Seasonal birdwatching, fishing, and trails across the Chilcotin Plateau give a stay at Puntzi Lake different points of focus. Two specific places can help you find your way: Woodlands Fishin’ Resort on the lakeshore and the recreation site on the southwest shore. Your route also depends on which destination you’re heading to.

Birdwatching Through the Seasons

Puntzi Lake is a good place for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Each season offers different highlights: white pelicans can be seen in spring, and trumpeter swans from fall until the lake first freezes over in winter. When planning, keep in mind that these sightings occur at different times of year. Puntzi Lake is also one of two documented locations with breeding colonies in British Columbia; the other is Stum Lake.

Fishing, Boats, and Activities on the Water

Woodlands Fishin’ Resort is a rustic fishing resort on the shore of Puntzi Lake in the Chilcotin region of British Columbia. The resort rents motorboats, as well as canoes and kayaks, on the lake. Puntzi Lake is known for fishing for rainbow trout and kokanee. In January, ice fishing at Puntzi Lake focuses especially on whitefish—a seasonal highlight that differs from fishing at other times of year.

The Puntzi Lake recreation site is on the southwest shore and is a destination for camping, fishing, and swimming. The two places have different focuses: fishing and boat rentals are among the highlights at the resort, while camping and swimming are also available at the recreation site. Local tour guides around the lake can help with regulations and equipment for outdoor activities.

Trails and Cultural Context

There are trails for walking and hiking around Woodlands Fishin’ Resort. Trails also lead from Puntzi Lake to Farwell Canyon through the Chilcotin Plateau. The options described range from trails near the resort to a destination in the wider landscape.

Puntzi Lake lies in the core area of the Tsilhqot’in traditional territory. The Tsilhqot’in traditional name for the area around the lake is “Bendziny.” This cultural context adds to the recreational perspective on water, wildlife viewing, and trails.

Dining by the Lake

The Puntzi Lake Bakery and Restaurant offers homemade treats and meals by the lake. You can eat on a covered patio or have a picnic by the lake. It adds a specific local dining option to the outdoor activities.

Getting to the Two Destinations

The most common route to Woodlands Fishin’ Resort is west from Williams Lake along Highway 20 for about 210 kilometres, then follow the signed road to Puntzi Lake.

The recreation site has its own directions from Alexis Creek: drive west on Highway 20 for about 60 kilometres to Chilanko Forks. Turn right, or north, onto Puntzi Lake Road, drive another 6.3 kilometres, then turn toward the recreation site. Check road conditions before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, Redstone, Quesnel, Lone Butte, Forest Grove, Tatlayoko Lake, Riske Creek

For the broader travel overview: Cariboo.