Back to Nature: Nordic skiing night or day in BC's Cariboo region
100 Mile Nordic Ski SocietyThe sport of Nordic skiing has captured British Columbians by heart and is becoming one of the best winter attractions in the province. With tons of space, endless groomed trails, and a new pace of skiing that is less intimidating than downhill and more cost-effective, cross-country skiing is what everybody is talking about. If Nordic skiing tourism wasn’t a thing before, it is now, and we have just the places for your next Nordic adventure – welcome to the Cariboo’s 100 Mile Nordics at 100 Mile House, the Williams Lake Cross Country Ski Club at Bull Mountain, in Williams Lake, and Cariboo Ski-Touring Club, in Quesnel.
Getting there
BC’s Cariboo region starts just north of Lillooet in the Fraser Valley. If you’re travelling from the Lower Mainland, this is up the scenic Fraser Valley via Highway 1 and then 97. If you’re coming from the Sea to Sky Highway, it’s a gorgeous drive through Whistler and Pemberton (and you will notice traffic dissipate after Whistler as you leave the crowds behind in the Coast Mountains). Whichever way you choose, 100 Mile Nordics is roughly 5 hours from Vancouver, 4 hours from Kelowna, and 2 hours from Kamloops. Bull Mountain, home to the Williams Lake Cross Country Ski Club, is 1 hour and 20 minutes further north from 100 Mile House. Cariboo Ski-Touring Club is 1 hour and 30 minutes north of Williams Lake.
Bull Mountain, Williams Lake |Terence Wall
What to expect: Nordic Skiing in the Cariboo Region
Nordic skiing has become a favourite among many because it offers a quiet reconnection with nature in the winter that can’t be found on crowded ski slopes. It’s accessible, affordable, and easy to learn.
Nordic skiing in BC’s Cariboo region offers a break from the busy mountains that are close to urban centres. This is a place where winter wildlife roams freely. From the resident fox at 100 Mile Nordics to singing birds and, if you’re lucky, a bobcat or lynx. Cariboo trails are truly immersed in nature. 100 Mile Nordics welcomes visitors to explore the 45 kilometres (28 mi) of groomed trails and 2.5 kilometres of LED-lit trails while Bull Mountain features 28 kilometres (17 mi) of trails in the daytime and 3.5 kilometres of trails lit at night. Bull Mountain also has 5 kilometres of dog trails to snowshoe and cross-country ski with your pooch!
At 100 Mile Nordics, there are two cabins to visit and explore out on the trails while a warm, cozy lodge welcomes visitors from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm and until 10 pm on Wednesdays. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned professional, 100 Mile Nordics has programming and rentals available for all skill levels. Bringing a youngster along? Rent a chariot to pull behind you on the trail so that nobody is left behind looking after the little ones.
100 Mile Nordics, 100 Mile House | Jonny Bierman
The lodge at 100 Mile Nordics is everything you’d expect from a mountain escape. A cozy timber lodge with a crackling fire serves up hot drinks and food and makes for a great warm place to warm up in between laps. This is also where you’ll find rentals and helpful staff or volunteers to guide you in the right direction for your day on the trails. You may also purchase your day pass or rentals online for a contactless transaction.
At the Williams Lake Cross Country Ski Club, visitors can enjoy the new Nordic Ski Lodge at Bull Mountain, a community gathering facility equipped with an equipment rental shop and space to gather and rest during your snow day. You can purchase a membership or daily pass online.
While exploring Williams Lake Cross Country Club, 100 Mile Nordics or Cariboo Ski-Touring https://www.williamslakecrosscountryskiclub.ca/club/membership-fees/Club, change out the cross-country skis for snowshoes and stomp through the forest on the snowshoe trails as well. Snowshoe rentals are offered at some of the locations and offer a great way to add some variety to your winter adventures.
Accommodations & winter activities
The Fishing Highway 24 in BC’s Land of Hidden Waters region is an ideal basecamp for 100 Mile Nordics. Countless lakes that provide fishing and recreation opportunities in the summertime freeze over and become private pond hockey and skating rinks, as well as prime ice fishing spots in the winter. As the nearby home to Williams Lake Cross Country Ski Club, Williams Lake makes for a fantastic place to spend a night or two in between Nordic laps and exploring the Cariboo and Chilcotin regions.
