Special Features - 2020 Williams Lake Area and Guide

2020 Williams Lake and Area

GUIDE Exploring the Cariboo Chilcotin & Central Coast

HUNTING, FISHING, PADDLING, BOATING AND CAMPING SUPPLIES

FOR ALL SEASONS

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 1050 South Lakeside Dr.

250-392-3303

FULL AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE DEPARTMENT LICENSED MECHANIC ON DUTY

Contents

e and Area 2020 Williams Lak

Table of

GUIDE Exploring the Cariboo Chilcotin & Central Coast

Monica Lamb-Yorski photo

188 N. 1st Avenue Williams Lake, BC V2G 1Y8 ph: 250-392-2331 www.wltribune.com email: editor@wltribune.com publisher@wltribune.com Publisher: Kathy McLean Editor: Angie Mindus Advertising Design: Gaylene Desautels Advertising Sales: Kathy McLean, Melinda Mitchell, Dawn Carignan Photographers: Angie Mindus, Monica Lamb Yorski, Greg Sabatino, Patrick Davies.

Cover Photos: Angie Mindus, Gaylene Desautels, Christina Lamb, Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium

Mayor’s Message......................................... pg 2 Welcome..................................................... pg 3 All about Williams Lake................................ pg 4 Calendar of Events..................................pg 7-11 Resource Industry...................................... pg 12 First Nations........................................ pg 13-14 Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin............... pg 16 Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex....... pg 17 Scout Island............................................... pg 18 Tourism Discovery Centre.......................... pg 19 Williams Lake Stampede............................ pg 20 Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo....................... pg 22 Thunder Mountain Speedway..................... pg 23 Williams Lake Studio Theatre..................... pg 25 Station House Gallery............................pg 26-27 Celebrate the Arts...................................... pg 29 Potato House............................................. pg 30 Cariboo Growers........................................ pg 31 Farmers Market......................................... pg 32 Mural Tour................................................. pg 33 Organizations ........................................... pg 34 Hiking........................................................ pg 35 BC Provincial Parks map...................... pg 36-37 Golf .......................................................... pg 38 Lakers Car Club ........................................ pg 39 WL Off Road Motorcycle Association.......... pg 42

WL Dirt Riders Association......................... pg 42 Mountain Biking .................................. pg 43-45 Hunting...................................................... pg 47 Performances in the Park ......................... pg 48 Fishing....................................................... pg 49 Curling ...................................................... pg 50 Snowmobiling............................................ pg 51 Winter Recreation...................................... pg 52 Cross Country Skiing................................. pg 53 Williams Lake Stampeders......................... pg 54 Williams Lake Minor Hockey ..................... pg 55 150 Mile House ........................................ pg 56 Quesnel Lake ........................................... pg 57 Farwell Canyon.....................................pg 58-59 Ranching..............................................pg 60-61 Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Map.................pg 62-63 Quesnel Forks............................................ pg 64 Driving Tours.........................................pg 65-69 Waterfall Tours......................................pg 70-71 Gateway to the Chilcotin Coast ............pg 72-75 BC Ferries ................................................ pg 76 Bella Coola Valley ...................................... pg 77 McLeese Lake........................................... pg 78 Likely......................................................... pg 78 Unlikely Paddlefest.................................... pg 79 Horsefly..................................................... pg 80

In partnership with

Contributor: WL & District Chamber of Commerce All rights reserved. Copyright 2020.

www.williamslakechamber.com THE ALL NEW

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2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

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106 N. Broadway Ave DL#30406 Page 1

from the Mayor

Message

Welcome to the Stampede and mountain bike capital of B.C. We have year-round opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and we are a must-visit area for the entire family summer through winter.

Williams Lake is truly known as the Shangri-La of mountain biking, boasting the largest trail network in B.C.’s Interior, with more than 200 kilometres of single track trails and tens of thousands of board feet of lumber constructing a variety of riding features. The lakecity is a great base for hiking, fourwheeling and sport fishing as well. Our indoor recreation facilities are top-notch and our recently completed upgrades to the Cariboo Memorial Recreational Complex offers a water slide and training lanes, as well as a lazy river and beautiful fitness centre, in addition to two ice rinks.

We have a vibrant downtown core with a wide variety of shopping, dining, and service opportunities.

Scout Island features two and a half kilometres of trails which are woven through marshland, forests and along the lake to explore right in the city. A new walking bridge has been installed for a more pleasant crosssing and tying into our trail system. You can continue your outdoor adventure with a hike or bike ride along the incredible Williams Lake River Valley Trail to the mighty Fraser River.

Mayor Walt Cobb

Plan to join us June 25th to June 29 and partake in the many activities centered around our famous Williams Lake Stampede. If you are a winter sports enthusiast we also have cross-country skiing, downhill skiing as well as groomed snowmobile trails to some of the most beautiful snow-covered mountains in the world.

Make Williams Lake your destination this year and discover for yourself our world-class western hospitality and a wide range of adventures that await you. For more information, visit our website at www.williamslake.ca.

Walt Cobb, Mayor of Williams Lake

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2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Cariboo Chilcotin Central Coast Angie Mindus photo Nestled in a valley at the west end of the lake, Williams Lake residents enjoy all the amenities of city living with easy access to the great outdoors.

Escape, Explore, Experience A warm Cariboo welcome greets those that voyage through our vast region. To all that visit our beautiful City of Williams Lake, we invite you to explore, escape and experience the breathtaking scenery that adorns our piece of this earth. It is a land of unparalleled beauty, where the geography ranges from dense forests and pristine mountain lakes to arid cactus-covered vistas, rugged canyons and open plains.

The Cariboo-Chilcotin Central Coast region, centrally located in British Columbia, stretches from Bella Coola in the west to the rural and historical communities of Likely and Horsefly to the east. If you are in search of fresh crisp mountain air to adrenaline pumping outdoor experiences, you have met your match here. This incredible area is a major attraction for all sport enthusiasts of any age or skill level.

Mountain biking, ATVing, snowmobiling, kayaking, fishing, hunting, skiing (both downhill and cross-country), camping and hiking are some of the outdoor opportunities that bring visitors back season after season.

As a destination, the Cariboo-Chilcotin Central Coast offers a wide range of year-round activities that the entire family is sure to enjoy.

Not only is the region diverse in landscape and wildlife, it is rich in culture and history. The Wild West proudly remains associated with our region as you will discover that the authentic way of western life with working ranches and real cowboys still exists today. This ranching

history is what initiated the famous Williams Lake Stampede over nine decades ago. One of the largest Stampedes in the world, celebrating its 94th year June 25-29, the Stampede attracts competitors and visitors from across North America and beyond.

We are blessed to have established industries such as agriculture, forestry and mining that continue to be major economic contributors in our region.

Tourism continues to grow in our neighbourhood, as word spreads about our community, facilities, resorts and incredible attractions.

One of these attractions and a must see while in Williams Lake is the Tourism Discovery Centre which showcases our area and provides upto-date travel information. Located at the south entrance to the city on Highway 97, the tourism centre is also home of the Museum of the Cariboo-Chilcotin. Plan to stop in, grab a coffee and step back into a time a little less complicated.

Thank you to our valued clients for their continued support of this award-winning tourism guide.

I hope that these pages may inspire and guide each of us to escape, explore and experience the exceptional Cariboo-Chilcotin Coast.

Kathy McLean, Publisher, Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Hometown Crosina Realty Selling the Dream since 1978

Anita Crosina 250-392-0126 Linda Jorgensen 250-267-4248 Karen Gertzen 250-305-4120 Vera Robson 250-982-2553 Janette Rennie 250-267-4371 171 Oliver Street 250-392-4422 2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

www.crosinarealty.com

info@crosinarealty.com Page 3

Williams Lake

All about

Monica Lamb-Yorski photo Canada Day celebrations in Boitanio Park.

Quick Facts GENERAL AREA Approx 33.13 sq. km.

POPULATION (Approx) city 10,850; agglomeration 25,120 (agglomeration covers 12,466.22 sq. kms. and encompasses the City of Williams Lake, Williams Lake Reserve and the Williams Lake Airport).

Plan your Vacation in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast at the Tourism

Discovery Centre 1660 South Broadway Ave. OPEN YEAR ROUND

ELEVATION 586 m CLIMATE Average Temp: July 15.5 C, January -8.7 C Rainfall: 26.88 cm/yr Snowfall: 192 cm/yr Frost Free Days: 120 Growing Season: Late May to late September DISTANCES FROM WILLIAMS LAKE Alexis Creek: 118 km; Anahim Lake: 331 km; Bella Coola: 456 km; Hanceville: 95 km; Horsefly: 70 km; Kamloops: 285 km; Lac La Hache: 60 km; Likely: 93 km; McLeese Lake: 50 km; 100 Mile House: 95 km; Prince George: 243 km; Quesnel: 120 km; Riske Creek: 47 km; Tatla Lake: 223 km; Vancouver: 552 km

• Events • Fishing • Shopping • Restaurants • Accommodations • Local Attractions • Outdoor Recreation • Other Visitor Services

GIFT SHOP & COFFEE BAR

• Fishing Licenses • Back Road Maps • City Area Map • BC Jade • Local Books • Williams Lake Merchandise and Souveniers

250-392-5025 1-877-967-5253

Angie Mindus photo School District 27 provides education to approximately 4,600 students spread out over 20 schools in a diverse geographical area about the same size as the province of New Brunswick.

Page 4

e-mail: visitors@telus.net www.williamslakechamber.com Operated by The Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce Funded in part by the City of Williams Lake

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

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www.susancolgate.com 2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Page 5

YOUR SOURCE FOR SPORTS EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING

OUR LICENSED SECTION FEATURES CLOTHING FROM ALL THE MAJOR LEAGUES

WE OFFER THE CARIBOO’S LARGEST SELECTION OF FOOTWEAR

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JEANS AND CLOTHING

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19 NORTH FIRST AVENUE • 250-392-5923 Page 6

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Calendar

of Events Vaisakhi celebrations/Patrick Davies photo

MARCH March 6th -8th Open mixed Bonspiel WL Curling Rink March 7th 1pm BCBRA/CBR Barrel Race Eagle View Equestrian Centre Lori March 7th 10am-4pm International Women’s Day Wellness Fair Women’s Contact Society March 14th TBA Yank’s Peak Fun Day Mark Snowball March 16th TBA City of WL Birthday Tea Museum of Cariboo Chilcotin March 21st 1pm BCBRA/CBR Barrel Race Eagle View Equestrian Centre Lori March 21st Poverty Assimulation CMC March 21/22nd 9am -4pm Katie Garthwaite Barrel Clinic Eagle View Equestrian Centre Lori March 26th 11:30 -1pm WLDCC Monthly Lunch Signal Point March 28th/29th Cattle Sorting Clinic Lee Ann Crosina Eagle View Equestrian Centre Lori

250-392 4636 250-398-8344 250-392-4118 250-398-5328 250-398-8344 250-392-8145 250-398-8344 250-392-5025 250-398-8344

APRIL

April/ May Spring Rotary Book Sale TBA Lori 250-305-8559 April 3rd & 4th Bowl for Kids Sake Cariboo Bowling Lanes Big Brothers & Sisters 250 392-5730 April 4th Ducks Unlimited Banquet TBA 250-398-6670 April 4th 1pm BCBRA/CBR Barrel Race Eagle View Equestrian Centre Lori 250-398-8344 April 5th 11am Nutrition Fun Run/Walk/Bike CMC 250-398-7665 April 6, 7,8,9 Cariboo Festival Vocal & Choral Evangelical Free Church 250-305-4925 April 10th -13th Easter Weekend Celebrations Barkerville Barkerville 1-888-994-3332 ext. 0 April 14-17th Cariboo Festival Piano Calvary Church 250-305-4925 April 16/17th 83rd Annual WL Bull Show & Sale WL Stockyards 250-398-7174 April 17-19 WL Indoor Rodeo Cariboo Memorial Complex 250-267-9915 April 18th 10am to 4pm Handmade in the Cariboo craft fair Elks Hall April 18th 1pm BCBRA/CBR Barrel Race Eagle View Equestrian Centre Lori 250-398-8344 April 20th 21st Cariboo Festival Speech arts Evangelical Free Church 250-305-4925 April 22nd & 23rd Instrumental/Band Cariboo Festival Saint John Lutheran Church April 25th 10am -2pm Junk in the trunk WL Discovery Centre Kim 250-392-5025 April 25th 6pm TRU Annual Gala Thompson Rivers University Daryl Drozda April 26th 9:30AM Gymkhana Eagle View Equestrian Centre Lori 250-398-8344 April 30th 11:30- 1pm WLDCC Monthly Lunch Signal Point 250-392-5025

Eagleviewequine.net

Eagleviewequine.net bree@unitedwaytnc.ca Eagleviewequine.net Eagleviewequine.net lmacala@me.com Eagleviewequine.net info@cariboofestival.ca info@cariboofestival.ca wl@bclivestock.bc.ca wlindoor@shaw.ca Eagleviewequine.net info@cariboofestival.ca info@cariboofestival.ca dadrozda@tru.ca Eagleviewequine.net

MAY May 1-7th May 2nd 1pm May 3rd May 3rd 2pm May 8-Sept 2nd 9am -2pm May 9th & 10th May 10th

Youth Week details to come BCBRA/CBR Barrel Race Hub International Bike Rodeo Cariboo Festival Honors Concert WL Farmers market Hoof nWoof cattle sorting barrel racing Mothers Day market

Boys and Girls Club 250-392-5730 Eagle View Equestrian Centre Lori 250-398-8344 Canadian Tire Parking Lot 250-398-7665 Cariboo Bethel Church Kiwanis Park Eagle View Equestrian Centre Lori 250-398-8344 McLeese Lake Hall VFD Jacquie 250-303-0259

Eagleviewequine.net info@cariboofestival.ca wlfm.manager@gmail.com Eagleviewequine.net

NOW SERVING BREAKFAST ALL DAY. EVERYDAY!

250-398-7821 Prosperity Ridge Centre 2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

2 Locations To Serve You

250-398-7800 1196 S. Broadway Page 7

of Events

Calendar

Dry Grad Parade/Angie Mindus photo May 10th TBA May 16th 12-3pm May 18th May 22-24th May 27th 6:30 PM May 28th 11:30 - 11pm May 30th 10 --3 May 30th 5pm May 30th MAY 30-31ST May 31st 9:30 AM

WL Lions Club mothers day market Tech ‘N Tune Open Practice All Classes Victoria Day Royal Tea Stampede Whirl Ways Jamboree BCBRA/CBR Barrel Race WLDCC Monthly lunch Children’s Festival Racing Season Opener Spring into downtown 26th Annual Laker Club Spring Round up Gymkhana

Save on Foods parking lot Ed Kozuki 250-392-5791 Thunder Mountain Speedway Barkerville 1-888-994-3332 ext. 0 Long House Dana Ball 250-392-3066 Eagle View Equestrian Centre Lori 250-398-8344 Eagleviewequine.net Signal Point 250-392-5025 Botanic Park Womens Contact Society 250-392-4118 Thunder Mountain Speedway Downtown Williams Lake 250-398-5717 Downtown Williams Lake lakerscarclub.ca Eagle View Equestrian Centre Lori 250-398-8344 Eagleviewequine.net

JUNE June 5th-7th June 6th June 6th June 6th 10 -3pm June 7th to Sept 13th June 10th 6:30 PM June 12th June 13th June 13 & 14th June 13th 5pm June 16t- Sep 3 3 to 7pm June 18th 530 June 18th 11:30-1pm June 19th 10am-3pm June 19-21st June 21-22 June 20th June 21st 9am June 21st June 21st 9:30 AM June 24th 6:30 PM June 25th to 29th June 26th 2pm June 26-28th 10am to 5pm June 27th 10am June 27th 5pm June 27/28th June 27th/28th June 29th

Big Lake Fishing Derby Big Lake Community Hall Maryanne Woods 250-243-2304 WLDCC Golf Tournament WL Golf and Country Club 250-392-5025 Race for Kids Boys and Girls Club of WL & District 250-392-5730 ALS Walk Botanio Park Chris Seibert 250-392-5087 Farmers Market every Sunday Oasis Pub area McLeese Lake Mcleese Lake BCBRA/CBR Barrel Race Eagle View Equestrian Centre Lori 250-398-8344 Eagleviewequine.net WL Grad Ceremonies Cariboo Memorial Complex WL Grad Parade & Dry Grad Cariboo Memorial Complex Stampede Warm up Race and Afterburn Slot Race at Stampede Grounds 250-398-8344 Eagleviewequine.net Wescar Racing Thunder Mountain Speedway WL Farmers market Kiwanis Park wlfm.manager@gmail.com Soap Box Serby Cariboo GM Carrie 250-392-7185 WLDCC Monthly lunch Signal Point 250-392-5025 Nation Indigionious People Day Botanio Park Janet Smith 250-392-7361 Annual Father’s Day Pow Wow Sugar Cane Pow Wow Grounds Amy Sandy 250-296-3507 ext 129 Lac La Hache Fishing Derby Lac La Hache Kokanee Bay 250-396-7118 Theatre Royal Gala & Theatre Day Barkerville 1-888-994-3332 ext 0 Fathers Day Horsefly FD Pancake Breakfast Horsefly Linda Bartsch 250-620-3350 Pops in the park Botanio Park Gymkhana Eagle View Equestrian Centre Lori 250 398-8344 Eagleviewequine.net BCBRA/CBR Barrel Race Eagle View Equestrian Centre Lori 250-398-8344 Eagleviewequine.net 94th Annual WL Stampede Williams Lake Stampede Grounds Hit-To-Pass Smoke Show King of the Hill Thunder Mountain Speedway Bob Lowen 250-398-8343 Trail Boss Wayne Appreciation Ride Crooked lake resort Daybreak Rotary Stampede Parade Downtown Williams Lake Lori Stampede Racing All Class Invitational Thunder Mountain Speedway 41st Annual Stampede Rugby Tournament WL Rustlers Rugby Fields Todd Bella Coola V.R.R Rodeo Bella Coola Rodeo Grounds https://www.rodeobc.com Cariboo Heritage Gathering Stampede Grounds

JULY July TBA Williams Lake Enduro Mountain Biking event July 1st 11-2pm Canada Day Boitanio Park 250-398-7665 July 1st Dominion Day Celebrations Barkerville 1888-994-3332 ext 0 July 1-5th Rodeo Activities (details to come) Boys & Girls Club 250-392-5730 July 2-Aug 20 6pm to 8pm Performances in The Park Thurs Botanio Park www.centralcaribooarts.com/performances-in-the-park July 3-10th Christmas in July Sale 25 % off passes Cariboo Memorial Complex 250-398-7665 July 4th Anahim Lake Stampede https://www.rodeobc.com July 8th 10:00 AM Gibralter Mine Tour 250-392-5025 July 8th 6:30 PM BCBRA/CBR Barrel Race Eagle View Equestrian Centre Lori 250-398-8344 Eagleviewequine.net July 17th 18th Arts on the Fly Horsefly info@artsonthe fly.com July 18th 7th Annual Barkerville Indigenous Cele. Barkerville 1-888-994-3332 ext 0 July 19th 9am -3pm Horsefly Town Wide Garage Sale Page 8

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

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No down-payment required. Taxes, insurance, license, and registration fees (all of which may vary by region) are extra. β "Honda Bonus" lease or finance cash of $500 on select in-stock 2020 Civic Sedan/2020 CR-V models is available on lease or finance transactions from HCFI on approved credit only, deducted from the negotiated selling price after taxes. Excludes Coupe, Hatchback, Si and type R models. *No payments for 90 days (payment deferral) offer is available on any new and unregistered Honda vehicle financed through Honda Financial Services (on approved credit), and delivered at a participating Honda dealer, between January 3, 2020 to February 29, 2020. Monthly payments are deferred for 90 days from the start of the finance contract, and the term of the contract will be extended accordingly. Applicable interest charges will not accrue during the first 60 days of the contract. After 60 days applicable interest will start to accrue, and no later than 90 days from the start of the contract the purchaser will begin to repay principal and applicable interest over the scheduled term of the contract. Offer ends February 29, 2020 and is subject to change or cancellation without notice. Dealer may sell/lease for less. Dealer order or trade may be necessary. Offer available only at participating Honda dealers in BC. Offers valid on select new in-stock 2020 vehicles. Models may not be equipped as shown and are for illustration purposes only. For additional feature information, limitations and restrictions, please visit www.honda.ca/disclaimers and refer to the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual. © 2019 Honda Canada Inc. Visit Honda.ca or your Honda dealer for details.

