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Barkerville, a taste of the vibrant past
Wednesday, April 15th, 2009 by GetawayBC.com
One of Canada’s largest and most comprehensive historic towns, Barkerville provides visitors with a time warp experience as they step into the life and times of the Cariboo’s first European entrepreneurs and experience the 1860s.
The town grew almost overnight when news of Billy Barker’s famous gold strike reached desperate gold seekers throughout the colony of British Columbia and along the depleted gold fields of California. The cafes, stores, professionals and services which followed the miners to provide for their basic needs have been recreated, as well as a wealth of mining antiques and displays.
The park is open for visitors to experience life in the late 19th century from early May until well into September. Exhibits and displays, impersonators of famous people, a period theater and the infamous court of the “Hanging Judge”, Matthew Begbie, are also available to the public.
For those who desire to fully immerse themselves in the Barkerville experience, bed and breakfast establishments allow visitors to sleep in the park overnight, while costume rentals and interactive activities turn the imagination to Barkerville’s busiest years.
During the Christmas season, Barkerville dresses festively for the many visitors who enjoy a Victorian Christmas. Special events on the weekend of December 16, 17 and 18 are planned and they include sleigh rides and such family fun as taffy pulls.
Only an hour from Quesnel, along Highway 26, Barkerville is a worthwhile stop for tourists and amateur historians. For more information call 250-994-3302.