Barkerville

Barkerville is an old mining town in the Cariboo region that is preserved today as an open-air museum. The site includes original and reconstructed 19th century buildings, such as homes, shops, churches, and other public structures that show what daily life was like during the gold rush.

The town started in the 1860s as the center of the gold rush in British Columbia. It grew rapidly into one of the largest cities in the province, but after the gold ran out, it was abandoned and nearly fell into ruin.

The place reflects life during the gold rush, when thousands of people came here seeking fortune. The buildings and street layout show how a mining town was organized and how people lived together back then.

The site is best visited during warmer months when paths are dry and most buildings are open. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since there is much to explore on foot, and plan to walk through the various streets and sections of the museum.

A fire in 1868 destroyed much of the town, but it was quickly rebuilt, showing how wealthy the settlement was during the gold rush. This resilience is still visible today in the buildings that demonstrate how fast a community could recover.

Location: Cariboo Regional District

Inception: 1862

Elevation above the sea: 1,230 m

Shares border with: Bowron Lake Provincial Park

Website: https://barkerville.ca

GPS coordinates: 53.06583,-121.51722

Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:27