In 1862, Billy Barker found gold on William's Creek—a discovery that started a rush of fortune seekers from all over the world. Thousands of people traveled the Cariboo Wagon Road between 1862 and 1870, converging on the boom town called Barkerville.

After 1870, Barkerville remained a supply town for the gold fields until it was taken over by the Province of British Columbia in 1958 and run as one of Canada's largest historic sites.

Today, Barkerville remains a town of discovery. The best time to visit is between mid-May and the end of September when the Barkerville streetscape is alive with 130 heritage buildings, live theatre and special events, informative and entertaining interpretation, and over twenty shops that bring to life the history of Barkerville, the Cariboo and British Columbia.