Location: From Quesnel on Highway 97, turn east on Highway 26 and travel 74 km to Wells, 82 km to Barkerville or 120 km to Bowron Lakes. Via Rail has regular passenger service to the region. Nearby Quesnel and Prince George have daily air service from Vancouver and Edmonton. Visitor Information: www.barkerville.ca or www.wells.ca
The Wells, Barkerville and Bowron Lakes region has emerged as one of western Canada’s top tourist destinations. The restored 1930s mining town of Wells showcases unique architecture, fascinating art galleries and performance arts. Further down the road, Bowron Lakes Provincial Park was voted one of the top 10 canoe circuits in the world by Outside Magazine.
Once the largest city west of Chicago and north of San Francisco, Barkerville is one of the West’s premiere heritage attractions, with more than 50 original 1800s buildings and as many authentically restored structures. Be hugely entertained by Theatre Royal, mock courtroom justice and a variety of street interpreters. Enjoy Chinese cultural sessions and Chinatown tours, see a Cornish waterwheel in action, go back to school in the 19th century or learn to pan for gold. Barkerville’s merchants, restaurants and accommodations, including delightful B&Bs, provide visitors with everything needed for a genuinely comfortable trip into the Gold Rush past. A wide variety of additional facilities are available in Wells and Bowron Lake.
In winter, visitors can enjoy superb snowmobiling, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding and snowboarding in the pristine backcountry. Special events abound in the area, with the world famous Old-Fashioned Victorian Christmas in Barkerville and the spectacular Great Canadian Hill Climb two of the highlights. Dog sledders from around the world come to Wells to take part in the prestigious Gold Rush Trail Sled Dog Mail Run. This annual event is scheduled for the fourth weekend in January on a trail that starts in Quesnel and ends in the scenic mountain community of Wells.
Please note that only service animals can be allowed within Barkerville; their kennel service may be contacted at 1-888-994-3332.