I arrived at Barkerville, to deliver a piece of BC's history, thus fulfilling a dead man's last request.

I arrived much later than originally planned, when I had foreseen a day long trip, up and back, from Vancouver. It was now after dark, too late to turn the artifact over to Barkervilles curator, but too early to try and catch an uncomfortable rest in my truck. I was drawn to the main entrance, as it was still well lit, and I could see various pamphlets, and a site map, from where I sat in the empty parking lot. I was suprised to discover that Barkerville was so well preserved, and amazed at how fascinated I became at the history it embodied. I was not suprised to find that it was the off season, as it was very cold, and so very close to snowing.

I was very suprised to discover a small notice attached to the bulletin board, that said rooms were available at the St Georges Hotel, as a bed and breakfast. Carrie and I walked around the main building, and found the service entrance to Barkerville was open, but the main street was almost pitch black. We assumed the notice was out of date, and prepared to leave, when we heard music, almost indiscernable through the wind that was now peppering us with snowflakes. We agreed to press on, and did so, with the aid of a very small, yet sufficient, flashlight. As we ventured down main street Barkerville, neither of us spoke, there was no way to express the feeling that we were not alone, the ghosts from the gold rush, watched our progress on this cold winters night. (I felt that there was an otherworldly prescence, and it knew why we were there - to return the woodstove of the "hanging judge" Judge Begbe, a prominant figure from that era)

the music grew louder, (later we found out it was some resident artists practising in the town hall) and suddenly we saw a 2 story building with lights on inside, pale, yellow, welcoming light. I think I jumped a foot when someone walked by in front of the window. We then realized it was the St Georges hotel, and there was 3 or 4 people clearly visible from the street, they appeared to be sitting in antique furniture, and the lighting was apparently coming from some very old lamps. To me, the scene spelled
C-O-Z-Y, and we were C-O-L-D, and after we debated our next move, we both swallowed our apprehension, and our shyness, and went in. I remember turning the handle and opening the door. It was as though we were transported back in time. The door closed behind us, and I couldn't shake the feeling of being caught in a Rod Serling "twilight zone". That lasted all of 2 seconds.

We were greeted warmly by the hotels proprietor(ess)Saya, and she informed us that there was 1 room available, and the price. At first, we did the odd thing that partners do when making a decision, eyes locked, not a word is spoken, yet there seems to be a mutual calculation, and we accepted. (actually, Carrie checked her wallet, and let me take the credit) We were shown a room, and left to ourselves for a moment. The room was something that seemed to exist only in peoples memories. The wallpaper, seemed new, yet old. the huge bed, with multiple sheets, and big down comforter, almost swallowed me up when I laid down. I hadn't been on a bed like that since my Grandma's, 40 odd years ago. Saya returned and took our orders for breakfast, and invited us down for refreshments and a bite to eat with the others. First we went to collect our few items from the truck. I recall the feeling as we walked down the street to my truck. I was relaxed, releived somehow, and couldn't beleive how I felt free, far away from all the pressures that had dogged me right to the doorstep of the St Georges.

That evening, we enjoyed exchanging stories with, and learning about, 2 couples from Vancouver Island, and a couple from Germany. The hotel keeper answered many questions about the hotels history, as well as Barkervilles past. Before we knew it, it was long past midnight, and we had to absolutely force ourselves to say goodnight.

I have no words to describe how much we enjoyed our room, our sleep, or our breakfast the next morniing. I have never slept in a museum before, I can't remember a more fitful sleep, and I have truthfully, never enjoyed a breakfast more. I even finished Carries, there was too much for her, and I don't normally eat in the morning, and very little if any.

What began as a quick trip, became a vacation. A 2 day break, in a long stretch of work and more work. I haven't had a vacation in a long time, but I never had one I enjoyed more. 2 days in Barkerville, was like 2 weeks anywhere else. And one night at the St George, was a night that has yet to be equalled in my life.

Despite living in BC my entire life, I have never been to Barkerville and have only heard stories about the town from family and friends. When I discovered that there were accomodations right in Barkerville, I decided to take a chance. The St. George Hotel was quite an experience. It is as authentic as you can get and still remain comfortable. The rooms were very clean, neatly decorated, and comfortable. My wife and two young children stayed in two small rooms with a shared bathroom (which was modern), but there are other options there. In the morning, you are treated with probably some of the best breakfast food that you will ever receive anywhere. What made this experience outstanding, though, was the hospitality of the owner and staff. They are friendly, attentive, and truly concerned about your experience. To top it off, getting the opportunity to meet other travelers from all over the world while eating breakfast or drinking coffee late at night in the downstairs eating area is an added treat. You know you are staying somewhere special when visitors walking by the hotel peak in thinking it is one of the displays, looking in with envy.

Thanks again guys for the wonderfull experience! We will be back.

We booked for one night, and stayed for 2. St. George Hotel , laid back, employees fun to be around. I would say they love their jobs. The food was excellent, the rooms clean and washrooms spotless. I am sure the ghost will never leave this place...if there is one?



It rained and the mud and water ran down the dirt roads, but the board walks have their purpose and saw a lot of traffic. We took the horse drawn drawn cart and the driver was well educated in the history, claim owners, claims and mines.



The restaurants, bakery and stores are interesting, as well as the photography studio , with all the period clothes one can dress up to suit any fantasy. All the shows, the actors, actresses and buildings are exciting.


Of course every one should visit both the grave sites.

We are leaving tomorrow and have booked for 2 more nights, book early , this is a goldmine...

We had changed our plans in order to stay at The George Hotel, Barkerville as they were already fully booked for the dates we originally wanted. It also required us to drive over 900km across from Prince Rupert in one day to make it but it was completely worth it. The hotel looks like an original set from a John Wayne film (in fact the whole town does!) and inside it was furnished as per the original 19th Century building. The room we had was small but beautifully decorated, and it was warm and cosy - very welcome considering it was a wet, damp evening when we arrived and there was a distinct September chill in the air. Luckily the bathroom was a very modern, warm and clean addition which somehow didn't detract from the feeling that you were living in the past. Breakfast was fabulous and our hosts were very welcoming and informative. The HUGE cat (named Kate(?) - pronounced Carter - German for cat) asleep upstairs on one of the beds was a joy to behold. It was lovely to wonder at our leisure around the old Gold Rush town the following morning, staying for lunch before moving on.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and wish it could have been longer - it was well worth the journey.