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Page 9

of Events

Calendar

Williams Lake Stampede/Angie Mindus photo July 22nd 10:00 AM July 22nd 630 pm July 25th 5pm July 25th 26th July 26th 9:30 AM July 31 -Aug 3

Gibralter Mine Tours 250-392-5025 BCBRA/CBR Barrel Race Eagle View Equestrian Centre Lori 250-398-8344 Eagleviewequine.net Dairy Queen Christmas in July + Fan Appreciation Esk’et Rodeo Alkali https://www.rodeobc.com Gymkhana Eagle View Equestrian Centre Lori 250-398-8344 Eagleviewequine.net Arts Wells Wells artswells.com

AUGUST Aug TBA Rib Fest Botaino Park Daniel Penny 778-417-0190 Aug 4 -11-18- 25 6pm Free Fitness in the park Boitanio Park 250-398-7665 Aug 5-11th 9an -6pm Williams Lake 4H Show and Sale Connie Lynn 250 296 0041 Aug 5th Gibralter Mine Tours 250-392-5025 Aug 5th 6:30 PM BCBRA/CBR Barrel Race Eagle View Equestrian Centre Lori 250-398-8344 Aug 6th to Sept 4th Annual WL Art Walk Downtown Williams Lake Aug 7th 6pm Doug Larson Memorial Racing Thunder Mountain Speedway Aug 7th Movie in the Park Boys & Girls Club Aug 12-16th The Cascadiens In Barkerville Aug 15/16 Redstone Rodeo Alexis Creeek Aug 19th 6:30 PM BCBRA/CBR Barrel Race Eagle View Equestrian Centre Lori 250-398 8344 Aug 19th 10:00 AM Gibralter Mine Tour 250-392-5025 Aug 19th Annual Street Party Boys & Girls Club 250-392-5730 Aug 22nd 12am -4pm Horsefly Fall Fair Cindy 250 620 3584 Aug 22nd Chinese Mid Autumn Moon Festival Barkerville Barkerville Aug 22nd 4pm Canadian Tire Memorial Wescar Invitational Thunder Mountain Speedway Aug 23rd 9:30 AM Gymkhana Eagle View Equestrian Centre Lori 250-398-8344

Eagleviewequine.net

https://www.rodeobc.com Eagleviewequine.net

1-888-994-3332 ext 0 Eagleviewequine.net

SEPTEMBER Sept TBA Sept 7th Sept/Oct TBA Sept 12th 12pm Sept 12/13th Sept 12th/13th 10-5 & 10-4 Sept 13th 2020 10- 3pm Sept 18th Sept 19th & 20th Sept 24th 11:30-1pm Sept 25-27th Sept 27th 9:30 AM

Soul to Sole walk run marathon hike Candace Miller 250-991-2262 17thAnnual Williams Creek Sports Day Barkerville Barkerville 1-888-994-3332 ext 0 Harvest Run Cariboo Memorial Complex 250-398-7665 2020 Grand finale Hit to Pass 10th Annual Barkerville Cowboy Jubilee Barkerville 1-888-994-3332 ext 0 41st Annual Harvest Fair Stampede Grounds Tammy 250-305-8403 Mcleese Lake Car Show & Shine Mcleese Lake Oasis Campground Howie 250-297-6429 Take Back the night Botanio park Womens Contact Society 250-392-4118 Unlikley Paddle Best Likely Claudette 250-302-9488 WLDCC Monthly Lunch Signal Point 250-392-5025 7th Annual Steampunk Murder Mystery Barkerville Barkerville Gymkhana Eagle View Equestrian Centre Lori 250-398-8344 Eagleviewequine.net

Connecting communities! #wegothere #wewilltakeyouthere

Ask us about private/corporate bus charters BOOK ONLINE 250-305-2251 | www.adventurecharters.ca | info@adventurecharters.ca Page 10

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Calendar

of Events Summertime in the Cariboo /Angie Mindus photo

OCTOBER Oct 17,18, 24 , 25,31 & Nov 1 Ghostly October Barkerville Barkerville Oct 23/24th Halloween Haunted House Boys & Girls Club Oct 24th Business Exellence Awards Elks Hall Mark 250-392-5025 Oct 25th Halloween Gymkhana Eagle View Equestrian Centre Lori 250-398-8344 Oct 29th 6pm Pumpkin Carving Cariboo GM Carrie 250305-8559 Oct 29th 11:30-1pm WLDCC Monthly Lunch Signal Point 250-392-5025 Oct 31st 7:15pm Haloween Bonfire WL Stampede Grounds 250-398-7665 Oct 31st 7:45:pm Haloween Fireworks WL Stampede Grounds 250-398-7665

Eagleviewequine.net

NOVEMBER Nov TBA Nov/Dec TBA Nov/Dec TBA Nov 6th & 7th 11-8pm Nov 7th 10-2:30 Nov 7th 8th 10-4 Sat/Sun Nov. 19th Centre Nov 21st Nov 21st 22nd 10-3pm Nov 21/22nd 10-4&10-3 Nov 21st Nov 26th 11:30-1pm Nov 28th Nov/Dec TBA

Fall Rotary book sale Mcleese Lake Christmas Craft Fair Skate with Santa Carmens Early Bird Christmas Craft Sale Horsefly Craft Fair Christmas Bazar & Fair Lac La Hache Museum AGM 250-392-5025 St Peter’s Annual Tea & Bazar Medieval Market Cataline Craft Fair Cariboo Country Christmas WLDCC Monthly Lunch Hospital Axiliary Gala Mcleese Lake Christmas Craft Fair

TBA Lori Mcleese Leke fire hall Jacquie Cariboo Memorial Complex Elks Hall Carmen Horsefly Community Hall Chris Lac La Hache Community Hall WL City Nov 21st 10am-3pm

250-305-8559 lmacala@me.com 250-303-0259 250-398-7665 250-296-3590 250-620-3597 250-396-7118 Made in the Cariboo Craft Fair Williams Lake Visitor

St.Peter’s Anglican Church Sue Lake City Secondary Kim Nowotny Cataline Elementary Elks Hall Signal Point Sacred Heart Hall Tammy Tugnam Mcleese Lake fire hall Jacquie

250-392-3469 250-392-6284 250-392-7154 250-392-5025 250-305-8403 250-303-0259

DECEMBER Dec 1st to 10th Dec 1st to 31st Dec 5th Dec 10-24th Dec 12th to Dec 14th Dec 12th to Dec 14th Dec. 13th Dec. 31st

Purple RibbonCampaign against Violence Against Women Women’s Contact Society 392-4118 Christmas Market Station House gallery 250-392-6113 WL Downtown winter lights displays. downtown williams lake 250-398-5717 Christmas Pass Sale 25% off of groups 250-398-7665 Old Fashioned Victorian Christmas Barkerville Barkerville Old Fashioned Victorian Christmas Barkerville Barkerville Christmas Tea & Bake Sale Seniors Center Williams Lake Museum New Year’s Eve Party Sacred Heart Hall

Calendar of Events provided by the WL Chamber of Commerce - For more updated events visit www.williamslakechamber.com or call 1-877-967-5253

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Resource Industries

Gibraltar Mine photo

Angie Mindus photo

Forestry, mining and agriculture Three major industries have made our communities thrive and prosper in the Cariboo Chilcotin and Central Coast: forestry, mining and agriculture.

Sawmills at Tolko Industries, West Fraser and Sigurdson Forest Products and West Fraser Plywood are major employers in Williams Lake.

There are also several log home and timber frame companies with their work visible throughout the region.

Unprecedented wildfires in 2017 heavily impacted forests in the region, which has resulted in forestry companies, ranchers and First Nations communities salvaging burned timber while it is still viable.

Angie Mindus photo

Best Buy PROPANE

Pinnacle Renewable Energy Inc. and Atlantic Power Corporation are two facilities in Williams Lake both use residual wood fibre sourced by local mills.

Mining also plays a significant role in the region’s economy, offering well-paid and secure jobs. Mining has a long history in the Cariboo, beginning in the 1850s with the Cariboo gold rush. The industry remains a vital component to the local community and economy, with approximately 700 Taseko-Gibraltar employees and their families calling the Cariboo their home.

Taseko’s Gibraltar Mine, located 60 kilometers outside Williams Lake, is the second largest open pit copper mine in Canada and is one of the largest employers in the Cariboo. Taseko has been committed to the operation of Gibraltar and thereby the region, investing over $700 million to modernize and advance the operation since taking over and restarting the mine in 2004. Now, Gibraltar is a state-of-the-art facility with an average annual production of 135 million pounds per year.

With another 19 years of mine life remaining, Gibraltar will continue to deliver social and economic value to the people of the Cariboo and British Columbia for years to come. Ranchers were impacted by the 2017 wildfires, but many worked together to protect theirs and neighbouring ranches from encroaching fires.

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The agriculture industry is also vital to everyday life for even those outside of the Cariboo Chilcotin, as many products from beef to vegetables end up on tables in homes and restaurants in the Lower Mainland and other areas.

The Williams Lake Stockyards on Cattle Drive play an integral part in the local ranching community, hosting several sales throughout the year including the 83rd annual Bull Show and Sale, April 16 and 17, 2020.

Page 12

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2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

First Nations

Region rich in First Nations culture and tradition The Cariboo-Chilcotin is enriched by its Indigenous peoples.

For thousands of years the Secwepemc, Tsilhqot’in and Dakelh have called the area home.

Archaeological evidence such as petroglyphs, pictographs and depressions of pit houses or Kekuli holes are still visible in many areas throughout the region.

Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw (NStQ), or Shuswap People of the North are four communities: Tsq’escen’ (Canim Lake Band), Stswecem’c Xgat’tem (Canoe Creek/Dog Creek Band), Xat’sull (Soda Creek Band), T’exelc (Williams Lake Band at Sugar Cane) and the City of Williams Lake. The four Nations of the NStQ are in treaty negotiations.

Patrick Davies photo

Esk’etemc First Nation (Alkali Lake), located about 45 Dancers at the 2019 Annual Father’s Day Powwow held at the T’exelcemc (Williams minutes south of Williams Lake, is part of the Shuswap Lake Indian Band) at the Chief Will-Yum Campsite and Arbor is always a popular event Nation group. Six Tsilhqot’in communities are located for all ages. west of the Fraser River and make up the Tsilhqot’in tourists are invited to events where Indigenous communities share National Government. They include Xeni Gwet’in their culture.

(Nemiah Valley), Yunesît’in (Stone), Tsîdeldel (Redstone), Tl’etinqox (Anaham), Tl’esqox (Toosey) and ?Esdilagh (Alexandria).

On National Indigenous Peoples day, June 21, everyone celebrates with a parade and many activities taking place throughout the day in Within the Carrier Chilcotin Tribal Council, the communities of Tl’esqox Boitanio Park, hosted and organized by the Northern Secwepemc.

(Toosey), Ulkatcho (Anahim Lake), Lhoosk’uz Dene (Kluskus) and Lhtako Dene (Red Bluff) work together to improve the social and economic The annual Father’s Day Powwow held at Sugar Cane Powwow Grounds well-being of their communities. Throughout the year, residents and (June 13-14, 2020) is also very popular.

Welcome to Williams Lake Find your spirit of adventure here in the heart of the Cariboo! Enjoy the rugged scenery, friendly people, and rich history, in the home of the famous Williams Lake Stampede.

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2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

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First Nations

Many Indigenous people also participate in the Williams Lake Stampede, taking place this year from June 25 to 29. Young riders from Tl’etinqox (Anaham), all wearing matching bright red shirts, arrive in Williams Lake by horseback and bicycle on Thursday evening before the Stampede. The Xeni Gwet’in Youth Wagon Trip also culminates at the Williams Lake Stampede.

Cariboo Friendship Society

Native Art and Craft Shop

Elders, adults and youth from the Xeni Gwet’in travel the seven-day journey from Nemiah Valley to Williams Lake by horse and wagon, arriving in time to participate in the opening ceremonies.

Each day at the Stampede, the Mountain Race sees Indigenous riders racing down the hill on horseback at breakneck speeds into the Stampede Grounds and racing a lap around the track. Many of the communities host their own rodeos throughout the season as well.

Xat’sull Heritage Village, located 30 minutes north of Williams Lake, offers cultural teachings and tours, camping and activities in the summer season.

An observation tower at the historic village gives the viewer a breathtaking view of the Fraser River. In 2016 and 2017, crews of Xat’sull community members helped build some new mountain bike trails that can be accessed by the old Emporium Restaurant site on Highway 97 and at Blue Lake.

Every September, School District 27 observes Orange Shirt Day with an event at Boitanio Park in Williams Lake. The day grew out of the legacy of the St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School commemorative event held in Williams Lake in 2013.

It was inspired by the story of Stswecem’c Xgat’tem community member Phyllis Webstad’s experience of having her new orange shirt purchased by her grandmother for school taken away on her first day at the Mission.

September is chosen because it is the time of year in which children were taken from their homes to residential schools, and because it is an opportunity to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies for the coming school year.

In 2014, the Tsilhqot’in Nation won a landmark decision in a Supreme Court of Canada ruling which recognized Aboriginal title over a large tract of land in the Chilcotin. In August 2019, the provincial and federal governments signed the Gwets’en Nilt’i Pathway Agreement (“Towards it, We are Striving”). The agreement creates a framework to support Tsilhqot’in selfdetermination.

Monica Lamb-Yorski photo Carolyn Bennett, Federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, accepts a gift from Xeni Gwet’in Chief Jimmy Lulua after signing the Gwets’en Nilt’i Pathway Agreement with the six Tsilhqot’in chiefs in Williams Lake on August 2019, while Yunesit’in Chief Russell Myers Ross (back left) and Tl’esqox Chief Francis Laceese look on. The agreement creates a framework to support Tsilhqot’in self-determination.

Page 14

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2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

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Page 15

of the Cariboo Chilcotin

Museum

Patrick Davies photos Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin project assistants Nadia Erasmus (from left) and Casey Bennett are just two members of the team overseen by Museum Manager Alex Geris and marketing and promotions coordinator Davana Mahon. Here they stand in the newly renovated basement of the Tourism Discovery Centre which houses all the museum has to offer.

History awaits at Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin The Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin is open year-round to welcome visitors from down the street or the other side of the world.

from the past, hundreds of artifacts, and diverse community stories showcase the region’s rich heritage.

Situated on the unceded territory of the Dakelh, Secwepemc and Tsilhqot’in Nations, the museum presents several exhibits relating to local Indigenous inhabitants, the fur trade, early settler societies, the arrival of the railway, and the growth of the city of Williams Lake. A unique and sizable collection of saddles, artifacts of the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame, and a model of the Pacific Great Eastern railway as it was in 1919 are just a few features of the wealth of history the museum has to offer.

Throughout the year, the museum will continue to update and open new and seasonal exhibits that showcase the area’s dynamic past.

The museum tells the history of forestry, mining, agriculture and other industries that have shaped the region. Historical photographs, local artwork

Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin

In its current home at the Tourism Discovery Centre just off Highway 97, at 1660B Broadway Ave. South, the museum building is wheelchair accessible with ramps and an elevator, and offers ample parking including space for RVs, motorhomes and tour buses. Tour groups are welcome to visit the Museum but if seeking a guided tour, please contact the museum to schedule a tour prior to your visit. The Museum is open seven days a week during summer months from 9am to 6pm, and in the winter open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. The Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin is free for everyone to visit.

For more information contact the Museum at 250-392-7404 or e-mail mccoffice@telus.net. Or visit our website at www.cowboy-museum.com; 1660B Broadway Avenue South.

Summer Hours: 7 Days a Week - 9-6 Winter Hours: Mon.-Fri. - 9-5 Displays Showcasing

• Cariboo-Chilcotin History • Williams Lake History • Ranching & Rodeo • Local Businesses • BC Cowboy Hall of Fame • First Nations Phone: 250.392.7404

The Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin’s Display cases now shine under the new lights installed during their 2018-2019 renovations.

1660B Broadway Ave South Williams Lake mccoffice@telus.net With the support of the City of Williams Lake and the CRD via the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society

www.cowboy-museum.com Page 16

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Cariboo Memorial

Recreation Complex

Recreation offered at complex The Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex is the hub for recreational activities in Williams Lake and caters to all ages.

In the fall of 2017 the brand new West Fraser Aquatic Centre opened its doors providing patrons two new swimming pools, among other amenities for the community. The completed project includes a new fitness centre, lap pool, swirl pool, steam room and leisure pool. The leisure area features a waterslide, lazy river, tots area, kiddie car wash, teacup fountain, bubble pit, cortex and massage chairs.

The facility also contains two busy ice rinks and the Gibraltar Room, a large theatre/ banquet room that can be used with or without the bleachers.

Greg Sabatino photo The Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex offers recreation activities for all ages including swimming lessons and is home to the Williams Lake Blue Fins swim club.

Multiple events and recreation programs take place at the complex. These include drop-in fitness, aquafit, skating and shinny hockey, swim lessons, film festivals, day camps, after school care, skating lessons, hockey camps, Tae Kwon Do, fitness, dance, cooking, outdoor recreation and much more. Active Living Guides are available at the Recreation Complex and online and provide detailed information about classes and events.

The Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex’s Facebook page is regularly updated with interesting events and programs. A twitter feed can also be found @CMRCWL to keep up to date on all the latest happenings at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex.

Nutrition Run/Greg Sabatino photo

Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex West Fraser Aquatic Centre!!!

LAP POOL • 25 Metre Zero Entry Lane Pool • With Climbing Wall LEISURE POOL • Slide • Lazy River • Jets, Car Wash & Teacup STEAM ROOM DRY SAUNA HOT POOL

Twin Ice Arenas

• Dry Floor Rentals off season • Indoor Rodeo • Trade Shows

Recreation Services

• Fitness Classes • Child, Youth and Adult Programs • New Fitness Centre

Learn more at www.williamslake.ca 525 Proctor Street, Williams Lake, V2G 4J1 • 250-398-7665

Conveniently located in the centre of town behind the Provincial Government Buildings 2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Page 17

Nature Centre

Scout Island

Angie Mindus photo School District 27 students practice boat rescue techniques at Scout Island, which offers water access to the lake as well as several walking trails with views of the city and the lake.

Scout Island Nature Centre is a tranquil oasis of nature in the heart of our city Scout Island is a true gem for Williams Lake residents and visitors.

In a small area, you’ll encounter diverse habitats – from lake and marsh, through riparian (water’s edge) zones to dry juniper and fir forest. This wealth of habitats attracts a wide range of wildlife for you to observe, track, photograph and possibly even interact with.

You might catch a glimpse of the resident muskrat, turtles, beavers, deer or otters.

The plant life native to all these ecosystems supplies food, nesting materials and shelter to the creatures, as well as beauty and fascination for humans walking the network of trails. Devoted volunteers from the Williams Lake Field Naturalists have worked lovingly since 1978 to preserve this treasure and enhance it with trails, viewing platforms, interpretive signs and publications so you can enjoy nature to the fullest.

The Nature Centre is directly on the migration path of hundreds of bird species, including rare white pelicans, swans, eagles, many species of ducks, and smaller birds. Coming from as far south as Peru and Chile and heading as far north as the Northwest Territories and Alaska, these wanderers often rest and feed in the lush marsh before continuing their journey, making Scout Island a birder’s paradise in spring and fall.

In the Nature House, you can see interactive and live displays of plants and animals, ask questions of the interpretive staff, or peruse the nature bookstore and library.

In the summer, Scout Island offers a great little beach for swimming, a place to launch a boat, and a lawn with tables for picnics.

Naturalists present frequent public programs in the warm months to share their knowledge of the island’s thriving web of life.

In the winter you will find locals skating or skiing on the lake, and seasonal nature activities like tracking and astronomy for both

adults and children.

Details: • Gates are open year round from 8 a.m. to dusk.

• The Nature House is open daily from May to August and weekends in April, September and October.

• Educational programs for children, families, school and community groups take place all year round, and the School District runs an innovative Nature Kindergarten during the school year.

• Contact 250-398-8532 for more information, or visit its website scoutisland.ca • Find us on Facebook by searching Scout Island Nature Centre.

Greg Sabatino photo Young lakecity residents learn all about leaves during one of its free Nature Kids programs for youth in the community.

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2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Tourism

Discovery Centre

Offering visitors a unique experience Williams Lake’s extraordinary Tourism Discovery Centre (TDC) stands prominently at the south entrance to the city, inviting visitors to stop in and find out what our city and area have to offer. This one-of-a-kind, 14,000 square foot log and timber building often leaves visitors in awe, and perfectly showcases the talent of our local log home builders, as well as our construction companies.

Operated by the Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce, this building is designed to offer visitors an unique experience. Our affiliation with Destination BC ensures that the Visitor Centre always has qualified travel counsellors available to answer all of your questions, and to help make your stay in the area a great adventure. The Visitor Centre has a large selection of informational materials, including brochures to plan your British Columbia or cross-Canada vacation. The Visitor Centre counsellors are available to help you plan your adventure in and around the Cariboo-Chilcotin region.

