Puntzi Lake: Wildlife, Fishing and Nature

At Puntzi Lake in the Chilcotin region of British Columbia, exceptional nature viewing opportunities meet a wide range of activities around the lake. White pelicans can be seen in spring, and trumpeter swans from fall until the lake first freezes over in winter. Other options include fishing, trails for walks and hikes, and boat rentals. You can choose the focus of your stay based on whether you mainly want to observe wildlife, spend time on the water or explore on foot.

Birdlife and Nature at Puntzi Lake

Puntzi Lake is one of two documented locations with breeding colonies in British Columbia; the other is Stum Lake. Viewing opportunities also vary by season: white pelicans can be seen in spring, and trumpeter swans from fall until the lake first freezes over in winter. Puntzi Lake is also suitable for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. If nature viewing is important to your trip, these periods can help you choose the right season for your interests.

The Puntzi Lake recreation site is on the southwest shore. It is a destination for camping, fishing and swimming. Alongside wildlife viewing, you can also choose activities on and in the water. Woodlands Fishin’ Resort is a rustic fishing resort on the shore of Puntzi Lake in the Chilcotin. The trails around the resort offer another way to explore the area on foot; their exact length or duration is not specified.

Fishing and Time on the Water

Puntzi Lake is known for fishing for rainbow trout and kokanee. Ice fishing is a special seasonal option: in January, fishing at Puntzi Lake is particularly focused on whitefish. Fishing interests therefore vary not only by species but also by season. The Puntzi Lake Fishing Derby took place on the weekend after July 1, 2024; it was hosted by one of the three resorts at Puntzi Lake.

Woodlands Fishin’ Resort rents out motorboats, canoes and kayaks at Puntzi Lake. Daily rates start at US$110 for a motorboat and US$40 for a canoe or kayak. This gives you a specific choice between a motorized boat and smaller watercraft if you’d like to spend time on the lake using one of these options. Local tour guides around Puntzi Lake take care of regulations and equipment for outdoor activities.

Trails, Culture and Food

Trails lead from Puntzi Lake to Farwell Canyon through the Chilcotin Plateau. Walks and hikes around Woodlands Fishin’ Resort are another way to include some exercise in your stay. If you’re choosing between time on the water and exploring on foot, these different options can shape your day without assuming any particular route or walking time.

Puntzi Lake is located in the heart of the Tsilhqot’in’s traditional territory. The Tsilhqot’in traditional name for the area around Puntzi Lake is “Bendziny.” The Puntzi Lake Bakery and Restaurant offers homemade treats and food by the lake, including on a covered patio or as a picnic by the lake. This lets you combine a visit to the lake with a meal or something sweet.

Getting There and Choosing a Location

The most common route to Woodlands Fishin’ Resort is west from Williams Lake along Highway 20 for about 210 km, followed by the signed road to Puntzi Lake. A different route is described for the Puntzi Lake recreation site: from Alexis Creek, drive about 60 km west along 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. When choosing accommodation for your stay, you can use these different directions and the activities that interest you as a guide to selecting a location.

More places to explore: Lac La Hache, Lone Butte, Riske Creek, Redstone, Williams Lake, Forest Grove, Nimpo Lake and Canim Lake.

For the broader travel overview: Cariboo.