Scout Island Nature Centre in Williams Lake, BC, isn’t advertised from the road and chances are if you haven’t lived in Williams Lake you wont know about this hidden gem tucked just down from the highway when traveling thru Williams Lake. In my previous occupation, I had seen events and activities at Scout Island, Williams Lake, but somehow I always forgot to make the stop.

I like to think of myself as a bit of a meanderer when traveling and having dogs, and now kids, has reinforced this need/want/desire to stop along the journey and explore new places. We frequently travel from Prince George to Vancouver to visit with friends and family. Williams Lake, located a mere 2.5 hours from Prince George continues to be one of our more regular stops.

Part of surviving a road trip with 2 under 2 is being flexible and adaptable. My children were frustrated with car seat containment when we came into McLeese Lake, and I quickly reached out to a friend to find out what to do in Williams Lake. She suggested Scout Island Nature Centre for us! It was the perfect suggestion for taking on Williams Lake with Kids.

 

3 Reasons to Stop at Scout Island, Williams Lake, BC

1. Toddler-Friendly Exploration.
   One of the only reasons I need to make a roadside stop with a frustrated, pent up toddler, is to burn off some energy with toddler exploration.
   • If you can move past goose poop, the gentle meandering trails thru the marsh and lakeshore environment at Scout Island, Williams Lake provide the perfect habitat for toddler paced walks.
   • My toddler loved pointing at trees, mud, and marsh. He listened to the quacks of the geese, and if I could have convinced him down one path we would have seen a mother goose and her goslings.
   • Falling into marshland is a concern along the boardwalks, but trust in your toddler and encourage them to be an active participant from the boardwalk. The boardwalk is just as much fun as it makes clunky noises beneath their feet. The other mini panic is the lakeshore my toddler ran towards; however, once back on track, he quickly stayed on the trails.
     
2. Within 5 Minutes of the Highway.
   Just a short drive down from the highway (head towards Hwy 20, take the first left, the next right, and then the next right – or just put 1305 A Borland Rd, Williams Lake, BC in Google maps), Scout Island, Williams Lake is neither a massive detour nor close enough you can still hear the highway, or have a toddler run towards the highway.
3. Amenities (Washroom, Picnic Tables, Benches, Nature Centre).Scout Island, Williams Lake boosted indoor plumbing washrooms big enough to accommodate the whole family, and a series of picnic tables and benches throughout the park. There is no covered shelter, but there is a Nature Centre. The nature centre was closed when we visited.

Areas of Concern

Scout Island, Williams Lake might not be for you if you don’t like goose poop or have a crawling baby to stretch. My toddler has mostly moved past putting everything in his mouth.

Due to the marsh habitat, Scout Island, Williams Lake is prone to bugs and insects. This is easily managed if you come prepared, or just trudge thru. During our visit in the late morning in May, we did not experience bugs but were questioned in the parking lot.

Details.

• Address: 1305 A Borland Rd, Williams Lake, BC.
• Length: total of 2.5 kilometres in trails.
  We spent an hour exploring and eating lunch. It took my toddler about an hour to do one of the shorter loops. 
• Dogs? Yes, on a leash.
• Accessibility: Some Trails/
• Map: Find one here.

Have you ever stopped at Scout Island in Williams Lake, BC? If so, share your experience with other readers!