The Tourism Discovery Centre offers a comfortable place to take a break from your travels. Enjoy the beautiful view of the lake from the mezzanine, or check your email while taking in the beauty of the 745-year-old cedar tree that rises from the lower level inside the centre. The gift store and coffee shop showcase locally produced goods. It is the perfect spot to pick up your Williams Lake, British Columbia or Canada souvenirs and get a great cup of coffee or other specialty beverages. The Visitor Centre offers Wi-Fi and computer terminals to keep in touch with home. Parking at the centre can accommodate any size RV or bus.

The TDC is the new location of the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin, you can take in a bit of local history while you explore. So, make sure to include the Williams Lake Tourism Discovery Centre as one of your first stops in Williams Lake!

Angie Mindus photo The Tourism Discovery Centre is easily accessed off Highway 97 at 1660 Broadway Ave. South and houses the Williams Lake Visitor Centre. The impressive facility is a tourist attraction itself and also offers a large pullthrough parking lot for vehicles of all sizes.

Williams Lake Daybreak

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Page 19

Stampede

Williams Lake

Stampede marks 94th year of roping and riding There’s no better way to take in the Canada Day long weekend in Williams Lake than the World Famous Williams Lake Stampede.

Celebrating its 94th year, the 2020 Williams Lake Stampede features professional rodeo events including bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, team roping, tie down roping, barrel racing and more. Top athletes from throughout North America and the world compete at the rodeo across the first four days of performances Thursday, June 25 to Sunday, June 28, followed by a special Cariboo Heritage Day on Monday celebrating the city’s Western roots.

Angie Mindus photo

The signature and fan-favourite Mountain Race is one event to not miss, which provides thrills and excitement for participants and spectators alike, as riders race down a mountain onto the dirt track at the Williams Lake Stampede Grounds for a finish inside the rodeo arena. Growing in popularity at the Stampede, the Wild Cowgirl Race, has garnered rave reviews while bringing grandstand spectators to their feet.

The race is a 3/8 of a mile flat race open to women only, featuring local and out-of-town racers where fans get a front-row seat of the finish line.

The Stampede features fun, family entertainment and is all about having a good time, plus celebrating the tradition of rodeo in the region that truly is the “Greatest Show on Dirt.” Annually, thousands of rodeo fans take in the excitement of the event with sellout crowds always a guarantee during the weekend. There’s tons of free fun for the whole family including the Young Gunz Rodeo, the Kids Korral, and the Bronc Buster Trade Fair right at the Stampede grounds.

Friday afternoon celebrates family day at the rodeo and fans are reminded to wear red during the Friday evening performance to pay tribute to our Canadian Military. Sunday’s theme is Tough Enough to Wear Pink where competitors and fans are encouraged to wear pink in support of breast

The Mountain Race is one of the fan favourites at the Williams Lake Stampede, where contestants race down the hillside and into the arena before cheering rodeo fans.

cancer awareness. Proceeds of ticket sales on Sunday are donated locally within the community to families and survivors of this disease, and to organizations like the Hough Memorial Cancer Society.

Nightly live entertainment caps off each day (Thursday to Sunday) in the famous Let R Buck Saloon, beginning at 9 p.m. This year’s Stampede Kick-Off Concert promises to be one to not miss featuring Canadian Country Music Award winners Doc Walker and the Karen Lee Batten Band.

The Williams Lake Stampede has its roots dated back to 1919 with the arrival of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway. At that time, a group of cowboys decided to put on a ‘Wild West-type show’ for the passengers sitting on the train as it stopped in Williams Lake. The first organized Williams Lake Stampede was held in 1919, however, the rodeo took a several-year hiatus during the World Wars. People would come from throughout the Cariboo to take in the spectacle. As word spread, they came to camp and compete, to visit, dance, gamble, and party. It was a major social occasion for the entire Cariboo region, and things in the surrounding countryside generally came to a standstill while the Stampede was taking place. Once the success of the Stampede gathering was apparent, all of the village businessmen and merchants were wholeheartedly behind the event because of the number of people it brought to town.

The most interesting visitors to see travelling into town for the Stampede were the Indigenous peoples who came in from their various homes around the Cariboo Chilcotin, usually arriving a day or two before Stampede. That tradition still lives on today as organized wagon trips and rides to Williams Lake still take place during the week leading up to the Stampede.

Greg Sabatino photo There are five action-packed rodeos at the World Famous Williams Lake Stampede providing spectators four days of exciting Canadian Professional Rodeo Association thrills.

Page 20

One event that still honours the rodeo’s roots is the Ranch Rodeo on Monday’s Cariboo Heritage Day. The Ranch Rodeo is a series of many working cowboy events including penning, sorting and some hilarious costume-friendly bronc riding and is a locals-only competition giving cowboys from area ranches a chance to compete against each other for the year’s bragging rights. The final events for the local Mountain Race and Wild Cowgirl Race occur on Monday, rounding out an eclectic and “very Cariboo Chilcotin” day of rodeo. In addition to the exciting arena events, the Cariboo Heritage Day offers displays and exhibitions hosted by the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin, plus countless vendors from the area, and province wide, showing off their unique goods. Family friendly and informative, the Cariboo Heritage Day a Stampede tops off a very exciting rodeo weekend tipping our hats to our past.

For more information, tickets, contests, and Campground requests at the World Famous Williams Lake Stampede visit its website at www. williamslakestampede.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram by searching ‘Williams Lake Stampede.’

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Page 21

Indoor Rodeo

Williams Lake

Boots, chaps and cowboy hats Every spring, the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex is transformed into a rodeo arena for a weekend to host the annual Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo.

April 17-19, 2020 will mark the association’s 30th anniversary and is one of the most anticipated events of the year.

This rodeo hosts more than 5,000 spectators over three days and is the second largest rodeo in the BC Rodeo Association with 300plus competitors coming from all over B.C., Alberta and Washington. This indoor spring event is guaranteed to have something for everyone. Starting with the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association’s Announcer of the

Greg Sabatino photo Rink one at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex is transformed into a rodeo arena every spring for the popular Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo where cowboys and cowgirls put on a great show for their fans.

Year for the ninth time, Brett Gardiner and 8-time CPRA’s Rodeo Entertainer of the Year, Dennis Halstead. The quick-paced Wild West Riders drill team maneuvering patterns on horseback and the always exciting Wild Horse Race. From watching the clown/barrel man with his crazy antics, the arena pick-up men or cheering on a favourite team or competitors as they challenge C+ Rodeos stock in 13 events, there is plenty of action, thrills and spills.

The Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo Association hosts many vendors and operates a beer garden in rink two of the CMRC (no minors) open just before the rodeo with a big screen set-up so that patrons can watch the rodeo. The sixth annual Cowboy Carnival on Friday, April 17 from 9 to 11 a.m. will be a big part of the weekend again, focusing on the younger

cowboys and cowgirls who want to come into the arena dirt and try stick horse barrel racing, dummy roping, bucking barrels and more.

Make sure you to have your ID ready (no minors allowed) for some dancing on Friday and Saturday evening at the Barn Dance. Safe rides home will be provided both Friday and Saturday nights by Adventure Charters.

The Indoor Rodeo office is opened a couple of weeks prior to the rodeo to sell tickets and merchandise. For up to-date information join our Facebook page, check out our web page at wlindoorrodeo.com or send an e-mail to wlindoor@shaw.ca.

APRIL 17, 18 & 19, 2020

CARIBOO MEMORIAL COMPLEX Phone: 250-398-9061 Email: wlindoor@shaw.ca

wlindoorrodeo.com

Page 22

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Thunder Mountain

Speedway

Patrick Davies photo Just a five minute drive from Williams Lake, Thunder Mountain Speedway offers multiple racing events from May through to September.

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines If you love adventure, excitement, fast cars and great competition then Thunder Mountain Speedway is where you will want to be!

Located west of Williams Lake up Highway 20 on Bond Lake Road, Thunder Mountain offers racing under the lights on a 50 foot wide, 3/8 mile, paved oval with banked 12 degree corners and 3.5 degree straightaways.

Thunder Mountain Speedway (TMS) — now celebrating its 62nd year of racing — hosts the bone stock minis, pro minis and street stock classes, along with bringing in the fastest racers in the province with the WESCAR Late Model Touring Series for its season opener in June. A Thunder Mountain fan favourite is the famous annual Stampede Weekend Hit to Pass — which continues to break record attendances year after year — and All Class Invitational races, during the Canada Day long weekend.

looks forward to providing hours of family enjoyment. Be sure to check out Thunder Mountain’s website at www.thundermountainspeedway.ca, visit the Facebook site @ Thunder Mountain Speedway Williams Lake B.C., or contact president Kane Fraser at 250-398-0787 or by e-mail at kane.fraser@mnp.ca.

So, come on up the hill for a little Thunder on the Mountain!

2020 Race Schedule

Each event promises to bring thrills and chills for all race enthusiasts.

This year Stampede races will take place June 26 and June 27 with the popular Stampede Hit-To-Pass Friday, June 26 and the Stampede Racing All Class Invitational and Tri-City Series Race on Saturday, June 27.

TMS has nine race events planned this season — with several new and unique attractions in the works including the popular West Coast Vintage Racing Association series. There have also been many changes and improvements at Thunder Mountain Speedway and the executive

May 16 May 30 June 13 June 26

Tech ‘N Tune Season Opener Wescar - All Classes Hit-To-Pass Smoke Show + King of the Hill June 27-28 Stampede All Class Invitational & Tri-City Series July 25 Dairy Queen Christmas in July & Fan Appreciation August 7 Canadian TIre Memorial Race August 22 Doug Larson Memorial Race September 12 Points Championship & Days of Destruction Contact Kane Fraser for Race info

Angie Mindus photo First place is always something to celebrate at Thunder Mountain Speedway’s Hit to Pass event, a fan favourite.

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

250-398-0787

thundermountainspeedway.ca Bond Lake Rd, 5 minutes west of WL on Hwy 20 Page 23

Plus many more programs and courses to suit your Cariboo lifestyle!

Page 24

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

WL Studio Theatre

A rich history of community theatre

With musicals, dramas, comedies and more, the Williams Lake Studio Theatre is a staple of the lakecity arts and culture scene. Its long and storied history began with the first performance in March 1955 when the Williams Lake Players performed Dark Brown and Orange Blossoms at the Elks Hall.

The Williams Lake theatre scene came to life when one of Canada’s most noted playwrights, Gwen Pharis Ringwood, moved to the community in 1953, lighting a fire that burns strong in the community to this day.

Patrick Davies photo Gabriel Zamorano of the Williams Lake Studio Theatre performs in the

The 98-seat WLST operates in School District 27’s former WLST’s award-winning production, Cherry Docs during the 2018/19 season.

Glendale Elementary School. Those seats have recently of the community. This year they will be hosting a Studio Café movie night been replaced with new seats and the appearance of the theatre has been in March, 10 Minute Plays in April and occasional improv nights. Summer transformed into a black box for better viewing by audiences. The technical side workshops will be announced at the beginning of June. of the theatre has also improved with new lighting and sound equipment. An impressive display of posters in the lobby pays tribute to the many productions The WLST is also a member of the Community Arts Council of Williams Lake that have been staged for the community over the years. and Theatre B.C. The theatre participates in Theatre B.C.’s Central Interior Zone Festival each year, which the WLST is hosting this year from May 21 to May 23.

Over the course of its performance season, the WLST usually presents four plays of a diverse nature. There’s something for everyone and everything in between.

Studio Theatre members are also actively involved in providing entertainment at Auditions for all plays are posted publicly and people from all backgrounds community events such as the Williams Lake Stampede and Winter Lights Festival. and cultures are welcome and encouraged to join in the fun. No experience is The club encourages young talent, and has seen many of its members move on ever required to audition for a part on stage or help on a production behind the to enjoy professional careers in various aspects of theatre. In addition to being scenes. Each play has a rehearsal period of six to 12 weeks and is on stage for supported by performance ticket sales, the Studio Theatre has a performance eight to 12 performances. All cast and crew involved volunteer their time and patron program, a small annual membership fee, and accepts donations. The expertise. club also updates members and patrons by e-mail. Those interested can also check out the Studio Theatre website at www.wlstudiotheatre.com or follow the The society hosts workshops on diverse topics including, but not limited to, Studio Theatre Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/wlstudiotheatre/. acting, directing, lighting, costuming, and more, which are open to all members

Footwear, Clothing & Accessories MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN

• Boots • Shoes • Sandals • CSA • Work • Casual • Dress • Hunting

250-392-7463 248 Borland Street 2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Mon.-Fri. 9:30-5 Sat. 10-4:30 Page 25

Art Gallery & Gift Shop

Station House

Greg Sabatino photo Throughout the year different art shows are featured in both the Upper and Main Gallery at the Station House.

Art and history coexist at the Station House Gallery The Station House Gallery and Gift Shop, the lakecity’s public art gallery, offers a taste of local history along with contemporary art.

The non-profit society was formed in 1981 to preserve and maintain the original railway station built in 1919 for the Pacific Great Eastern Railway. In 2012 the station became Williams Lake’s first designated heritage site.

is free.

In December the entire gallery becomes an art and craft market for the holiday season.

The gallery is located in the old railway station on Mackenzie Avenue at the foot of Oliver Street. Call 250-392-6113 for more information.

The gallery hosts exhibitions featuring a variety of contemporary works in many mediums by local, regional and touring artists. Most often than not there are two shows, one in the Main Gallery and one in the Upper Gallery.

Feb. 7 - March 23

The Gallery Gift Shop offers a variety of work by local artists and artisans. Books written about the Cariboo Chilcotin region by local authors are also available at the gift shop.

Main Gallery: Lynn Capling – ‘Our Beautiful, Resilient Planet’ - local artist paints people, wildlife and landscapes from around the world to capture the fragile nature of our relationship to Earth.

Upstairs there is also a studio space that plays host to a variety of workshops for artists young and old, including after school classes for youth ages seven and up, and summer art classes.

Upper Gallery: Helen Sandy – ‘Smoking Fish for Winter Food’ Sugar Cane artist documents the Shuswap activity of smoking fish for winter food via photography.

The gallery is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission

April 3 - May 23

2020 Exhibition Schedule

Main Gallery: Casey Bennett – ‘A Place to Call Home’ A select group of international photographers employ their creative perspective on what it means to be home or in search for home in todays’ socio-political and disconnected culture.

Upper Gallery: Devereux Hodgson – ‘Home and Away;Travelling with a Painter’s Eye’ Travelling has revealed new sights and vistas that intrigue and inspire the artist while some vistas echo familiar landscapes of home.

June 5-27 Main Gallery: Cariboo Art Society ‘Curious Perceptions, Landmarks and Whimsy’ Spirit Awakens show by Rimathea Pappas - Patrick Davies photo Page 26

Perceptions of local buildings as seen today and images created to identify

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Patrick Davies photo One hundred years old, the Station House building plays host to diverse art exhibits and art workshops throughout the year in Williams Lake.

them from their past.

the lightness of a playful creative process.

Upper Gallery: MTM Hobbes - ‘Pagkabata’ This series of abstract mixed media paintings allows the viewer a glimpse into the life of a young child living in the tropics circa the 1970s.

Sept. 4 - Oct. 24

July 3 - Aug. 29 Main Gallery: Richard (The King) Brodeur - ‘The Fine Art of Richard Brodeur’ The former Canuck goalie showcases his original works at the Station House.

Main Gallery: Maureen Lebourdais - ‘Elementals’ An exploration of the five elemental components through woven tapestry, felt and textile/fibre sculpture.

Upper Gallery: Kathy MacDonald Nov. 6-21

Upper Gallery: Valerie Arntzen/Lori Sokoluk - ‘Side by Side & Together’

Main Gallery: Corey Hardeman - ‘Turning’ Oil Paintings depicting and documenting time, and interruptions in familiar landscapes.

These artworks combine the grittiness of urban and port-side environment with

Upper Gallery: CLOSED in preparation of the December Christmas market

Williams Lake Film Club The Williams Lake Film Club endeavours to bring the best of Canadian and world cinema to Williams Lake.

This includes independent cinema, foreign films, documentaries, and outstanding Canadian content.

The Club is part of the Toronto International Film Festival’s national film outreach program and operates during the fall and winter seasons with once monthly screenings at the Gibraltar Room in the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex.

In 2019 and 2020 the film club brought important movies to the screen in Williams Lake such as Oscar-nominated, foreign films Parasite (Academy Award winner), Pain and Glory and The Farewell.

Greg Sabatino photo

Prior, the Williams Lake Film Club also engaged with the Pooni sisters, formerly Patricia Weber of the Williams Lake Film Club (left) greets Jeeti and Salakshana Pooni, two of the documentary subjects of Because We Are Girls, during its Williams Lake premiere in 2019. of Williams Lake, to bring their heartfelt documentary Because We Are Girls to the For more information on the Film Club or get information on the latest big screen at Paradise Cinemas. The Pooni screening go to www.facebook.com/WilliamsLakeFilmClub or e-mail at sisters attended the sold-out premiere in Williams Lake and spoke to williamslakefilmclub@gmail.com. the crowd about their experience of sexual abuse as children.

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Page 27

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2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Celebrating the Arts

Central Cariboo Arts Centre A space to create

Home to spinners, potters, artists and others, on any given day the Central Cariboo Arts Centre is buzzing with arts and culture activities.

Established in 2010, the Arts Centre provides studio space for the Cariboo Potters’ Guild, Cariboo Art Society, Williams Lake Spinners, Weavers and Fibre Artists’ Guild, and the Community Arts Council of Williams Lake by rental agreement.

Angie Mindus photo The Central Cariboo Arts Centre provides an intimate venue featuring local and touring musicians.

The Graham Kelsey Room hosts a wide variety of activities including the Earth Friendly holiday craft event, ukulele practices, workshops and intimate concerts.

Rental space is available in either the Graham Kelsey Room or a small studio, which can be booked by anyone, though preferential rates or no-fee bookings are given to non-profit arts and culture groups and artists for workshops, concerts, meetings and other arts-related gatherings.

The Arts Centre is operated by the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society (CCACS), which was also established in 2010 when the Cariboo Regional District became the first rural regional district in B.C. to develop an arts and culture function supported by tax revenue.

The City of Williams Lake contracts the CCACS to operate the Arts Centre. Society staff provide assistance and resources to arts and culture groups, organizations, and projects within the Central Cariboo region; maintain a calendar of arts and culture events; and administer arts and culture grants and fee-for-service agreements for local arts groups on behalf of the City and Regional District.

The Society also oversees the Performances in the Park outdoor summer concert series held annually in Boitanio Park during July and August, which is organized by the Community Arts Council of Williams Lake. For more information, check out the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society website at www.centralcaribooarts.com or stay in the loop by following ‘Central Cariboo Arts and Culture’ on Facebook.

Community Arts Council of Williams Lake fosters culture For 51 years the Community Arts Council of Williams Lake has promoted local arts and culture.

A registered non-profit society, it promotes the interests of its member groups by applying for arts and culture grants and creating arts experiences and events for the entire community. Member groups receive benefits such as seed funding for approved arts and culture projects, insurance, assistance publicizing events, and access to arts and culture learning resources.

The council’s biggest asset is its network of volunteers. Member groups include the Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society, Williams Lake Spinners, Weavers and Fibre Artists Guild; Potato House Community Sustainability Society; Williams Lake Studio Theatre, Cariboo Gold Dance Band, Cariboo Festival Society; Cariboo Potters Guild; Cariboo Art Society; Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin; Williams Lake Community Band; Cariboo Chilcotin Youth Fiddle Society; Quintet Plus Choir, the Williams Lake Writer’s Group and Station House Gallery Society.

Monica Lamb-Yorski photo Cariboo Potters Guild member Leslie Lloyd gives a demonstration during a downtown street party.

The council and its member groups host activities such as art for children at the spring Children’s Festival in Boitanio Park and Performances in the Park during July and August, ‘Cabin Fever’ workshops in the winter; co-ordinating Christmas spirit of giving trees; workshops and special events such as concerts featuring touring musicians and workshops and concerts with local musicians. The arts council office is open Mondays and Wednesdays, from 1 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. in the Central Cariboo Arts Centre. For artist profiles and more information go to www.williamslakecommunityartscouncil.com.

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The Potato House Project Angie Mindus photo The Potato House, located on the corner of Borland Street and First Avenue downtown in Williams Lake, offers compost drop-off, garden spots and fresh fruit, free for the picking, such as concord grapes.

Historical house and gardens get new lease on life For nearly 50 years a small downtown lot with a blue and white bungalow yielded corn, squash, tomatoes, grapes, apples and a ton of potatoes every season. It was an amazing half-century run, when suddenly one of the two dedicated gardeners sadly passed away and the old house was put up for sale. The soil became hard and unloved. Plants died and weeds flourished.

