Trip 138 - July 14, 2018 (Saturday)

Barkerville National Historic Site

Near Quesnel in Central British Columbia, Canada

Distance From Vancouver: Approximately 735 kilometers via Hwy 1 West, Hwy 97 North, and Hwy 26 East.

Liked: Historical buildings and artefacts. Period-dressed interpreters. Available gold rush-related entertainment options.

Of Note: Horse manure on the ground from horse-drawn carriages - watch your step. It could get somewhat crowded on busy weekends.

Related Website: Barkerville NHS Official Website.

Other Trips in Wells and Barkerville Area: Two Sisters Trail, Mount Murray Hike.

Other Historic Sites Trip Reports: Quesnel Forks Historic Site, Fort St. James National Historic Site, Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site.

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Barkerville National Historic Site is located in Central British Columbia, not too far from the City of Quesnel, and is a great place to visit for anyone who wants to experience the feel of a former gold-rush town. There are numerous buildings, both authentic and restored, and thousands of artefacts to see, as well as several thematic entertainment options, from a horse-drawn carriage, to a "variety" show, to gold-panning, to observing a blacksmith at work. The highlight of Barkerville experience are actors dressed in what the residents of the gold-rush era Barkerville would wear. There are children, adults, and old folks role-playing all over the place. They go around their daily business as if it were mid-1800s, and interact with each other and the visitors. The actors are so good that one can totally forget that these are our contemporaries engaged in a town-wide theatre play. It is entirely possible to feel guilty for being too nosy about what these colourful characters are doing, despite the fact that their "lives" are meant to be observed by the Barkerville visitors.

1. We are on BC Highway 26 at Bowron Lake Road turnoff. Turning left here would lead to Yellowhawk and Jubilee trails, described in the previous (Mount Murray Hike) trip report. Going straight would lead to Barkerville in 1.6 kilometers. Check out our previous trip report for directions up to this point from BC Highway 97 in Quesnel. This is the same photo as photo #5 of that trip report.

BC Highway 26 at Bowron Lake Road turnoff near Barkerville British Columbia

2. Having gone straight at the junction, we have reached Barkerville 1.6 kilometers later. Parking is plentiful and free. The Visitor Centre (pictured below) is located at the end of the parking area.

Barkerville Visitor Centre British Columbia Canada

3. Inside the Visitor Centre. This is where you buy a ticket, valid for two days. There just might be enough to see and to do in Barkerville that a two-day ticket is a very good idea. An adult ticket with tax is $15.25. Additional charges may be applicable for extra entertainment options, and there are also several eateries serving visitors, once you enter the town.

Visitor Centre for Barkerville National Historic Site

4. We just entered Barkerville, with the visitor centre behind us. And that's where we saw an aboriginal dancer in a traditional costume. There was an aboriginal show in the building seen straight ahead.

Barkerville British Columbia Canada

5. The main street is about 300 meters long, and contains all the major attractions. There are a few side streets too, and a cemetery, which is about 800 meters away. Here is the beginning of the main street.