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The city of Williams Lake (population 12,000) has rural charm intrinsic to its ranching culture and its Gold Rush history but bustles with services and industry. Situated on the north shore of a lake of the same name, 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 of a world-class stampede. Or enjoy the peace and tranquility of a stroll along a lakeshore immersed in birdsong.
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 the city of Prince George. 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 Tour, the Fraser River Trail and the Lakes and Trails Circle Tour.
The history and heritage of Williams Lake includes the First Nations people, gold rush days in the mid-19th Century, 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 has become one of the largest rodeos in western Canada. The Cowboy Hall of Fame is housed in the Williams Lake Museum. Just 37km/23mi north of Williams Lake on Highway 97, the award winning Xats'ull (pronounced Hat-sool) Heritage Village invites discovery of the ancient Shuswap history and culture.
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-head. Also with in the city, at the verge of the lake, Scout Island Nature Centre provides a perfect place to picnic in an oasis of nature.
Source: Tourism British Columbia
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