Mary Forbes saw an opportunity where few might not. What else did this old home have left for the community?

Now the Potato House survives and thrives. The heritage designation of this old house is thanks to the many partners and participants who helped create the Potato House Sustainable Community Society.

Potato House services include Canada’s only drive-up community composting program. The property also boasts a number of community garden spaces and beautiful fruit trees, making the downtown space an oasis in the heart of the city’s core available for anyone to stop in. In 2016 volunteers built a community root cellar in the basement which provides

Angie Mindus photo

cold storage for potatoes, carrots and other root vegetables donated for use by the Salvation Army food bank and other community members.

The Potato House has also become home to annual family events. The Halloween Pumpkins and Bubbles Family Photo-shoot is followed by the evening Costume Prize Parade and Haunted Potato House that attracts hordes of people and where composting is so easy even brain-dead zombies can do it. In December the society hosts Historic Holiday Photos with Santa Claus during the community’s Winter Lights Festival.

The Potato House was once categorized as “dilapidated,” but love and landscaping has made it nostalgic instead of neglected. The public is invited to bask in the sun next to the community garden beds, enjoy the heritage herb gardens, drop off your compost or just drop by to say Hi! Bringing along a camera is recommended.

The Potato House is part of a community initiative to create a land with more gardens, a landfill with less waste, and a greater appreciation for where we live. The Potato House is a home from the past with a plan for the future.

Angie Mindus photo The Potato House is the place to go to drop off your composting and lawn clippings.

Page 30

For a tour of the house, or on anything from compost, to pest deterrents to a look inside the time capsule that is the Potato House, text Mary Forbes at 250-855-8443, check out the Potato House website at www.potatohouseproject.com or give them an e-mail at grow@ potatohouseproject.com.

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Downtown Williams Lake Angie Mindus photo Vibrant downtown Williams Lake.

Downtown Williams Lake - yours to explore Downtown Williams Lake has seen growth in recent years with several new business opening.

A self-guided mural tour is available on the association’s website which is downtown.williamslake.com or the Downtown Williams Lake app.

Whether you are looking for local arts and crafts, sporting goods, clothing boutiques, shoes stores, toys and games, health and wellness shops, spa services, hair stylists, barbers, tattoo artists, florists, banks, hardware stores, furniture stores, pubs and grills, bakeries and cafés, even gelato, there is a lot to offer.

Banners depicting the new “Colorful Cariboo Culture” branding for Williams Lake grace the streets as well as new signage on eight free parking lots in the downtown core.

Within walking distance of the downtown core there are sheltered picnic areas at Kiwanis Park, which has a spray fountain for children, Spirit Square on Oliver Street and Boitanio Park. All three locations also have public washrooms open except during winter months.

The Williams Lake Library is also downtown and open Tuesday through Saturday on Third Avenue North. Paradise Cinemas, boasting four movie theatres, is open seven days a week on Third Avenue South.

There is also free RV-only parking on Borland Street across from Boitanio Park within walking distance of grocery stores, coffee shops, Boitanio Mall and the Cariboo Memorial Complex.

The Downtown Business Association also highlights an RV Circle Route, allowing RVers to enter and leave the city without having to turn around.

Camping and horse stalls are also available in the city at the Williams Lake Stampede Grounds. To book a spot phone 250-398-6718.

And there’s always the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 139 which offers popular steak nights every Friday at its Barnard Street location.

The Downtown Williams Lake Business Improvement Association co-ordinates the annual Art Walk which takes place late summer throughout the downtown where merchants host local artists’ work, allowing them space in their storefronts and restaurants to sell art.

Downtown Williams Lake has also launched a new festival - Spring into Downtown - which occurs on the last Saturday of every May. Celebrating growth and the warmer weather, Downtown Williams Lake is excited to see the festival flourish and evolve.

Monica Lamb-Yorski photo

THE www.downtownwilliamslake.com

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Page 31

Farmers Market

Farm to Market The Williams Lake Farmers’ Market runs every Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 8 until October 9, adjacent to the Cariboo Recreation Complex and Kiwanis Park. A Tuesday Evening Market also runs from July through September, 3 till 7 p.m.

Early every Market morning, farm and food vendors arrive to set up their tables, bringing an abundance of locally grown produce, grassfed beef, honey, jams, pies, fresh baked bread and desserts. Popular items do sell quickly, so it is best to get there early to avoid disappointment.

Delicious bannock fried on-site is very popular, as well as a generous selection of freshly prepared ethnic and street foods.

Patrick Davies photo Many local vendors at the Williams Lake Farmers Market take great pride in offering fresh produce grown right here in the Cariboo Chilcotin. From fruit and vegetables, to breads, crafts and hot lunch options, there’s something for everyone.

In the spring, local nursery growers sell a wide variety of plants and offer tips about what works best in the area’s diverse growing climates. Artisan and craft vendors display their original artwork, sewing, soaps, jewelry, woodworking, handweaving, pottery, ironwork and much more.

Many locals spend their lunch hour or coffee break at the market, shopping, eating, visiting and enjoying the live music.

Run by a volunteer board of directors, the market is thriving and

growing every year. Farmer and board member Brianna van de Wijngaard encourages newcomers interested in becoming a member and musicians who want to perform at the market to email the market manager at wlfm.manager@gmail.com.

Vendors interested in participating may apply to the Cariboo Direct Farmers Market Association for a membership. Booth fees start at $15 for a 12-foot space. Youth vendors, non-profit and community organizations are also welcome. Visit the website at williamslakefarmersmarket.com for more information, or follow the Market on Facebook to keep up with the latest news.

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2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Mural Tour Angie Mindus photo Many unique murals are on display around Williams Lake, in alleys, on the sides of buildings and in plain view.

Williams Lake’s official designation as Mural Capital of the Cariboo Chilcotin was solidified in 2016 with the unveiling of a new sign at the intersection of Highways 97 and 20 and has been well received by locals and tourists alike.

Williams Lake now boasts 24 murals with more to come depicting our local history.

Murals can be found all around the lakecity, both in prominent locations and in intimate back alleys.

“Our position at Downtown Williams Lake is to add more contemporary art to the historic murals already in existence,” said Jordan Davis, Executive Director of Downtown Williams Lake. Murals are a very important addition to any community, especially downtowns.

“They expand thought and create conversations — murals encourage us to slow down, admire our surroundings and take things in, in a more introspective way.”

Patrick Davies photo

Davis also said “it’s been proven that murals create vibrant neighborhoods and downtowns that people want to live in, take care of and visit.“ 2019 saw the emergence of new talented muralists coming alongside veteran muralist Dwayne Davis.

When touring our murals in downtown Williams Lake, you’ll see a combination of heritage, culture and creativity.

Angie Mindus photo

Patrick Davies photo 2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Page 33

in the Cariboo Chilcotin

Organizations

Williams Lake Transit Women’s Contact Society

Angie Mindus photo

Seniors

Better at Home Old Age Pensioner Organization #93 Elder College Seniors Activity Centre Seniors Advocate

778-412-2430 250-392-7946 778-412-9438 250-392-7946 778-412-1855

Social & Service Clubs

With the picturesque Fraser River in the background, the mountain bike trails built by the Xat’sull First Nation offer spectacular scenery and trails for any ability north of Williams Lake.

The following Organization Contact List was provided by the WL Chamber of Commerce - due to press schedule we cannot guarantee the accuracy of all content.

Community Arts & Culture

Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society 250-398-7929 Cariboo Festival Society 250-305-4925 Cariboo Piecemaker Quilt Club 250-392-3803 Cariboo Potters Guild 250-392-7304 Cariboo Registered Music Teachers 250-392-4970 Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society 778-412-9044 Community Arts Council of Williams Lake 250-305-9428 Harvest Fair Committee 250-398-8720 Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin 250-392-7404 Spinners & Weavers 250-267-1596 Tourism Discovery Centre 877-967-5253 Williams Lake Film Club williamslakefilmclub@gmail.com Williams Lake Studio Theatre Society www.wlstudiotheatre.ca

Health, Family & Social Services

Association For Community Living 250-392-4489 Axis Family Resources Ltd. 250-392-1000 BC Schizophrenia Society 1-888-888-0029 Big Brothers & Big Sisters 250-398-8391 Williams Lake & District Community Office Canadian Cancer Society 250-392-3442 Canadian Mental Health Association - Cariboo Chilcotin Branch 250-398-8220 Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre 250-392-4481 Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy 250-392-6868 Cariboo Friendship Society 250-398-6831 Cariboo Chilcotin Metis Association 250-392-4428 Chiwid Transition House 250-398-5658 City Hall 250-392-2311 Crisis Line 1-888-353-2273 Good Food Box 250-392-4118 Gavin Lake Forest Education Society 604-629-9859 Hough Memorial Cancer Society 250-305-1186 Interior Health 250-302-5000 Williams Lake Clubhouse For People Living With Mental Illness 250-392-4328 Jubilee Care House 250-398-7736 Meals On Wheels 250-398-8846 Mental Health & Addictions 250-392-1483 Multiple Sclerosis Society 250-392-4308 New Horizons Society for Autism and Special Needs 250-392-3944 Parkinson Society 250-392-9472 Pregnancy Outreach 250-392-3583 Red Cross Equipment Loan 250-398-6803 S.P.C.A 250-392-2179 Scout Island Nature Centre 250-398-8532 Thompson Rivers University 250-392-8000 Three Corners Health Services Society 250-398-9814 Williams Lake Hospice Society 250-392-5430 Williams Lake Learning Disabilities Association 250-392-3944 Williams Lake People in Motion 250-392-7712 Page 34

250-398-7812 250-392-4118

Bob’s Driving School 778-267-2627 Cariboo Kennel Club 250-392-5531 Cariboo Driver Training 250-305-9705 Chamber of Commerce 250-392-5025 Elks Club 250-267-6506 Four Winds Driving School 250-398-0744 Interior Driving Service 250-398-7900 Kin Club 250-392-2669 Interior Diving Services 250-398-7900 Lioness Club 250-392-0406 Lions Club 250-398-5297 Rotary Daybreak Club 250-392-4498 Rotary Club www.wlrotary.com Royal Canadian Legion Branch #139 250-392-4255 Social Planning 250-243-2126 Toastmasters 250-267-9686 WL Stampede Association 250-392-6585

Sports Groups

Bell-e-Acres 250-398-6313 Big Horns Lacrosse Association 250-392-0191 Blue Fin Swim Club 250-303-1199 Boxing Club 250-392-3719 Cariboo Bowling Lanes 250-392-5526 Cariboo Chilcotin Gymnastics Association 250-398-7331 Cross Country Skiing 250-398-5538 Men’s Basketball 250-392-6664 Men’s Rec Hockey 250-302-9903 Men’s Soccer 250-267-4374 Off Road Motorcycling Association 250-296-9081 Scout Island Fencing Club 250-398-6315 Shogun Martial Arts Academy 250-392-2280 Special Olympics 1-888-854-2276 Stampede Whirlaways Square Dance Club 250-392-2423 Williams Lake Cross Country Ski Club

info@williamslakecrosscountryskiclub.ca Williams Lake Curling Club 250-392-4636 Williams Lake Badminton Club 250-392-6498 Williams Lake Golf & Tennis Club 250-392-6026 Williams Lake Judo Club 250-296-0062 Williams Lake Men’s Soccer www.wlsoccer.net Williams Lake Minor Fastball Association See Facebook page Williams Lake Minor Hockey Association 250-392-2211 Williams Lake Powder Kings Snowmobile Club 250-398-5328 Williams Lake Rugby Club 250-398-8823 Williams Lake Slo-Pitch League 250-305-7747 Williams Lake Skating Club 250-392-4312 Williams Lake Special Olympics 250-267-3369 Williams Lake Speed Skating Association 250-392-1748 Williams Lake Trail Riders Association 250-267-1920 Williams Lake Volleyball 250-305-0371 Williams Lake Walking Club 250-392-2271 Williams Lake Wanderers 250-392-2271 Williams Lake Women’s Hockey 250-392-1819 Williams Lake Wrestling Club 250-267-7666 Williams Lake Youth Soccer 250-392-1103 Williams Lake Ladies Soccer Association

wlladiessoccerwixsite.com/mysite

Youth Services

Army Cadets British Columbia 4-H Scouts Canada Boys & Girls Club Kid Zone Sea Cadets Girl Guides Hot Spot Youth Centre High School Rodeo Club Youth for Christ

250-305-1299 250-296-0041 1-888-726-8876 250-392-5730 250-305-7207 250-392-2834 bc-riversnorthac@girlguides.ca 250-398-7765 250-296-4778 250-398-7765 2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Hiking Monica Lamb-Yorski photo Hiking and biking trails are plentiful in the Cariboo Chilcotin. Around Williams Lake residents use the Fox Mountain trails for biking and hiking.

A world of hiking right outside your doorstep Williams Lake and the surrounding area is full of great hiking trails, many within close proximity of the city.

The 24 km return Williams Lake River Valley Trail is well maintained and meanders from the Comer Street entrance parking lot all the way to the Fraser River.

Following the scenic valley, the trail is great for walking, jogging, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing. Easy access makes it a great option for sightseeing and exercise.

For the more adventurous or wilderness hiker there are many developed trails for day and overnight hikes into the beautiful mountains and lakes of the Cariboo, Chilcotin and Coast.

Many of the local mountain bike trails also make great hiking trails, providing easy access into nearby forests.

You can find biking maps on pages 40 and 41. Contact the Visitor Centre at 250-392-5025 for ideas on the best places to hike in the area.

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Provincial Parks

Tsilhqot’in Rights and Title area - Frances McCoubrey photo

Class A Parks added in 2013: These 17 new Class A Parks and 5 enlarged Parks [areas in pink] on the map were established to protect diverse habitat ranging from biologically rich wetlands to undisturbed grasslands.

They are home to many species at risk, as well as provide significant habitat for all fish and wildlife.

Page 36

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Quesnel Lake, Angie Mindus photo

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Page 37

in the Cariboo

Golfing

Just a short drive from Williams Lake’s downtown core, the Williams Lake Golf And Tennis Club offers great views of the city and a memorable and friendly golf experience for players of all ages. (Mitch Cheek/SOLOS Productions photos)

Spectacular courses and scenery await Cariboo golfers With four courses within a stone’s throw of the city, golf in the Central Cariboo is a popular and continually-growing sport.

The courses are known for offering spectacular views with fairways and greens nestled in natural Fir forests. The courses feature rolling hills, forests and ideal habitat for local wildlife. All this makes these courses a wonderful destination for residents and visitors, alike.

Located five minutes from downtown Williams Lake, the Williams Lake Golf and Tennis Club offers a memorable and friendly golf experience for all golfers. The 18-hole, par 71 championship layout offers spectacular views of the city and is one of the finest groomed courses in the Central Interior.

The Williams Lake Golf and Tennis Club opens from April to October and

offers affordable golf and tennis for all ages. After your round or after your tennis match, visit the Fox’s Den Restaurant for great food and good times while soaking up some sunshine on the deck offering a great view of the city. The Williams Lake Golf and Tennis Club provides a fully stocked pro shop, licensed clubhouse, three tennis courts, pickleball courts, a practice facility with putting green and short game area, along with a fully stocked, licensed beverage cart for full service on the course. Tournament groups are welcome. For more information, contact the pro shop at 250-392-6026 or visit the course’s website at www.williamslakegolf.ca. The Williams Lake Golf and Tennis Club is also on Facebook and Twitter.

Located 10 minutes away from the city, Bell-E-Acres is a par three, nine-hole course. Also located at this course is an 18-hole mini golf course and new go-kart track. Course and facilities are open from April to mid October, 8 a.m. to dusk. Extra features include a horseshoe pit, barbecue site and sheltered picnic area.

For a unique and informal game of golf, head out of Williams Lake on Dog Creek Road to the Fireman’s Fairways. This is a community operated, 11-hole, par three course at Chimney Lake, located beside the Chimney Lake Fire Hall.

Chimney Lake also offers public beaches, boat launches and campsites.

With a stunning view of Williams Lake and the San Jose River valley from nearly every tee box, Coyote Rock Golf Course is a nine-hole master’s length course that offers a variety of challenges for every level of golfer. Winding across the rolling hills, Coyote Rock takes full advantage of the western sun exposure and subtle elevation changes. Located only minutes from the city of Williams Lake, Coyote Rock Golf Course features a driving range, a fully stocked pro shop and a licensed clubhouse.

For more information, call 250-302-1883. Nearby Chief Will-Yum campground offers a full-service RV and tenting facility for those wishing to stay overnight.

Immediately adjacent to the Coyote Rock Golf Course, Chief Will-Yum backs on to the hillside above Williams Lake. Chief Will-Yum features 32 full hook-up sites and space for up to 200 tents as well as a full laundry facility, showers and covered eating areas. It also offers group rates for family reunions and weddings.

Page 38

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Lakers Car Club

Greg Sabatino photo The Spring Roundup, held every May, is a great opportunity to check out old cars, and see what auto enthusiasts from around the province have been working on. The popular event is hosted by the Lakers Car Club.

King of the Road On the last weekend in May the Lakers Car Club hosts its annual Spring Roundup which has become one of the premier show and shines in the Cariboo. Auto enthusiasts from all over the province gather on the streets of Williams Lake to show off their cherished set of wheels. The two-day event starts on Saturday with a poker run and dinner, followed by the show and shine in downtown Williams Lake on Sunday. There is something of interest for everyone including antiques, classics, hot rods, trucks, motorcycles and more. One class that receives a lot of attention that day is the tractors and stationary engines. Because they are functioning pieces of our history they catch the eye of those who remember them, as well as the younger inquisitive generation. The Lakers Car Club is an organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration and enjoyment of all kinds of automobiles. However, the club also has a strong sense of community which members see as a way of giving

back to the many businesses of Williams Lake that support them. Members enjoy volunteering for good causes as well as helping out financially when they can. Another very obvious but important function of the club is the social aspect. By meeting people, working together and achieving together, members ultimately have fun together. Generally the club meets once a week for fun get togethers such as cruising to local hangouts or hosting smaller show and shines, such as events at Canadian Tire and A&W Restaurant. Summer is cruising time so whenever possible members attend other shows around the area from as near as 100 Mile House to as far as Seattle.

This is an open club, which means anyone who shares an enthusiasm for things mechanical is welcome. Owning a vehicle is not a prerequisite for membership. Members are welcomed to the club regardless of their ability to contribute a little or a lot. The cost is $30 annually. The benefits are priceless.

Check out the Lakers Car Club at www.lakerscarclub.ca.

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2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

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Faces and e h t f o s e c Pla Cariboo Chilcotin

Angie Mindus photo

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2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Williams Lake Harvest Fair - Patrick Davies photo

Photo submitted Kris Van Cleave with a catch and release trophy Rainbow at Quesnel Lake.

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Gailene William photo First Nations dip-net for salmon in the Chilcotin River in late summer.

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Motorcycle Association

WL Off Road

Freedom awaits off-road riders The members of the Williams Lake Off Road Motorcycle Association (wlorma.ca) are proud to live and work in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region. In this region we are blessed with a large variety of areas in which to enjoy and promote our favourite sport: Off Road Motorcycling! Whether it be cross country, trials or dual-sport riding.

Formed with a solid core of long-time members, WLORMA is a non-profit society dedicated to promoting safe and responsible off-road riding in the Cariboo-Chilcotin. As a member of the British Columbia Off Road Motorcycle Association (BCORMA), the club is involved in working with the other tenure holders on Crown land use, trail mapping and trail maintenance in the Williams Lake area.

Through open dialogue with tenure holders and other user groups WLORMA has fostered a relationship based upon mutual respect. Through provincially approved trail building processes, WLORMA works hard to mitigate any negative impact to the environment, livestock and wildlife. Awareness and education are key factors in making this happen.

Typically late each spring the club hosts the annual Dirty Knobby (thedirtyknobby.com) poker run and fun day. This event typically includes a motorcycle riding and maintenance clinic for the kids and a poker ride for riders of all ages and experience. Guided tours of some of the best off road trails in the Williams Lake area as well as a bike rodeo and guided dual sport ride are at part of the weekend’s activities. Visit the club website (www. wlorma.ca) or Facebook (WLORMA) for dates and more information.

Association

WL Dirt Riders

The club has created and maintains the Bull Mountain Motorcycle Trail Network. As a registered provincial recreation area Bull Mountain has a permanent staging area with ample parking, trail network map and outhouse. The staging area has two areas set aside for the smaller riders and provides access to the main trail network. The club continues to make trail improvements to provide a safer more enjoyable riding experience while at the same time keeping them sustainable through open dialogue with the province and

Each year, the Williams Lake Off Road Motorcycle Association hosts its wildly popular Dirty Knobby poker run and fun day for families to take advantage of.

tenure holders.

