Why You Must Visit Barkerville

Posted in Lifestyle

Why Barkerville?

“Barkerville was the main town of the Cariboo Gold Rush in British Columbia, Canada, and is preserved as a historic town. It is located on the north slope of the Cariboo Plateau near the Cariboo Mountains 80 kilometres east of Quesnel. Wikipedia”

Back in elementary school, I remembered learning about the gold rush and how it contributed to the discovery of towns in British Columbia. For some unknown reason, Barkerville jumped from my textbook pages and embedded itself into my mind. I wanted to go there. I was in Grade 4 and my 10 year old self really had no idea how…..

Barkerville, Here I Come!

This year, as part of my summer vacation, I finally made it! Apparently, the children haven’t learned about Barkerville! What a treat!

Barkerville was once a flourishing gold rush town back in the . Due to the poor living conditions back in their homeland of Canton (present-day Guangzhou), China, huge numbers of Chinese male workers left to come here to make a living. Therefore, one of the world’s oldest Chinatown developed.

Chinatown

First, we followed along the tour guide for a little bit, then we passed by a restaurant! I just had to have the full Chinatown experience. According to the tour guide, Cantonese was the language spoken and not Mandarin, because the workers were from Cantonese. As I was fluent in both, I was able to read and understand the different translations. So, after I finished my lunch, (the hot and sour soup was very yummy), I took a look around the restaurant. The photographs with its captions told their stories well.

The Blacksmith

The blacksmith shop was right in the middle of the town. You would hear the constant hammering of the blacksmith hard at work. Yes, he was really forging souvenirs that could be used. I bought a drink holder!

Goldfield Bakery

The Goldfield Bakery smelled so delicious! With its freshly baked loaves of bread and enormous cinnamon buns. There were a couple small tables and chairs for visitors to hang out.

Candy Shop

One of my favourite things to do in historical museums was to pick up some old fashioned sweets. It’s great to see some familiar candies there at the candy shop.

As I walked around and entering different houses, I came across this lovely stove. There were a few houses that had employees “living” in them. In one house, a lady in costume was actually baking and making food in the oven. Amazing!

Then, we walked by another office building. A former teacher was dressing up as a miner and gave us some interesting info about gold. He showed us “fool’s gold” and real gold. Do you know what “fool’s gold” is?

This church looked like the picture in my textbook back then! It was raining for a bit, but there were still visitors wandering on the muddy paths. Imagine back in those days with no umbrellas and no rubber boots…

This stove was heating up the church.

The actors and actresses were singing and striking up conversations that would have happened in the gold rush days.

The King House Bed and Breakfast

I discovered that there was a bed and breakfast that was actually in business! Talk about a genuine gold rush town experience! Next time I would love to spend a night here. (Check out what Barkerville would be like on Halloween 🎃! Click here!)

Gold Rush Time

For $8, we got to pan for real gold flakes! The gentleman showed us the official way of rinsing and swirling the pebbles and gravel in our pans. It was hard work! We were able to pan some nice flakes of gold. Afterwards, they put them into little glass vials for us to take home.

Barkerville Brewing Company

After leaving Barkerville, we stopped at the Barkerville Brewing Company for a quick bite and a flight of beers. I didn’t drink beer, but I enjoyed the atmosphere there.

Picture of Billy Barker

I learned that this was their heating system back in the days.

It was a wonderful day at Barkerville!! I hope that I will come back soon someday!

Park Information (from website):

General Inquiries
barkerville@barkerville.ca

Phone: 1-888-994-3332 ex. 0
Fax: 250-994-3435

Barkerville Historic Town & Park
14301 Hwy 26 E.
Box 19, Barkerville, BC
V0K 1B0

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54 thoughts on “Why You Must Visit Barkerville”

  2. When a student’s dream is fulfilled, it has more value than the dreams of the elderly. Arriving in Barkerville should have given you the greatest happiness. Its extensive chronicle, with the smallest details of the city and its surroundings, is excellent. The photos speak for themselves. They are spectacular. I enjoyed your trip through the images and your history. Good for you and your family. A good Sunday

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  3. A really fun and interesting post, Chocoviv. We used to camp near there and I have been to Barkerville a few times. You have done an amazing post covering most/all of the highlights. The photos are great. Thank you for sharing:) Erica

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  13. Waw, really amazing story and beautiful place.
    I loved the pictures and they all seem to tell an ancient story.

    Maybe in this life I will visit Bakerville and get a nice experience.
    Thank you for sharing! 🙂

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  24. Hi Chocoviv I have been to Barkerville back in the late 1970’s or early 1980’s. It was just like now with the costumed actors playing their parts. We saw a show in one building that was one which they held back then for the gold miners and their families. I loved the visits and want to go back again one day soon maybe next summer. Thank you for bringing back many happy memories of my past Chocoviv.

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