Williams Lake BC - William’s Lake in Another Light

An entralling outdoor experience

From the cabin of a Pacific Coastal Airline’s Beechcraft 1900C, I followed the long finger of William’s Lake pointed at the heart of the city carrying its name. I was to learn the times are a changing in this community renowned for its World famous Stampede. Pacific Coastal Airlines has recently added Williams Lake to its list of BC destinations but now offers three flights daily to and from Vancouver.

The comfortable hour long flight originating at the cozy user-friendly South Terminal at the Vancouver Airport puts this dynamic community within the back yard of the Canada’s Lower Mainland.

This is really a backyard destination blossoming into a garden of sites, activities and facilities guaranteed to please and, quite likely, surprise visitors who had singular images of this cowboy -themed community. The surrounding mountains, hills and valleys afford adventure while the modern comforts of accommodation, dining and entertainment are amply provided in town.

Although the increasingly popular bed and breakfast facilities are in their infant stages here, there being but three to choose from, Rowat’s Waterside Bed and Breakfast stands up to any test of quality, setting or features anywhere.

From the window of our room or the broad balcony off the dining room we could watch and listen to waterfowl, including the rare white pelican, or catch a glimpse of a passing otter or muskrat ambling about along the shoreline of the big lake. Rowat’s has the happy circumstance of a waterside location which affords such views and tranquility while at the same time being right on the edge of town, within walking distance to the Stampede Grounds and the Scout Island Nature Centre.

One of the great benefits of B & B’s is the insights and information hosts, and often-times other visitors who share the morning breakfast table, provide. Our hosts, Helmut and Marilyn, provided us with enough information and suggestions to draw out a week’s worth of activities not to mention recommending popular and well-priced dining spots like Joey’s Grill.

And increasingly popular is what William’s Lake is going to become with a collection of enterprising locals opening up the surrounding countryside for adventure touring from soft to challenging.

There are experiences to enthrall those of all ages, fitness levels and circumstances and these opportunities are not yet congested with the demands sure to come as word spreads. Lee and Shelley Walters are in their third year running Cariboo Wilderness Adventures and are well connected to like minded operations such as Cariboo Chilcotin Jetboat Adventures and mountain biking (for which William’s Lake is earning a reputation).

With roots set back over three generations Lee is well able to provide visitors with the history and knowledge of the hinterlands only a local can. For us that included a short hike into dramatic Moffat Falls and the remnants of the long hand-hewn water diversion laboriously carved by Chinese workers allowing for hydraulic gold mining.

Close by, hidden in the bushes, lay the remains of a rock-constructed oven built by the workers and now left to its memories. Cruising back roads with familiarity, whereas the casual visitor would be certain to get lost, we came across vistas of Quesnel Lake, curious mule deer, scampering rabbits and a couple of annoyed but inquisitive black bears watching us from the margins of the road.

It also included a tour of the 14 kilometer Williams Lake River Valley Trail winding its way from Scout Island on Williams Lake through town and on to the confluence with the Fraser River.

Williams Lake has shown itself to be progressive in the redevelopment of the trail which wends over 26 bridges, under imposing cliffs such as “The Ashtray”, past beaver ponds and dams. Cariboo Wilderness Adventures offers highly adaptive adventures to suit all but the most determined coach potato.

Fishing, wildlife photography, historical and scenic tours, hiking, backpacking, kayaking, canoeing and river rafting are but mainstays in an operation ready to work with its clientele to create a memorable experience.

The experiences can be as short as an afternoon or as long as a few days. And, if they don’t offer it they will direct you to those who do. That includes Cariboo Chilcotin Jetboat Adventures which has been operating for five years and offers exciting and educational river day trips and six day excursions on the Fraser River or Chilko Lake.

Trips which include exposure to the long history and culture of the First Nations and the more recent but no less dramatic contributions of the Chinese laborers drawn by the gold rush and the railway.

It also includes expanding mountain biking opportunities hyped by the Williams Lake Cycling Club whose website www.puddlebike.com offers connections to Adrenalin Mountain Adventures and To the Top Freeriding.

There is an enthusiasm to the embracing of all the natural environment has to offer yet it is tempered with a respect for the people and the land. That, in itself, has an undeniable appeal all of its own. William’s Lake, whether you get there by car, RV or plane, is a destination for more than its world famous week long rodeo.

Adventure tripping is growing to compliment the already well entrenched attractions which have drawn the knowledgeable visitor to this land for many years.

With increased accessibility and a wealth of activities it is but a matter of time before the reservation lists will begin to lengthen. Nothing stays undiscovered in BC for very long so catch it while you can.

For Your Information: Rowat’s Waterside Bed and Breakfastwww.wlakebb.comCariboo Wilderness Adventures www.cariboowildernessadventures.comPacific Coastal Airlines www.pacificcoastal.comWilliams Lake city website with access to Joey’s Grill menu. www.wlake.comCariboo Chilcotin Jet Boat Adventures www.jetboatadventures.com

Author: Glen Cowley