Barkerville historic Town & Park

Let our colourful and knowledgeable historical interpreters guide you through Barkerville’s rich history through storytelling, activities, interactive lessons, theatrical performances, gold panning, stagecoach rides and more!

Town Tours

Absorb an in-depth understanding of the gold rush history, Barkerville, and the colourful characters of years past by attending one of our entertaining town tours. Daily tours are hosted by Barkerville’s historical interpreters. Tours begin at the Visitors’ Reception Centre and last approximately 60 minutes.

Theatre Royal

The Cariboo Amateur Dramatic Association began putting on shows in Barkerville saloons in 1865 which makes this year its 150th anniversary!!

After the fire of 1868, however, Barkerville’s dramatists began presenting their theatre in a building they shared with the Williams Creek Fire Brigade. Today, this tradition continues. The Theatre Royal – still located in the home of the Fire Brigade – continues to offer exceptional shows that not only educates visitors about Barkerville’s past, but does so in a way that mirrors the theatre of the gold rush days in Barkerville.

BARNARD’S EXPRESS STAGE LINES

Francis Jones Barnard’s B.X. Express freighting company shaped communication and travel to and from Barkerville and was the main cartage and passenger service on the Cariboo Waggon Road.

Take a horse-drawn tour of Barkerville in an authentic stagecoach, or book a return trip to see Judge Begbie at the Richfield Courthouse! Barnard’s Express offers a variety of passenger and freight services throughout Williams Creek.

Gold Panning

Get a taste of the Barkerville Gold Rush. Take a step back in history and learn how to gold pan with the crusty old gold miners at the Eldorado Gold Panning and Gift Shop. Pan for a sample of gold to take home. At just $8.50 per lesson, this is one of the best (and quickest) returns on your “investment” in the new Cariboo Gold Rush!

Come into the gift shop and choose from a variety of items available for purchase; gold items, gold pans, jewellery, souvenirs, hats, jackets, t-shirts, books, old-fashioned candy and sweets, drinks, sundries, umbrella rentals, and much more.

CAMERON & AMES BLACKSMITHS

Experience a working 1870s Blacksmith Shop! Hear the anvil chorus and smell the sizzle of hot metal smoke. The blacksmith gives public presentations several times a day and is open from 10:00am to 4:00pm, seven days per week during the spring and fall seasons, and 10:00am to 5:30pm during the main summer season. Hand-forged products are sold by the blacksmith on location.

CHINATOWN SCHOOL LESSONS & TOURS

Enjoy a fascinating exploration of one of Canada’s oldest Chinatowns. Find out more about the life of Chinese miners and merchants in Barkerville, and how their culture was maintained and adapted to the rugged land of the Cariboo. To join in on the tour, meet in front of the Lung Duck Tong restaurant at the scheduled time.

Williams Creek Schoolhouse

Experience school like it was when Barkerville was thriving. All are welcome to attend this authentic classroom session. Line up at the schoolhouse doors when you hear the school teacher ringing the bell. Don’t be late, and kindly remove your hats before entering. Information from barkerville.ca