From 108 Mile to Puntzi Lake: My Yearly Road Trip Through the Cariboo Chilcotin

Every year, when the snow starts to melt and the Cariboo Chilcotin sun warms up the land, I get back behind the wheel for my favourite drive of the year—from my winter home in 108 Mile House to our summer haven at Puntzi Lake. This first drive is more than a road trip to me; it’s my personal love letter to this wild and welcoming corner of British Columbia which is the Cariboo Chilcotin and, of course, the beautiful Puntzi Lake. 

A Sweet Roadtrip Start at 108 Mile House

I spend my winters in 108 Mile, where the pace slows and I can catch up on reading, baking, and dreaming about the season ahead at Woodlands Fishing Resort. For those who are visiting this region from afar, I always recommend making a stop at the 108 Mile Heritage Site and diving into the history of BC. This charming collection of historic buildings—think old barns, a schoolhouse, and even a post office—gives a glimpse into the Cariboo Gold Rush days. It's like stepping back in time, and a gentle reminder of the stories rooted in this land.

Rolling into Ranch Country: William Lake

From there, the road curves around Lac La Hache, a long, slender lake that sparkles like a jewel. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs or toss a stone into the water and watch the ripples settle if you‘ve been on the road for a while. Keep an eye out—there’s always a deer or eagle nearby.

Next, I cruise into Williams Lake, where a quick visit to the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame at the Tourism Discovery Centre is always a good option. This tribute to the ranching history of the region is inspiring, and the building itself is worth a stop—massive log beams and panoramic views welcome you in.

Not far from there is one of my favourite pit stops: Scout Island Nature Centre. With boardwalks winding through wetlands and trails along the lake, it’s a peaceful place to take in the calls of loons and maybe spot a muskrat or beaver. I like to grab a coffee and walk the trail before continuing west.

Canyon Dreams and River Scenes: The Wild Heart of the Chilcotin

Here's where things get really good on my Cariboo Chilcotin roadtrip. After Williams Lake, Highway 20 opens up into rolling hills and long, golden stretches. Sheep Creek Bridge, just west of Williams Lake offers spectacular views of the Fraser River, and it's a nice spot to pull over and truly appreciate what you're about to experience. The vastness ahead is both humbling and exhilarating.

Riske Creek marks the transition from Cariboo to Chilcotin, and the scenery begins to feel even more expansive. Cattle roam freely here, so I always slow down and keep my camera handy. The drive through Riske Creek, 46 km (29 mi) west of Williams Lake, is the site of the earliest established ranches in the area, and you'll feel like you're driving through a living history book. The ranching heritage is evident everywhere, and the wide-open grasslands stretch endlessly in every direction.

As the Highway 20 road trip continues westward, Bull Canyon Provincial Park on the banks of the turquoise-coloured Chilcotin River is a must-stop for a picnic and riverside walk to stretch the legs. Seriously, pack a lunch for this spot – eating beside that turquoise water with canyon walls towering above you is pure magic. It's one of those moments where you realize why people fall in love with road tripping.

Redstone & Puntzi Lake, BC: Your Perfect Ending

Eventually, I roll into Redstone, where I fuel up at the gas station and convenience store—an essential outpost on this stretch of highway. And here's a sweet surprise: they carry baked goods from our very own Puntzi Lake Bakery & Restaurant! Knowing that someone might be enjoying a slice of pie I made that morning just makes my heart smile.

Next comes Chilanko Forks, a quiet little spot where the rivers meet and the skies seem even wider. From here, the drive to Puntzi Lake is just a few more turns through forest and open range.

When I finally arrive at Woodlands, it feels like a deep breath. The lake is calm, the air is pure, and the white pelicans—a rare and endangered species that return here each year to breed—have often already made their appearance. Their elegant flight over the lake is a sight that never loses its magic.

Our resort offers access to peaceful trails, incredible fishing, and cozy hospitality that makes guests feel like part of the family. Whether you’re birdwatching, casting a line, or simply enjoying the stillness, Puntzi Lake is a place to slow down and reconnect.

Plan Your Trip

The drive from 108 Mile to Woodlands takes just under three hours, but it’s packed with scenery, wildlife, and character that make every mile memorable. And when you finally pull into Puntzi Lake, the reward is worth every gravel turn.

This is where your road trip becomes a true escape. Woodlands Fishin’ Resort sits right on the lake’s edge, offering the kind of peace and beauty that feels like a secret too good to keep. After a day of open roads and big skies, arriving here feels like stumbling upon a hidden oasis. From hiking and biking trails to canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching—there’s no shortage of ways to unwind.

Whether you check in into your cabin or park your RV, our lakeside sites put you just steps from the water. And nothing beats relaxing on the screened-in deck at Puntzi Lake Bakery & Restaurant with a cold drink in hand, swapping stories as the sun dips behind the mountains. That first sip after a long drive? Pure bliss.

This route is best explored from spring to fall, when the roads are clear and nature puts on a show. It's an easy and rewarding trip from Prince George, Kamloops, or the Lower Mainland, with the option to continue west along Highway 20 to Bella Coola—or circle back and take it all in again.

So, pack your snacks, charge your camera, and come see why this road—and this place—has my heart. I’ll be waiting for you at Woodlands with a warm meal, a cozy campsite, and the kind of welcome you’ll remember long after the dust settles.