 Sunset over Bowron Lake Provincial Park, Thomas Drasdauskis photo
Wells in Summer The year-round population of Wells triples during the summer season, as students and actors move in to bring Barkerville alive for thousands of visitors. So strong is the impact of the actors on the community of Wells that locals say they have just two seasons, "Barkerville open and Barkerville closed". The reality is that Wells fairly hops between mid-May and late September. In summer, experience life in an authentic gold rush town , canoe Bowron or hike miles of trails in search of lost ghost towns, or pan for that elusive speck of gold. Winter Wells  After Barkerville closes for the winter, some of the shops and restaurants in Wells close, too. The snows move into this high-mountain town, and life slows down. Locals and visitors strap on snow shoes or skis , or harness the dogs to sled for fun in the deep powder.
Wells "Downtown" In Wells, there is no distinct downtown core or strip of retail outlets and restaurants. Businesses, homes and galleries are sprinkled all over the tiny town site, and are accessible on foot from almost anywhere in town. The period architecture, the close proximity to historic Barkerville and the vast tracts of wilderness give an impression of stepping back in time. Though cell phone service is not available east of Quesnel, the Internet can be accessed for a nominal fee at the local hotels, the Frog on the Bog gift shop and the Wells General store.
Visitor Information Businesses do tend to close early regardless of the time of year. Drop into the Wells Visitor Centre for updated information, business hours and maps. When the Visitor Centre is closed, the Wells General Store (2340 Pooley St), Service Station and Wells District office on Saunders Ave, each offer a good selection of brochures and maps, as well as insider information from the locals. Learn more about things to do in Wells and Barkerville.
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