2017 saw the loss of a large majority of the trails that we had created over the past 20 years as a group in the Bull Mountain and Wildwood areas due to wildfires. While it was a huge loss, it also opened up some new and exciting opportunities for our group. Through a very productive project with our local Recreation BC Officers and with club members and contractors over the past two seasons has led to the creation of over 28km of brand new trails for all skill levels at our Bull Mountain area! This project is still ongoing, but the final vision is within sight for 2020.

Riders are encouraged to support the club by becoming a member and getting involved with future trail development and maintenance. The Bull Mountain Trail Network can be found by following the signs off of Bull Mountain Road on highway 97 north of Williams Lake. Further information can be obtained at wlorma.ca or by calling 250-296-9081.

Williams Lake Dirt Riders Association sets stage for motocross scene The Williams Lake Dirt Riders Association has been an active motocross club for over 20 years.

Its success stems from all the hard working volunteers who donate countless hours to the club as well as the huge sponsorship support from local business.

Greg Sabatino photo The WL Dirt Riders Association hosts Future West Championship Series, Sept. 5-6, 2020.

The executive board acts on behalf of all its members to ensure epic conditions and memorable races are held. Unique and hard, compact dirt makes the race track one of the most favourable to ride and race on in all of B.C. Its park-like setting is stunning, private and tucked away in the trees on Bond Lake Road. One amateur CMRC sanctioned race a season sees between 150-200 riders, as well as many spectators attend. Anyone in our community is encouraged to come to any of these races and support the club by riding or watching the local talent and witness first hand some of Canada’s best motocross racing.

When the track isn’t being used to host races, it is open to anyone in the community who holds a valid track membership to enjoy at their leisure.

Memberships can be purchased at the beginning of each season from April Page 42

Photo submitted

15 and cost $75 per person or $125 per family and are valid for one year.

These memberships can be purchased at Williams Lake Honda and Spectra Power Sports.

Williams Lake also plays host to the Future West Championship Series, Sept.

5-6, 2020. This race will not to disappoint.

The track in Williams Lake recently underwent major renovations that saw upgrades take place in recent years. The track has new full perimeter and cross fencing, and small upgrades to the water system was added. Our club is very proud to have X Games medalist Brock Hoyer as one of our directors.

He gives back to the riders who come and ride our awesome track. Braaaap!

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Mountain Biking Photo courtesy of Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium Virtually endless trails across the Cariboo play host to mountain bikers from around the world.

Williams Lake the Shangri-La of mountain biking Located less than a six-hour stunning drive north of Vancouver, Williams Lake and the Cariboo Chilcotin region are your doorway to the most unique mountain bike experience in the province. In the ‘Puddle’ there is literally a trail for every mountain biker, regardless of age or skill level. Surrounding the city endless all-mountain terrain and epic cross-country adventures are in abundance, with most accessible from anywhere in town.

Furthering the Cycling Club’s ambition to develop an around the ‘Puddle’ route, 2016 saw the building of a new climbing line at the East end of the Southsyde network. This ambitious and breathtaking trail provides scenic views of the lake and area from an entirely new perspective. Climbing towards and under the red bluffs of South Lakeside, the trail connects back to the top of the network and allows for endless singletrack options.

With more than 400 kilometres of legally established trails, in four different networks (200 kilometres within city limits and another 200 kilometres just outside) and the largest bike park in the Interior at Boitanio Park, Williams Lake is truly the Shangri-La of mountain biking in North America.

Williams Lake is a doorway into the unique and diverse culture of the Cariboo. If you’re looking for mega-malls, bungee jumping and thousands of people on the trails then the Cariboo is not for you. However, if you are seeking a one-of-a-kind landscape, endless and uncrowded single track, an eclectic mix of Indigenous peoples, cowboys and one of the most welcoming and unpretentious mountain bike cultures in the world then the Cariboo is waiting for you.

In Williams Lake there are three main trail networks and over 150 trails that can be accessed via a short pedal from any hotel or lodge. This volume of trails provides every type and every style of rider with virtually endless days of mountain biking pleasure. We have yet to meet anyone who has ridden the entire network in a single visit, so be ready to be blown away. You can also expect your experience to change from visit to visit as the Williams Lake Cycling Club (WLCC) works hard to maintain, enhance and develop the network.

Check out www.ridethecariboo.ca for all your mountain bike travel information.

This site hosts online maps, trail descriptions and all the travel resources a visiting rider needs to enjoy the region.

Building upon the successful trail developments over the past couple of years, the Xat’sull First Nation has developed a 26-kilometre multi-purpose single track nature trail that connects the existing trail networks of two communities, Soda Creek and Deep Creek. This includes the development of a cross country trail that is aligned along the top of a ridge overlooking the Fraser River valley and Cariboo Highway 97. There is also a climbing line and two down hill (DH) trails located in the area right next to Blue Lake road which makes for great access.

West of town, the Desous Mountain bike network has a new 11 km climbing line linking up the backside downhill trails to the front side. This spectacular and scenic climb gives ambitious riders the option of not having to set up a shuttle to enjoy the almost 1,000 metres of steep classic downhill lines that the backside of Desous has to offer. In addition to that, a multi-spot recreation site that features a custom outhouse and massive fire ring has been developed.

Multiple green rated trails and a small pump track around the site adds to the family friendly and diverse offerings of the mountain. The WLCC is hoping to use this facility to host multiple events in the future. With a new A-line style jump line, a technical hand-built DH line and some tuning of the existing trails, the front side of Desous has got it all. The road has also received extensive work allowing for much easier access to the entire network.

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Photo courtesy of Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium New trails near Soda Creek north of Williams Lake offer riders another alternative in an already vast network of trails in the Cariboo Chilcotin.

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Bike Maps

Photo courtesy of Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium

Monica Lamb-Yorski photo

Boitanio Bike Park In August of 2010 the Williams Lake Cycling Club, City of Williams Lake and Cariboo Regional District were proud to open the newly constructed Boitanio Bike Park.

Covering more than 10 acres, the park is the largest of its kind in the Interior of B.C. It has six major jump lines, a pump track, drop zone, flow trails and log work right in the centre of the city.

With semi-annual rebuilds by the likes of James Doerfling, and routine tuning, there is a line for all abilities that allows for progression to the next level.

Greg Sabatino photo

Desous Trail Network Desous is a half-hour drive west of the city and is home to some truly amazing free riding. Descents of almost 3,500 feet from the top of Desous Mountain all the way to the Fraser River make this is home to some of the biggest lines this side of Golden.

Scott Horley photo

This area was originally built for advanced riders as there was no real easy way down. The newest version of the mountain still has the all the big lines but the WLCC has added a climbing line and a blue downhill line on the backside, a tabled jump line on the frontside and a green riding area around the new campsite. Partnering with the Province, NDIT, the CMBC and local Indigenous groups, the WLCC oversaw this major face-lift of Desous in 2018 and worked hard in 2019 to get it finished.

The new trails, campsite, and more family friendly offerings have made this even more of a must-ride experience. Plan to stay awhile.

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2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Fox Mountain Trail Network This is the longest-standing trail network in Williams Lake and is host to some of the most stunning scenery in the Cariboo. The network has 38 trails totaling over 65 kilometres of single track. The network is 28 per cent beginner, 37 percent intermediate and 35 percent advanced. All trails can be accessed via one of four climbing lines or by shuttling up Fox Mountain Road. There are now five trailheads on the network, all of which have a large kiosk with maps and other information and there are four primary parking areas, one of which has an outhouse facility, the Ross Road parking lot.

One of the newest trails of the network, the TDC trail, starts or ends at the beautifully constructed Tourism Discovery Centre. Featuring a coffee shop, the Cariboo Museum and amazing handcrafted architecture, this is one feature to definitely check out during your travels.

The latest gem of this network is Foxfire. Rebuilt in 2019 by Jimco Services, WLCC volunteers and funding partner, NDIT, this trail has been completely overhauled.

James Doerfling and his mini-ex capped the entire trail with imported dirt creating rolls, hits and banked turns for almost two km. Two large boardwalks go over the wettest of sections and provide a nice thrill for those of all ages. The trail’s proximity to Fox Mountain Road allows for easy access and safe viewing for those that want to shuttle.

In 2019 the WLCC also invested significantly in other trails as well. AK-89, Mitch’s Brew and Hillbilly Deluxe all saw some tuning with Hillbilly getting several new wood features that will help a rider’s progression.

Endless loops on Fox Mountain are possible given the connectivity of trails such as Snap, Bearacouga and Chicken Scratch, allowing for all-day rides for all levels of riders. Please be respectful of the private property near the bottom portions of Mitch’s Brew, Aflo and Loon trail, and take the new connector, TDC, to the bottom or look for the Jimmy’s Fox connector to remain in the network. Some trails were impacted by the 2017 wildfires and the WLCC has been hard at work to rectify the situation ever since.

Please check www.ridethecariboo.ca for the latest information on openings and closures.

South Lakeside Trail Network The South Lakeside trail network is an XC mecca with long smooth climbs and fast descents through amazing Douglas Fir forests. The area lies within the traditional territory of the Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw First Nations and the Williams Lake Cycling Club is currently in discussions with the Williams Lake Indian Band to allow for mountain biking in the area. We encourage folks to ride this area with a soft foot print, respecting those who came before you.

The main trail head starts at the bottom of Prosperity Way, which is the road to Walmart.

Ride around a chain gate, stay on the double track road and proceed straight onto single track through a grassy logged area. You’ll enter the network on Two Fridges and can work your way uphill. Cross a road onto the bottom of Moose Drop and eventually to Guinness on your left. This trail will take you into the vastness of the Southsyde network. The Cabin Loop extension takes you to the eastern end of the network and leads to one of the longest downhill’s in the area. The new climbing line, found at the end of South Lakeside Drive, takes you up a challenging scenic line through the red bluffs, back to the top of the network and onto sweet, ridgeline single track so you can head back the other way. When it is hot and dry, Southsyde is the place to be.

Westsyde Trail Network This is an intermediate to advanced network with many beginner options. The Westsyde network has 40 trails and over 97km of single track, including the legendary Box Trail loop, which is more than 25km long and an XC epic with views of the Fraser River along the way. The world-famous Snakes and Ladders trail, with its monster sky berms, 15-metre suspension bridge and multiple trail features as well as local’s favourite, Backdoor, also call the Westsyde home. Steep DH lines off the repeater tower and another long XC, Raven, make this area the one to ride when you are looking to spend all day in the saddle. Challenging your fitness, your skills and your courage, this network has it all and is host to some of Williams Lake most progressive free-riding.

The Williams Lake Cycling Club is a volunteer, non-profit society that is tasked with the maintenance, protection and future of the entire network in and around Williams Lake. We work hard with many groups, including the City of Williams Lake, the Williams Lake Indian Band, the CRD and Rec Sites and Trails, BC. This is to ensure a high level of rider satisfaction and help with the attraction and retention of professionals to the city, as well as being an economic driver for the area.

The Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium is committed to driving the economic benefits of mountain biking to the regional economy. While the mountain biking sector has been part of the regional economy for the past 15 years, there is tremendous potential for growth. The consortium aims to grow the mountain bike economy into an integral part of emerging and sustainable economic diversification initiatives that assist in the ongoing effort to address the threats of regional stability. Visit the CMBC’s website at www.ridethecariboo.ca.

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Page 45

WL Sportsmen’s Association

Club fosters a love of the outdoors The Williams Lake Sportsmen’s Association is a non-profit group dedicated to the preservation of hunting and fishing heritage.

With more than 800 members, the WLSA cherishes its shooting sports, and believes in the wise use of natural resources like fish and wildlife so future generations can enjoy the same experiences we have today.

The Williams Lake Sportsmen’s Association grounds, located off of Bond Lake Road, have an indoor range for archers for winter practice and an outdoor range for summer practice.

Williams Lake archers are some of the best in Canada with many local archers competing in, and winning, many competitions including provincial, national and even world championships.

Greg Sabatino photo

For members who hunt with guns, there is a newly-renovated shooting range, also located at the grounds off Bond Lake Road, with small bore Several shoots take place throughout the year at the Williams Lake Sportsmen’s and big bore ranges up to 200 metres, trap shooting and skeet shooting.

Association’s gun range on Bond Lake Road including the fun Cowboy Shoot.

The club holds several fun trap shoots and turkey shoots throughout the year, along with IPSC Qualifiers and club handgun shoots. They also at Chilcotin Guns or Blue Mountain Gunsmithing. host shooting clinics during the summer months, including a popular ladies only workshop. Members are willing to share their equipment to people who would like For more information on shooting sports, hunter training (CORE), firearms to try the sport out, but people who have their own equipment should bring it as training (PAL), conservation, fishing, fundraising events and other club programs, the club does not have rentals. For non-members who want to try shooting a rifle call Barry Jenkins at 250-392-6750 or check out the website at www. and come with a member of the club, the cost to shoot is $10. Club memberships williamslakesportsmen.ca. For more information on archery call Lee Jackman at range from $35 a year for juniors to $120 a year for a family and can be purchased 250-398-5691 or Al Campsall at 250-392-9695.

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Greg Sabatino photo 2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Hunting

in Region 5

Chris Fait photo

Hunting is a way of life for many residents of the Cariboo Chilcotin who appreciate the vast area for its natural beauty and the many hunting opportunities available.

Hunting - know the rules before you go The Cariboo/Chilcotin area falls under hunting Management Unit Region 5.

MU Region 5 offers many opportunities for hunting, with a variety of small and large game available in the region from grouse and geese to bears, cougars, moose and deer.

For the avid hunter, the season can begin as early as the spring for those interested in bears. An early bow season can also see hunting begin Sept. 1 for some. For a full list of rules and regulations please refer to the Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis. The regulations synopsis is a summary of the B.C. hunting and trapping regulations made under the Wildlife Act and sets out general hunting information, summarizes important hunting regulations and defines open seasons with maps indicating closed areas.

Major regulation changes for 2018-2020 include the banning of licensed grizzly bear hunting in B.C., hunters are now required to carry all species licences obtained or held for the current licence year, including both cancelled and uncancelled while hunting,“edible portions� has been redefined to include meat from the neck and ribs and hunters are now required to remove the

edible portions of harvested cougar, revised requirements to prove evidence of sex and species while transporting harvested big game, aggregate bag limit of one mule deer buck in Regions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7A, 7B, and 8 and prohibition on the use of cervid derivatives (deer urine) sourced outside of B.C. for the purpose of hunting.

A grassroots campaign has been underway in recent years in the Cariboo Chilcotin to raise awareness about the need to protect cow moose populations due to a downward trend in moose populations in Region 5 and throughout much of the province.

Travellers in Region 5 will see many billboards and signs displayed as part of the Cow Moose Sign Project urging residents and hunters to exercise restraint in harvesting cow moose and has the support of many area First Nations communities.

Everyone is asked to assist the Conservation Officer Service (COS) in protecting our wildlife resources by reporting all poachers and polluters on the COS’s RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP) or #7277 on the TELUS Mobility Network.

Angie Mindus photo 2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Page 47

in the Park

Performances

Performances in the Park music to the ears Performances in the Park is a free, familyfriendly concert series held in Boitanio Park throughout the summer months.

This year, shows will take place from July 2, 2020 to August 20, 2020, getting underway at 6 pm each night.

Performances in the Park celebrates local arts and culture and visiting artists, showcasing their talents on our open air stage in a beautiful setting in the heart of Williams Lake. At least two different performances will be offered each night!

Going into its ninth year, the series is under the management of the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society, supported by the City of Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District. This year, the Community Arts Council of Williams Lake and its co-ordinator and manager, Venta Rutkauskas, have taken on the management of the series. The CACWL aims to continue this highly successful event, with ideas to enhance the community aspect of the gatherings.

Patrick Davies photo Don Alder, formerly of Williams Lake, returned to Williams Lake to perform last summer for the Performances in the Park.

In addition to the performances, there is an Art in the Park corner for kids and adults and other special surprises. It’s an upbeat event with great performances by artists from near and far, we invite you to come on out, bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the talent, the community and fabulous food from our vendors.

Trees in the park provide shade and there is parking available during the concerts

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in the parking lot of the Cariboo Memorial Complex adjacent to the park.

Please follow the Performances in the Park page on Facebook for information regarding possible venue and performance changes as they arise: https://www. facebook.com/Performancesinthepark Visit our website: http://www.centralcaribooarts.com/performances-in-thepark/

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2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Fishing

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism/Geoff Moore photo Fishing is a popular pastime in the Cariboo Chilcotin for those young and old.

Fish tales abound in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Big lakes, small lakes and rivers galore — the Cariboo has it all for those who love to fish.

Chartered fishing trips are also available, with experienced guides ready to lead the way to your next big catch.

If it’s kokanee you’re after, both McLeese Lake and Chimney Lake are convenient and beautiful, or head to the deep, cool waters of Quesnel Lake for huge rainbow and char. Want to just get away from it all? Hop a float plane to one of the many isolated lakes in the Cariboo Chilcotin Central Coast.

Don’t forget that just because summer ends it doesn’t mean the fishing has to as well. Ice fishing continues to be a popular pastime for locals and visitors during the winter months. Lac La Hache, Chimney Lake and Dugan Lake are just a few of the favourite ice fishing lakes in the area.

Services in the region vary, from forestry and provincial campgrounds (see the Provincial Parks map in this guide) and private lakeside campsites, to deluxe accommodations where you can be surrounded by wilderness and still get pampered.

Detailed fishing information, complete with lake listings and “fish tales,” can be found in the Gateway to Fishing and Adventure Guide distributed by the Williams Lake Tribune in May or at the Tourism Discovery Centre.

Be sure to check the British Columbia Fishing Regulations before heading to your fishing destination.

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Curling

On the Rocks The Williams Lake Curling Centre, established in 1947, is a non-profit organization operated by a volunteer board of directors and a part-time paid employee.

Their mission statement is to promote the sport of curling as an affordable, lifelong experience in which people of all ages and abilities are welcome and can enjoy exercise, friendship, skill development and sportsmanship.

The club is used by upwards of 500 players of all ages throughout the year, and the rink consists of six playing sheets. There are various leagues for all skill levels including: junior, social, sponsor, ladies, men’s, seniors and mixed, along with a fast growing Stick league. The Stick league is a great league for those individuals who may have back or knee restrictions and are no longer able to deliver a stone using the traditional style of delivery. Curlers wear 2 grippers and remain standing to deliver the stone using a hand held device.

Come down and we will show you how it works! The club offers discounts for new curlers and those choosing to play in multiple leagues.

Greg Sabatino photo Curling is a lifelong passion for many in the Cariboo Chilcotin where the Williams Lake Curling Centre welcomes curlers of all ages and abilities.

Mixed Open Spiel in mid-March.

The ice is prepared daily by a group of dedicated volunteers and offers one of the best playing surfaces in the province. If you are looking for something to do during the winter to stay active, perhaps you would enjoy learning how to prep the ice for our leagues each morning. The crew always heads to Tim Hortons for coffee afterwards!

This club was the first in B.C. to purchase hack-to-hack rink liners. The installation of these environmentally-friendly sheets have eliminated the use of paint and are rolled up at the end of the curling season for use the following year. The club was able to purchase these liners with the help and support of several local businesses as well as the league curlers themselves. Each year the club hosts a Men’s and Ladies “combined spiel” traditionally held the third weekend in February and a

The club has undergone several changes in recent years with a new exterior paint job and improved lighting to its parking lot. Inside, new paint and flooring as well as windows and updated furnaces for improved energy efficiency. We are very proud of our improvements and would love for you to stop in to view them.

The club has also given its website a facelift. So if you are looking for something to do, why not drop by the rink, visit with some friends, watch a game or simply ask if you can throw a few rocks. The Williams Lake Curling Centre is a great place to host an office party, retirement or anniversary party or participate in a social funspiel.

To inquire about league play, ice rental or advertising, please contact the curling rink at 250-392-4636 or visit the website at www.williamslakecurling.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Snowmobiling

Freedom to ride Whether you like sledding the trails or the mountains, the Cariboo has something to offer the snowmobiling enthusiast. In winter months the Cariboo Chilcotin becomes snow country — the snow-covered hills and mountains provide the ideal landscape for snowmobiling.

Following one of the original Gold Rush routes through the Cariboo Mountains, the Yank’s Peak Trail is the most talked about trail in the area.

Accessible from the community of Likely, 90 kilometres east of Williams Lake, the Yank’s Peak Trail begins deep in the mountains and offers every type of sledding a rider could want.

There are almost 50 kilometres of marked trails at the Yank’s Peak Riding Area, where the Williams Lake Powder Kings Snowmobile Club has built a safety cabin along the route.

