Located in a sheltered valley of the Interior Plateau, the city of Williams Lake British Columbia is the largest urban centre between Kamloops and Prince George in the Cariboo region. Situated on the lake of the same name, Williams Lake is a great central point from which to start many outdoor adventures.
The history of Williams Lake starts with the Cariboo Gold Rush. It is today a hub for transportation in the interior and also for several scenic driving routes including the historic Gold Rush Trail, the Fraser River Trail and the Coast Cariboo Circle Tour.
The arrival of the railway in the early part of the 20th century brought the cattle and ranching industry. Today one of the major events of the year is still the Williams Lake Stampede over the Canada Day long weekend in early July. It is one of the largest rodeos in western Canada. The Cowboy Hall of Fame also finds its home at the Willams Lake Museum.
Winter activities in Williams Lake and the Cariboo include snowshoeing and cross country skiing on an extensive network of groomed trails , especially at Bull Mountain north of town. Some of those same trails serve as routes for mountain biking in the warmer months and Williams Lake is becoming increasingly known for great mountain biking with an active biking club maintaining the trails. September features the Tour de Cariboo from Williams Lake to Gavin Lake, mostly over paved roads.
Trout fishing on the many lakes around Williams Lake is fantastic. Kayaks and canoes are available for rent locally. A more energetic water activity is a guided whitewater rafting or jetboat excursion. On the west end of Williams Lake you can explore Scout Island, a nature sanctuary and park rich in bird and small animal life, or take an hour’s drive to Farwell Canyon and its pillar-like sandstone formations called hoodoos.
Get a taste of the pioneering spirit in the ranchlands of BC by chosing a Williams Lake Bed & Breakfast for your homebase to explore this central Cariboo region.