Q. Does the Museum accept donations of items ? How can I donate my item?
A. Before the Museum can accept new items into its collection, we need some information from you! Please provide us with some details on the object so we can learn more about its history, such as: what the object is, how the item came to be in your possession, any other history you know about the object, its condition, and whenever possible, providing a picture of the item can be very helpful! All potential artifact donations are brought before our Collection Committee to determine if the Museum is the best home for the object and if it will be brought into the permanent collection. Please call us at 250-392-7404 or e-mail us at mccinfomain@gmail.com to discuss the object you’d like to donate. Due to health and safety precautions, we ask that you please e-mail or call us ahead of time to discuss the potential donation.
Please refrain from bringing your items into the museum if you are wishing to donate an artifact. Instead we encourage you to download and fill out our Collections Donation Form for consideration
Before submitting your Donation Form, please download and read our Collections Management Policy for further details — Collections Management Policy MCC_2020
Q. Can I park my RV or motorhome in your parking lot?
A. Absolutely! The Museum offers ample parking with easy access directly off Highway 97 and pull through parking spots for large vehicles and trailers.
Q. What services does the Museum offer?
A. The Museum is open for free admission to guests for visits anytime during our open hours. We also offer bus and school tours by appointment only as well as research services. Please Note: Museum tours must be scheduled in advance. Phone 250.392.7404 or email mccmarketing@telus.net to schedule your tour.
Q. Can I do research at the Museum, and can you help me?
A. Absolutely, we will always do our best to help you as much as we can based on the information we have in our collection. Some examples of research topics include; local businesses, local ranch histories, and family history. We also have an extensive collection of Williams Lake Tribune’s that are available for research. Contact us with your research questions via phone or e-mail and one of our staff members would love to assist you. We are happy to assist students researching projects as well as assist the general public in their research requests.
Q. What is the cost to visit or tour the Museum?
A. FREE! The Museum is free to visit and view the exhibits, but donations are greatly appreciated to help us preserve the history of the Cariboo Chilcotin and to support local heritage.
Q. What is there for my family to do at the Museum?
A. The Museum offers two levels of exhibits showcasing a wide range of subjects including local history, ranching, rodeo, industry, and Indigenous Peoples. We also share the building with the Williams Lake Visitor Centre where you can check out their gift store featuring a unique collection of local gifts and souvenirs. They also have a coffee bar where you can pick up your favorite specialty beverage to enjoy while you tour the building or on your travels. The building also offers FREE wifi!
Q. Can I take pictures in the Museum?
A. Of course! Feel free to take pictures of our current exhibits and of the beautiful Tourism Discovery Centre we are lucky to call home. If you have the time, we’d love for you to leave us a review on Trip Advisor about your experience during your visit, and feel free to include your pictures in your review!
Q. Is your building wheelchair accessible?
A. Yes! The Tourism Discovery Centre is fully accessible. There are ramps available to enter and exit, an accessible washroom, as well as an elevator inside to help you view all three floors of the building during your visit.
Q. We are travelling through on a tour bus, can we stop and visit the museum?
A. Yes! There is easily accessible parking for buses and lots of space for guests to visit. Please keep in mind during COVID-19 Policies, we may have reduced building occupancy limits. Please phone 250.392.7404 prior to your visit to confirm occupancy limits.
Q. What is there to do in Williams Lake?
A. We are fortunate to share the Tourism Discovery Centre building with the Chamber of Commerce and Williams Lake Visitor Centre, and their amazing team will be able to help answer your questions on Williams Lake and surrounding areas and get you set up with the information you need to enjoy the area to the fullest! (p.s. We hear there is a great biking and hiking trail on the North side of the Museum parking lot!)