Williams Lake, BC, Canada
Central Cariboo-Chilcotin Region, British Columbia, Canada

Williams Lake, BC, Canada is a lake community, resting on a ridge high above a river valley looking out over Williams Lake. The community sits in the centre of Cariboo Country surrounded by ranches, grasslands, mountains, lakes and rivers. It is well documented that the region is referred to as Ranchland Country home to western music, guest ranches, cowboys and so much more.

Williams Lake, BC is the main community servicing the Central Cariboo region. It is a region of small villages connected by highways, rivers, paved streets and gravel roads. Some of the outlying villages which make up the region include McLeese Lake, Likely, Horsefly, 150 Mile House, Riske Creek, Sugarcane, Glendale, Wildwood and Dog Creek.

Today, Williams Lake , B.C., is a great base for year round adventures. During the sunshine months people explore the lakes and trails of the region while hiking, horseback riding, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, cycling, birdwatching, water skiing, backpacking, mountain biking, boating, dirt biking, ATVing and camping.

Horseback riding, bronco riding and steer roping is popular in the Williams Lake region. The backcountry enjoys a network of horseback riding trails leading to summits and lakes. In the centre of the community is the Stampede Grounds. A large rodeo complex complete with rodeo grounds, horse stalls and a grandstand. The community gears up once a year to host the very popular Williams Lake Stampede.

The high number of lakes in the region provides many the opportunity to enjoy some quality time fishing, camping, canoeing and boating. There are so many lakes in the region, with many of the lakes connected by an extensive network of gravel roads and trails. Most seek out the remote lakes to fish for rainbow, kokanee and dolly varden. Some of the larger remote lakes to make note of include Horsefly Lake and Quesnel Lake near Likely.

The surrounding hills, the deep canyons and the flowing grasslands provide a diverse landscape for mountain biking and hiking. Mountain biking is huge in Williams Lake. The West Syde ridge, Desous Mtn. and Fox Mountain trail systems are dedicated to mountain biking. Some of the best wilderness biking trails in the province some say.

Every trip to Williams Lake should involve a trip to two of the local parks for some wildlife viewing opportunities. Scout Island Park is a unique park with viewpoints and hiking trails situated on two islands connected to the mainland. The park is a bird sanctuary and wetland marsh attracting birds to the area year round. The River valley Trail is a 12 kilometre pathway from the community to the Fraser River.

During the winter months, after the snow has fallen and the temperatures have dropped, the local gravel roads and trails become recreation routes for snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. For some people, when the lakes in the area freeze over they grab a fishing rod and head outdoors for some ice fishing.

The Williams Lake business centre provides many of the services required by travelers including accommodations, restaurants, pubs, internet, coffee houses, laundromats, gas stations, banks, grocery stores, retail shops and tour companies.