Wells
is presently restoring some of the historical buildings to
bring back the character of the town.
Barkerville
Barkerville is located at the end of the Gold Rush Trail,
89 km (55 mi.) east of Quesnel on
Highway 26.
In
1862, Billy Barker found gold on Williams Creek, a discovery
that started a rush of fortune seekers from all over the world.
Between 1862 and 1870, over 10,000 people travelled the Cariboo
Wagon Road, named the eighth wonder of the world, converging
on the gold fields, and the boom-town called Barkerville.
In its heyday, Barkerville was the largest city west of Chicago
and north of San Francisco.
Along
the highway to Barkerville, where stage coaches and pack horses
once travelled, there are historical points of interest with
such intriguing names as Mexican Hill, Robber's Roost and
Devil's Canyon. Cottonwood House Historic Site feature one
of the last original roadhouses along the Cariboo Wagon Road.
Blessing's Grave is a lonely roadstop marking the site of
an infamous murder.
This
authentically reconstructed historic city of Barkerville is
one of the finest anywhere, boasting over 100 displays and
"living history" programs; roar to the antics of the stage
shows at the Theatre Royal, sample a treat at the bakery,
quaff a glass of cool root beer at the saloon, or partake
of pioneer (or modern) fare at one of the eateries or hotels
along Main Street. Stop and talk to the "residents" and find
out what it was like to be a blacksmith, a school teacher,
seamstress or young child 100 years ago! To bring home your
experiences get a photo taken in top hat or long gown and
billowing hat.
Local
Attractions:
Cariboo Wagon Road -Mexican Hill, Robber's Roost, Devil's
Canyon, Cottonwood House, Blessing's Grave, Lover's Leap
Barkerville
- Barkerville Provincial Park
offers the visitor a chance to step back in time; attend the
historic St. Saviors Church, schoolhouse lessons, courthouse
trials, stagecoach rides, Theatre Royal, blacksmith demonstrations,
photographer's studio.
Wells
- galleries and shops, Island Mountain School of Arts, nearby
Bowron Lake Provincial Park
Recreation
Activities:
Canoeing Bowron Lakes,
hiking trails, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, photography,
wildlife viewing, bird watching, mountain biking, dog sleding
and back country skiing.
Accommodations:
Wells provides motels, a hotel and bed and breakfasts accommodations
and there are three provincial campgrounds within 2 km of
Barkerville. There are eateries for your dining pleasure.
For
more Information:
Barkerville Historic Town
P.O. Box 19 Barkerville, BC, V0K 1B0
Telephone: (250) 994-3332
BC Parks, 540 Borland St.
Williams Lake, BC, V2G 1R8
Telephone: (250) 398-4414
Wells,
BC 
Winter
and snow conditions in the Wells Barkerville make for excellent
snowmobiling, cross country skiing, back country skiing and
dog sleding. Every spring the town hosts the Great Canadian
Hill Climb, a very difficult course, with snowmobilers from
all over Western Canada participating, or just watching the
spills and trills.
