Although Wells and Barkerville Historic Town are busiest during the summer months, the communities both host a number of festivals and events year-round.
Summer Festivals
With the melting of the snow banks in May, a new season begins and the Theatre Royal presents its first performance. Barkerville hosts the Rush Relay, a race with teams running from Quesnel to the ghost town of Richfield, outside Barkerville, and then back to Wells. Summer doesn't always mean beach weather in this area, but rather, warmer weather. The community presents a full slate of events, including the ArtsWells Music Festival, which is typically held at the end of July. Wells' Sunset Theatre also opens its doors around this time, while the community of Wells hosts the internationally known Island Mountain Art Summer School, Public Gallery and a delightful Harp Concert.
Autumn Events
With the close of summer and the onset of crisp fall mornings and chilly nights, Wells is home to the Seven Summit Hike & Bike Challenge and a fishing event, the Derby on the Jack, both held in mid-September. At Hallowe'en, Barkerville has a Ghostly Town Tour for would-be goblins and witches. Children can bob for apples or creep through the spook-tacular haunted house in this historic town.
Winter Experiences
For a joyous end to the year, experience a sparkling, old fashioned Christmas at the Barkerville Victorian Christmas event, held in mid-December. In late January, usher in the new year with the annual Dog Sled Mail Run. Teams of dogs pull sleds stuffed with mail, from Quesnel to Barkerville, following the mail route of the old Gold Rush days. There's also the Island Mountain Winter Arts Program, the Wells Annual Snowmobile Poker Run in late January, or the Cariboo Jack Ski Tour in early March to keep things hopping in the cold.
Local businesses or the Wells Visitor Centre carry up to date calendars of the annual festivals and events in Wells and Barkerville.