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 will open for the season this May, with its main season from May 31, 2025, to Sep. 7, 2025, and a special “shoulder season” kicking off from May 16 to 30, 2025.
This news comes on the heels of the provincial government’s announcement that it will continue to operate Barkerville Heritage Trust’s operation of the “largest historic site in western North America.”
“We are thrilled to continue our stewardship of these cherished heritage assets,” says Al Richmond, chair of the Barkerville Heritage Trust. “With decades of experience operating Barkerville and Cottonwood House, our team has gained invaluable insights that will guide us as we work to deliver world-class tourism experiences for visitors over the next seven years.”
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,” shares Carrie Chard, General Manager at Barkerville Historic Town & Park.
This includes the popular Dominion Day Celebration, which kicks off a summer of special events on July 1, 2025. The celebration sees a parade at noon, followed by games for all ages, and evening festivities at the House Hotel Saloon.
Dominion Day will be followed by the Indigenous Peoples’ Celebration on Aug. 16, 2025, and the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival on Aug. 23, 2025, which has been a longstanding favourite in Barkerville for over 20 years.
Guided tours, stagecoach rides, & camping info
Ready to get a taste of what the gold rush was like in B.C.? Visitors can officially explore Barkerville over the May long weekend, 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 will commence on May 31, 2025.
Note that Barkerville’s campgrounds and accommodations are now open for reservations, including the Forest Rose Campground (opening on May 15, 2025) and the Lowhee Campground (opening on June 19, 2025). 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.
So no matter which time of year you choose to visit, you’re guaranteed to enjoy a special event or two.
If you’ve always wanted to turn back time, this is the road trip destination for you!
Barkerville
Where: Drive 8 hours and 50 minutes from Vancouver to Barkerville via BC-99 N and Cariboo Highway/BC-97 N.
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