As a central starting point, Williams Lake, off the Bella Coola highway (Hwy 20), makes it an excellent place from which to foray into the surrounding regions. There are many surrounding communities that depend on Williams Lake and visitors can access the gateway to the Chilcotin and experience these areas of the Cariboo by also making their way from central Williams Lake.
A nationally awarded Community in Bloom, Williams Lake strives to beautify and enrich the parks and gardens of the community for all to enjoy. The rich history of the past is evident in heritage wooden buildings and the slower pace of community life bring a humbling, more relaxed experience that has gained a reputation for hosting big events; great skiing in the winter, the famous annual stampede and BC's Cowboy Hall of Fame - not to shabby, eh, for a small town!
In keeping with the excitement, outdoor adventurers can plan guided tours, sightseeing adventures, time on the ranch on horseback, hiking or mountain bike wilderness trails. In the winter, indoor recreational activities keep visitors busy and the local ski hill offers down hill and cross country.
After a long day, visitors can plan to dine at a local restaurant, lounge in the sauna or hot tub. In addition, the thriving arts community provides works by local artists in the galleries, theaters and live music at events year round.
Join in or unwind, the choice is yours! Williams Lake is central Chilcotin outback with something for everyone.
Population: 11,153
Highlights:
The official BC Cowboy Hall of Fame at the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin.
The world famous Williams Lake Stampede held on July 1st Canada Day weekend.
Art Walk Festival
Xat’sull Heritage Village
Mill Tours
Bird sanctuaries
The Lilac - Williams Lake's Official Flower
Garden Tours
Boitanio Park, presents summer concerts in the park
Mt. Timothy family ski hill
History:
The central Interior Salish people were home to this region for thousands of years. In particular, the Shuswap or Secwepemc Nation who referred to this area (Chilcotin, Williams Lake) as Columneetza, the meeting place. It is widely known that many of the Interior Salish were semi-nomadic in search of food sources and shelter during the various seasons.
The founding of the community of Williams Lake goes back to a tiny chapel built in a Shuswap settlement in the 1840s. The arrival of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway in 1919 allowed it to prosper. The fur trade and the gold rush brought more and more settlers to the region.
Climate:
Summer average 22 degrees Celsius
Winter average -10 degrees Celsius
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