Quesnel
to Barkerville
Travel
the Cariboo Highway #97
north between Williams
Lake and Prince
George.
Quesnel:
Originally named Quesnelle Mouth, this city is named after Jules
Quesnelle, a member of Simon Fraser's famous expedition, and is
located where the Quesnel River flows into the Fraser. During the
gold rush, miners travelled by river to Quesnelle Mouth then continued
overland to the gold fields near Barkerville and Williams Creek.
Today Quesnel's major industries include lumber and pulp. Quensel
is the major service centre for the northern area of the Cariboo.
Quesnel
Billy Barker Days Society - Join us for BC’s favorite family
festival on the third weekend in July. There's four days of fun!
There’s events for all ages and tastes including a parade, fireworks,
carnival rides, the rodeo, mud bogs, stock cars, food, the Country
Fair and lots of live entertainment on the stage all weekend long!
Quesnel
and District Museum:
The museum features displays and artifacts that depict the lives
of the native peoples, pioneers and Chinese who first settled in
the area. It is located at LeBourdais Park near the bridge heading
south from town..
 Heritage
Corner:
Located at the corner of Carson Avenue and Front Street is a Cornish
water wheel, remains of the steamer Enterprise, a steam shovel and
the Old Fraser Bridge,
built in 1929. It is now used as a footbridge to the beginning of
the Riverfront Trail Park. Across the street is the Hudson's Bay
Company Store. Built in 1867, this store sold supplies to miners
and homesteaders until 1919, after which it operated as a drug store
and post office until 1949.
Pinnacles
Provincial Park:
These peculiar rock formations were shaped over millions of years
by glacial erosion and the effects of extensive weathering. To visit
the park cross the Moffat Bridge to West Quesnel then turn right
at Baker Drive and continue for 8 km (5 miles).
At
the junction of Hwy. 97 and 26, visitors may continue north towards
Prince George and take Hwy
26 heading east to Wells and Barkerville.
Cottonwood
House:
This roadhouse was built in 1865 and is one of the oldest building
still standing in the interior of the province. Once used for gold
rush patrons, it is now a well restored provincial heritage site.
Wells:
Wells was founded in the 1930's when the gold mining industry was
booming and the depression at its height. Men brought their families
from all over to live in the town and work at the Cariboo Gold Quartz
Mine. Although the mine no longer exists, many of the original buildings
still stand and visitors may enjoy walking tours of the town and
mine site. Book tours at the Wells Museum. Wells is located 80 km
(50 miles) east of Quesnel.
Island
Mountain Gallery:
The gallery features the works of both local and B.C. artists and
offers an Art School during the summer. It is located on Pooley
Street.
Bowron
Lake Provincial Park:
6km (4 miles) east of Wells is the Bowron Lake Road leading to one
of the best canoe circuits
in the province.
Barkerville:
One of BC's most historic sites, Barkerville was established in
the late 1800's when Billy Barker discovered gold in William's Creek.
It quickly became the gold capital of the world and was the largest
city north of San Francisco and west of Chicago. Today over 100
buildings have been restored and visitors may view the lifelike
displays of yesteryears. Activities include shows at the Theatre
Royal, mock courtroom sessions featuring "Hanging" Judge
Begbie, shopping at the General Store and of course, gold panning.
This
authentic town is located 8 km (5 miles) past Wells or 82.5 km (51.5
miles) from Quesnel via Highway 26. This scenic route follows the
original wagon trail, passing several interesting points such as
the Cottonwood House, and its restored outbuildings and museum.
Visit
the Official Barkerville Website for more information:
Barkerville
Historic Town - 1862 saw a gold rush of fortune seekers
– today Barkerville is a unique streetscape filled with unique
heritage buildings, the Theatre Royal, exhibits, street entertainment
during the summer, and unique Victorian-era shops. Come to a place
where the fun's pure gold!
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