The historic town and park of Barkerville is a treasure trove of B.C.’s golden beginnings. The legendary gold rush town was established on Williams Creek after the discovery of gold in the hills that surrounded what was optimistically called “Richfield” at the time, and the rest is history.
While Barkerville’s story dates back to the mid-19th century, early Indigenous communities initially settled in the region over 10,000 years ago, with the town later founded on the traditional territories of the Dakelh (Carrier) and Secwépemc (Shuswap) Peoples.
Over 125 original heritage buildings
Today, visitors can explore the region’s rich history by roaming over 125 original and restored heritage buildings. This includes period displays, museums, restaurants, local shops, and even a saloon – all preserved by the Friends of Barkerville.
For one, Cottonwood House is one of the most famous roadhouses along the Cariboo Wagon Road. Built in 1864 by John Ryder and Allen Smith, the landmark building once operated as a hotel and stopping place for travellers, as well as a farm supplying food and provisions to local miners.
Much like it did in the 1860s, the house serves as a resting place for travellers between Barkerville and Quesnel, containing over 75 years of Boyd family history.
Barkerville’s 2025 season
According to a representative of Barkerville, the historic town opened for its main season this May, which runs until Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025.
Outside of this time frame, Barkerville’s winter season offers guests the opportunity to go on self-guided tours of the preserved town.
The walk-in gate is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and self-guided tours are by donation.
Last summer, the town had to postpone multiple annual events due to wildfire evacuations in the area.
“Our resilient town has emerged largely unscathed, and I am hopeful that we will see a wonderful turnout as people come together to enjoy the events that they were unable to attend last year,” shared Carrie Chard, general manager at Barkerville Historic Town & Park earlier this year.
This includes the popular Dominion Day Celebration, which kicks off a summer of special events on Canada Day every year. The celebration sees a parade at noon, followed by games for all ages, and evening festivities at the House Hotel Saloon.
Dominion Day is typically followed by the Indigenous Peoples’ Celebration and the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival in August, which has been a longstanding favourite in Barkerville for over 20 years.
Guided tours, stagecoach rides, and camping info
Ready to get a taste of what the gold rush was like in B.C.? Visitors can still explore Barkerville up until the end of this week, with the chance to visit select shops, restaurants, and exhibits. Guided tours, street scenes, daily shows at the Theatre Royal, and rides on Barnard’s Express Stagecoach are just some of what you can experience here.
Note that Barkerville’s campgrounds and accommodations are open for reservations, including the Forest Rose Campground and the Lowhee Campground. According to the town’s website, both will operate until Oct. 1, 2025.
Looking ahead to the holiday season? Barkerville has confirmed that its popular Olde-Fashioned Christmas will return the weekend of Dec. 13 and 14, 2025, offering visitors a festive experience marked by festive sleigh rides, fresh baking, carolling, and a visit from Father Christmas himself.
If you’ve always wanted to turn back time, this is the road trip destination for you!
Where: Drive eight hours and 50 minutes from Vancouver to Barkerville via BC-99 N and Cariboo Highway/BC-97 N.
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