Williams Lake in British Columbia, Canada features plenty of activities for vacationers to enjoy year-round. In the winter, seasonal sports like skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding are popular pastimes. Moreover, the numerous festivals in this area attracts an abundance of visitors during the summer, as well as fun recreational activities like fishing, boating, hiking, and mountain biking. Stay at a cozy vacation rental at Williams Lake for a relaxing and unforgettable vacation. Check out several exciting things to do in and around the lake.

1. Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

If you visit Williams Lake during the winter, definitely bring along your snowshoes and cross-country skis. You can strap them on to head out right from your vacation rental, or head over to the Bull Mountain Ski Area for miles of groomed trails, including some that are lit up at night.

2. Mountain Biking

Williams Lake is a mountain biking destination, so make sure you bring your bikes along on your vacation. Take your kids for a ride around the valley, where the trails are easier or challenge yourself to head up into the mountains on some of the well-groomed trails.

3. Xat’sull Heritage Village

Learn about First Nations peoples when you visit Xat’sull Heritage Village. Tours give you a chance to visit tipis and pit houses, and you can hear authentic stories from elders of the tribe. Experience a traditional sweat lodge ceremony, or attend a workshop to learn beading crafts or make a medicine pouch to take back to your vacation rental.

4. Williams Lake Stampede

If you head to Williams Lake in June or July, make sure to pick up tickets to the Williams Lake Stampede. Your whole group gets to enjoy some of the top rodeo action in the world, including bull riding, tie-down roping, bareback riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing and much more.

5. Jet Boat Tour

Explore the cultural and ecological history of the Lake Williams region when you take a jet boat tour down the Fraser River. You can learn about this entire region from the time of the First Nations through the Gold Rush era, all while taking amazing photos that you can post on social media once you get back to your vacation rental.

6. Fishing

If you love fishing, there’s nothing better than heading out on a lake early to enjoy the peace as the sun rises and the fish start biting. Pack your rods when you head to your vacation rental because the fish are waiting for you. Check at local marinas to find fishing guides to help you locate the best spots for rainbow trout.

7. Horsefly River Salmon Run

Book your Williams Lake vacation rental in September to enjoy the Horsefly River Salmon Run. Kids can enjoy arts and crafts and traditional Japanese fish painting, and then the whole family can hike the trail to the spawning grounds and watch salmon jumping up waterfalls. Interpretive guides are available along the way to answer questions.

8. Cycling Events

If your love of riding your bike keeps you on the road more often than it takes you up mountains, show up to participate in annual events such as the Tour de Cariboo, which takes you from Williams Lake to Gavin Lake, with return transportation provided. Another popular bike event is Pedal by the Puddle, where kids can jump on their bikes to take part as well, with no mountain climbing required. Many vacation rentals have bikes stored on the property or bring your own from home.

9. Farwell Canyon

Get your camera out when you head to Farwell Canyon, not far from Williams Lake. Shifting sand dunes and sandstone pillars create a fascinating landscape, and you might catch bighorn sheep roaming through the canyon in the spring. Take Highway 20 southwest from Williams Lake for a day of exploration.

10. Hiking

Some of the beauty of Williams Lake can only be found when you head into the forests on foot. The Williams Lake River Valley Trail lets you meander at your own pace easily and is ideal if you’re walking with younger or older members of your family. For an aerobic challenge, head for the steep climbs of the Fox Mountain Ridge Walk. You can soak your feet in the hot tub at your vacation rental when you return at the end of the day.