Travel from downtown Williams Lake into wilderness or make your way high up to the mountain tops on several hiking, cycling, walking and horseback-riding trails in the area. For a leisurely excursion, try the 12-km (7.5-mi) Williams Lake River Valley Trail, which winds from the community's downtown through forest and grasslands along a path flanked by magnificent cliffs. Travel all or part of the trail leading to the Fraser River. Test your endurance on the area's cycling trails. A network of world-class mountain bike trails designed for every skill level funnels right into town.
The fishing, camping and swimming in and around Williams Lake is excellent. Lac La Hache is one of the most popular recreation stops. There are also two challenging, 18-hole golf courses.
Visit a structure that helped bridge a near heartbreaking loss. Local rancher Rudy Johnson almost lost his wife when she fell off the Soda Creek ferry during its crossing of the Fraser River. Soon after, Johnson located an abandoned bridge in Alaska and transported its 3,300 pieces by barge and rail to Williams Lake. The Rudy Johnson Bridge in Soda Creek was erected over the mighty Fraser River, spanning the river opposite his Buckskin Ranch. Until 1978, it was the only privately owned toll bridge on the Fraser River.
Completed in 1865, the Cariboo Waggon Road was called "the eighth wonder of the world." You can still drive the scenic routes of the Gold Rush Trail, located just 10 minutes away from the community of Williams Lake.
Discover legendary bronco-riding cowboys at the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin and the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame, dedicated to preserving BC's ranching and rodeo heritage. Visit Quesnel Forks, one of the rowdy centres of the Cariboo Gold Rush in the early 1860s (until the area was bypassed by the Cariboo Waggon Road). Take a self-guided tour of this historic ghost town.
Built in the 1920s, the Station House Gallery, housed in the original BC Rail Station, displays contemporary works by Cariboo Chilcotin Coast artists.
The Shuswap Nation occupied the bench lands north of Williams Lake for over 5,000 years. Visit the Xats'ull Heritage Village in Soda Creek for the day or spend the night to more fully experience the traditional Shuswap way of life. During the summer, there are also many Pow Wows in the region.
From stampedes to spawning salmon, Williams Lake is hopping with attractions. Don't miss the world-famous, four-day Williams Lake Stampede. Check out the bronco-riding cowboys at the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin, dedicated to preserving BC's ranching and rodeo heritage. Visit the site of the earliest mining camp in the Cariboo region at Quesnel Forks, abandoned by 1956.
Travel over the historic Rudy Johnson Bridge spanning the Fraser River in Soda Creek. Nearby, visit the Xats'ull Heritage Village to get some insight into the traditional Shuswap Nation way of life.
Let your imagination fly at the Scout Island Nature Centre, a prominent area for migratory waterfowl and marsh birds. See the Horsefly Spawning Channel -one of BC's largest- located on the Horsefly River. For art lovers, the Station House Gallery features diverse work from local and touring artists. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the forested walking trails in Boitanio Park. Kiwanis Park features a spray park for the kids.
Staging performances since 1955, the Williams Lake Studio Theatre spotlights local talent. From fall to spring, the company's productions range from comedy and drama to musical theatre. In summer, head to Boitanio Park for live music every Thursday from June to August. There's something for everyone on Oliver Street. This main street features unique boutiques, specialty shops and department stores.
See the BC Hockey League in action as the Williams Lake TimberWolves take to the ice at the Cariboo Memorial Complex.
Visit the Scout Island Nature Centre, a prominent area for migratory waterfowl and marsh birds; learn about local ecosystems at its Nature House. Visitors can hike, cycle or horseback ride all or part of the 12-km (7.5-mi) Williams Lake River Valley Trail, which winds from downtown Williams Lake through forest and grasslands along a path flanked by magnificent cliffs.
Cut from the Chilcotin River, Farwell Canyon is surrounded by ancient, pillar-like sandstone formations called hoodoos. Hike to one of the largest shifting sand dunes in Canada and take in the spectacular area scenery. A short drive from the canyon, gaze at the steep cliffs and hoodoos of Junction Sheep Range Provincial Park. The park provides a superb habitat for endangered species, including the largest population of non-migratory bighorn sheep in the world.
The Horsefly River is home to one of BC's largest spawning channels. From August to September -when the salmon are spawning- walk along the Salmon Habitat Trail to view the salmon as they struggle upstream.
Unwind at the beach on Scout Island, watching birds glide and swoop across the sky. Or sit on the back porch of the Scout Island Nature House and watch the magnificent marsh birds and waterfowl around you. You can also stroll through one of the area's charming city parks. Boitanio Park features manicured lawns, lovely gardens, rolling hills and fir forests in the heart of Williams Lake.
Drop your line in one of the Williams Lake area's hundreds of fishing spots. Quesnel Lake offers some of the finest trout fishing in Canada. You can pick up a fishing guide from the Visitor Info Centre to find some of the area's hidden hot spots.
If you prefer paddling to casting, experienced paddlers can put in on the Quesnel River in Likely. Recreational paddlers will enjoy the slower-moving Horsefly River. For pure excitement, local outfitters will lead you on a river rafting adventure down the Chilcotin, Fraser or Chilko Rivers. You can also enjoy an invigorating swim in one of the area's many, crystal-clear lakes.
Canoeists can take an easy glide along Nazko Lake Provincial Park's small chain of six lakes for a 2-4-day canoe trip. The approximately 20-km (12.4-mi) route features short, easy portages. Nazko Lake Park also offers fishing, camping and great wildlife viewing.
For outstanding snowmobiling, head to the scenic, snow-covered trails in and around Williams Lake. Horsefly, Likely and the Chilcotin mountain landscapes are all within an hour's drive of the community. You can also carve your way through the 32 downhill runs and two terrain parks of Mt. Timothy, southeast of Williams Lake. Bull Mountain is a popular destination north of Williams Lake for cross-country skiing and a few downhill runs. Gavin Lake has three or four great cross-country trails of approximately 10 km (6.2mi) each - perfect for beginners. The lake is a 40-minute drive east from Williams Lake.