From the prosperous gold rush era and traditional west coast cowboy culture to the region's agricultural bounty and automobile enthusiasm, there is always something to celebrate in Quesnel. More than 60 festivals and events are held annually in Quesnel and the surrounding area, with weekly happenings from May through December. Spend some time with the locals at Billy Barker Days Festival, Quesnel Loggers Sports, Quesnel Old Time Farmers' Market, and many more.
Billy Barker Days Festival/Quesnel Rodeo
In July, join in the Billy Barker Days Festival, Quesnel's premier commemoration of the gold rush era, held in conjunction with the Quesnel Rodeo. The festival and rodeo combine to create four days of intense excitement. The Quesnel Rodeo, where cowboys and cowgirls demonstrate ranching skills, is a precursor to the BC Rodeo Association's Championship Finals held a few weeks later.
Quesnel Logger Sports
Quesnel Logger Sports, which takes place in early June at the Alex Fraser Park, is a sometimes hilarious exhibition of traditional skills that are part of everyday life for loggers. Cheer on participants as they compete in pole climbing, axe throwing, and burling (balancing on a floating log, while trying to dislodge their opponent). Responsible logging and lumber products have played a major role in Quesnel's economy for decades.
Quesnel Old Time Farmers' Market
The warm winds and blossoms of spring bring the opening of the Quesnel Old Time Farmers' Market, voted "one of the best in Canada." The market, with its fresh fruit, baked goods, and handmade offerings, is open every Saturday morning from May to October at the Helen Dixon Centre grounds on Kinchant Street.
Auto Festivals
The whole family will enjoy the annual BC Supermoto Race held in June at the Quesnel Cart Track, where contestants speed around a multi-surface track and leap precarious skill-testing jumps on modified motorcycles. For car buffs, the Prospectors Club Show & Shine features classic and modified cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Along with this 'rod run,' or parade of cars, the Show & Shine includes a poker run, an evening of dinner and dancing, as well as a fund raising charity auction. The event takes place the second week in August.
Annual Haunted House
Bring the whole family out for the Annual Haunted House event and 3.6ha/9ac Corn Maze held on Thanksgiving Weekend (October) at the Australian Ranch, 32km/19mi south of Quesnel. Each year, the ranch owners dress the old family farm house in spooky decorations. Scary soundtracks, costumes, a mock cemetery and startling surprises add to the eerie atmosphere, and as darkness falls, the maze is lit with torches. For more information on Quesnel's festivals and events, drop by the Visitor Centre, located on Highway 97 and Carson Avenue at the south entrance to the city centre.