Barkerville Historic Town

Welcome to a place where the fun's pure gold! In 1862, Billy Barker found gold at Williams Creek, a discovery that started a rush of fortune seekers from all over the world. Between 1862 and 1870, over 100,000 people traveled the Cariboo Wagon Road, named 'Eighth Wonder of the World', converging on the goldfields, and the bustling boomtown of Barkerville. In its heyday, this was the largest town in the Canadian West.

Today Barkerville endures as a town of discovery, a unique streetscape with over 125 heritage buildings, the Theatre Royal shows, exhibits, entertaining street theatre during the summer, and unique shops filled with Victorian-era merchandise. Popular special events are staged each summer.

Where You'll Find Us

Barkerville is located in a forested sub-alpine environment in the Cariboo mountains 80 km (50 miles) east of Quesnel. Just follow the 'Gold Rush Trail' along Highway 97 to Quesnel, then take Highway 26 from there. On the way, you can stop in at Cottonwood House for a great introduction to the heritage adventure ahead! The picturesque little town of Wells is only 8km west of Barkerville.

Want More Information?

Barkerville Historic Town is managed by the Barkerville Heritage Trust.  They can be contacted at:

E-mail: barkerville@barkerville.ca
Web: www.barkerville.ca
Telephone: (250) 994-3302
Fax: (250) 994-3435, or

Write to:
Barkerville Historic Town
PO Box 19
Barkerville, B.C.
Canada V0K 1B0

Special web link:

The Gold Rush Trail is a Canada's Digital Collections website that provides a look at the Fraser River Gold Rush of 1858, the discoveries in the Cariboo in 1861 and the construction of the famous Cariboo Wagon Road.