History is alive and lots of fun at Barkerville Historic Town.

In 1862, Billy Barker struck gold on Williams Creek starting a rush of fortune seekers from all over the world. Some claimed that Barkerville would become the largest city west of Chicago and north of San Francisco. 

Over 100 years later people from around the world are still thronging to western Canada's largest Heritage attraction.  

The site is open year round, but interpretation and visitor services are only available from the middle of May through until the end of September. This year's opening weekend is May 14th.

On top of the opening weekend festivities there are special events throughout the year, with Dominion Day on July 1st, and the Old Fashion Christmas in December.

Plan to spend at least two days exploring over 100 historic buildings with displays. There is live entertainment at the Theatre Royal, guided tours, street theatre and demonstrations by costumed animators.  Kids love riding the stagecoach and panning for gold.  Visit the Sheepskin Claim and see the huge Cornish Pump in operation. 

There are lots of unique shopping and dining opportunities and accommodation available right in Barkerville or in Wells, just 8 km away. Barkerville has one of the largest museum collections in Western Canada and extensive archives.  The archival collection
is available by appointment.

Barkerville is also the jumping
off spot for outdoor activities in
the Cariboo Mountains such as hiking, skiing and snowmobiling.