Williams Lake Seaplane Base

The closure was primarily due to economic and operational factors. The use of the seaplane base declined significantly with the improvement of regional road networks and the continued development and dominance of the nearby land-based Williams Lake Airport (CYWL). Operating a registered water aerodrome involves costs for maintenance, insurance, and regulatory compliance, which became economically unviable for the low volume of traffic. The consolidation of regional air services at the more versatile, all-weather land airport rendered the dedicated seaplane base redundant.

The site of the former seaplane base is now part of the public and residential waterfront of Williams Lake. The specific coordinates point to the shoreline near the Scout Island Nature Centre and residential properties along South Lakeside Drive. There is no longer any dedicated aviation infrastructure, such as docks or ramps, at the location. The area is used for public recreation, including boating from a nearby public launch, and residential access to the lake.

As a water aerodrome in the heart of British Columbia's Cariboo region, the Williams Lake Seaplane Base was historically significant for connecting the city to remote areas inaccessible by road. It was a vital hub for the region's core industries, including forestry, mining exploration, and tourism. Charter operators flew classic Canadian bush planes like the de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver and various Cessna models on floats from this base to transport workers to logging camps, geologists to exploration sites, and tourists to fly-in fishing and hunting lodges scattered throughout the region's many lakes. It was an integral part of the province's bush flying heritage.

There are no known official plans or prospects for reopening a registered seaplane base at this location. The reasons for its original closure, primarily the efficiency and capabilities of the Williams Lake Airport (CYWL), remain valid. The shoreline has also become more developed for residential and recreational use, which would likely create obstacles for re-establishing a commercial aviation facility. While the official aerodrome is closed, Williams Lake itself, as a public waterway, remains legally accessible to seaplanes operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), provided pilots adhere to Transport Canada regulations for water landings and local bylaws.