Top 10 Things to Do in Williams Lake

Situated in British Columbia's Central Interior, Williams Lake ranks as the second-largest city in its metropolitan area by population. It boasts a wide array of activities for tourists throughout the year. Many flock to the city for its numerous festivals and outdoor adventures such as boating, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. Notably, Williams Lake is famous for hosting the Williams Lake Stampede, the second-largest professional rodeo in Canada. So, if you are planning to visit this city anytime soon and wondering what to do in Williams Lake then here’s your guide:

The Tourism Discovery Centre is one of the best things to do in Williams Lake when it comes to obtaining information and making your trip hassle-free. It is a great spot to start your journey featuring a log structure with all the personality and charm of a small, charming village. They even provide RV parking. You may look at brochures, leaflets, and municipal information in the tourism center and speak with the people there. In addition to standard tourist information, they have a small café, gift store, and bookshelves.

Fishing is among the best Williams Lake things to do, and it is also considered an angler's paradise. Near the town, you'll find numerous freshwater lakes and rivers offering ample opportunities for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you prefer spin casting, fly fishing, ice fishing, or trolling from a boat, there's something for everyone. Popular catches in the region include Kokanee salmon, bull trout, and rainbow trout, making for delicious meals if you're camping during your vacation. Moreover, for those who are new to angling, many resorts offer expert fishing trips, providing a great advantage for novice fishermen.

In the heart of the city lies a vast 17-hectare park, a must-visit spot. With its gentle slopes, it offers various landscapes like gardens, grasslands, and fir woods. At the entrance, a beautiful rose garden is perfect for special photos. The park has 2.5 kilometers of paved paths leading to the Central Lawn, Gwen Ringwood outdoor theater, picnic area, bike park, and skateboard park for visitors to enjoy.

Visiting the Station House Gallery is among the best things to do in Williams Lake. Established in 1981 as a non-profit association, this organization has a dual mission: to offer studio and gallery spaces and to preserve and upkeep the BC Rail Station. The Gallery showcases a dynamic array of contemporary artworks spanning various mediums, curated monthly from the creations of local, regional, and visiting artists. Furthermore, the Society operates a gift shop featuring handcrafted items crafted by talented artisans and craftspeople from the region.

Located in the center of Williams Lake, the Nature Centre is one of the best places to learn about and appreciate nature, with surroundings including lakes, islands, and marshes. In spring and fall, it is a birdwatcher's paradise, since it's on the migration route for hundreds of species of birds. Enjoy seeing nature as you stroll around pathways that encircle the lake and marsh. You may get a glimpse of wildlife and can also assist in providing food for the reptiles, amphibians, and fish. 

This museum honors both historical and modern cowboys and is the only one in British Columbia devoted to ranching and rodeo. It comprises of BC Cowboy Hall of Fame and includes a dedicated exhibit section with pictures, information, and souvenirs of the best cowboys in the province. If you want to learn about cowboy history while visiting Williams Lake, you have to check out this must-see location, situated within the Tourism Discovery Center.

The renowned Williams Lake Stampede offers an authentic Western experience. Every year, the community comes together to celebrate this festival, which offers a range of entertaining and family-friendly events. Experience some of the world's best rodeo action with your family, including steer wrestling, barrel racing, bareback riding, bull riding, and tie-down roping here.

If you enjoy riding your bike more than climbing mountains, consider attending yearly events in Williams Lake like the Tour de Cariboo which provides roundtrip from Williams Lake to Gavin Lake. Pedal by the Puddle is another well-liked cycling event in which children may participate by just jumping on their bikes; no mountain climbing is necessary. You can bring your bikes from home or find them kept on the premises of many holiday properties.

Exploring Williams Lake's valley through woodland walks is a delightful way to experience its natural beauty. This family-friendly trail offers a leisurely place, allowing you to enjoy the scenery with loved ones. The diverse flora of the valley supports a rich wildlife population, including beavers, deer, and sometimes bears, along with various songbirds, waterfowl, and predatory birds. With gravel paths, the trail is ideal for activities like mountain biking, walking, and horseback riding.

Experience the rich history and natural wonders of the region on a full-day jet boat excursion along the Fraser River in Williams Lake. Indulge in the beauty of the river, explore stunning canyons and rapids, encounter wildlife, and learn about the area's cultural heritage, including petroglyphs and artifacts from the Gold Rush era., this makes it among the best things to do in Williams Lake.