Williston Lake
Reservoir Large reservoir in British Columbia created by a dam
Williston Lake in northeastern British Columbia is Canada’s largest reservoir, formed by the WAC Bennett Dam; anglers, boaters and industry visitors access remote camps via logging roads.
Williston Lake is a large reservoir in northern British Columbia created by the construction of the W.A.C. Bennett Dam on the Peace River. Completed in the late 1960s, the dam flooded a large river valley to form the reservoir, which is used for hydroelectric generation.
The lake extends through a remote, forested landscape with numerous arms and inlets following the flooded river system; it is an important part of British Columbia’s hydroelectric infrastructure and regional ecology. Navigation, forestry access roads and a small number of communities and lodges occur along the shoreline.
Williston Lake was formed when the W.A.C. Bennett Dam was completed in 1968; the creation of the reservoir submerged valleys and altered local settlement patterns and ecosystems. It remains a working hydroelectric reservoir managed for power generation and flood control.
The reservoir lies in the northern interior of British Columbia, in a sparsely populated region of forests and mountains west of the Alberta border.
- Access and services: The reservoir was created by flooding river valleys and has a highly irregular shoreline; boat access and remote lodges exist but services are sparse in many reaches.
How to Get to Williston Lake #
Williston Lake is accessible by road from northern British Columbia communities such as Fort St. John and Prince George; distances are long and services sparse. Plan fuel, supplies and check local conditions before traveling.
Tips for Visiting Williston Lake #
- Plan longer stays to explore side arms of the reservoir by kayak; the lake's size rewards time on the water.
- Be bear-aware: the surrounding wilderness is habitat for black bears and other wildlife; follow local guidance and food-storage rules.
Best Time to Visit Williston Lake #
Summer is the main season for recreation; check seasonal road conditions and wildlife advisories.
Weather & Climate near Williston Lake #
Williston Lake's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -17°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (519 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -8°C and lows of -17°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -10°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -4°C. The driest month with just 19 mm.
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May
May is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 65 mm of rain.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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