Barkerville Historic Town & Park
Barkerville Historic Town & Park
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Billy Barker’s legendary gold strike on Williams Creek triggered a multi-billion dollar industrial revolution that literally built a province. Today, the extraordinary historic town of Barkerville stands as a living testament to BC’s golden beginnings. With its unique street scape of more than 125 heritage buildings, period displays, satellite museums, restaurants and shops there is still so much to explore.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
3 within 5 kms
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
487 reviews
Excellent
352
Very good
99
Average
31
Poor
4
Terrible
1
J Diane M
6 contributions
Jul. 2022
Be prepared to stay longer than you expected. Stay in the St George Hotel right inside Barkerville. A wonderful experience!
Written August 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Trevor
Surrey, Canada1 contribution
Aug. 2022 • Couples
Barkerville is an amazing little gem hidden away in the caribou. We had a fantastic time over two days visiting the site and taking in the towns history. Would highly recommend anyone who goes to stop in at The Caribou Sentinel and have a chat with Chris if he is working. The history lesson we got in roughly the half hour we stood there was truly remarkable and well worth a second ticket for admission if it was required. The Barkerville Bakery is a must for for breakfast and lunch, very good eats! Learning about what life was like their over a hundred years ago really puts in to perspective how good we have it in todays modern society!
Written August 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lilymorg
Abbotsford, Canada41 contributions
Aug. 2022
We really enjoyed the morning guided tour, the woman leading was very entertaining to listen to. And the afternoon theater production was fantastic! Our 8-year-old daughter enjoyed the school lesson, would be nice for the adults to be able to listen in on the school lesson too, but they only let children in (it was quite busy so understandable). And they were handing out free bannock which was absolutely delicious!
We were there for 2 days, the first day the photography shop was fully booked up, so we tried to make a booking for the following day but they were closed :( I had no idea we could have called to reserve a spot ahead of time. Also the horse carriage rides were not operating on the second day we were there. Had we known the first day that they would not be operating the next we would have went the first day. So that was disappointing for our daughter.
Also the dog kennels are not supervised or staffed. We thought there would be someone watching there. You are given a key and leave your dog in a kennel without supervision. This made us feel quite uneasy.
We were there for 2 days, the first day the photography shop was fully booked up, so we tried to make a booking for the following day but they were closed :( I had no idea we could have called to reserve a spot ahead of time. Also the horse carriage rides were not operating on the second day we were there. Had we known the first day that they would not be operating the next we would have went the first day. So that was disappointing for our daughter.
Also the dog kennels are not supervised or staffed. We thought there would be someone watching there. You are given a key and leave your dog in a kennel without supervision. This made us feel quite uneasy.
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
amyjw2017
Vernon, Canada14 contributions
Jul. 2022 • Friends
We went yesterday. 27th July. I don’t know if they was short staffed or what happened. The only people we seen were in the stores and restaurants. When I looked on the website, it showed it as a functioning town were they have people walking round in authentic dress, singing, dancing.
The cemetery tour was cancelled.
They didn’t have the 9am drumming.
We walked around and it was like a ghost town. Except for other tourists. There was a horse and cart walking and that was it for people walking round, apart from tourists.
Horses weren’t in the shade either. 38 degrees and they sat outside the place you get on, In the heat.
The lady and gentleman in the bar/restaurant were very friendly/welcoming.
Food and drinks were great.
Good price too.
It has a cheap admission price, so I can’t complain. Just a little disappointing. We drove 7 hours to get there, after watching you tube videos of the place. It was nothing like the videos.
There aren’t people In authentic dress, walking round. There are the people in stores and a blacksmith, that’s all.
Website is very misleading.
Take mosquito spray. Tons of horse flies and mosquitoes landing on you. All 4 of us were covered in mosquito bites. We bought a fan and were swatting flies and mosquitoes the whole time we were there.
It was nice, but I wouldn’t visit again. Unless they had more going on. Most definitely not worth a 7 hour drive.
The cemetery tour was cancelled.
They didn’t have the 9am drumming.
We walked around and it was like a ghost town. Except for other tourists. There was a horse and cart walking and that was it for people walking round, apart from tourists.
Horses weren’t in the shade either. 38 degrees and they sat outside the place you get on, In the heat.
The lady and gentleman in the bar/restaurant were very friendly/welcoming.
Food and drinks were great.
Good price too.
It has a cheap admission price, so I can’t complain. Just a little disappointing. We drove 7 hours to get there, after watching you tube videos of the place. It was nothing like the videos.
There aren’t people In authentic dress, walking round. There are the people in stores and a blacksmith, that’s all.
Website is very misleading.
