Williams Lake was named after Chief Williams a Secwepemc (shi-huep-muh-k) chief from the area, the city is located at the junction of Highways 97 and 20, and has been one of the Cariboo Chilcotin’s major crossroads since the turn of the 20th century.
Williams Lake also boasts excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities. Birders make a beeline for Scout Island, a nature sanctuary at the west end of the lake. In addition to a beach area, nature house, picnic ground, and boat launch, this nature sanctuary for birds and small wildlife is laced with trails. Enjoy a walk downtown among quaint shops, retail stores and art galleries, some featuring local art and First Nations gifts. A variety of restaurants are found on nearly every side street. The city boasts three golf courses, a magnificent log Tourism Centre, the B.C. Cowboy Hall of Fame, and the very popular River Valley Trail, spanning 12km/7.5mi from downtown to the Fraser River.
Featured waterways in Williams Lake
Here are some of the area’s best bodies of water to dip into.
Bowron Lake
This 116-kilometer-long chain of lakes and connecting portages needs no introduction as it’s one of the most popular in Western Canada.
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Williams Lake (Waterway)
Williams Lake is also known as the "Sugarcane Reserve" located around the east end of the lake. It is fed by the northwest-flowing San Jose River and drained to the Fraser River via the Williams Lake River.
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Meet the specialists Williams Lake
From guides and instructors to marina owners and sales reps, here are the people who will ensure you’re not sent up the creek without a, well, you know.
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