Williams Lake
The City of Williams Lake is the hub of the Central Cariboo and an ideal place from which to
embark on all of your adventures in the region. There are plenty of accommodations and services
at your disposal and many outdoor recreational destinations, pioneering and First Nations
historical sites, guest ranches and resorts easily accessible from this convenient, bustling location.
Once a year, during the July long-weekend, the city showcases its particular brand of western
hospitality during the world famous Williams Lake Stampede, a thrilling display of rodeo
competitions amidst a setting of family fun-filled days at the midway, parade, street parties and
many other exciting exhibitions and activities.
While in Williams Lake, enjoy dining at one of a number of fine establishments or peruse one of
the many shops, the weekly summer farmer’s market or the Station House Gallery for a unique
locally crafted treasure and a tour of diverse artwork.
Anyone visiting Williams Lake must be sure not to miss the newly constructed Tourism
Discovery Centre, a spectacular log and timber frame structure that houses amazing local works
of art, a gift shop, café counter, and has a wealth of resources for tourists seeking information
about the area.
Also well worth a visit is the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin, which features the B.C. Cowboy
Hall of Fame and contains a number of fascinating artifacts and loads of information about the
illustrious pioneering, ranching and rodeo history of the city.
Soak up some culture at the Gwen Ringwood Theatre in the lovely Boitanio Park in the heart of
the city. This unique outdoor amphitheatre, with its log construction feature stage, is where the
summer concert series of Performances in the Park are held every Thursday evening commencing
July 10th and ending on August 28th, 2008. This delightful venue hosts both local and visiting
performance artists who play a wide variety of musical genres from rock and pop to country,
bluegrass, gospel, and traditional, all for your entertainment and at no charge.
Surround yourself with nature while taking a pleasant walk or ride down the well maintained and
very popular River Valley Trail, playing a relaxing round of golf at one of the professional
courses, or exploring Scout Island Nature Centre, a park and nature sanctuary renowned for its
spectacular bird-watching opportunities. The Nature House has interesting displays and is very
informative about the delicate wetland environment and its many inhabitants. Pack up the family
and spend a day discovering its network of nature trails, put down your blanket in the picnic area
while keeping an eye on the kids at the beach, or launch your boat from here into Williams Lake
for some exhilarating water sport activities.
The City of Williams Lake is a haven of culture and modern convenience in the Central Cariboo
and the possibilities for adventure or a leisurely holiday are plentiful and guaranteed.
