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 such as 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.
For five months of the year, the snow covers the countryside in deep powder, inviting all to strap on snowshoes or cross-country skis, or to 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/miles of groomed trails, including a portion that is lit for night skiing.
Land Activities
Williams 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 also benefits of hiking enthusiasts. The trails traverse ranching country and horseback riders are welcome here.
Historic & Heritage Sites
Explore Aboriginal history and culture, and learn about the impact the Chinese had on the gold rush at a number of heritage sites near Williams Lake. Spend a night in a teepee at Xat'sull 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 jetboat 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.
Water Activities
Local lakes are home to hundreds of trophy sized rainbow trout. 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 many beautiful lakes or waterways within an easy drive of 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 water spots also have put-ins for boats or are recreation sites that 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 in April at the Cariboo Memorial Arena, 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 that travels across mostly paved roads, past spectacular scenery and through 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, also in September, is 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 Centre
For 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. 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 that is set up as a lodge and log cabin within the giant Visitor Centre itself. The Discovery Centre also has a gift shop, a café featuring local treats, and internet kiosks. It's an attraction in itself, and so the Tourism Discovery Centre should not be missed.
Farwell Canyon View Point
Farwell Canyon provides an unforgettable experience. The canyon is surrounded by ancient, pillar-like sandstone formations called hoodoos. From the road, spot part of one of the largest shifting sand dunes in Canada. In spring, bighorn sheep are often seen roaming the area and, in fall, watch First Nations fishers climb the canyon walls to dip net for salmon. Farwell Canyon is off Highway 20 on Farwell Canyon Road, a one-hour drive southwest from Williams Lake.
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