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History
Prior to the Cariboo Gold Rush, the Williams Lake area was occupied by a small Shuswap village. When the gold rush brought
an influx of European fur traders and eager gold miners, this village was transformed into a bustling community. In the ensuing decades,
settlers took up ranching and turned Williams Lake into a cattle town. Even today, ranching plays a major role in the local economy,
and many of the biggest and oldest working cattle ranches can be found in the region.
Location
Williams Lake is located on Highway 97, approximately 540 km north of Vancouver (roughly seven hours by car),
and can be easily reached by Pacific Coastal Airlines or Central Mountain Air, and via Greyhound Bus Lines.
Places to See
- Station House Gallery and Gift Shop
Every month, the gallery hosts work by local, regional, and touring artists.
- Scout Island Nature Centre
Expect to see rare white pelicans and swans, eagles, and many species of
ducks and smaller birds as they rest on Scout Island during their migratory flights.
You can also go swimming, skate on the lake during the winter, or go hiking along
the many walking trails.
- Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin
The only rodeo and ranch museum in British Columbia! It features the BC Cowboy Hall
of Fame, and displays photographs and biographies of many local cowboys. Western
artists also have their work displayed, and there's a western art show every May.
- Boitano Park
Located in the heart of the City, this 17 ha park is the pride of the community. The park is characterized by gently
rolling topography that supports a variety of landscape types including, manicured lawns, feature gardens, open
grasslands and natural fir forests.
A spectacular rose garden adorns the main entrance to the park which is used frequently as a backdrop for wedding
photographs. Approximately 2.5 km of paved walking trails meander through the park, providing access to a sprawling
Central Lawn, Gwen Ringwood outdoor theatre, picnic area and skateboard park.
- Bull Mountain Cross Country Ski Area
Cross country ski enthusiasts living in or visiting Williams Lake will find excellent cross country skiing and
facilities a short 20 minute drive from town at the Bull Mountain Cross Country Ski Trails. The area offers excellent
skiing variety suitable to all skill levels and ages with hills, viewpoints, a variety of forest vegetation and
clearings, and a scenic 'wetland' meadow. Bull Mountain boasts 30 kilometers of groomed trails, 3.5 km of lighted
track for night skiing, a stadium for hosting racing events, a 170 Piston Bully grooming machine, a day lodge,
parking for 100 vehicles and an active, friendly and enthusiastic 300 member club.
Things to Do
- Hiking!
From the west end of Williams Lake, the Williams Lake River meanders 12km along the valley floor, eventually flowing
into the mighty Fraser River. The River Valley Trail and various loop trails follow the river as it snakes
through dry douglas fir forests, open grasslands and stunning geological features.
The diverse vegetation of the valley supports a healthy wildlife population including deer, beaver, the occasional
bear and a variety of birds of prey, song birds and water fowl.
- Snow-mobiling!
The Cariboo is a meca for snowmobiling and a number of popular destinations are within a few hours drive from
Williams Lake, including Mt. Timothy and the Yanks Peak area. Williams Lake has a number of snowmobile dealerships
and an active snowmobile club.
- Mountain Biking!
Williams Lake and area features a world class network of mountain bike trails. Developed and maintained by the
Puddle Bike Cycling Club, these trails offer breathtaking scenery and terrain that caters to a range of skill levels.
Events
- Williams Lake Stampede
An annual four-day party in early July that features cattle penning, bull-riding, bareback riding,
barrel racing, tie-down roping, pony chariot and chuckwagon races, steer wrestling, and- well, there are too many
events to list on just one page! Last year, more than 12,000 people attended. Call (250) 398-8388 for tickets
or for more information.
- Performance in the Park
Williams Lake's Performances in the Park is a summer concert series featuring local and touring artists every
Thursday evening through July and August.
The venue for Performances in the Park is the Gwen Ringwood Theatre in beautiful Boitanio Park. A natural grass
amphitheatre is complimented by a spectacular log bandshell, providing a comfortable, scenic setting for an evening
of music.
- Dave Jacobs Classic
The Dave Jacobs Classic is a 20 km Relay or Run and a 10 km Recreational Walk/Run held annually in Williams Lake.
It is a tribute to a very special runner. Dave was one of the founding members of the Cariboo Roadrunners and an
organizer of the original Relay and Run by the Lake which was first held in June 1995. This event pays tribute to
Dave's passion for running, his enthusiasm, his meticulous organizational skills and, most importantly, his friendship.
His spirit lives on in the Dave Jacobs Classic. We hope you enjoy this event, which focuses on families, friends and fun.
Notable Comments
- McLeese was the only bull I ever respected. He could throw a man clear to the moon with one toss, or blow a hole through your chest with
one swift kick. I'll never forget his final performance at the '73 Williams Lake Stampede. He was going up against
young Josh Hixon, the strongest, most arrogant cowboy that ever lived. As soon as the bell rang, both charged full-speed
at each other, and their heads collided with a deafening crack that could be heard from here to Dawson Creek. Hixon
took McLeese by the horns and had him pinned down for a full second before McLeese began hitting back with a series
of powerful kicks to the ribs. Both collided again, kicking up dust and spittle in their wake. When the impossible tangle
of man and bull had finally unwoven, we all saw McLeese riding atop the back of Hixon. The bull had mounted the man. He stayed
there for a full ten seconds, with young Hixon flailing around in confusion. The judges stopped the match and gave ol' McLeese a
hundred points for his performance. He was the greatest.
- Sam Wells, in his epic narrative This Ain't No Bull!
- "I like Williams Lake!"
- Delores Clayburn, an enthusiastic five-year old from Kamloops
Contact Information
Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce
1148 S. Broadway
Williams Lake, BC V2G 1A2
Toll-Free: 1-877-967-5253
Local Phone: 250-392-5025
E-mail: info@williamslakechamber.com
Website: http://www.williamslakechamber.com/
City of Williams Lake
450 Mart Street
Williams Lake, BC V2G 1N3
Telephone: 250-392-2311
Fax 250-392-4408
Website: http://www.williamslake.ca/
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