Barkerville, the Historic Town and Park, has officially entered Phase 2 of its reopening plan today (July 3).
Phase 2, from July 3 to Sept. 27, 2020, is allowing visitors to see exhibits, public programming, campground, accommodations and select shops and eateries will be open each day.
During COVID-19, the website says entry to the site will be limited to 200 visitors per day.
You can also reserve admission in advance to secure a spot for the day.
“For the continued safety of Barkerville’s staff and guests, entry to the site will be limited to 200 visitors per day, and pre-reserved admission through our website is strongly recommended,” said Jillian Merrick, Barkerville’s Manager of Preservation and Presentation says in a Facebook post.
“On a typical sunny summer weekend in prior years, Barkerville would normally see upwards of 1,000 visitors a day; this is why booking your admission in advance is so important while our 200-visitor limit is in place."
“Our award-winning curatorial displays and public programs will look a little different this season. Only those exhibits that can be safely accessed with proper social distancing measures in place will be open, and our team of historical interpreters will be stationed throughout the site in ways that provide entertaining and engaging, short-duration conversations and demonstrations.”
The Historic Town will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
The Administration Office will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. but the office asks people to call in advance. The Visitors' Reception Centre will be open daily from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.
Phase 1, which ended yesterday (July 2), saw exhibits and public programming closed to the public. The site was also only open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.
The website says Shoulder and Winter Season will be from Oct. 2020 to May 2021 with details to be determined.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Barkerville has also been offering digital sessions through Barkerville Live!, allowing schools and the public to continue to enjoy the national historic site’s interactive programming.
- With files from Hanna Petersen, PrinceGeorgeMatters
