For those on a budget, those worried about being disappointed, those who travel in large groups, those who could never dream of affording it - well you don't have to dream, you can walk right into Barkerville on your own terms.
The benefits of Barkerville are legion. It can be experienced purely as entertainment, it can be a cultural insight into our Cariboo lifestyle, it can be a lesson in multiculturalism's early days, it can be a history lesson of almost any kind, it can be an examination of the region's geography and geology, it can be a camping trip with some urban perks (candy, coffee and fresh bread!), and so on. During the month of May, it comes at any price you find affordable.
From the first minutes of opening day on May 14 to the early evening hours of May 31, admission to Barkerville Historic Town is by donation. It's the fourth year in a row this universally inclusive price-point has been used for the opening two weeks.
"Since our first sesquicentennial celebration in 2012, Barkerville's 'pay what you can' May admission special has been a great way of saying thanks to our local and regional supporters," said James Douglas, Barkerville's manager of visitor experiences. "With weather this spring being as warm as it is, we expect a lot of folks will enjoy making a snow-free trek to Barkerville this month, and we can't wait to see them."
Barkerville Historic Town is gearing up for an eventful 2015 season, Douglas said, filled with education, entertainment and three sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) celebrations: Barkerville's Cariboo Sentinel newspaper, the Cariboo Amateur Dramatic Association's first public performance (in a saloon), and completion of the legendary Cariboo Wagon Road from Yale to Williams Creek.
On Monday May 18th - Victoria Day - visitors to Barkerville Historic Town are invited to enjoy Royal Tea with Royalty as Barkerville's own 'Queen Victoria' visits the world-famous Wake Up Jake Restaurant for two sittings of afternoon high tea (1 and 3 p.m.). Reservations are recommended but not required.
"With a unique streetscape of more than 130 heritage buildings, authentic displays, satellite museums, restaurants, shops and accommodations Barkerville has so much to explore," said Douglas, "and with three sesquicentennial anniversaries at hand, this season is the perfect time to visit."
For more information phone Judy Mooring at the Visitor Experiences desk: 1-888-994-3332, ext. 29 or email [email protected].
