While the 2025 main season at Barkerville Historic Town and Park doesn鈥檛 get underway until May 31, those wanting to step back in time can take advantage of the walk-in gate, which is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, enabling visitors to take a by-donation self-guided tour.

This year the site is offering a special 鈥渟houlder season鈥� that runs from May 16 (Victoria Day long weekend) to May 30. During this time, visitors can explore the historic site and enjoy select shops, restaurants, and exhibits. It鈥檚 the first time that Barkerville has been able to welcome visitors in May since before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Full programming, including guided tours and street scenes, as well as daily shows at the Theatre Royal and rides on the Barnard's Express stagecoach, will begin May 31 and run through Sept. 7. The announcement about the upcoming season came after the provincial government's decision to continue the Barkerville Heritage Trust鈥檚 operation of the site, the largest historic site in western North America.

The nearby Cottonwood House Historic Site will also be open from May 31 to Sept. 7. Built in the 1860s, Cottonwood House is a wheelchair-accessible provincial historic site where visitors can tour many heritage buildings, including Cottonwood House itself, a double barn, general store, horse barn, guest house, and root cellar.

Barkerville will also feature several special events over the course of the main season, starting with the popular Dominion Day celebrations on July 1 which features a parade at noon, games for all ages, and evening festivities at the House Hotel Saloon.

The Indigenous Peoples' celebration will return on Aug. 16, showcasing Indigenous culture from around the region. This will be followed a week later by the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival on Aug. 23, a longstanding fan favourite at Barkerville for more than two decades. Both these events are making their return after being postponed in 2024 due to their proximity to the Antler Creek Wildfire, which threatened the historic site.
 
"We are excited to welcome back these cherished events for both visitors and staff," says Carrie Chard, general manager at Barkerville Historic Town and Park. "The wildfire last summer forced us to postpone the Indigenous Peoples' Celebration and the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival as we navigated through opening the gates back up after being evacuated.

鈥淗owever, our resilient town has emerged largely unscathed, and I am hopeful that we will see a wonderful turnout as people come together to enjoy the events that they were unable to attend last year."

Barkerville's campgrounds and accommodations are now open for reservations. For the first time since the pandemic, the Forest Rose Campground 鈥� which opens on May 15 鈥� will welcome visitors back during the shoulder season, and the Lowhee Campground will open on June 19. Both campgrounds will remain open past the main season and not close until Oct. 1, allowing visitors to enjoy the tranquility of autumn in the Cariboo.
 
Barkerville's Olde-Fashioned Christmas will return on Dec. 13鈥�14, offering visitors a festive experience that includes carollers, fresh baking, sleigh rides, and a visit from Father Christmas himself. This annual event is a must-see for those who enjoy planning ahead and immersing themselves in the holiday spirit.

Established in 1862 after William 鈥淏illy鈥� Barker struck gold at the site, the town grew rapidly as gold-seekers poured into the area. A fire in 1868 completely destroyed the community, but rebuilding started immediately, and within six weeks nearly 90 new buildings had been constructed.

The town was in decline by the end of the 19th century, and by the mid-20th century had dwindled to a small village. The province of B.C. established Barkerville Historic Park in 1959, and the town鈥檚 buildings were completely restored to appear as they did during Barkerville鈥檚 heyday. In 2008, the town鈥檚 Chee Kung Tong Building, built in 1877, was designated a National Historic Site of Canada.  
 
For more information about Barkerville鈥檚 main and shoulder season offerings, special events, and where to stay, visit .