Photos submitted

The 1,908 metre (6,300 foot) mountain offers Pick a trail to ride or make your own way. Snowmobile opportunities throughout the Cariboo are endless each winter. plenty of challenges for sledders with an intermediate experience or better. There are even on safe and accessible riding areas. They also host multiple group rides opportunities for some extreme sledding. The throughout the snowmobile season. With so many places and trails the mountains get a lot of snow and the sledding season is long — November to sledding adventures never end. Check out the Williams Lake Powder Kings April. Yank’s Peak was also featured during the BC Snowmobile Federation’s on Facebook and their website at www.wlpowderkings.com.

50th Anniversary Commemorative Ride in February of 2016, where a group of riders travelled from Kamloops to Barkerville by snowmobile on the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail (www.goldrushsnowmobiletrail.com, and on Facebook).

The Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail is a very unique trail designed to connect numerous small communities together for snowmobile use. The trail starts and ends in 70 Mile House and runs northbound to the community of Horsefly.

The trail has been connected to the Western edge of Horsefly via a new bridge over Moffat Creek at Moffat Falls (worth a visit of its own). Hopes are that the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail will eventually extend from Kamloops all the way to Barkerville.”

MOTORCYCLE • ATV• SIDE X SIDE

Daily Trail passes at Yank’s Peak are $20 per day and are available at Sun Valley Gas, Spectra Power Sports, Gordo’s Rent-All, Likely Lodge, A-Likely Service, Likely Valley Store and the Big Lake Store.

An annual membership is $100 for adults or $70 for seniors and youth.

The above mentioned Yank’s Peak Riding Area is just one of many; when you get tired of exploring them you can continue on into other areas, such as Big Timothy, Crooked Lake and the Rainbows, but it is important to know that not all areas are open to snowmobiling.

Be sure to check with the local snowmobile club for club events happening throughout the snowmobiling season. The members can provide information

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Page 51

Winter fun in the Cariboo Ice fishing - Angie Mindus photo

Mt. Timothy Recreational Resort - Angie Mindus photo

Ice fishing is a favourite pasttime of many residents in the Cariboo Chilcotin. Local lakes offer a variety of fish, including kokanee as well as rainbow, lake and brook trout. Scenic vistas await those who venture out for a ski at Mt. Timothy Recreation Resort east of Lac la Hache.

Outdoor winter activities plentiful in the Cariboo Chilcotin While summer in the Cariboo Chilcotin is lovely, many year-round residents actually consider winter to be their favourite season.

east of Lac la Hache is back and better than ever after a brief closure. The quaint hill is very popular with families.

Area lakes offer a variety of ice fishing. For ice fishing you will need an ice auger and ice rods which are compact and specific to the sport.

For nature lovers, snow reveals all the many animals living among us through their tracks — also a fun pastime in the winter.

It is also more enjoyable to ice fish if you have an ice fishing tent, a portable heater and, of course, some delicious snacks.

Those looking for something a little faster can take up snowmobiling, which is a favourite pastime for many local residents who either head to the mountains or look for local trails to ride.

The area’s local ski hill, Mt. Timothy Recreation Resort, located

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2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Cross Country Skiing

Bull Mountain home to many cross-country skiing trails Cross-country skiing is one of the Cariboo Chilcotin’s most popular winter sports. It is also a great activity the entire family can enjoy together.

If you like to ski on groomed trails, the Bull Mountain Ski Area is located just 15 kilometres north of Williams Lake. A true gem, the Bull Mountain trail network offers 28 kilometres of well-groomed trails geared for the beginner to the advanced.

The area also includes three and a half kilometres of lit trails available until 10 p.m. seven days a week, designated dog trails are also on site, along with our newest addition of an Adventure Trail loved by the kids and our JackRabbits program. Both classic and skating techniques can be accommodated on the trail network.

There are also 11 kilometres of dog friendly snowshoe trails.

The Williams Lake Cross-Country Ski Club operates the ski area.

Newcomers are always welcome. Check the newly developed website at www.williamslakecrosscountryskiclub.ca for more information regarding membership, trail fees and snow conditions and the latest happenings. They also provide cross-country skier/ youth development programs for children and adults.

Patrick Davies photo The Bull Mountain Ski Area offers 28 kilometres of trails that skiers can take advantage of throughout the winer — even at night.

There are recreational youth development programs for children from three to 12 years old. There is also a racing program for those nine years to adult.

The group attends three to four races per year in several locations around the Province. The group of racers and coaches experience competition, fun and camaraderie with other teams and clubs province wide. More information can be found on the club website at www.williamslakecrosscountryskiclub.ca or by e-mailing info@williamslakecrosscountryskiclub.ca.

Other communities that have cross-country ski networks are Gavin Lake, off the Likely Road, which has 10 kilometres of groomed trails. A network of trails can also be found in Horsefly and groomed trails can also be found west of Williams Lake in Tatla Lake, Nimpo Lake and in Tweedsmuir Park, half way down the Bella Coola hill.

If you like to carve your own path the opportunities are endless for crosscountry skiing here in the Cariboo Chilcotin.

ALL SEASON FUN FOR EVERYONE IN THE HEART♥ OF THE CARIBOO! Ask about our lodge accommodations available for private events anytime during the summer and fall seasons Mount Timothy Recreation Resort Lac la Hache, BC Constructing log cabins and a campground in 2020

Lodge 250-396-4095 | www.skitimothy.com 2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Page 53

Stampeders

Williams Lake

Williams Lake Stampeders: a fan favourite For more than 80 years, the Williams Lake Stampeders have been the face of community hockey in the lakecity.

Dating back to the team’s official formation as a member of the Cariboo Hockey League in 1936, the Stampeders have hosted generations of local men’s players and been one of the preeminent forms of entertainment in the city. Fans of the hometown team — through its various incarnations — have continued to support it over the years up to the present day, where the team thrives as a member of the Central Interior Hockey League — a BC Hockey-sanctioned senior men’s ‘AA’ league alongside the Terrace River Kings, Quesnel Kangaroos, Hazelton Wolverines, Smithers Steelheads, Prince Rupert Rampage and Kitimat Ice Demons.

Focusing on showcasing local talent, providing fan interaction, having a solid volunteer base and garnering strong community support from both the business community and Williams Lake’s residents, the team regularly draws crowds of 500 to 800 spectators at its home games in the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex.

Since their creation in 1936, the Stampeders played alongside teams from Prince George, Vanderhoof, Lac La Hache, Canim Lake, Quesnel, Wells and Soda Creek.

Teams competed for what was then known as the Wailer Cup — a trophy signifying senior hockey supremacy in Central Interior B.C. The team has seen many highs, and some lulls over the years, however, always bouncing back. The Williams Lake Stampeders are two-time Coy Cup Senior Men’s ‘AA’ champions (back to back in 2013 and 2014) and, in 2020, the Stampeders hope to reclaim the prestigious crown — originally donated to BC Hockey by the 50th Gordon Highlanders Regiment of Victoria and first presented in 1922.

Some of the team’s core roster have been in place since the late 90s, guaranteeing fans in Williams Lake recognizable faces to cheer for year after year. Current players

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Greg Sabatino photo Williams Lake Stampeders forward Wilf Robbins (right) looks to light the lamp during the team’s 2019/20 season in Williams Lake.

Wilfred Robbins, Kurtis Bond, Dylan Richardson and goaltender Willie Sellars, among many others, have been part of the fabric of the team drawing community support for years.

The league, meanwhile, is composed of a wealth of players who have played university, college, CHL, junior ‘A’ and junior ‘B’ hockey over the years giving fans an entertaining brand of hockey.

The team’s 2019/20 roster fielded a number of the league’s top scorers including Kaleb Boyle (14GP, 8G, 10A, 18PTS), Kurtis Bond (16GP, 7G, 10A, 17PTS) and Wilfred Robbins (12GP, 7G, 7A, 14PTS).

The team’s 16-game regular season runs October until January, followed by a playoff schedule stretching into March. For more on the team visit www.wlstampeders.ca or find them on Facebook by searching ‘Williams Lake Stampeders.’

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204 1st Avenue N. • www.cariboobowl.com Page 54

778-412-2979 • 635A Oliver Street 2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Minor Hockey Greg Sabatino photo The Williams Lake Minor Hockey Association is a non-profit society that houses both boys and girls teams in multiple divisions.

Canada’s game alive and well in Williams Lake One of the largest, most active youth sports associations in the city, Williams Lake Minor Hockey has more than 500 registered players ages four to 18.

Williams Lake. The association can also assist in connecting these volunteers in obtaining higher levels of certification in other centres.

The players are spread across 32 house teams and competitive teams within the association. Registration begins May 1 with the early bird deadline of June 15. After June 15, hockey registration will be accepted until Aug. 1, for an additional $100 fee.

The WLMHA is a nonprofit society that operates through registration fees, gaming income and local business sponsors. The Williams Lake Tribune and the GOAT FM radio station also need to be thanked as they assist the association by getting the word out to the public about games, tournaments and special events. For more information visit www.wlmha.ca.

The Williams Lake Minor Hockey Association houses six to eight rep teams (depending on numbers) — Midget, Midget Female, Bantam, Bantam Female, Peewee female, Peewee Tier ll, Peewee Tier lll and Atom Development. House teams make up the six divisions of U7 (previously Initiation) (ages 4-6), U9 (previously Novice) (ages 7-8), U11 (previously Atom) (ages 9-10), U13 (previously Peewee) (ages 11-12), U15 (previously Bantam) (ages 13-14) and U17 (previously Midget) (ages 15-18). The season starts in September and wraps up in early March. During the season each division hosts a home tournament starting in November.

The WLMHA has a board of directors consisting of 15 members, five very dedicated division managers, 85 certified coaches, 32 team parents and team managers, an ice scheduler and an equipment manager. These members are all volunteers who dedicate their time, knowledge, patience and understanding in keeping minor hockey going in Williams Lake.

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There are also certified WLMHA referees that keep the games under control on the ice. WLMHA, through BC Hockey, offers Coaching Clinics, Hockey Canada Safety Person Courses, Respect in Sport and Referee Certification each year right here in

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Greg Sabatino photo The Williams Lake Minor Hockey Association supports a competitive rep hockey program for players of all ages.

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

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Page 55

150 Mile House

Patrick Davies photo The historic little red, one-room school house at 150 Mile House is open for visitors during the summer months.

150 Mile House was once the bustling hub of the Cariboo.

An important stop along the Cariboo Wagon road that began at Mile Zero in Lillooet, 150 Mile played a key role for travellers heading to the gold mines, as well as ranchers and others who lived in the area.

The following is a collection of historical facts about the 150 Mile House area that were compiled to help celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of the 150 Mile House community: 150 Mile House was originally known as the Lake Valley Ranch. The land was preempted by Thomas Davidson, a former miner, who was looking for a place to establish a large grain and beef growing operation to supply those goods to the gold fields. By 1862, the Cariboo Wagon Road from Lillooet to Barkerville was being built through the area. Since Davidson’s Lake Valley Ranch was exactly 150 miles from the starting point in Lillooet, the road house there became known as 150 Mile House. In 1863, the contractor who was building the Cariboo Wagon Road swung north over to Mountain House, then back to Deep Creek, avoiding Williams Lake Valley altogether. The people in Williams Lake petitioned the government, but the route was not changed.

From 1863 until 1920, when the PGE railway came through, 150 Mile House was the centre of commerce, supply and governance, not only for the gold fields, but for all of the Cariboo region. After 1920, Williams Lake, with its railway depot, rapidly took over as the main commercial town. The first Williams Lake School District was established by the government at 150 Mile House in 1880. The first schoolhouse was a converted 16 x 20 ft log barn with a sod roof. It opened in 1881, so for 130 years, without a break, there has

been a school in operation at 150 Mile House. The little red schoolhouse that is still standing today on the 150 Mile school grounds was built in 1896. It was built to house up to 40 students from grades 1 to 8, and it served continuously as the only school at 150 Mile until 1959, when a large new four room school was built up on the hill.

During the 1860s and 1870s the population of 150 Mile House would increase considerably in the winter months. As the cold weather took hold in the gold fields, many miners would move south to ‘warmer’ areas. White miners lived in little temporary cabins along the creek behind what is now Marshall’s store.

Chinese miners lived in the area that is now the school playing field. The back half of the present 150 Mile Hotel was the doctor’s residence and clinic. It was built in 1884 and was the only medical facility for the area. The little lake behind the hotel is still known as Doctor’s Lake. Across from Marshall’s store, up on the hill, you can see the 150 Mile Cemetery. This cemetery had two parts, one for the white people, the other for the Chinese. Unfortunately, there is only one gravestone left - it belongs to George Johnstone, who was the local blacksmith for many years.

Present day, 150 Mile House is home to a volunteer fire department, elementary school and many thriving businesses. Hundreds of people make their home in and around the community, where outdoor recreation is easily accessed. Another feather in the cap of the area is, just down the road at 153 Mile Ranch. The 153 Mile store is a gold rush-era time capsul that the Patenaude family has donated to the city of Williams Lake. Plans are in the works to move the historical 153 Mile store to a site in Williams Lake in the near future for everyone to enjoy.

Open Apr. to Dec. - Wed. to Sat. 11-4

250-296-4157 • 293 Likely Rd, 150 Mile House (15 minutes south of WL) Page 56

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Quesnel Lake Angie Mindus photo Sandy beaches at the end of the East Arm of Quesnel Lake are a favourite day trip destination for boaters on Quesnel Lake.

Rock cliffs and sandy beaches await adventurers at Quesnel Lake For travellers who like to explore off the beaten path and have access to a boat, Quesnel Lake offers many unique hiking and camping experiences.

Quesnel Lake is said to be the deepest fjord lake in the world, the fifth-deepest lake in B.C. and the deepest lake in the Cariboo region.

From the end of the East Arm to the tip of the West Arm, the lake measures 100 kilometres long with the North Arm contributing another 48 kilometres to that.

Quesnel Lake offers 323 kilometres of shoreline ranging from remote sandy beaches, to rocky shores to towering cliffs suitable for the most hardy of mountain goats.

One could spend a lifetime exploring Quesnel Lake and not run out of new places to see and set up camp ­— there is Bowling Point, Goose Point, Deception Point, Bean Point, Rocker Point, Cariboo Island and Cedar Point Park, to name just a few.

Of great interest is Niagara Falls located on the East Arm of Quesnel Lake, where Niagara Creek spills into the lake creating a great natural show. Niagara Creek contains natural silt which forms a grey cloud in the water around the falls. Niagra Falls is only accessible by boat or air.

On the other end of the lake, the village of Likely is a small community located at the outflow of Quesnel Lake where the history goes back to the 1870’s Gold Rush days. Likely has a UNBC research centre, museum, information centre and many historical sites to visit, not to mention ice cream for the kids.

There are two ways to access Quesnel Lake by road, either through Horsefly and then onto gravel roads or via the Likely Road, which is paved.

Quesnel Lake is a remote destination surrounded by rugged wilderness and needs to be given the respect it deserves. Storms can arise suddenly on the water and rainstorms can soak you to the bone in seconds, but with a little preparation travellers should have no trouble exploring the area and are sure to be well-rewarded for their efforts.

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

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email: 150milemeats@gmail.com Page 57

Farwell Canyon

Angie Mindus photo Farwell Canyon is a beautiful day trip from Williams Lake where visitors will be greeted by hoodoos, sand dunes and the Chilcotin River.

B.C.’s Largest Sand Dunes If it’s a day trip you’re looking for, there’s no place more special and spectacular than Farwell Canyon.

and an abundance of flora and fauna as well as the province’s largest sand dunes.

Situated one hour west of Williams Lake, Farwell Canyon boasts sweeping views of the canyons and grasslands, hoodoos, First Nations pictographs

Deep canyon walls plunge down into the turquoise blue waters of the Chilcotin River, where along the river visitors will see the long abandoned

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Monday to Saturday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm 841B Mackenzie Avenue

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2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Angie Mindus photo Abandoned log buildings and an old root cellar is all that remains of the old Pothole Ranch homestead at Farwell Canyon.

log buildings of the old Pothole Ranch.

Before ranchers settled in the area, however, First Nations also made their mark with several pictographs on rocks on the south side of the bridge. Every summer and fall, tourists can also watch as fishermen dip net salmon from the rushing waters below the bridge and even set up camp and drying racks along the river as a traditional way of preserving the important food supply for winter.

While at Farwell, it’s not uncommon to see California big horn sheep on

the rocky canyon walls while eagles circle overhead. To get to Farwell Canyon, you travel west on Highway 20 until you reach Riske Creek (approximately 46 kilometres from Williams Lake), you then turn left onto a gravel road to Farwell Canyon for approximately 21 kilometres.

Don’t forget to dress in layers, wear good hiking shoes and bring lots of water if you plan to spend the day exploring and be aware there are some steep gravel roads and working logging trucks in the area. For more information contact the Visitor Centre at 250-392-5025.

Robert Moberg photo Bighorn sheep, as seen above from Williams Lake filmmaker Robert Moberg’s Bighorns at the Junction.

Angie Mindus photo Ancient First Nations pictographs are found just as they were hundreds of years ago at Farwell Canyon.

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Angie Mindus photo Hoodoos and sand dunes greet the Chilcotin River as it runs below the steep canyon walls at Farwell.

Page 59

Ranching Monica Lamb-Yorski photo Cattle ranching is a way of life for many in the Cariboo Chilcotin.

Ranching the heart and soul of the Cariboo Chilcotin Ranching remains a thriving sector of the Cariboo-Chilcotin agriculture industry.

Many ranches extend both east and west of the Fraser River, with

HOME & GARDEN

producers selling beef and lamb locally and to markets outside of British Columbia. Several ranches west of Williams Lake have been acquired by Douglas Lake Cattle Company out of Merritt during the last decade. The company’s first purchase was of Alkali Lake

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250-392-1161 • 83H 2nd Ave 2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Angie Mindus photos Ranchers are always quick to give one another a hand, especially at branding time in the spring.

Ranch country steeped in history and tradition Ranch located about 50 kms southwest from Williams Lake on the Dog Creek Road.

Alkali Lake is the oldest ranch in the province and was established by early settlers who married First Nation sisters from the nearby community of Esk’et (Alkali Lake). When Douglas Lake Cattle Company purchased the Alkali Lake Ranch in 2008, Bronc Twan was kept on as manager. Twan grew up on the ranch as his father was the manager.

majestic mountain ranges, timber stands, alpine meadows, miles of bunch-grass hillsides and untamed, unforgiving rivers. “There is a real last-frontier feeling about this remote ranch,” the guest said.

Eventually Douglas Lake Cattle Company purchased the nearby James Cattle Company at Dog Creek, and in December 2015, acquired the Riske Creek Cattle Company’s Deer Park and Cotton Ranches.

Riske Creek Cattle Company’s partial owner Grant Huffman retired after the sale, and Steve Brewer, who has worked for Douglas Lake Cattle Company for 18 years, came on as the new manager.

Douglas Lake Cattle Company is owned by American Stan Kroenke, but managed by B.C. rancher Joe Gardner. Gardner got a job there as a teenager and later returned to work there after graduating from the University of British Columbia in animal science. Gardner said the acquisition of the Riske Creek Cattle Company was Douglas Lake’s third edition up in the Williams Lake area. “Cotton and Deer Park are absolutely beautiful ranches that have been there forever,” Gardner said. “Cotton Ranch is one of the oldest in the province. They have both been well cared for.”

Further west is the Gang Ranch just west of Dog Creek, bordering the Fraser River. It is owned by BSA Investment Ltd. a holding of a Saudi man named Ibrahim Muhammad Afandi. The ranch covers about one million acres of deeded and Crown leased land and is also close to the Churn Creek Protected Area, a popular fishing spot for First Nations.

Larry and Bev Ramstad have managed the remote ranch since 1989. He got his start as a cowboy in Nicola Valley then New Zealand and Australia. One visitor to the ranch who attended a horsemanship clinic there described the region as one containing 2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Branding time is made easier with many hands to help. It also gives ranching families a chance to teach the next generation the skills required for ranching.

Page 61

BRITISH COLUMBIA

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Page 62

Burns Lake

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2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

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map courtesy of Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association 2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Page 63

Quesnel Forks Monica Lamb-Yorski photo The ghost town of Quesnel Forks located approximately 13 kms east of Likely is a great day trip from Williams Lake where it is not unusual to see bear, deer and moose along the way to the historical site.

Follow the gold rush trail back in time to Quesnel Forks Quesnel Forks is set in a sheltered river valley at the confluence of the Quesnel and Cariboo rivers, and shaded by ancient black cottonwoods.

