Williams Lake has it all: a vibrant economy and hundreds of recreational opportunities!
Population ~10,500 

Economy:
Situated in the center of a vast region called the Cariboo, Williams Lake has earned its nickname "The Hub of the Cariboo".  Bringing thousands of travellers north and south each year, Highway 97 is interior BC's major route for tourism and commerce.

The economy is largely based on logging and milling of softwood lumber with a long history of ranching and mining as well.  

There are three major mills employing 200-450 each with smaller mills of 2-50 employees.  There are 2 major mining operations close by which employ up to 400.

Ranching is prevalent throughout the area with many family ranches that have been in business for generations and have become a way of life, as well as large commercial ranches including the largest commercial beef ranch in BC.

Williams lake downtown core hosts many intriguing shops for every need.  There is a mall with larger chain stores and a few big-box stores.

Recreation:
Williams Lake has an incredibly active mountain biking legacy, with many clubs, groups and individuals building and maintaining hundreds of kilometers of wild and scenic mountain biking trails. You can walk, cycle or hike the magnificent River Valley Trail. See the hoodoos - ancient, pillar-like sandstone formations - and the remarkable shifting sand dune of Farwell Canyon. Spot the world's largest population of non-migratory bighorn sheep in Junction Sheep Range Provincial Park. Enjoy fine paddling, river rafting and world-class cycling trails.

Thousands of pristine lakes, rivers and streams through the region make Williams Lake the hub of one of the most famous angling areas in the world.

Bird watchers flock to see the colourful waterfowl and migratory birds of the Scout Island Nature Centre.
Home to the famous Williams Lake Stampede, a world famous annual rodeo, held each year on the 1st of July weekend. This former "cowtown" has grown into a vibrant city that offers a comfortable blend of urban living and easy going western charm.

A few miles south of Williams Lake is 150 Mile House, the turnoff to the historic communities of Likely and Horsefly. Follow the original Gold Rush Trail into the foothills of the Cariboo Mountains. 

BC's ranching and rodeo heritage comes alive at the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin and the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame. Don't forget to visit nearby Quesnel Forks, a historic ghost town. 

Highway 20 travels three hundred miles west from Williams Lake, through BC's 'last frontier', the sprawling ranch land and forests of the Chilcotin, then makes a breathtaking descent to the Bella Coola Valley and the Pacific Ocean.