In 1990, the citizens of Oliver baked and then ate a Guinness world record sized cherry pie that weighed 17,106 kilograms.
Step back in time to British Columbia’s cowboy history; the province’s ‘wild west’ is still a landscape of rolling ranchland where cowboys ride the range. Gold was discovered in this region in the 1800s, and evidence of the rush runs throughout the many preserved heritage sites where visitor’s can relive the hey days, and learn about the roots Chinese inhabitants had in the region.
Cliff Kopas, originally from Alberta, opened Kopas' Store in 1937. He "discovered" the Bella Coola Valley when he and his bride took a four-month horseback trek on the Alexander Mackenzie Heritage Trail/Nuxalk-Carrier Grease Trail. Now operated by his daughter, Kopas Store is located in the village of Bella Coola on the corner of Mackenzie and Dean Streets. It offers a wonderful folksy ambience along with a wide selection of BC books, Native jewellery and...
In 1793, Alexander Mackenzie was the first European to complete an overland journey across North America north of Mexico. Today, you can explore this legendary trail by land and water. Day trips along the historic route are accessible by gravel road from Quesnel and Prince George, near Highway 97. Or, at Burnt Bridge Creek near H Bella Coola, take the scenic two-hour loop trail at the western border...
Gold was discovered in the Cariboo in 1859. Three years later, Britain's Royal Engineers began construction of a historic road to riches. Called "the eighth wonder of the world," the 642km (400-mile) Cariboo Waggon Road was built by blasting through the Fraser Canyon to the goldfields at Barkerville. After completion in 1865, the road -now part of the famous Gold Rush Trail- allowed mule trains, freight wagons and stage coaches to serve central BC. ...
Completed in 1865, Cottonwood House was once a haven where weary miners, stagecoach drivers and travellers heading to Barkerville and the goldmines could count on a hearty meal and a good night's rest. Visitors to the house today can examine the Double Barn that once sheltered stagecoaches. The General Store now houses an interpretive/information centre and restaurant. You musn't miss panning for gold in the Cottonwood River. A charming riverside trail winds along its...
At the end of a winding dirt and gravel road stands the site of the earliest mining camp in the Cariboo. When gold fever struck in the early 1860s, Quesnel Forks -thanks to its key location at the junction of the Quesnel and Cariboo Rivers- became a rowdy centre for the Cariboo Gold Rush. "The Forks" camp attracted thousands until the completion of the Cariboo Waggon Road changed the route to the goldfields. While many...
Founded in 1862, Barkerville was "The Gold Capital of British Columbia" & is now the largest historic site in Western North America. Take a step back in history to one of the largest gold rushes in the world. Over 140 historic buildings line the streets. During the summer you can enjoy guided tours, mining demonstrations, street interpreters, stage coach rides, restaurants, shops & live theatre. We have cosy B&B's so you can stay right in...
This licensed restaurant serves up country-style hearty meals. Sip a snifter of brandy, a glass of wine or a hot coffee as you sink into a cozy chair beside a roaring fire. The Fireplace Lounge is surrounded by historic photographs of 1930s Wells and is complemented with beautiful hardwood floors and soft rugs. Or enjoy the casual atmosphere of our 1930s village pub, or dine on our outdoor patios. Open during the winter months.
Wake-up-Jake Restaurant, in Barkerville, features dishes based on recipes from the 1870s, including fresh trout, hearty stews and high tea. It's also famous for its coffee, which staff hand- grind.
The Lung Duck Tong restaurant in Barkerville is renowned for its Chinese cooking.
Open in Barkerville from May until September, the Lung Duck Tong has been imressing guests from around the world for years.
With fresh, authentic chinese cuisine served in a beautifully restored 1800s building, make sure the Lung Duck Tong restaurant is on your itinerary when you stop in Barkerville Historic Town.
In addition to providing food that is exceptional in its quality, presentation, and taste, the Bear’s Paw Cafe is also alive with music events, has a great gift item selection, and features an outdoor theme consistent with its setting in a once booming gold mining town, deep in the Cariboo wilderness. A great source for information about the region, its people and its events. The expansive, licensed patio provides beautiful outdoor seating. The Bear's Paw...
Stella Ranch Bale B&B is a lovely Lindal cedar home at base of the Marble Mountains. Hike or ride parts of the original Gold Rush Trail. They offer a quiet place to relax & unwind, a Cariboo breakfast to start your day. Horses welcome, ferrier on-site, horse back riding available with our own horses on site.
Located in the historic site of Barkerville, the only heritage site that allows overnight guests. Step out the door to the 1860's with restaurants, shops, live theatre, stagecoach & gold panning. Also enjoy hiking, biking, skiing & snowmobiling.
While in historic Barkerville, why not overnight in the heart of town & have the place to yourselves? The St. George provides visitors with the opportunity to spend the night in the gold rush town, something few visitors experience.
Restored B&B Heritage Inn established 1933, your Barkerville & Bowron Lakes home base. Major renovations & improvements since 2004, rooftop hot tub, all rooms have baths. Fireplaces, fir & birch wood floors, friendly country pub, licenced restaurant, hearty continental breakfast. Central to galleries & trails for hiking, biking, skiing, snowmobiling. Next door to the Sunset Theatre. Perfect for your getaway, wedding or meeting.
