The city of Williams Lake (population: 12,000) has rural charm intrinsic to its ranching culture and gold rush history, and it also bustles with services and industries.
Williams 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 Prince George. Situated on the north shore of a lake of the same name, and surrounded by tree clad, trail-laced hillsides, Williams Lake is a natural jumping-off point for a myriad of outdoor activities.
Take part in the heart-stopping action of whitewater rafting, experience the exhilaration of single track mountain biking or watch wranglers at work during the world-class Williams Lake Stampede. Or enjoy the peace and tranquility of a stroll along the lakeshore of the Scout Island Nature Centre and be immersed in birdsong.
Location and Geography
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 Route, and the Lakes & Trails Circle Route.
History and Heritage
The history and heritage of Williams Lake includes First Nations, the mid-19th century gold rush, 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 it has become one of the largest rodeos in western Canada. The Cowboy Hall of Fame is housed in the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin in Williams Lake. Just 37km/23mi north of Williams Lake on Highway 97, the award winning Xat'sull Heritage Village (pronounced hat-sool) invites the discovery of ancient Shuswap history and culture.
Explore the Town
In 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. Also within 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 97, the city has built a stunning, 1,300sq m/14,000sq ft Tourism Discovery Centre and Visitor Centre.
Reflecting the connection with the forests, the building has massive log pillars that frame 12m/40ft high glass windows that overlook 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 tall 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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