2026 Barkerville School Program

Last updated on
Wednesday, November 19th, 2025
Experience type: 
In-Person
Program Description

Barkerville Historic Town & Park, situated in BC's central interior on the traditional territories of the Lhtako Dene Nation and Secwépemc Peoples, offers an immersive journey into BC’s gold rush era, with over 125 restored heritage buildings, museums, shops, and engaging living history programs. Declared a National Historic Site in 1924, Barkerville brings to life the story of the 1860s gold rush. Students and teachers can experience gold panning, stagecoach rides, live demonstrations, cultural programs, guided tours, and performances at the Theatre Royal. Barkerville’s 2026 Main Season programming begins on May 30th, and school groups receive a special admission rate, with most programming included except for the theatre, stagecoach, gold panning, and photo studio. Because some programs are very popular and fill quickly, teachers can book ahead and check availability; detailed information on booking, pricing, accommodations, and dining options is available at barkerville.ca/schools. With single day and two day admission rates and rich curriculum aligned activities, Barkerville provides an unforgettable educational journey into BC’s golden beginnings.

Big Ideas
  • The arts connect our experiences to the experiences of others.
  • Dance, drama, music, and visual arts are each unique languages for creating and communicating.
  • Experiencing art is a means to develop empathy for others’ perspectives and experiences.
  • Creative arts experiences can build community and nurture relationships with others.
  • Everyone has a unique story to share.
  • Through listening and speaking, we connect with others and share our world.
  • Questioning what we hear, read, and view contributes to our ability to be educated and engaged citizens.
  • Exploring and sharing multiple perspectives extends our thinking.
  • Local actions have global consequences, and global actions have local consequences.
  • Indigenous knowledge is passed down through oral history, traditions, and collective memory.
  • Indigenous societies throughout the world value the well-being of the self, the land, spirits, and ancestors.
  • Learning about indigenous peoples nurtures multicultural awareness and respect for diversity.
  • People from diverse cultures and societies share some common experiences and aspects of life.
  • British Columbia followed a unique path in becoming a part of Canada.
  • Demographic changes in North America created shifts in economic and political power.
  • Interactions between First Peoples and Europeans lead to conflict and cooperation, which continues to shape Canada’s identity.
  • The pursuit of valuable natural resources has played a key role in changing the land, people, and communities of Canada.
  • Natural resources continue to shape the economy and identity of different regions of Canada.
  • Exploration, expansion, and colonization had varying consequences for different groups.
  • Trip Details
    For Grades: 
    K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
    Months Available: 
    Duration: 
    Full Day minutes unless otherwise stated.
    Maximum Students: 
    Offered In French: 
    No
    Also Offered For: 
    Adult Groups, Daycamps, Guides, Homeschool, Scouts
    Packages Provided: 
    No Packages Provided
    Fee Details
    Cost Per Student: 
    $11.57
    Cost Per Adult: 
    $17.67
    Fee Notes: 

    GST is charged on admission.

    Admission includes all programs except for the Theatre Royal, Barnard's Express Stagecoach, Gold Panning Lessons, and portraits at the photo studio.  Please contact us for more information.

    Admission can be paid in advance or upon arrival.

    Additional Notes

    Due to limited space in some venues, please book your programs in advance by visiting barkerville.ca/schools. There is no additional charge for these programs as they are included in your admission.