Puntzi Lake: Fishing, Birdwatching and Trails

Puntzi Lake offers visitors opportunities to enjoy nature, fishing 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 Puntzi Lake recreation site is on the southwest shore of the lake. If you’re heading to either of these destinations, use the directions specific to your destination.

Seasonal Birdwatching

Puntzi Lake is one of two places in British Columbia where breeding colonies are found; the other is Stum Lake. White pelicans can be seen in spring, and trumpeter swans from fall until the lake first freezes over in winter. The seasons therefore offer different windows for birdwatching. The lake also offers opportunities to observe wildlife.

Fishing, Water and Trails

The Puntzi Lake recreation site is a destination for camping, fishing and swimming. Woodlands Fishin’ Resort rents motorboats, canoes and kayaks on the lake. Puntzi Lake is known for rainbow trout and kokanee fishing; in January, ice fishing focuses particularly on whitefish. This distinguishes fishing for the named species from seasonal ice fishing in January.

There are trails around Woodlands Fishin’ Resort for walks and hikes. Trails also lead from Puntzi Lake across the Chilcotin Plateau to Farwell Canyon. This provides options for finding your way on trails both around the resort and to a named destination on the plateau. Local tour guides can help with regulations and equipment for outdoor activities around Puntzi Lake.

Cultural Connections and Dining by the Lake

Puntzi Lake is in the heart of the traditional territory of the Tsilhqot’in. The traditional Tsilhqot’in name for the area around Puntzi Lake is “Bendziny.”

Puntzi Lake Bakery and Restaurant offers homemade treats and dining by the lake, such as on a covered patio or as a lakeside picnic. Options include both patio seating and the opportunity to enjoy a picnic by the lake.

Directions to Each Destination

The most common route to Woodlands Fishin’ Resort is west from Williams Lake along Highway 20 for about 210 km, then along the signed road to Puntzi Lake. The directions to the recreation site, however, start in Alexis Creek and continue about 60 km west on Highway 20 to Chilanko Forks. There, turn right, or north, onto Puntzi Lake Road, continue for 6.3 km, then turn toward the recreation site. The starting points and destinations differ: Williams Lake is the starting point for the most common route to the resort, while Alexis Creek is the starting point for the route to the recreation site. Check road conditions before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Quesnel, Redstone, Tatlayoko Lake, Forest Grove, Williams Lake, Lac La Hache, Canim Lake, 100 Mile House

For the regional travel overview: Cariboo.