Barkerville from Quesnel: a day-trip plan
Barkerville is the big day out from here — a whole gold-rush town, preserved and brought back to life, about 1 hr 20 min east of your site via Highway 26. Here's how to make a relaxed day of it and still be back at the campsite for dinner.
By Cariboo Place Campsite · Updated July 10, 2026
How far is Barkerville from the campsite?
Barkerville Historic Town & Park sits about 1 hr 20 min east of us. From your site at 6905 Highway 97 S you'll head north into Quesnel first, then turn east onto Highway 26 for the run up into the hills to the townsite. It's paved and scenic the whole way — no rough backroads — so it's an easy morning drive, even with kids and coffee in the car.
When should we leave in the morning?
Leave after breakfast. If you're on the road by mid-morning, you'll reach Barkerville with the better part of the day ahead of you. The town rewards a slow visit — costumed interpreters, historic shopfronts, and demonstrations that come and go through the day. Give yourselves roughly four to five hours to wander without rushing, then point the car back west in the late afternoon. You'll roll into the campsite in time to light the stove for supper.
Should we stop at Cottonwood House on the way?
Yes, if you can. Cottonwood House Historic Site is an 1860s roadhouse on the original Cariboo Wagon Road, about 28 km east of Quesnel on Highway 26 — right on your route out to Barkerville. It's one of the last roadhouses of its kind still standing in BC, and it makes a natural leg-stretch and photo stop. Open days and hours change with the season, so check barkerville.ca(opens in a new tab) before you count on it being open.
What should we bring for the day?
Pack like you would for any full day outdoors in the Cariboo. Comfortable walking shoes for the boardwalks and gravel streets. Layers, because mornings up in the hills can be cool even when the afternoon warms up. Water and a few snacks, sun protection, and a camera you'll actually use. Bring some cash, too — it's handy for a treat or a souvenir. If you'd rather not carry lunch, there are places to eat in the town itself; as always, check current hours before you go.
Can we do it in one day with the family?
Comfortably. That's the whole appeal of using Cariboo Place as your basecamp: Barkerville is a genuine full day out, but it's close enough that you sleep in your own bed at the campsite both nights. No packing up, no hunting for somewhere to stay near the townsite — you drive out, spend the day in the 1860s, and drive back to the trees. For more day trips within easy reach, from Ten Mile Lake to Pinnacles Park to Dragon Lake, see our guide to things to do near Quesnel.
How do we hold a site for our trip?
Tell us your dates and what you're driving, and we'll confirm personally. For a stay today or tomorrow, call us. You can request a site online or call the office at (250) 747-0699. There's no payment now — just a real reply from a real person.
Make us your basecamp for gold-rush country
Park under the pines, drive out to Barkerville in the morning, and be back for dinner. Tell us when you're coming and what you're driving.