Wells/Barkerville
Be entertained
The wealth of leisure possibilities in this area are sure to delight
Authentic history: Learn about the fascinating background of this gold rush-era town.—Photo by Thomas Drasdauskis
Located approximately 80 kilometres east of Quesnel in the foothills of the Cariboo Mountains, Barkerville Historic Town attracts tens of thousands of people every year. Visitors come to observe a thriving gold rush town and watch history come to life before their eyes with restored heritage buildings and colourful characters.
In addition, there are 18 businesses on site, including three restaurants, a candy store, a bakery, an old-time photo studio and live theatre. Visitors can also take a ride on an authentic stagecoach, or even try their hand at panning for gold.
“Barkerville also has a full range of accommodation,” said James Douglas, marketing and communications specialist for the heritage site, “including space for RVs and two full-service RV parks.”
Leisure pursuits all around
After you have explored the historical treasures of Barkerville, you can head out to discover the recreational possibilities in the surrounding area.
“Barkerville Historic Town and the Wells-Barkerville-Bowron Lakes area play host to a variety of sports (and) leisure activities all year round,” said Douglas, “hiking, fishing, gold panning, mountain biking, kayaking…you name it.”
The town of Wells is located just eight kilometres from Barkerville. Here you can find indoor recreational facilities, including a dance hall, curling rink and fitness centre. Wells also has a newly built community baseball diamond.
Bowron Lakes Provincial Park, situated 40 kilometres east of Barkerville, is a fantastic place for outdoor enthusiasts to go for an exciting and active vacation in the rich natural surroundings that are characteristic of B.C.
This park is internationally renowned for the 116-kilometre Bowron Chain of Lakes canoe circuit. You can choose to paddle your way around all or part of the circuit, or you can take advantage of Bowron Lake, which allows the use of both motorized and non-motorized watercraft.
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast key contacts
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Barkerville, BC
A treasured town
Located in the heart of the Great Cariboo Gold Rush, Barkerville Historic Town is a place of discovery. Founded in 1862, after fortune-seeker Billy Barker dug a gold mine shaft and found the mother lode, Barkerville is now the largest historic site in western North America.
Guided tours, mining demonstrations, street interpreters, stage coach rides, restaurants, gift shops, a bakery and live theatre performances are among the many activities enjoyed daily at Barkerville. Guests can stay at Barkerville's authentic gold-rush period accommodations or park their RV at one of the three campgrounds nearby. Whether young or old, Barkerville is a delight for all ages!
Barkerville Historic Town
