We stumbled upon Barkerville Historic Town on our way back from completing the Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit. As we were signing off the canoe circuit, the Parks staff recommended we stop in at the Barkerville Historic Town to grab some lunch at the Chinese restaurant. With no further thought we hit the road. As we pulled into the parking lot we were shocked at how large this hidden gem of a town actually was. There is so much to do here you can easily spend a day or two doing and seeing everything the town has to offer. It is a great option for adults and kids, there is something for all ages at Barkerville.
Where Is The Barkerville Historic Town
Barkerville is located approximately an hour’s drive from Quesnel in British Columbia. Just North of Quesnel on Highway 97, you’ll turn onto Highway 26 and follow this for 80 kilometres before arriving at Barkerville. The town is clearly signposted from Highway 97.
Cost To Enter The Barkerville Historic Town
The Barkerville Historic Town is a fully immersive experience, sending visitors back in time to the gold rush time when the town was in full swing. In order to help preserve and maintain this incredible experience there is an entrance fee to enter the town.
The Town is open year round, however it only operates in a limited capacity outside of the summer season which runs from June 1st to September 8th.
What Is There To Do At The Barkerville Historic Town
Barkerville Historic Town is a real world museum, you can walk around the whole town, which includes well over 100 restored buildings. Look inside buildings, including the school and the church. You can visit the general store for a spot of shopping or eat at the town tavern or Chinese restaurant. As you wander around the town, you’ll find plenty of interpretative signs, detailing the history of the buildings and the people who once occupied them.
You can also check out the stables and the town Cornwall water wheel and flume as well as China Town towards the far end of Barkerville. You can also try your hand at panning for gold outside one of the stores or get thrown back in time in traditional outfits at the photography studio.
Stop by the blacksmith and watch him at work, he was happy to answer questions and discuss his work. The Theatre plays host to live shows daily at set times. You can also take a horse and carriage ride around town.
When you pay your admission fee at the gate, you are handed a leaflet which is packed with the daily itinerary, so you can be sure you’ll manage to fill your day! From theatre shows, to lessons in the Chinese school and live music, this place will not disappoint!
The History Of Barkerville
Barkerville began back in 1862 at the beginning of the Gold Rush in British Columbia. Named after William ‘Billy’ Barker an English man who spearheaded the gold rush in BC when he struck gold in Williams Creek.
One of the first gold finds in Barkerville was by William “Dutch Bill” Dietz, and this is who Williams Creek was named after. A small town popped up after this initial find, called Richfield. Billy Barker later found gold further downstream of the town of Richfield and so the boom truly began!
Where To Stay In And Around Barkerville
For anyone who wants a fully immersive experience, there are two guest houses in town which are operated year round. These heritage homes are an amazing way to experience the old Barkerville as it was in its prime glory days. There is also the St George Hotel in town which offers accommodation, including a Victorian styled continental breakfast. There are also campground located nearby which are associated with Barkerville, these make a great reasonably priced option for anyone looking to spend more than one day exploring all the the town has to offer.
If you are looking to stay nearby, there are campgrounds and cabins on offer at Bowron Lakes. You can camp in the provincial park and their designated campground or nearby you’ll find Becker’s Lodge which has campsites as well as cabins for rent.
Just over 80 kilometers from the Barkerville Historic Town is the town of Quesnel, this has all the amenities you may need. With plenty of hotel chains to opt to stay at. We chose to camp just outside of town at the 10 Mile Campground, a firm favorite of ours whenever we are in the area.
Between Quesnel and Barkerville is the small town of Wells. Here you’ll find a small hotel as well as a guest house. A great spot for a more peaceful experience outside of the bigger Quesnel.
