The city of Williams Lake is home to 12,000 residents located in central British Columbia. Its natural beauty and charm of rolling hillsides and plush forests are illuminated by 222 days of sunshine each year. With its mild summers and snow filled winters, Williams Lake is ideal for all sorts of outdoor relaxation recreational activities for both the city’s residents and visitors to enjoy. The city is settled at the north shore of the 11 km long lake, Williams Lake, from which the city’s name comes from. The Cariboo Mountains lie at the city’s east, creating the foothills to the Rockies; and at its west, the rolling Fraser River is seen with the illustrious and mysterious “hoodoos” or natural rock columns as its breathtaking backdrop.
The History of Williams Lake
Williams Lake has a colorful and diverse cultural history. A major attraction during the Gold Rush, the city really came to life as thousands of gold seekers traveled to the area by way of the Fraser River valley which in turn started the Cariboo Gold Rush of 1858. For nearly a decade, Williams Lake thrived during this era and became the starting ground for many prosperous businesses.
In 1919, Williams Lake was connected to the rest of British Columbia through the Pacific Great Eastern Railway. Williams Lake further prospered from the railway’s development which created a central hub for cattle trading in the region. To celebrate the laying of the railroad, residents of Williams Lake hosted a cowboy sporting event and impromptu picnic at Williams Creek. This cowboy event is today known as the Williams Lake Stampede, and is celebrated annually with best Canadian and U.S. cowboys and riders competing.
To catch up on Williams Lake history in the making check out our local paper, The Williams Lake Tribune. Here you will find the latest local news so you can stay up to date on what’s happening in and around Williams Lake.
What to Do in Williams Lake
Because of its rustic charm and ideal location, there is always something to do in Williams Lake. Adorned with several lakes and rivers, the city offers residents many opportunities for water activities such as fishing, kayaking, boating, and rafting. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking for Williams Lake residents along the countless natural trails in the vast hills and forests.
During the winter, the city’s countryside is covered in snow and ice, making it perfect for all kinds of winter sports and activities. The people of Williams Lake enjoy skiing and riding around in snowmobiles along the backcountry roads and trails.
For the history buffs, there are several historical and heritage sites from the Aboriginal and Gold Rush eras to visit and enjoy. Visitors can partake in different activities like spending the night in a teepee at Xat’sull Heritage Village and camping on the Williams Lake Stampede grounds which are located in the heart of the city.
Along with the Williams Lake Stampede, the city also hosts the Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo held every April for all cowboys and cowgirls in training. Bike riders can also enjoy the Tour de Cariboo held every year in September.
Contact Williams Lake Real Estate Agents!
If you’re interested in the city of Williams Lake and all that it has to offer, contact Geordie and Cindy Moore for more information about the city and how you can find excellent Williams Lake real estate.
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