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.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
497 reviews
Excellent
357
Very good
99
Average
33
Poor
6
Terrible
2
AstroHiker
Calgary, Canada123 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
We made a trip to the area and planned to go to Barkerville one day. We didn’t realize in a COVID world that we had to pre-purchase entry tickets. The website said they were sold out and they only allowed 200 guests each day. I called to double check and was told they were sold out on our desired day and most days all summer. On a recommendation from our hotel in Quesnel we took our bikes up anyway as we heard it was a lovely ride even though we couldn’t get to Barkerville. When we got there we decided to roll the dice again and try and buy tickets at the gate. Low and behold we got in. No mention of being sold out. And guess what, once inside the park it was very apparent there were few people there. Certainly far less than 200.
I understand COVID restrictions but someone needs to think this through. Barkerville is a big place and mostly outdoor activity. And no one stays there for the full 8 hours. Let’s get people out again and ensure any restrictions are sustainable. Barkerville and places like it, need the summer tourist trade to survive!
BTW- it was worth our tenacity and we enjoyed the afternoon and lunch in the park.
I understand COVID restrictions but someone needs to think this through. Barkerville is a big place and mostly outdoor activity. And no one stays there for the full 8 hours. Let’s get people out again and ensure any restrictions are sustainable. Barkerville and places like it, need the summer tourist trade to survive!
BTW- it was worth our tenacity and we enjoyed the afternoon and lunch in the park.
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ed N
Delta, Canada2,025 contributions
Jul 2020
My wife and I on a semi rainy day spent 4 hours touring around; even with many buildings closed down. Due to all the restrictions, the actors who would stage little plays/presentations were now restricted to buildings or specific areas and do private presentations. These private presentations on a day when there were so few touring this historic site made the whole experience so much fun and valuable. My wife and I learned a great deal more about Barkerville from these personal interactions than by just reading all the informational signs.
Word of advice, if you come and the weather is cloudy/rainy, be sure to dress warmly and have rain gear.
Word of advice, if you come and the weather is cloudy/rainy, be sure to dress warmly and have rain gear.
Written July 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin F
Burnaby, Canada45 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
djdawei2017
Surrey, Canada22 contributions
Aug 2020
I recommend NOT going to Barkerville until after the pandemic is over. No shows or live demos, lots of attractions closed off. In an attempt to compensate for the bad situation, actors are all trained to recite the same polite platitudes. But instead of helping, it comes off as obsequious and annoying. When we first arrived, I actually slipped and fell on some slippery steps. It's as if the place was so hyper-focused on COVID-awareness, that other safety measures were neglected. Wake Up Jake restaurant was absolutely awful. (I'm not the type to send food back, but my bowl of soup was simply inedible. My spouse's burger tasted like spam.) Barkerville was the low point of our trip, and not worth the drive to get there.
Written September 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alibeedc
Canada4 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Just wanted parents to be aware post-COVID-19 Barkerville is very different. No wagon rides, no gold panning, no old-timey photos, the Chinatown area is completely closed, and many of the doors are locked.
The staff that are there however were extremely kind, helpful and professional. They had various actors located throughout the park. We had a good time but wanted to make parents aware that kids should not expect too much in the way of activities.
The staff that are there however were extremely kind, helpful and professional. They had various actors located throughout the park. We had a good time but wanted to make parents aware that kids should not expect too much in the way of activities.
Written July 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SylviaNoMiddleName
Moosomin, Canada8 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter3801
Vancouver, Canada144 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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
Written January 15, 2017
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
Written January 15, 2017
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!
Written May 18, 2016
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.
Written May 24, 2017
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
Written March 8, 2016
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.
Written July 20, 2017
yes 6 pm is their closing however they were quite flexible as othe functions were underway and we left about 7
Written August 17, 2015
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