If the thought of spring thaws and melting snow has you itching for some outdoor adventure, there’s no better time to catch a little gold-rush fever.

Barkerville Historic Town was the site of a large gold strike on Williams Lake, B.C., in 1862, and modern-day treasure seekers can relive the excitement at the more than ?130 original and reproduction buildings dating to the early Gold Rush in British Columbia.?

The town operates all year, but the majority of activities are offered from May through September. Visitors can enjoy stage coach rides, live theatre, and street interpretations. Blacksmiths and goldsmiths demonstrate their crafts, and a restaurant, bakery, and confectionary provide a chance to relax and refill.

For the history buff, there are over 120 rooms containing artefacts and interpretive displays. The Lee Chong Co. Chinese Museum highlights the contribution of Chinese immigrants to British Columbia’s development, not only during the gold rush, but also before and after the building of the railway.

To discover more about the wild gold-rush days of B.C.?and try your hand at panning for gold?visit the Barkerville Historic Town website.