The remnants of this once bustling Gold Rush town evoke a feeling of peace and serenity for all who visit.

the old cabins. The cemetery is set into a hillside covered with white birch, old fir and wild flowers. Although Quesnel Forks is a ghost town, you will likely find a gold panner or two on the river bank. The historic cemetery and buildings offer interesting places to poke around.

The first Gold Rush town in the Cariboo, Quesnel Forks dates back to 1858. By 1875, it became a thriving Chinese community with more than 200 merchants and miners. The site had several revivals, but during the 1920s most of the area’s mines closed. By 1956, it was abandoned.

The Quesnel Forks summer music festival is a mellow, rural event offering wagon rides, gold rush games, local craft displays, and traditional cuisine.

Today Quesnel Forks is lovingly cared for by the Likely Cemetery Society.

They research and repair many of the markers and are slowly restoring

Likely is approximately a one hour drive from Williams Lake. About 13 kilometres northwest of Likely, down a gravel road, you will find Quesnel Forks.

BEAUTIFUL GIFT SHOP

Step back in time to the 1860s Gold Rush

Junction of Highway 97 & 99, 11 km north of Cache Creek

LARGE OUTDOOR PATIO Great location to hold your Wedding!

• Historic Roadhouse Tours • Native Interpretation Site • Stagecoach Rides • Gold Panning • Licensed Restaurant • Scenic RV and Tent Sites • Cozy Cabins • Covered Wagon (sleeps 4) Open daily May through September

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www.historichatcreek.ca| historichatcreek.com Contact@Historichatcreek.com Page 64

Angie Mindus photo Forget to pack a lunch? In the summertime the forests around Likely and Quesnel Forks are brimming with berries, such as blueberries, huckleberries and these delicious Saskatoons.

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Driving Tours Angie Mindus photo A drive to the Gang Ranch from Williams Lake offers many beautiful views of the countryside.

Adventures abound on the open road From lush rainforests and sparkling lakes to dry semi-arid desert-like terrain, these tours offer an hour to a full day or more of enjoyment of the historic and spectacular country in which Williams Lake is set.

Williams Lake to: Alkali Lake/Gang Ranch Tour Full Day Points of interest: Alkali Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Dog Prairie, Dog Creek, Canyon Views, Churn Creek Bridge, Gang Ranch, Churn Creek Protected Area, Farwell Canyon.

there is a post office, store and cookhouse.

To Return: There are a number of roads on the ranch, please inquire about return routes. Follow signs to Williams Lake: From the Ranch along 2700 Road, approximately 34 kms to 2200 Road, then north approximately six kms to Big Creek Road. Right approximately 9 kms to Farwell Canyon. From here it is approximately 20 kms to Highway 20 at Riske Creek and 50 kms back to Williams Lake.

Note: Dog Creek Road is very rough in several stretches. Dog Creek Road branches south off Highway 20, approximately 2.5 kms from Highway 97. Travel south passing Springhouse Trails Ranch, Springhouse Air Park, Esk’etemc First Nation (Alkali Lake), Alkali Lake Ranch (established in 1858), Alkali Lake, a wildlife sanctuary on the Pacific Flyway (American White Pelicans among other waterfowl stop over here).

Beyond Alkali Lake the road parallels the Fraser River and traverses Dog Prairie, a Second World War stopover for aircraft flying between the USA and Alaska. There are several views of the spectacular semi-arid Fraser Canyon.

Approximately 15 kms past Dog Creek Road junction, descend to Churn Creek and cross the Fraser River.

Churn Creek Protected Area is to the south. This 36,100 hectare tract of grassland habitat is home to spotted bats, long-billed curlews and California bighorn sheep. To the west is the historic Gang Ranch, where 2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Angie Mindus photo Dog Creek Road can be bumpy, but the adventure you will have is well worth it.

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Driving Tours Angie Mindus photo A road trip along the Old Soda Creek Road will take you along the Fraser River and up to the Kaufman’s Ranch, famous for its gardens and Soda Creek Sweet Corn.

Option: explore Farwell Canyon or Junction Sheep Range Park, five kms north of Bridge.

Enterprise/Chimney Lake Tour: 89 kms paved and unpaved - 2 hours

Option: turn left on the Big Creek Road and head west for 20 kms to the community of Big Creek and Fletcher Lake. Return to Williams Lake by crossing the Chilcotin River near Hanceville and take Highway 20 at Lee’s Corner. The distance from Lee’s Corner to Williams Lake is approximately 100 kms.

From Williams Lake follow Highway 97 south for approximately 35 kms, turn right onto Enterprise Road. Follow this road to Chimney Lake Road on your right. This road passes Chimney, Felker and Brunson Lakes, all great picnic sites. It meets Dog Creek Road leading back to Highway 20 to Williams Lake.

Take a Cariboo Chilcotin Heritage Driving Tour The Cariboo Regional District encourages you to go on a historical adventure in the Cariboo Chilcotin. Grab your mobile device or pick up a paper brochure and head out to visit the many sites that have contributed to the history of our region.

The Cariboo Chilcotin Historic Driving Tour Guide features eight different heritage

tour routes and 44 heritage sites. Williams Lake is one of the featured sites and there are many other points of interest in the area.

For example, Dog Creek was once a lively settlement with five hotels, each with their own saloon and store. The community sprung up in the 1800s as prospectors

travelled north along the Fraser River in search of gold in the Cariboo. Many miners who didn’t find gold later decided to settle in the area to ranch or farm.

Dog Creek is featured in the driving route along Dog Creek Road, only 25 km from Williams Lake.

Or travel 30 minutes north of Williams Lake to Soda Creek and Xat’sull Heritage Village, an award-winning traditional First Nations village with tours and cultural workshops. In 1863, the SS “Enterprise” launched from Soda Creek to transport goldfield travellers and supplies to Quesnel from the end of the Cariboo Wagon Road at Soda Creek.

An interactive, mobile-friendly map with images, descriptions and Google Maps directions for each heritage site is available at cariboord.ca/heritage. You can also pick up a paper copy of the “Cariboo Chilcotin Historic Driving Tour Guide & Map” at your local tourism centre or Cariboo Regional District office or download it from the CRD’s website.

Jenna Mennie photo Our Lady of Good Counsel church is situated at Xat’sull First Nation north of Williams Lake.

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Thanks to the volunteers of the CRD’s Heritage Steering Committee who have compiled the Historic Driving Tour.

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Driving Tours Angie Mindus photo Driving tours are the perfect opportunity to see some of the area’s wildlife, such as these four little black bears eating dandelions along the side of the road on the way to Barkerville. Springtime is the best for bear viewing, as the fresh grass in the ditches offer the first taste of food.

Farwell Canyon/Junction Sheep Range Tour Approximately 220 kms, four to five hours From Williams Lake take Highway 20 west to Riske Creek (46 kms) and turn left onto the gravel road of Farwell Canyon Road (2200 Road) for about 21 kms. This gravel road passes the Junction Sheep Range Park access (15 kms), then switchbacks down into Farwell Canyon.

A spectacular setting of hoodoos, sagebrush, sand dunes and river.

Return back to Williams Lake along the same route.

Likely to Barkerville on the Matthew River Road Approximately 130 kms four to five hours or three days depending on your mode of travel Before you embark on your trip to Barkerville, check in at the Likely Information Centre/Museum located at Cedar Point Park to get all the information that you need for this trip, together with road conditions and a brochure detailing the backroad stops of interest.

From Likely take the Keithley Creek Road to the junction with the 8400 Road.

Have a look at the kiosk for all the information regarding your route to Barkerville. Turn right at the kiosk, cross the Bailey Bridge and then turn left onto the 8400 Road.

You will see Cariboo Lake on your left.

This road is well signed and you will pass recreation sites at Ladies Creek and Antler Creek. Ghost Lake is four kms off the main road, but is definitely worth the stop. There is also a campground there.

This road is gravel, but is used by industrial traffic from mines and logging, so always have your headlights on.

Be travel prepared. Check your gas as there is no service station between Likely and Barkerville. You may want to carry food and water.

Enjoy the trip.

Sugar Cane/Mission Road Approximately one leisurely hour Take Highway 97 south of Williams Lake and enter the Mission Road at Sugarcane First Nation community (Williams Lake Indian Band). The road passes the rodeo ground, the Onward Ranch house and the old St. Joseph Mission, circling back to Highway 97, south of 150 Mile House, 2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

near access to the Mule Deer Reserve and UBC Research Forest.

A.Y. Jackson, one of the famous Group of Seven painters, visited the Onward Ranch several times during the 1930s. A point of interest is the old Mission Cemetery where such notables like Father Francois Marie Thomas and other Cariboo pioneers are buried.

Old Gold Rush Country Tour - Likely and Horsefly

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Driving Tours Angie Mindus photo

Monica Lamb-Yorski photo

The historic gold rush town of Barkerville comes alive from May until December and is only a scenic, two and a half hour drive from Williams Lake while nearby Wells is a small but thriving arts community.

Full Day Points of interest: Bullion Pit, Quesnel Forks, Likely, Quesnel Lake, Horsefly River, Horsefly, Moffat Falls.

In late summer salmon migrate up the Quesnel and Horsefly Rivers and may be viewed from the Likely and Horsefly bridges.

At 150 Mile House turn north-east on the Gold Rush Trail Road to Likely and Horsefly. At six kms turn left to Likely. Williams Lake to Likely is

about 1-1/4 hours or 100 kms. You’ll pass Big Lake, Gavin Lake access, and Morehead Lake. On the left about two kms before Likely is the Bullion Pit, a monstrous hydraulic mine pit.

Option 1: At Likely follow the signing to Quesnel Forks, about 19 kms, to see the old ghost town and historic cemetery.

Option 2: Visit Cedar City Museum in Cedar Point Park. Enjoy the old equipment, tall old cedars and the displays in the park.

Option 3: About two kms southwest of Likely Bridge is the Ditch Road to Horsefly. This road offers views of Quesnel Lake, and becomes Mitchell Bay Road at Mitchell Bay/Horsefly River estuary (verify road conditions prior to travel). Here eagles, herons and other birds congregate in season. Along Horsefly River, bears and other wildlife are often seen. At Horsefly, return to Williams Lake or continue across Horsefly River Bridge to resorts on Quesnel Lake and Horsefly Lake.

Yank’s Peak Tour This tour is for ATVs, snowmobiles or four-wheel drive vehicles only depending on the season. The route is subject to seasonal closures and users must stay on the designated trails in efforts to protect Mountain Cariboo habitat. The recommended time is four to five hours.

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FOR 24 HOUR ON CALL URGENT CARE 4615 Cattle Drive, Williams Lake, BC Page 68

This route connects Likely to Wells-Barkerville over the top of the Cariboo Mountains. The scenery consists of alpine meadows, trees and snow-capped mountain tops. Remains of mining sites Snarlsbur, Cedar Creek, Cariboo Hudson. Road is very rough with tight switchbacks in sections. Allow four to five hours or more from Williams Lake to Barkerville. Inquire in Likely for information on the route.

Fraser River Tour Soda Creek/ Meldrum Creek/ Rudy Johnson Bridge/ Highway 20 Take the Old Soda Creek Road north from Williams Lake. Cross Rudy Johnson’s Bridge over the Fraser River and turn left on the Meldrum Creek Road, heading south following the Fraser past Meldrum Creek to Highway 20 at the top of Sheep Creek Hill. Turn left on Highway 20 and return to Williams Lake.

Option: Visit Xat’sull Heritage Village.

Instead of turning left down the hill to Rudy Johnson’s Bridge, continue along the less travelled Old Soda Creek Road to the First 2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Driving Tours Monica Lamb-Yorski photo The Rudy Johson Bridge stretches over the Fraser River.

Nation community of Soda Creek. Turn left and follow the signs to Xat’sull Village along the banks of the Fraser. To return to Williams Lake turn right on the road at Soda Creek and proceed up to Highway 97, and return south to Williams Lake.

Option: Farm tour to Marguerite.

After crossing Rudy Johnson Bridge, continue straight past the turnoff to Meldrum Creek then turn right on the West Fraser Road. There are

three farms that are part of the Farm Circle Tour. Birch syrup, ginseng, honey, eggs and organic vegetables can be purchased in season.

With the permanent closure of the Marguerite Ferry, the return to Williams Lake can be made by backtracking the way you came to Rudy Johnson Bridge or continuing north up the West Fraser Road to Quesnel and returning on Highway 97 approximately 120 kms to Williams Lake.

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www.woodlandjewellers.ca 2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

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Waterfall Tours Monica Lamb-Yorski photo Ghost Falls along the Matthew River Road can be accessed en route to Barkerville.

Cariboo rich in beautiful waterfalls If it’s waterfalls you are looking for, there is no shortage of rugged, remote waterfalls east of Williams Lake to explore.

Ghost Falls

Approximately three hours from Williams Lake.

Along the Matthew River Road en route to Barkerville turn right into Ghost Lake. A few minutes down the road cross a bridge over the amazing Ghost Falls in the Matthew River. A short drive further will take you to Ghost Lake and the equally stunning upper Ghost Falls.

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Angie Mindus photo At the remote end of the east arm of Quesnel Lake lies Niagra Falls, a spectacular scene for waterfall lovers. Hiking can be had beside the falls and there is a nearby beach to dock your boat, which is the only access, other than flying, to the area.

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Waterfall Tours

Isaac Falls These falls are located at the end of Isaac Lake, a very long lake in the Bowron Lake chain. At the end of the 38 km-long lake are a series of cascades along the Isaac River ending at the Isaac Falls which empties into McLeary Lake.

Cariboo Falls

Approximately one and a half to two hours from Williams Lake These falls are located on the west end of Cariboo Lake on the Cariboo River. Follow the Matthew River Road north of Likely. Cross the Cariboo River Bridge. Just past the bridge turn right, follow the dirt road approximately four kms down river. Park your car and walk the last grown-over stretch of trail to the falls (four-wheel drive only).

Horsefly Waterfall Quest The Horsefly area boasts five impressive waterfalls Jaymie Jones photo — three on the Horsefly River and two on Moffat Creek – which make up the Horsefly Waterfall Moffat Falls offer a cool reprieve in the summer. Take a short walk down a fully accessible trail to the spectacular falls. Bug spray is recommended in the summer months.

Quest. It is an excellent day adventure to pack a lunch, enjoy the scenery and get in some good hiking by visiting all five locations. It is recommended to have a 4x4 vehicle Upper Horsefly River Falls to access the falls. Horsefly Waterfall Quest brochure is available at Clark’s Approximately two to three hours from Williams Lake General Store and the Tourism Discovery Centre.

Lower Moffat Falls

Approximately one hour from Williams Lake Travelling from Williams Lake to Horsefly – less than one km from Horsefly across from the Mormon Church you will see Lowden Road on the right.

Turn onto Lowden Road and take the first left over a cattle guard. You are now on 108 Mile Road. Take this road for 5.3 kms and cross the cattle guard. There is a small road to the left that leads to a clearing for parking.

You will be able to hear the roar of falls and a two minute walk will take you to the top of them. Keep children close as there are no protective rails and follow the yellow ribbons to the falls. Just before you get to the opening with the view, there is a trail leading down the hill that takes you to the bottom of the falls. Use caution on this trail.

Upper Moffat Falls Two kms further along the 108 Road you will see the sign on the left for the falls. On the way keep your eyes open for an ancient Chinese Oven and hand dug ditch both dating back to the gold rush in the 1860s.

Lower Horsefly River Falls

Approximately two hours from Williams Lake From the village of Horsefly, cross the Horsefly River Bridge. You will come to a fork in the road by the former Forest Service building. Keep to the right and you are now on Black Creek Road. Follow this road to the 129 kms marker, turn right at the little road off to the right hand side. There should be a stop sign partly seen. When you get out of the vehicle you should hear the falls. A short hike into the area will provide several amazing views.

Middle Horsefly River Falls Continuing on the 100 Road, stay left at the 145 kms mark and you will find the falls half a km further.

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Following the same route as the Lower Horsefly River Falls, you will pass the 129 km marker and proceed to about the 149 km marker.

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Gateway to the Chilcotin Coast Angie Mindus photo The Sheep Creek Bridge just west of Williams Lake on Highway 20 is literally the gateway to the Chilcotin, offering access to the west by crossing the mighty Fraser River.

Endless exploring for adventurous souls The road west of Williams Lake leads to a vast hinterland on the west side of the Fraser River that includes the Chilcotin Plateau, the Bella Coola Valley and Central Coast.

Backtracking a kms east on Highway 20, and a gravel road two kms south to the Tsilhqot’in community of Toosey offers the only gasoline in the area and snacks in their friendly store.

How to get there:

Riske Creek - 52 kms west of Williams Lake, limited accommodation and meals are available at Riske Creek.

Head west on Highway 20 from Williams Lake and continue 32 kms to Sheep Creek Bridge over the Fraser River. There you’ll see the remnants of bridge pilings from the old extension bridge over the Fraser built in 1908. In season First Nations people can be seen dipnet fishing off the rocks below. The steep switchback hill on the west side of the river is often busy with logging truck traffic, so caution is advised. Halfway to the top, a rest stop pull out offers a scenic view of the Fraser.

At the top of the hill you enter Beecher’s Prairie and get an immediate sense of the wide open spaces characteristic of the Chilcotin Plateau.

Big Creek/Nemiah Valley - At Lee’s Corner the road to Big Creek and Nemiah Valley branches off south from Highway 20. The route to Nemiah Valley can be considered a circle tour but only for those prepared for rugged conditions. The road to Nemiah Valley is 100 kilometres of good gravel, but beyond that the route to Tsuniah Lake, Tatla Lake or Alexis Creek requires a good four-wheel drive. In the community of Nemiah Valley there is a small store with gas and diesel available.

Nu Chugh Beniz Campgrounds with well maintained RV sites is located on the shores of beautiful Chilko Lake — a half hour drive from the Nemiah Valley community. The local First Nations have built a traditional pit house for their celebrations.

Big Creek - To get to Big Creek, turn left at the Chilco Ranch, and follow the gravel road to Fletcher Lake where you will enjoy excellent fishing and a recreation site. Big Creek is also home to a number of popular lodges that offer horseback riding, hiking and fishing, etc. You can turn left at Big Creek Road and travel to Farwell Canyon. Continue 21 kms and you will emerge at Riske Creek.

Gailene Williams photo The Xeni Gwet’in Youth Wagon Trip makes its way through Farwell Canyon to the Williams Lake Stampede every June.

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Tl’etinqox/Anaham Reserve - Another 10 kms west on Highway 20 is Anaham Reserve or the Tsilhqot’in community of Tl’etinqox, the largest Tsilhqot’in community in the Chilcotin. Gas and groceries can be purchased at the Anaham store, located on the highway below the community and in the summer months a seasonal burger wagon by the store offers excellent food.

Alexis Creek - The community of Alexis Creek is located 20 kms west of Hanceville on Highway 20 on a bench overlooking the Chilcotin River.

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Gateway to the Chilcotin Coast Angie Mindus photo The Chilcotin Visitor Centre located in Alexis Creek is a great place to stop by and gather information about the area and enjoy the views.

It was named after Chief Alexis who was chief during the Chilcotin War. Nearby is Bull Canyon Provincial Park and Battle Bluff, sites of a fierce intertribal battle fought between the Tsilhqot’ins who were defending their territory against the invading Bella Coola tribes.

Pioneer Alex Graham settled here in 1895 and started the area’s ranching history with the C-1 Ranch. The community soon sprung up around the ranch. The pioneers built a small hospital for the resident doctor, an Anglican Church, a stopping house and a small log school building – most of these buildings are still in use within the community today. Once considered the service centre between Williams Lake and Bella Coola, this is no longer the case. Today, there is a well stocked general store with post office, a seasonal restaurant and fast food wagon, vehicle repair shop, an excellent health clinic, ambulance service and a local RCMP office.

bathrooms with flush toilets, picnic tables, a Sani Dump, fresh potable water, fresh coffee, ice cream, Internet access and upto-date travel information for the area, as well as an interesting display and history of the original pioneers who settled the area.

Bull Canyon Provincial Park offers picturesque riverside camping for everyone.

A new Chilcotin Visitor`s Information Centre was recently built and is run by local volunteers during the tourist season. It offers clean

Here to help you get home safely!

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250-392-4151 Angie Mindus photo Wildflowers are bundant along Highway 20 so it’s always a good idea to slow down and enjoy the journey when you’re headed west.

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

132 S. Mackenzie Avenue - Williams Lake Page 73

Gateway to the Chilcotin Coast Frances McCoubrey photo School District 27 students hike through an alpine meadow surrounded by a mixed forest of Whitebark Pine, subalpine Fir and Douglas Fir after a backpacking trip on the Potato Range, located between Chilko Lake and Tatlayoko Lake. The mountains are part of the Tsilhqot’in rights and title area and require permission from the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation government before entering by contacting their office.

