the benefit of hiking enthusiasts. The trails also traverse ranching country and horseback riders are welcome here.
Historic & Heritage Sites Explore the First Nations history and culture, and learn about the impact the Chinese had on the Gold Rush at a number of historic sites near Williams Lake. Spend a night in a teepee at Xats'ull Heritage Village, or camp right on the Williams Lake Stampede grounds in the heart of the city. Learn about this world-famous and enormous rodeo, take a cultural jet boating tour or peruse photos and displays at the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin's Cowboy Hall of Fame. To truly see this diverse region and the area surrounding Williams Lake, get off the beaten track and head out on a scenic drive. Learn more about the Gold Rush days, pass stunning lakes or rivers or embark on a circle tour of the Cariboo Chilcotin area, each starting in, or taking in, Williams Lake. Water Activities Local lakes are home to hundreds of trophy-quality Rainbow Trout, and nothing beats paddling across the still water of a lake surrounded by the silence of wilderness with only the trill of bird song or the occasional slap of a fish jumping as company. Kayaks and canoes are available to rent locally and visitors can sample any one of the beautiful lakes or waterways within an easy drive to Williams Lake. For something a bit more energetic, hire a guide for a whitewater or jetboat excursion on the Quesnel and Fraser Rivers. Many of the area's best waterspots also have put-ins for boats and recreation sites, so make excellent day trips.
Festivals and Events Williams Lake has a number of cultural festivals and events. Ranchers-in-training and wannabe-cowboys and cowgirls will enjoy the Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo held at the Cariboo Memorial Arena, held in April, while the The Williams Lake Stampede is one of the oldest and largest rodeos in BC. It's held on the July 1st long weekend every year. Kick off the day with the Stampede Pancake Breakfast and then check out exciting rodeo events including bull riding, the Pony Express Mountain Race and the Chuck Wagon race. In August, the return of the salmon is celebrated with the Annual Salmon Run, which takes place in the nearby community of Horsefly. Bike riders and enthusiasts flock to the Tour de Cariboo, held in September. The Tour is a 76km/47mi bike ride from Williams Lake to Gavin Lake, across mostly paved roads and past spectacular scenery and across varied terrain. Transportation back to town is provided and free accommodation is available if riders wish to stay lakeside for the night. The Williams Lake Harvest Fair is also held in September, at the Williams Lake Stampede Grounds and nearby curling rink. In addition to the standard displays of horticulture and animal husbandry, there is a great kids' Playland, monitored by volunteers. Transportation around the venues is free as is the entertainment on stage at the Exhibit Hall. Tourism Discovery/Visitor CentreFor information on everything there is to see and do in and around Williams Lake, stop in at the spectactular Tourism Discovery Centre/Visitor Centre, located just off Highway 97 South. This massive log building is more than 14,000 sq ft large and its centre post, a cedar tree from Bella Coola, is estimated to have stood in the Coastal Rainforest for 745 years before it was felled by wind. Pick up some good maps, get help creating a personalized trip itinerary, or check out the small, interactive theatre, set up as its own lodge and log cabin within the giant Visitor Centre itself. The Discovery Centre also has a gift shop and café featuring local treats, and internet kiosks. It's an attraction in itself, and so the Tourism Discover Centre should not be missed.
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