The
Gold Pan City
Built at the junction of the
Fraser and Quesnel rivers, this settlement grew rapidly
as a way station on the route to the goldfields. By the
early 1860's Quesnel Mouth, as it was known then, had two
hotels, two stores, the Hudson's Bay Post, a telegraph office,
grist mill and lumber mill. Paddlewheel steamers stopped
on their way up the Fraser River from Soda Creek to Fort
George (now Prince
George). Saddle trains packed goods between Quesnel
and Barkerville. As in the past,
Quesnel continues to attract adventurers on their way to
the goldfields and the restored gold rush town of Barkerville.
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Reminders
of a colourful past survive. Visitors will enjoy stopping
at the original Hudson Bay Store (a log structure built
in 1859). Across the street is a Cornish Water Wheel and
boilers and iron parts from the first Fraser River riverboat
to travel to the city. Then stroll
the old Fraser River Bridge to west Quesnel. Built in
1928 the old bridge now serves foot traffic only. Continue
through Riverfront Park and the walking trail that winds
past historic points of interest and along the banks of
the Quesnel River. Flower displays on streets and bridges
add a picturesque charm to this modern thriving city.
| Accommodation/Adventure
Providers |
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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... more |
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Becker's Lodge Bowron Lake Adventures Resort:
We offer affordable family vacations on beautiful Bowron Lake with canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and RELAXING The Lake View Restaurant and Chuters Blue Bar have great food, and we’re “THE” outfitter for the Bowron lakes with over 150 canoes and kayaks. more |
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Blackwater-Spruce Ranch:
In the high plateau country you’ll find meadows, rivers, & lakes. Hike the Alexander Mackenzie Heritage Trail, camp, canoe or experience ranch life as you spend time at the Blackwater-Spruce Ranch in the North Cariboo! The wagons hooked up and ready go! more |
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Bowron Lake Lodge & Resort Ltd:
Enjoy a wilderness canoe trip around the world famous Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit, or relax at the resort where beaches are sandy and swimming is great. Bowron Lake Lodge & Resort offers canoe, kayak and motorboat rentals – plus a restaurant, cabins, & campsite... more |
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Central Mountain Air:
Central Mountain Air currently offer scheduled and charter airline service to over 19 communities throughout BC and Alberta including Vancouver Internationals main terminal, Campbell River, Comox, Williams Lake, Quesnel, Prince George, Kelowna, Kamloops, Smith... more |
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Gold Rush Trail:
The 8th wonder of the world, the Cariboo Wagon Road was described as “utterly impassable for any animal but a man, a goat, or a dog” in its early days. Now you can drive the scenic routes so come experience the history of one of North America’s largest gold r... more |
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Pathways Canada Tour Company:
A unique experience - a lifetime of memories! Canoe world-renowned Bowron Lakes Park with experienced guides. Outside Magazine said, "A unique combination of sublime scenery, fantastic food, congenial company & great guides - one of the world’s top 10 canoe tr... more |
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Quesnel Billy Barker Days Society:
Join us for BC’s favorite family festival July 19th to 22nd. 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 ... more |
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Rainbow Waters Fly Fishing Adventures:
Rainbow Waters Fly Fishing Adventures offers guided fly fishing in the pristine wilderness of the Cariboo Mountains of British Columbia. From diverse stillwaters to Sockeye salmon creeks and rivers, the exceptionally beautiful and unique Quesnel Lake ecosystem... more |
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Robert's Roost RV Park:
Staying with us is GREAT! There are individual washrooms, a Laundromat, playground, a pavilion for reunions, trophy trout fishing, & bird watching all on Dragon Lake. You’re ensured peace & tranquility in our park like setting, just minutes to golfing and s... more |
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The Wells Hotel Ltd.:
Enjoy simple elegance, cozy accommodation & country meals, in a restored heritage country inn near Barkerville & Bowron Lakes. Relax in the pub, read a book by the fire, or go walking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, or x-country skiing from the front door. more |
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Population: 11,100
city. Total trading area 25,000
Main
Industries: Forest products, pulp & lumber;
tourism; agriculture; transportation.
Elevation:
545 metres (1,788 ft.)
Access:
Located 120 km (74 mi) north of Williams
Lake on Highway 97. 116
km (72 mi) south of Prince
George. 74 km (46 mi) west of Barkerville.
Transportation to the area is available by several airlines
servicing Quesnel as well as Greyhound Bus lines.
Annual
Events: Billy Barker Days (July); Tournaments - Horseshoe,
Baseball & Ladies Golf (Aug); Quesnel Fall Fair, Cattle
& Horse Shows (Sept); Snowarama - snowmobile event,
Wheelers Valentine Dance, Figure Skating Carnival (Feb);
Ballet & Music Festivals (Mar); Legion Trades Fair (May);
Horse Show (June).
Recreational
Facilities: Golf courses, swimming, tennis,
curling & skating arenas, parks, walking trails, auto
racing, bowling alley, playing fields.
Local
Attractions: Quesnel Museum; LeBourdais
Park, Riverfront Walk; World's Largest Gold Pan; Forestry
Tours; Quesnel Pulp & Plywood Mill Tours; Pinnacles
Park Hoodoo Rock Formations; Dragon Lake; Cottonwood House.
Accommodations:
The community offers numerours hotels, motels, & bed
and breakfast inns to meet any budget.
For
Information:
