Lac
La Hache to Williams Lake
Travel
Hwy 97
(Cariboo Hwy) north from 100
Mile House.
Lac
La Hache:
This large lake whose literal translation is "Lake of the Axe"
is nearby to the LacLa
Hache Provincial Park, with hiking trails, picnic area and boat
launch. The entrance is located 13 km (8 miles) from Lac La Hache
community.
Continue
north on Hwy 97.
150
Mile House:
Another important stopping point along the Gold Rush Trail, 150
Mile House once served as a place to change stagecoaches before
continuing west to the Chilcotin,
or east to the goldfields. Today it is the turnoff east to some
of the recreational areas near Horsefly, Quesnel Lake, Quesnel Forks
and Likely.
Horsefly:
Located on the banks of the Horsefly River, an important salmon
spawning stream, Horsefly is the site of the Cariboo's first gold
discovery in 1859.
Jack
Lynn Memorial Museum:
Located on Campbell Avenue, the museum features artifacts of the
area's mining, logging, and trapping industry.
Horsefly
Lake Provincial Park:
The park is located 13km (8 miles) northeast of Horsefly and offers
excellent hiking and fishing.
Quesnel
Lake:
Backed by impressive glacial mountain peaks and Wells Gray Provincial
Park, some reaching 2400 m (8000 ft), this is the deepest lake in
B.C. and the 2nd deepest on the continent. Quesnel Lake is located
near Likely, 36km (22 miles) northeast of Horsefly.
Likely:
Access to Likely is via the back road from Horsefly or back to the
junction. Take the north fork that goes past Big
Lake, around Moorehead Lake and onto Likely. This small community
on the Quesnel River mouth on Quesnel Lake is full of gold fever
history. It is also known for its superb fishing, hunting and hiking.
Cedar
Point Park:
Interesting mining artifacts may be found in this park. Camping
is available among the cedars. Excellent access to the Quesnel River.
 Quesnelle
Forks:
Just past Likely, turn northeast at the Quesnelle Forks road sign
for about 13km (8 miles). This road leads to what was once known
"as BC's largest city north of Victoria". Unfortunately
as the gold ran out, so did the people. In recent years restoration
has begun on this heritage site.
Bullion
Pit:
Heading back to Hwy 97, 5km (3 miles) west of Likely, is the world's
largest gold mining pit, 90m (295 ft) deep and is over 3km (2 miles)
long. This pit was created using hydraulic mining techniques.
Williams
Lake:
The ranch at Williams Lake once raised food supplies for the gold
fields but the town didn't begin to prosper until the Pacific Great
Eastern Railway (now
B.C. Rail) arrived in 1920. This community's diverse economic
base includes
ranching, farming, forestry and mining. Well known for the Williams
Lake Stampede, this 4 day event established in the 1920's, is now
part of the professional rodeo circuit.
 Williams
Lake Museum:
Located at 113 N. 4th Avenue, the museum displays artifacts depicting
lifestyles of the areas pioneers. A 1947 pumper truck is on display
across the street at the Fire Hall. A park with playgound, wading
pool, tennis courts and picnic area is located accross the street.
Scout
Island Nature & Recreation Centre:
These walking trails and the observation deck are a great place
for children to explore nature's wonders. The Centre overlooks Williams
Lake and the town itself. Guided tours are available. The trail
head for the Williams
Lake River Valley Trail is located here.
Bull
Mountain Trails:
Located 19 km (12 miles) north of Williams Lake these trails serve
as cross country ski trails in the winter and excellent biking and
hiking trails in the spring and summer months. The Bull Mountain
area offers visitors the Minton Creek Walk, a self-guided tour on
the forest
and its life cycle. Also take the Silviculture Trail and see
how foresters use science to help them manage this woodlot.
Station
House Gallery:
Dating back to the 1920's, this is the oldest building in Williams
Lake. Located at the foot of Oliver Street, this is the original
BC Rail Station. It now houses the local gallery featuring carvings,
paintings and locally made crafts.
Xats'ull
Heritage Village:
Participate in a cultural and spiritual experience in authentic
native living before the white man's arrival. Sample traditional
fare, view ancient petroglyphs (located near the teepee circle)
and visit a mini workshop. Reservations are needed to visit this
heritage village.
Williams
Lake & District Chamber of Commerce:
The Cariboo Chilcotin, with its kaleidoscope of colors and hues,
is the perfect year round playground, and in the centre of it all
is the City of Williams Lake. Enjoy a dream vacation with the help
of the Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce the informed
and friendly staff is well versed on Williams Lake and area.
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