Billy Barker was not the first man in the Cariboo to strike gold, but when he unearthed the motherlode in 1862, every small town along Williams Creek folded as miners soon clambered to Barkerville swelling its population to numbers that surpassed San Francisco and Chicago.
Because of its wealth, and the need to establish social order, Barkerville played a significant role in British Columbia's entry into the Confederation of Canada. Barkerville has survived the decades and provides visitors a hands-on glimpse into the past.
Barkerville's thriving businesses are open daily from May to September and are housed, in most cases, in their original buildings. Starting at the beginning of town try your luck gold panning at the Eldorado. If you strike it rich you can treat the whole family to a shopping spree.
Barkerville offers many activities ranging from panning for gold, to a stagecoach ride out to Richfield to observe Judge Begbie met out his own brand of justice. Interpreters in period costumes represent people who lived and breathed this era. 