Fawn Lake, Lone Butte| Michael Bednar
Guided ice fishing adventures are available throughout the Fishing Highway region and if you own snowshoes, be sure to check out the Bridge Lake Ice Caves trail. Likewise, if you own cross-country skis, trailblaze the vast expanse of frozen lakes and safely find your own route. Accommodation options across the Fishing Highway range from lakeside lodges and B&B’s, to private log cabins with kitchenettes also located beside their own skating rinks. Staying in a cozy cabin out here is equally part of the experience as the outdoor adventures themselves!
Be sure to plan ahead, always have winter tires, and check DriveBC before heading out on the roads. For more information on responsible travel in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region, check out this guide.
This story was facilitated through BC Nordics via Canada’s Western Ski Areas Association in partnership with Destination British Columbia.
Featured Partners
Chris Harris Photography
Chris Harris and Rita Giesbrecht work together to create incredible images, as well as publishing books, running a private gallery, plus organizing photography field trips to the backcountry of British Columbia to help others explore and discover the incredible imagery…
Days Inn 100 Mile House
Discover untouched beauty at our Days Inn 100 Mile House hotel located off Highway 97 "Cariboo Highway" which provides easy access to Flat Lake Provincial Park and Moose Valley Provincial Park. Take an ATV through spectacularly wooded trails, kayak and…
100 Mile Nordic Ski Society
The 100 Mile Nordic Ski Society is a volunteer-run club, operating the 99 Mile Trails just south of 100 Mile House, British Columbia. The club manages two distinct trail systems on the 99 Mile Hill, as well as a warm…
Westwood Motel
We are located on Highway 97 in the heart of the South Cariboo. Perpendicularly situated off the main road on a 1-acre property, the location provides a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. There's plenty of parking for all vehicle types, including…
South Cariboo Farmers' Market
From May 1st to October 2nd, every Friday morning from 9:00am to 2:00pm, downtown 100 Mile House transforms into a vibrant collection of vendors offering unique local goods right in the heart of town. Local musicians display their talent as…
Imperial Motel
Imperial Motel is a newly renovated low-mid range hotel with 26 room, 14 Kitchen units, and has 4 connecting rooms to accommodate individuals or large groups like hockey, soccer or basketball teams members during tournaments. Motel is in the heart…
Cask & Cleaver Brewing
Cask & Cleaver is committed to producing authentic and unique beers that push the boundaries of regular brewing styles and categories. We’re proud to serve our customers with only the best, continually crafting each taste until it’s exactly right. Everyday,…
Cottonwood Bay Resort
Cottonwood Bay Resort is located at Bridge Lake, one of the nicest lakes in the Cariboo. With over 20 islands, Bridge Lake is perfect for canoeing. Watch the eagles, follow the loons etc. Good fishing for Kokanee, Rainbow Trout and…
Little Black Bear Lodge B&B
Little Black Bear Lodge B&B is in a fantastic location, elevated position, with a view of the Bridge Lake and surrounding mountains. Luxurious accommodation inside, wilderness & wildlife outside with a boat dock for swimming and lounging.Rustic Resort
The Rustic Resort is an old jewel located on the Thuya lakes with 8 rustic log cabins. The cabins come complete with what you need to have a great time fishing and adventuring the BC mountains.Rainbow Spirit Retreat
Rainbow Spirit Retreat is a small family business. We offer different healing packages with overnight stays including individual treatments, spa, finnisch sauna and healing with horses sessions in very private setting. We also offer different workshops for personal growth and…
Meadow Lake Fishing Camp
Meadow Lake Fishing Camp, established in the 1930's, is located in the Thompson-Okanagan District of British Columbia in Canada a two-hour drive north of Kamloops on Highways 5 and 24. On 14 lakes we provide you with fantastic fly fishing…
Wolf Valley Guest Ranch
Wolf Valley is a remote retreat, an abundant acreage all surrounded by Crown land and filled with nature, wildlife, solitude. A hidden place in the wilderness of south-central British Columbia which you can explore by foot, bike or on the…
MeadowView Reins
MeadowView Reins - Adventure with Purpose Located on the historic Gold Rush Trail in the heart of BC’s Cariboo Chilcotin, MeadowView Reins is a 150-acre ranch offering meaningful outdoor experiences for families, kids, and couples. Whether you’re seeking healing, reconnection,…
Laughing Raven Resort
