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!

The following BC Adventure members would like to serve you:

Austentours: The "Sea to Sky" experience begins at our Whistler B&B. Explore the best BC’s West Coast has to offer. Beginner, intermediate, or advanced; Austen Tours can provide customized adventure travel vacations in Western Canada & world-wide to suit your skill level.... more

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

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

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

Cariboo Rivers Fishing: We specialize in fly-fishing, wilderness and cultural tours, and jet boat adventures from the Chilcotin plateau, to the interior rain forests of the Quesnel Lake watershed. We offer you luxury in a wilderness setting at our private lodge on the Fraser River ... more

Ecosummer Expeditions: BC’s first kayaking company offers award-winning trips to the Queen Charlotte & Gulf Islands, Johnstone Strait, & West Coast Trail. We guarantee world-class scenery, some of the world’s finest Orca whale and bear watching, & an absolute commitment to service. more

Go-outdoors: Meadows & mountain tops - snowy peaks & glaciers as far as you can see - Clearwater & Bowron Lake paddles - moose wandering through your camp - snowshoe powder snow - walk a river with magnificent frozen ice waterfall. Interpretive & more adventurous tours a... more

Historic Hat Creek Ranch: Explore Cariboo gold rush buildings, pioneer days of ranching & transportation, and the valley’s early use by the Shuswap Nation. It’s a blend of cultures in the sage, bunchgrass & pines with stagecoach rides, a restaurant & gift shop, accommodations, & more... more

Marigold Resort: Let the call of the Loon bring you to our lakeside family vacation spot on Loon Lake. We offer cabin accommodations and camping facilities, and a playground for the children. The lake is naturally stocked, and rainbows up to 1½ pounds are plentiful. more

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

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

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