Take mosquito spray. Tons of horse flies and mosquitoes landing on you. All 4 of us were covered in mosquito bites. We bought a fan and were swatting flies and mosquitoes the whole time we were there.
It was nice, but I wouldn’t visit again. Unless they had more going on. Most definitely not worth a 7 hour drive.
Written July 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jean S
8 contributions
Jul. 2022
We stayed at the St.George Hotel in the historic town of Barkerville, BC on July 17-19, 2022 (two nights) and we had a fantastic time! Barkerville and the people who work there are the best and offer the best experience - I definitely recommend the St. George Hotel and the whole Barkerville experience! I would go again!
Make sure you do the 10am guided tour of the town. I also recommend the 9am drum ceremony that opens the park every morning. Also check out the China Town tour/talk, it was very informative! We ate at all three restaurants and all were very good! and definitely get tickets to the afternoon Theatre show-a must see! I think you need 2 days in order to do all the tours and to see everything there is to see!
The Government of BC needs to keep investing in this historically accurate town and park?
Make sure you do the 10am guided tour of the town. I also recommend the 9am drum ceremony that opens the park every morning. Also check out the China Town tour/talk, it was very informative! We ate at all three restaurants and all were very good! and definitely get tickets to the afternoon Theatre show-a must see! I think you need 2 days in order to do all the tours and to see everything there is to see!
The Government of BC needs to keep investing in this historically accurate town and park?
Written July 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sunnygirl0524
british columbia447 contributions
Jun. 2022 • Couples
It’s been many years since we visited and we enjoyed it a lot. We caught a few events that were informative and entertaining as well. Liked the mock trial in the old church (great actors). It just opened up for the season and it was very quiet, still some snow in patches and quite cool out but nice for meandering without dealing with crowds of people. All displays and buildings well maintained and done so well with great history transporting you back to a different time.
Written June 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brenda G
Salmon Arm, Canada35 contributions
Sep. 2021
My husband and I celebrated our Anniversary in Barkerville and Wells BC. This little town is exquisite. The town is full of history, original buildings, furnishings and information. It is like going back in time personally. It has been restored so well. Churches, houses, cabins, Hotels, Schools, China Town and more. We went at the end of the season and it had closed early. We were allowed to walk around and enjoy the sites. The Chinese Restaurant did open at lunch time. The food was so delicious. One of the best Chinese meals ever. I can't wait to go again during the summer months with the actors in period costume. To see the shows and learn more.
Written September 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SylviaNoMiddleName
Moosomin, Canada9 contributions
Aug. 2021 • Couples
We enjoyed walking the historic town.
It was hard to follow the map that was provided by the ticket office. We did not really get a sense of what the town was all about. There were no markers to explain Billy Barker or any of the other characters of the area. As we arrived we heard Indigenous singing and drumming but it was done when we arrived. We were there for 3 hours and they did not do another set, that we saw. Or, for that matter any other outdoor presentations would have been nice.
It was hard to follow the map that was provided by the ticket office. We did not really get a sense of what the town was all about. There were no markers to explain Billy Barker or any of the other characters of the area. As we arrived we heard Indigenous singing and drumming but it was done when we arrived. We were there for 3 hours and they did not do another set, that we saw. Or, for that matter any other outdoor presentations would have been nice.
Written August 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Peter3801
Vancouver, Canada130 contributions
Aug. 2021
We (party of two adults) thought that the trip was well worth it. The attention to detail and historical and archaeological research that went into re-creating Barkerville are amazing. We learned so much about the gold rush and subsequent history of the area.
It is worthwhile calling in advance of your visit to find out what activities will be offered when you're there. We missed the town tour as we thought it wasn't being offered this season, but it turns out it was on the day we visited - the pandemic and changes in restrictions are making things a bit of a moveable feast!
It is worthwhile calling in advance of your visit to find out what activities will be offered when you're there. We missed the town tour as we thought it wasn't being offered this season, but it turns out it was on the day we visited - the pandemic and changes in restrictions are making things a bit of a moveable feast!
Written August 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kevin F
Burnaby, Canada33 contributions
Aug. 2021 • Friends
The historic town of Barkerville was rebuilt as a tourist destination and gives a glimpse into the late 1800-early 1900 life in a mining town. The small houses in this quaint town remind us of an old western movie feel Canadian style with heavy Chinese influences
Many of the staff are dressed from the style of the period and are quite engaging in describing life in this period.
Although much of the town’s houses are inaccessible, you still get to stroll into the past and it’s certainly worth the cheap $16 per adult price of admission
The personnel is friendly and a joy to talk with from the blacksmiths to the judge at the courthouse
Quick note that the bakery offers delightful pastries, special mention for the chocolate mousse donut
Exquisite
I wish they would put more details about the climate of the time, the politics and relationship between cultures but it is certainly a great way to bring some history to children (anyone younger than teens will be rather bored with this)
Some interaction and demonstrations of hydraulic mining techniques of the time would also be interesting
Many of the staff are dressed from the style of the period and are quite engaging in describing life in this period.
