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In 1862, Billy
Barker found gold at Williams Creek, a discovery that started a
rush of fortune seekers to the Cariboo from all over the world.
In its heyday
this was the largest town in the Canadian West. Over 100,000 people
traveled the Cariboo Wagon Road (named 'Eighth Wonder of the World')
to converge on the goldfields, and the bustling boomtown of Barkerville.
Today Barkerville endures as a town of discovery, a unique streetscape
with over 125 heritage buildings, the Theatre Royal shows, exhibits,
stage coach rides, entertaining street theatre during the summer,
and unique shops filled with Victorian-era merchandise. Each year many
popular special events are staged including the Victoria Day Afternoon
Tea at the Wake Up Jake Restaurant to honour Queen Victoria …
Dominion Day Celebrations where you can celebrate Canada's birthday
the way they did in 1870 … and the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn
Festival celebration, honouring Barkerville's Chinese heritage,
which begins at dusk with a lantern parade through the streets of
Barkerville … live music and more including a cowboy festival.
The Visitor
Reception Centre is the information and admission building for Barkerville
Historic Town. Here you can purchase admission tickets for the Theatre
Royal and Stagecoach rides. You can also find out about B&B
accommodation, tours and any events scheduled during your visit.
Changing exhibitions and a theater with a short film on the gold
rush are located in the building - along with maps and brochures
on Barkerville and the surrounding area.
On the way you can stop in at Cottonwood House for a great introduction to the heritage adventure ahead! The picturesque little town of Wells is on the way as well, just a few minutes west of Barkerville. Find out more
about Historic Barkerville by visiting our full website at: www.barkerville.ca
Barkerville
Historic Town |
Welcome
to a place where the fun's pure gold - Historic Barkerville - just
east of Quesnel in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region of British
Columbia! It's living history in a spectacular natural environment.
You
can also celebrate Halloween with a "Ghostly Town Tour"
in Barkerville and in mid-December there is decorated displays and
home baking in the Wendle House. The Goldfield Bakery and many of
the Barkerville businesses are open for Christmas, there's Carol
singing at St. Saviour's Church, special Christmas displays, and
events throughout the month. 
Barkerville
is located in the Cariboo Mountains 80 km (50 miles) east of Quesnel.
Just follow the 'Gold Rush Trail' along Highway 97 to Quesnel, and
then take Highway 26. You can also take a 1 hour flight from Vancouver
on Central Mountain Air … and next year marks the arrival of
the Rocky Mountaineer.