Winter Activities

Barkerville's Old Fashioned Christmas

Friday, Saturday & Sunday before Christmas. Enjoy decorated displays and delicious home baking in the Wendle House. The Goldfield Bakery and other businesses and displays will also be open. Carol singing at St. Saviour's Church and a variety of activities will take place. Take the kids to see Santa and have the experience of real Sleigh Ride.

Cariboo Jack Ski Tour

Serious ski trekkers might want to check out the Cariboo Jack , a non-competitive event set for February. This recent addition to the many wintertime events in the Wells, Barkerville area follow the same trail taken by the annual Gold Rush Sled Dog Mail Run along the historic Cariboo Waggon Road, a distance of approximately 25 km. By traveling this route from Barkerville to Stanley, skiers honor local and regional history, as well as the gold rush history that brought British Columbia into Confederation over 150 years ago.

Curling

Besides all the outdoor activities there are to pursue in the wintertime, Wells is also home to a modern two-sheet curling rink that hosts several bonspiels and fun spiels over the winter. The Curling Rink is also available to rent, whether it be for a wedding, birthday party, school group etc., the building boasts 2 banquet rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a bar and washroom facilities. Be sure to call Mike at 250-994-3454 for more information or to book your special event or check out their web page at www.wellscurling.ca.

Cross Country Skiing, Snowboarding & Downhill Skiing

Wells offers a vast range of cross-country skiing, snowboarding and downhill skiing. There are several popular areas for backcountry skiing and snowboarding, including Mt. Agnes and Mt. Murray. The Cariboo Ski touring Club operates huts in the Mt. Murray area and both are easily accessible for day trips from Wells.

The Cornish Mountain Non-Motorized Trail Network includes 25 kilometers of groomed and ungroomed trails for all ability levels. The network travels through an interesting wetland where moose, ptarmigan and wintering swans are sometimes seen and then climbs the forested slopes of Cornish Mountain for fabulous views of the surrounding mountains.

Dog Sledding

One of the most popular, and most interesting winter time activities in the area is dog sledding. Dog Sledders from right across the world come to Wells to take part in the prestigious Gold Rush Trail Sled Dog Mail Run.
This annual event is scheduled for the fourth weekend in January on a trail that starts in Quesnel and ends in the scenic mountain community of Wells, with a distance of 90 kilometers. Cross country skiers also take part in this special event with their dogs pulling them on skies.

Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding

Troll Resort, a place with long runs, no lift lines and lots of empty space for you to carve your turns.

Gourmet Ski Run

An even tastier event is the Wells International Gourmet Ski Tour set in February. The event is described as a non-competitive family-friendly gourmet cross-country ski tour. Various routes can be taken through the lovely Moose Island Meadow and along the gently rolling hills of Cornish Mountain to enjoy international cuisine served at various “pit stops” along the way. There are prizes at the event, including best poker hand, best dressed (costuming is encouraged), and much more. There is also a presentation of a selection of films from the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival that is held at the Wells Community Hall in the evening. 

Ice Fishing

New Years Eve Dance

Dance the night away at the Wells Community Hall while bringing in the New Year.

Skating

Enjoy skating indoors or out. Wells offers an outdoor skating rink up by the Wells Barkerville School and indoor skating at the Curling Rink (once the curling season is over).

Snowmobiling

Snowmobile trails extend in all directions from Wells. We are on the Trans Canada Snowmobile Trail; riders leave from the Prince George Club House and ride into town, accessing fuel, dining and accommodations on their snowmobiles. It is also possible to ride from Quesnel and Likely into Wells.

Proserpine is an excellent trail and alpine ride while Yanks Peak has alpine, hill climbing and trail riding. Yanks Peak is part of the snowmobile trail from Wells to Likely. Both these areas are groomed regularly.

There are miles of roads, excellent for family rides. Atan Chisel Trail offers some spectacular views of the Bowron Lake area; Sugar Creek offers many play areas and connects with the Quesnel and Prince George Trails.

Trails are groomed on a regular basis and trail passes are available at local outlets in Wells as well as at a specially designated snowmobiler check-in near the entrance of Wells. The Wells Snowmobile Club website has more information including up to date snow and grooming conditions.

Snow Shoeing

Winter is a special time to visit the Wells, Barkerville, Bowron Lakes area. We usually have between 18 and 25 feet of fluffy snow with beautiful sunny days and amazing starry nights.  Northern lights flicker along the horizon. 
You can cross-country ski, snowshoe, dogsled, snowmobile, downhill ski or snowboard in the pristine backcountry and then retire back to your accommodation, or head to a local pub or restaurant for a night on the town.