Barkerville kicks off summer events with historic Dominion Day celebration

BARKERVILLE — Barkerville’s summer events season is set to begin with its annual Dominion Day celebration on July 1, featuring a mix of historic traditions and family-friendly activities.

Festivities will include a parade at noon followed by games and entertainment for all ages, drawing both residents and visitors to the historic gold rush town.

The event carries deep historical roots. Barkerville is believed to have hosted Canada’s first-ever Dominion Day celebration in 1868—three years before British Columbia joined Confederation in 1871. Just after midnight on July 1 that year, residents marked the Dominion of Canada’s first anniversary with a creative take on a 21-gun salute. Lacking cannons, they used black powder charges detonated between stacked anvils, creating a loud and celebratory start to the day.

The celebrations continued throughout the day and into the evening, ending with a fireworks display.