A place to relax with room to roam! Formerly known as the historic Double T Guest Ranch, on the shores of Burn Lake. Log cabin rentals, RV campsites, hiking and biking trails, and much more.Lone Butte Fishing Adventures
We offer guided fishing trips along the Highway 24 corridor. Trips can either be Fly fishing, Gear Fishing or Ice Fishing. We are fully insured and boats are registered with Transport Canada. We can target Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Kokanee,…
Lone Butte Sporting Goods Store
Lone Butte Sporting Goods Ltd values the theory "If we don't have it we will get it for you"- if you don't see an item on this site, please email, call, or stop by the store and see what we…
Sandman Hotel & Suites Williams Lake
Renowned for its spectacular scenery, history and culture, Williams Lake is an ideal pick for those who seek adventure, relaxation, a business stopover or simply a great vacation stay. Located in the heart of BC?s interior, surrounded by gorgeous mountain…
Williams Lake Stampede
Over the July 1st long weekend each and every year, Williams Lake, BC, rolls out the welcome mat as visitors arrive from around the world to enjoy several days of Canadian Professional Rodeo Association action at the World Famous Williams…
Drummond Lodge Motel
Located within easy walking distance to downtown Williams Lake, restaurants, Scout Island beach and nature trails. Featuring 18 regular and deluxe rooms and 6 large suites and junior suites, the Drummond Lodge Motel is a perfect location for visiting families…
Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin
The Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin hosts a collection of nearly 30,000 artifacts exhibiting the depth and breadth of the region's history. Stop by to view the western displays, including the largest saddle collection in Western Canada and the BC…
Ramada Williams Lake
Book your stay at the only full-service hotel in Williams Lake, located steps from downtown for shopping, restaurants, and activities. Relax in one of the 57 rooms, complete with flat screen televisions and air conditioning. Stay in shape at the…
Williams Lake Farmers' Market
Not unlike other regional markets, the Williams Lake Farmers’ Market was started by a small group of farmers who wanted a local venue to sell their produce. More than 20 years and one location change later, the Friday morning market…
Lakeside Motel
Great old-fashioned motel, offering quaint rooms with lovely views of Williams Lake. The Lakeside Motel offers 32 cozy, neat and clean rooms. Free newspapers, private yards, unlimited WiFi, public parking and coffee makers are also available to complete the home-away-from-home…
Spectra Power Sports Ltd
Located in Williams Lake, BC, Spectra Power Sports Ltd. is an Aboriginal owned and operated business dealing in Polaris product. We are a full line Off Road Vehicle Dealer (ATV, Side by Side & Snowmobile). Spectra Power Sports Ltd is…
Cariboo Chilcotin Jetboat Adventures
Cariboo Chilcotin Jetboat Adventures offers tours 15 minutes west of Williams Lake BC. Tours begin in May and end in October. We offer day trips and multi day trips showcasing beautiful river scenery, Indigenous culture sharing experiences, gold rush history…
Station House Gallery
The Station House Gallery is located inside Williams Lake's oldest standing building, the historic Station house originally built in 1919 by the Pacific Great Eastern Railway. The Station House Gallery hosts rotating exhibitions in a variety of mediums by local,…
Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society - Performances in the Park
The Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society is a BC registered non-profit, operating under contract by the Cariboo Regional District and the City of Williams Lake. CCACS manages the Central Cariboo Arts Centre, facilitates grants and Fee-for-Service funding, and offers…
Williams Lake Golf and Tennis Club
The Williams Lake Golf & Tennis Club offers a variety of facilities to ensure that your golfing experience is second to none. In addition to our 18-hole course, we offer onsite camping, delicious dining at the Fox\'s Den Bar &…
Williams Lake Studio Theatre Society
Founded in 1955 by Gwen Pharis Ringwood, the Williams Lake Studio Theatre Society (WLSTS) proudly produces quality productions year after year for Williams Lake and the surrounding area. Over the course of its performance season, the WLSTS will produce three…
Appoii Kitchen
Experience a culinary journey with our diverse menu, featuring locally-sourced Canadian specialties and international flavors.Juniper Trails Bed and Breakfast
Juniper Trails Bed and Breakfast in Williams Lake is located on 27 stunning acres in the heart of the spectacular Cariboo region of British Columbia. Put your feet up and enjoy our high quality accommodations, property and thoughtful welcoming hospitality…