Barkerville to reopen on Friday

The Welcome Centre will be active during its regular hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and programming and merchant operations will once again enliven the streets of western North America’s largest living history museum.

Cottonwood House Historic Site will also be welcoming back the public on August 2.

Despite that, Barkerville will be keeping its campgrounds, cottages and guest houses closed for the time being with tentative plans in place to reopen bookings in mid-August.

Accommodations for overnight visitors can be arranged with businesses in nearby Wells and Bowron Lake which have faced economic challenges with the recent Evacuation Orders.

Guests who still wish to stay onsite in Barkerville may do so by booking at the Historic St. George Hotel, one of Barkerville’s independent merchant operators. While living history programming is scheduled to return as normal, Barkerville has made the difficult decision to postpone its special events in August to next year, specifically the Indigenous Peoples’ Celebration slated for August 17 and the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival on August 24.

“Wildfires have become a part of our landscape in British Columbia,” says Kate Cox, CEO of Barkerville, “so it is time for us to learn to safely live alongside them. We know we can do that with education, preparation, and vigilance. In consultation with the authorities, Barkerville’s gates will be open when deemed safe, and closed if anything changes. Safety comes first, for Barkerville, our staff, and our visitors, which means being prepared for all eventualities wherever people travel throughout the Pacific Northwest. Bring your go-bags, be ready for adventure, but also be ready to change your plans as conditions change. We promise to keep you informed, and while you are with us, we promise you a glorious experience in Barkerville.”

“The incidents of the past week have taken a toll on Barkerville’s staff, as well as the public who cherish this place and the tireless wildfire crews working to protect our historic landmark,” says Carrie Chard, Manager of Operations and Protection Services in Barkerville, who was authorized to stay onsite during the Evacuation Order to support BCWS. “We are grateful that these efforts have safeguarded Barkerville, Richfield, and the historic cemeteries. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the BC Wildfire Service for their unwavering dedication and continued service.” For information about Barkerville’s reopening, as well as available accommodations bookings, visit https://barkerville.ca.

by Greg Fry

Barkerville to reopen on Friday

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