Although much of the town’s houses are inaccessible, you still get to stroll into the past and it’s certainly worth the cheap $16 per adult price of admission
The personnel is friendly and a joy to talk with from the blacksmiths to the judge at the courthouse
Quick note that the bakery offers delightful pastries, special mention for the chocolate mousse donut
Exquisite
I wish they would put more details about the climate of the time, the politics and relationship between cultures but it is certainly a great way to bring some history to children (anyone younger than teens will be rather bored with this)
Some interaction and demonstrations of hydraulic mining techniques of the time would also be interesting
Written August 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Deana O
Salmon Arm, Canada34 contributions
WE are planning a trip early sept.. are events still going on or is it a slow down once schools are back in,, also where would you recommend on staying ?? we need a hotel or B and B we are not campers
jrjdouglas
Wells5 contributions
Hello Deanna:
Barkerville's main season programming runs straight through to the end of September, so although you are correct that our visiting audience is a little smaller with schools back in, and the demographic of our September guests changes slightly, there is still lots to see and do in Barkerville after Labour Day! Please look at the Activites section of our webstie for more information.
As for accommodations, I would try one of our onsite B&Bs first (the King House, Kelly House, or St. George Hotel) and then one of three convenient and cozy options in nearby Wells, BC (8 kms from Barkerville): The Hubs Motel, The Wells Hotel or the Moutnain Thyme Getaway Guest House. Info on all of these accommodation options, plus a few more, can be found in the Places to Stay sectin of our website.
I hope this information is useful. If I may be of any further assitance, please contact me directly at your earliest convenience.
Warm regards,
James
James Douglas | Manager, Visitor Experiences
B A R K E R V I L L E H I S T O R I C T O W N & P A R K
Box 19 | 14301 Highway 26 East | Barkerville, BC | V0K 1B0
250-994-3302 ext. 41 | 888-994-3332 toll free | 250-255-7938 cell
Is it still good to go in October,wondering if everything shuts down.
Annemarie
Vancouver, Canada70 contributions
Email barkerville tourism directly. They will tell you.
travelchic77
Grande Prairie, Canada349 contributions
Has anyone used the self-serve dog kennels at Barkerville? Wondering if they are located right in Barkerville - are there people there to look after your dog while you enjoy the park, or do you just kennel him and leave him...any info and/or reviews of how the dog kennels work would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
bonitomariposa
vancouver12 contributions
We used the kennels , cost was 10 for a medium for the day. They are off to the side of the administration building outside covered. They do not look after your dog. You will need to come back a few times to check on your dog.
Ange E
Vancouver, Canada1 contribution
Hello,
We are planning on visiting this summer in August and are looking for recommendations on where would be the best place to camp (tent). We are travelling from 100 mile house. The plan is to be in Barkerville for 2 days. Family of 5 ( kids 8 - 16)
Thanks
Sonya M
Abbotsford, Canada55 contributions
Don't camp here, you won't have any privacy, sites are jammed together and staff will take your belongings if you turn your head from your site! Don't turn your back on staff! Thieves think they own you when you are there.
We are thinking of coming up September 18-23, is there any activities going on
Sonya M
Abbotsford, Canada55 contributions
overrated, don't waste your precious time, go to another historic BC town, lots out there!
What time does the gates close?
R. W
British Columbia, Canada66 contributions
yes 6 pm is their closing however they were quite flexible as othe functions were underway and we left about 7
BARKERVILLE HISTORIC TOWN & PARK - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Barkerville Historic Town & Park
- Barkerville Historic Town & Park is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Hotels near Barkerville Historic Town & Park:
- (0.43 km) St. George Hotel
- (0.30 km) King & Kelly Guest Houses
- (5.05 km) Mountain Time Getaways
- (5.35 km) The Wells Hotel
- (5.05 km) Historic Stays in Wells
- Restaurants near Barkerville Historic Town & Park:
- (0.36 km) Wake-Up Jake Restaurant
- (0.36 km) Goldfield Bakery
- (0.38 km) House Hotel and Saloon
- (5.08 km) Jack O Clubs General
- (0.00 km) Barkerville Café And Gift Store
- Attractions near Barkerville Historic Town & Park:
- (5.05 km) Frog On The Bog
- (5.31 km) Amazing Space Studio & Gallery
- (5.36 km) Island Mountain Arts
- (5.07 km) Whitegold Adventures - Day Tours
- (5.37 km) Wells Visitor Information Centre