Barkerville will launch shoulder season activities beginning May long weekend!!

February 21, 2025 (Barkerville, BC) – Barkerville is pleased to unveil its 2025 season, which

will feature the return of living history programming during its Main Season from May 31st to

September 7th, 2025. This announcement follows the provincial government's decision to

continue the Barkerville Heritage Trust’s operation of the largest historic site in western North

America. Additionally, Cottonwood House Historic Site will also be open during this period for

day-use and accessible trails, with seven-day-per-week operations resuming.

This spring, Barkerville Historic Town & Park will offer a special "shoulder season" prior to the

Main Season from May 16th to 30th. During this time, visitors can explore the historic site

starting on the May long weekend, with opportunities to visit select shops, restaurants, and

exhibits. Full programming, including guided tours and street scenes, as well as daily shows at

the Theatre Royal and rides at Barnard's Express Stagecoach, will begin May 31st. This

shoulder season marks the first time that Barkerville has been able to welcome visitors during

the month of May since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Barkerville is also announcing its special event lineup for the summer, starting with the

popular Dominion Day Celebrations on July 1st. This event will feature a parade at noon,

followed by games for all ages, and evening festivities at the House Hotel Saloon. Next, the

Indigenous Peoples' Celebration will return on August 16th, showcasing Indigenous culture

from throughout the region. This will be followed a week later by the Chinese Mid-Autumn

Moon Festival on August 23rd, a long-standing fan-favorite in Barkerville for over two decades.

Both of August's cultural events are supported by the Province of British Columbia through the

BC Fairs, Festivals and Events grant that was carried over from last year. These events are

making their return after being postponed in 2024 due to their proximity to the Antler Creek

Wildfire.

"We are excited to welcome back these cherished events for both visitors and staff," says Carrie

Chard, General Manager at Barkerville Historic Town & 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. However, 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 will welcome visitors back during the

shoulder season, opening on May 15th. The Lowhee Campground will follow, opening on June

19th. Both campgrounds will remain open past the main season, closing on October 1st to allow

visitors a chance to enjoy the tranquility of autumn in the Cariboo.

Barkerville's Olde-Fashioned Christmas will return on the weekend of December 13th & 14th,

offering visitors a festive experience that includes carolers, 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.

For more information about Barkerville’s main and shoulder season offerings, special events,

and where to stay, visit www.barkerville.ca. - 30-

Media Inquiries:

Stewart Cawood | Manager, Public Programming & Media (he/him)

We live and work on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Dakelh and

Secwepemc Peoples

BARKERVILLE HISTORIC TOWN & PARK

Box 19 | 14301 Highway 26 East | Barkerville, BC | V0K 1B0

250-994-3332 ext. 41 | stewart.cawood@barkerville.ca