Chilko/Newton Road - About 20 kms west of Alexis Creek the Chilko Newton Road turns south off Highway 20. This rough gravel route, has seen deterioration in recent years with washouts and several windfalls, meaning users should bring a chainsaw and be driving a four-wheel drive truck. The road is passible, but very bumpy and rough, down to the Taseko Junction Recreation Site by passing through the Bayliff Ranch and down the Chilko Newton Road.

Redstone/Chezacut Turnoff - 32 kms west of Alexis Creek is the turnoff north to the historic ranching country of Chezacut and the headwaters of the Chilcotin. One kilometre further is the Schellenberg settlement consisting of the abattoir, feed store and beautiful naturally built Kinikinik Restaurant, gift store, conference room and four cabins for overnighters. The restaurant and meal sales offer certified organic cuisine and meat products.

Tsi Del Del Redstone/Alexis Creek Indian Band - There are two Redstones side by side on the Chilcotin highway. Twelve kilometres west of the Stuart Redstone is the Tsilhqot’in community of Tsi Del Del, also known as Redstone, and home of the Alexis Creek First Nation. Tsi Del Del is the Tsilhqot’in word for “red stone” named for the nearby red coloured bluffs. Here the Redstone Gas Bar sells gas at a price hard to beat anywhere in the Chilcotin. Food and crafts are also available in the store.

Every August the community hosts the Redstone Rodeo offering many rodeo events topped by the exciting mountain race where only the bravest mounted cowboys tear down the steep mountain side and winner takes all.

Chilanko Forks/Puntzi Lake - Five kms west of Tsi Del Del is the post office and community of Chilanko Forks. Several resorts are located at Puntzi Lake offering food and some services. Chilanko Forks is the home of the former American, then later Canadian, air force base established during the Korean War. It was disbanded in the late 1960s but the Forest Service continues to operate the runway and facilities as a tanker base to fight forest fires.

Tatla Lake - 225 kms west of Williams Lake, Tatla Lake is Page 74

considered the gateway of the West Chilcotin. Equipped with a store, gas station, motel and restaurant, Tatla Lake also has a nursing clinic, library, community hall, school, and church. A kilometre east of the community, the road to the West Branch and Tatlayoko valleys leaves Highway 20 heading south. The community hosts its annual Tatla Lake Gymkhana the third weekend in June.

Kleena Kleene - 32 kms west of Tatla Lake the community of Kleena Kleene occupies little more than a dot on the map. Here the post office is run out of a private home.

Clearwater Lake - Approximately 260 kms west of Williams Lake, Clearwater Lake sports two luxury resorts and public campground.

Nimpo Lake - 300 kms west of Williams Lake is Nimpo Lake.

Besides a store, post office, two seasonal restaurants opened in the summer months and a mechanics shop, the community is home to several resorts and lodges. Both propane and gas can be purchased here. In winter, backcountry snow machine touring is very popular in Nimpo Lake and Anahim Lake, with all-season resorts to support winter tourists.

Anahim Lake - At 320 kms west of Williams Lake, Anahim Lake is the capital of the West Chilcotin. The community is home to a sawmill and fully served with a school, RCMP station, nursing clinic, three general stores, a restaurant, two churches, several resorts and lodges, and a twice daily scheduled airline service to Vancouver.

The 900-member Ulkatcho First Nation is also an integral part of the Anahim Lake community. Each spring Anahim and Nimpo Lake host their annual canoe race, then on the first weekend after the July 1 long weekend is the famous Anahim Lake Stampede. Guided horseback trail riding and hunts in season are very popular in this region.

The Hill - The road west of Anahim Lake is unpaved for the next 66 kms, but is well-maintained. As you approach ‘the Hill,’ approximately 370 kms west of Williams Lake, you will be able to see the colourful Rainbow Mountains (an ancient volcano), visible to the north, on a clear day. The best views, as you drive, are near the East boundary of Tweedsmuir Provincial Park. Near the 2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Gateway to the Chilcotin Coast Angie Mindus photo Clayton Falls Recreation Site is situated at the very end of Highway 20 about five kms beyond the townsite of Bella Coola and offers visitors the only ocean-front park in the Bella Coola area. Overnight camping is not permitted at the site, however, sea life is on full display right from your picnic table all day long.

top of the Hill there is a picnic area and trails that lead into the Rainbows. There is a scenic lookout at the top. Heckman Pass, at 5,000 feet is the top of the Hill. This begins a spectacular descent of approximately 4,100 feet of elevation over the next 18.2 km, into the Bella Coola Valley.

15 per cent grades. As you descend, enjoy the views of the Coast Mountains, and near the bottom, the Atnarko River.

Once you reach the valley, you can continue 75 kms along the paved highway to the communities of Hagensborg and Bella Coola.

Though the wide gravel switchbacks and, sometimes, narrow sections of the roadway are well-maintained by road crews, travellers are advised to be cautious of the short sections of up to

Angie Mindus photo The Rip Rap Campsite in Hagensborg offers beautiful vistas of the Bella Coola River.

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Michael Angie Wigle Mindus photo photo A young grizzly makes eye contact with Bella Coola Valley photographer Michael Wigle while the two were out on the river.

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BC Ferries

Michael Wigle photo There are beautiful sites to be seen while travelling on BC Ferries’ Northern Sea Wolf to and from Bella Coola.

Journey On Board the Northern Sea Wolf The direct summer service between Port Hardy and Bella Coola is scheduled to run from June 4 through September 30, 2020.

travelling their waters.

BC Ferries’ vessel, the Northern Sea Wolf, first set sail last summer between Bella Coola and Port Hardy, creating a vital connection between B.C.’s Central Coast and Vancouver Island.

BC Ferries partnered with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council to facilitate the commission of an original design from a First Nations artist and original text from a First Nations writer which adorns the interior of the vessel.

The ferry was built in 2000 and underwent a major upgrade to prepare it for service. Some of the extensive upgrades included updates to the main passenger areas and amenities, with the addition of a full galley, a dedicated dining area, a newly configured seating lounge and prime outdoor viewing areas on the upper outer decks.

The Northern Sea Wolf accommodates at least 35 vehicles and 150 passengers and crew. Sailings depart from Port Hardy and Bella Coola five days per week during the summer season. The vessel is meant to provide year-round service to Bella Bella, Shearwater and Ocean Falls, however, has been undergoing repairs since last fall, with the Nimpkish temporarily taking its place.

The outside decks are also a relaxing place to view the rugged and remote coastal scenery and wildlife of the region.

Step into a world of rugged glacial fjords, towering old-growth rainforests and rich First Nations history with a sailing on the Northern Sea Wolf. Through picturesque waters of the Inside Passage, home to sea lions and humpback whales, your journey will take you 10 hours from Bella Coola, and the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, south to Port Hardy, departing daily at 7:30 a.m. on alternating days from Bella Coola and Port Hardy.

A community engagement process with representatives from local First Nations, Ferry Advisory Committee members, BC Ferries employees and the Mid-Coast Ferry Working Group resulted in the selection of the vessel name, Northern Sea Wolf.

The name is inspired by a First Nations legend in which the Sea Wolf is a manifestation of the Orca. The Sea Wolf symbolizes family and loyalty and the spirit of the Sea Wolf protects those

Please visit bcferries.com for the most up-to-date schedule and additional information about the route.

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2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Bella Coola Valley Tidal Flats - Nature Conservancy of Canada photo The Nature Conservancy of Canada acquired a 70-hectare property on the Bella Coola estuary called Tidal Flats this year. Located on the edge of the community of Bella Coola and directly adjacent to other conservation lands, this parcel was the last unprotected private property at the mouth of the Bella Coola River. Despite its proximity to the town centre, the estuary remains naturally productive, providing essential habitat for salmon, grizzly bear, migratory birds and other wildlife.

Discover paradise in the Bella Coola Valley Atnarko River - At the bottom of the infamous Bella Coola hill, pull off and breathe a sigh of relief. Take a breath of that sweet cedar-scented air. You’re now in big tree country of the Bella Coola Valley. After 65 kilometres of gravel, you can look forward to a further 80 kilometres of new pavement all the way to the Bella Coola townsite, but there are a few things to see before you get there.

community are camping and accommodations, a Shop Easy grocery store, a gift shop, post office, high school, public outdoor swimming pool, the Norwegian Heritage House and a full service gas station. The valley’s airport is located in Hagensborg, boasting a 1250 m/4200ft paved airstrip, terminal building, and a fuelling station. Regular daily, year-round air service is available from Pacific Coastal Airlines.

Tweedsmuir Provincial Park Campground - Located a few kilometres from the bottom of the hill on the Atnarko River, a fully serviced campground offers a good base for hiking for all ages and levels of experience. Nearby is the Tote Road, which leads to the trail head to Hunlin Falls. As well, the Atnarko area of the park offers good salmon and trout fishing, wildlife, and bird viewing opportunities.

A few kilometres west of Hagensborg, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Snootli Hatchery is a definite stop of interest. Free tours are available on a drop-in basis weekdays.

Belarko Bear Viewing Station – Created by BC Parks, the station is located at a prime grizzly feeding spot on the Atnarko River, just east of Fisheries Pool Campground. The station is open and staffed from Sept.

1 to Sept. 30, when bears are active along the river banks.

Stuie – Historically the meeting grounds of the Ulkatcho First Nations of Anahim Lake and the Nuxalk of Bella Coola, this tiny community was once the location of an ancient Nuxalk village. The Atnarko and Talchako Rivers join here, forming the Bella Coola River. A lodge located here offers river rafting scenic tours and guided hiking and fishing services.

Alexander Heritage Trail – Alexander Mackenzie arrived in the Bella Coola Valley in 1793, completing the first recorded crossing of North America. He and his First Nations guides travelled overland along the network of trails known historically as the Grease Trails. These trails were trading routes for the Aboriginal people, developed over thousands of years. The trail head is located at Burnt Bridge, just within the western most boundary of Tweedsmuir Provincial Park.

Hagensborg - Located 15 kilometres up the valley from Bella Coola, this Norwegian pioneer settlement is the largest village in the valley with a population of just under 500 people. Located within the 2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Open year-round, Bella Coola Valley Seafood is located in Hagensborg on the Saloompt River Road and offers fresh, smoked and frozen local seafood for those interested in tasting some local seafood while the Mountain Valley Organics Health Food Store provides a selection of fresh breads, handcrafted soaps and local produce in season.

Bella Coola - Located where the Bella Coola River flows into the Pacific Ocean is the small village of Bella Coola. Only about 135 people actually live in the village, however, the adjacent First Nations community of the Nuxalk Nation is home to approximately 800 people. You’ll find stores, a post office, library, museum, camping and accommodations, restaurants, elementary school, churches and government offices in the Bella Coola townsite.

There are many exciting recreational opportunities available in the valley, including wilderness hiking on signed trails, world class river salmon fishing, salt water charter fishing, scenic drift boat tours, river and ocean kayaking, wildlife and bird viewing and photography, fixed wing and helicopter flight seeing, museum, and ancient petroglyphs.

Located a kilometre from the townsite, the government wharf is the terminal for ferry service to Port Hardy (on Vancouver Island) and the Central Coast communities of Ocean Falls, Shearwater, Bella Bella and Klemtu. The ferry provides sailings between June and September.

Contact Bella Coola Visitor Centre (info@bellacoola.ca) for a list of everything to do and see, fishing, hiking, ferry information and more.

Page 77

McLeese Lake

McLeese Lake - Lisa Richardson photo

McLeese Lake offers small town hospitality The small community of McLeese Lake is located 44 kilometres north of Williams Lake along Highway 97.

private campground and motel located on the shoreline of the lake.

Formerly called Mud Lake, McLeese Lake is named in honour of Robert McLeese, who lived at nearby Soda Creek from 1863 until his death in the 1880s. Robert McLeese was a hotel keeper, store owner, postmaster of Soda Creek for 25 years, owner of a sternwheeler river boat and member of the Legislative Assembly.

If you are looking for outdoor adventure, there are plenty of choices. Winter activities include skating, hockey, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, tobogganing and dog sledding. Forestry roads in the region provide access routes in the summer for hiking and biking.

In the summer months McLeese Lake is also a wonderful swimming and fishing lake.

McLeese Lake has a population of 300 and offers travellers small-town hospitality as well as a post office, general store, pub and restaurant,

Spawning Kokanee can be observed from September to early October at Sheridan Creek, which is located at the north east end of McLeese Lake.

History and nature unfold in Likely Likely is one of those unique communities that everyone should visit.

Situated on the west arm of picturesque Quesnel Lake, (the largest lake in the Cariboo region and the second deepest lake in Canada), Likely offers a wide variety of activities to do and sights to see. This is the area to visit British Columbia’s early gold mining communities.

Whether you prefer to lounge on the beach or fish for trophy sized rainbows on Quesnel Lake, a trip to Likely will be a treasured experience for travellers who are willing to venture off the beaten path.

Of course there are endless opportunities for camping, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing and many other outdoor recreations, far away from the crowds.

There’s almost nowhere in this area that you can go without, literally, stepping into history. Likely is also one of those rare communities that has its own ghost town nearby, Quesnel Forks. Simply called ‘The Forks’ by the locals, what remains today is the oldest non-native settlement in the Cariboo. Quesnel Forks celebrated 150 years in 2009. Take a walk at the confluence of the Quesnel and Cariboo rivers, explore the old cemetery and take in the visitor’s centre information boards. Here, you can feel the footsteps of the past.

A few kilometers before you reach Likely, be sure to stop at the Bullion Pit rest area where you’ll find an information kiosk, picnic tables, a toilet facility and a view of one of the largest manmade canyons in the world.

At three kilometres long, 300 meters wide and 125 meters deep, the Bullion Pit will remain as an everlasting testimony to man’s thirst for gold. Take a walk to the right and see parts of the old ditch situated just before the water entered “the pit” for the hydraulic mining operation, as well as some artifacts from the 1930s.

Another place to visit is Cedar Point Provincial Park, four kilometres south of Likely and situated on the shores of Quesnel Lake. Throughout the park and campground you’ll find mining artifacts and displays, a playground, ball park and boat launch. Cedar Point is also home to the Page 78

Cedar City Museum and Tourist Information Centre. The museum has amazing displays and provides a theatre room for viewing DVDs of the area, historical as well as current. If you are driving the backroad to Barkerville be sure to stop by and ask about road conditions. Hours: Open on the Victoria Day weekend and on weekends in May/June. For July and August, the museum and info centre are open daily; weekends only in September. Hours are 11 a.m.– 5 p.m.

Likely is a photographer’s paradise. With the changing vistas on Poquette Lake and Quesnel Lake and the early spring orchids and Lady Slippers that bloom in June you will find amazing opportunities to document this beautiful area. If you arrive in Likely during the May long weekend you’ll be able to take in one of the world’s shortest but most enthusiastic parades and a popular fishing derby that is attracting more and more anglers every year.

For more information on what to see and do in Likely, call 250-7902459 (summer only) or call the Williams Lake Visitor Centre at 1-877967-5253 or locally at 250-392-5025.

Valley General Store Open 7 Days a Week • Lottery • Groceries • Gas Bar • Liquor • Tackle

5007 Likely Street • 250-790-2245 2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Unlikely Paddlefest

Paddlefest a celebration of BC waterways Since 1992 kayakers from near and far have been converging in the Cariboo for the Unlikely Paddlefest.

Back when the event was first started, Mark Savard of Williams Lake and a group of friends were simply looking for an excuse to get away from it all while paddling some pristine rivers. So, they packed up their gear and their kayaks and headed to Likely for a weekend of thrill seeking on the Quesnel River — one of the premiere destinations for kayakers in the Cariboo Chilcotin. “We’d set the date to coincide with B.C. Rivers Day. That was the idea,” Savard says. B.C. Rivers Day is a province-wide event held each September to celebrate the heritage of the province’s rivers.

As time went on, the Likely community showed it was more than happy to play host to the event, which served to further its appeal. “We added in the hospitality, the music, the food and all that sort of stuff,” Savard says. Over the years Paddlefest organizers have even organized an annual “anything that floats” parade down the river. Now, annually, more than 150 people from B.C. make the trek to Likely for the event.

In 2014 the Mount Polley Mine disaster impacted the region, and in particular, the beloved Quesnel River, putting the Paddlefest’s location into question. “Paddlers really care about the health of our rivers and lakes and that’s what draws us back every year for Paddlefest,” Savard says. The Unlikely Paddlefest is held the third weekend in September.

This year’s event will be focused around Quesnel Forks, just outside of Likely.

Lake paddlers with stand-up paddle boards, canoes and touring kayaks are

Monica Lamb-Yorski photo The Unlikely Paddlefest has been premier destination for paddlers from throughout B.C., and even internationally, for over 25 years. Paddlers stage in the town of Likely and spend a weekend celebrating BC Rivers Day.

also invited to attend. Rafters have also become a fixture at the event during the past few years. Some of the more experienced paddlers challenge the Chilko River on the final day.

For more information call Mark Savard at Red Shred’s Bike and Board Shed at 250-398-7873 or send him an e-mail at mark@redshreds.com.

Williams Lake Return-It Depot Formerly Amanda Enterprises

OPEN

Angie Mindus photo Quesnel Lake, accessed via Likely and Horsefly, offers endless opportunities for all ages to get out and explore their natural surroundings.

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed for statutory holidays

232 S. Mackenzie Ave 250-398-6522 Page 79

Horsefly

Natural wonders await at Horsefly and surrounding area There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures in the Horsefly area, just a 40-minute drive east of Williams Lake.

Taking the 150 Mile House turnoff, 10 minutes south of Williams Lake, the scenery leading to and surrounding Horsefly is both serene and breathtaking. The wonderful views on the way to Horsefly include farms, fields, lakes and the snowcapped Cariboo Mountains. Explore the magnificent mountains — Eureka Peak, Horsefly Mountain, Teapot, Mount Watt, Mount Brew and many more. There is a tourist brochure available — check it out.

Surrounded by beautiful lakes, mountains, rivers and forests the area is ideal for fishing, horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, camping, hunting, snowmobiling, back country skiing, snowshoeing, and more.

A new attraction in Horsefly is the Waterfall Quest. Pick up the brochure and follow directions to five waterfalls. Three are on Horsefly River and two on Moffat Creek. You can go adventuring on your own or with one of the professional guides who are prepared to take you high into the mountains, along a winding wooded trail, or perhaps guide you to one of the remote fishing lakes.

The area’s two largest lakes, Horsefly and Quesnel, offer opportunities to angle for Kokanee, Dolly Varden, Lake Trout ( Char ) and wild stock Rainbows.

Visitors can get a feel for the history of Horsefly at the Jack Lynn Memorial Museum, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week from June 15 to Sept. 15.

The museum charts the community’s history from the gold rush of the

Angie Mindus photo A fisherman test his luck on the Horsefly River.

1800s, to its heyday as a logging/mill town called Harper’s Camp, then becoming Horsefly in the 1930s.

Today Horsefly is a vibrant community of 900 people and is primarily sustained by logging, ranching and tourism. Special events are often held in the fall to welcome back salmon spawning in the Horsefly River. Each summer the Horsefly hosts a Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast and Garage Sale at the fire hall on that weekend and an annual fall fair in August. The community has a vibrant and long standing music and arts community which has gained wide acclaim in recent years for its summer Arts on the Fly Festival.

The community boasts more than 30 businesses which are listed on a sign located at the Likely Road cut-off. The community has a school, library, general store, hair salon, café, post office, pub, full service station, real estate office, and even a local newspaper called The Horsefly Buzz.

Accommodation includes a motel, a bed and breakfast, resort cabins at Horsefly Landing Resort, Crooked Lake and Cariboo Country Inn and Resort.

There are also many Forest Service campsites.

The Horsefly Provincial Park, situated 11 kms east of Horsefly, is open May to October and offers nicely groomed campsites, a picnic and swimming area, boat launch, trails, and nearby laundromat. In addition to the volunteer fire department, Horsefly has the Horsefly River Round Table planning group, board of trade, women’s institute, 4-H Club, cattlemen’s association, community club, church group, quilting club, and a Red Hat Society.

Monica Lamb-Yorski photo The Salmon Festival is a popular event hosted in the fall in Horsefly to coincide with the salmon run in the nearby Horsefly River.

Page 80

Local contractors are available to solve any problem be it electrical, plumbing, renovations, or delivering firewood. Horsefly businesses are wheelchair accessible and the Horsefly Community Club installed a wheelchair accessible fishing dock at remote Tisdall Lake, 44 kms from the village.

Check out Horsefly at www.horseflyriver.ca, www.horseflybc.com, www. harperscamp.ca or www.horseflyrealty.ca.

2020 Guide to Williams Lake and Area

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