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Barriere is a special place with its own unique character. This is a small, friendly community, located only 45
minutes north of Kamloops, that has all the major conveniences of a city, but offers a life of quiet, relaxed living.
Surrounded by rolling, forest-covered mountains, the local scenery is an excellent example of why British Columbia
is known for its spectacular beauty.
With 75 lakes within a 40 kilometre drive of the community, water-related activities are popular throughout the area- there's
something for everyone! If you're into more laid-back activities like canoeing, sport fishing, swimming, or scuba diving,
the calm, clear waters will provide a nice haven. For those looking to mix it up a bit, consider boating, river/pontoon boat
tours, or water skiing. The local businesses, offering sport equipment rentals and water-related tours, can help you enjoy your
adventures on the water to the fullest.
Head to the local mountains and you'll not only have phenomenal memories from your adventures in Barriere and the surrounding area,
you're guaranteed to take home some remarkable photographs, too.
Location
Barriere is located 66 kilometers north of Kamloops on Highway 5, which winds along the North
Thompson River. The community is 373 meters above sea level. It can be reached by car
or by air to Kamloops, and then by car north to Barriere.
Places to See
- North Thompson Museum
Located 63 km north of Kamloops, west of the Yellowhead Highway at 343 Lilley Road, the North Thompson
Museum is housed in a former B.C. Forest Service Ranger Station. The first Forestry Office in 1920 was
located on the same property. At that time, it was considered the centre of the town.
Artifacts and archival material depicting the history from McLure to Little Fort (Mount Olie) and
surrounding areas can be found at the museum.
Things to Do
- Golfing!
Set in the beautiful North Thompson Valley and just 3 kilometres from Barriere, Chinook Cove Golf
features a championship 9-hole course with unique challenges.
- River Boat Tours!
Float down the river on a 22 foot Pontoon boat or travel in a Jet Driven River Boat. Whatever speed of life
you enjoy, Barriere has it!
- Fishing!
Barriere has plenty of lakes, streams and rivers to cast your line. Take a helicopter in to the Valley's
most secluded lakes for a world class fishing adventure. There are over 100 fishing areas to explore, with
many impressive resort accommodations to experience!
- Trail Riding!
Several hundred kilometers of horseback trails are mapped and maintained in the Lower North Thompson. There
are five main trail systems you can take advantage of that are accessible from Highway 5. Visit the Barriere
and Area Chamber of Commerce to pick up your Trail Guide Handbook.
Events
- North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo
Every September on Labour Day weekend, for more than half a century, the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo turns tiny,
friendly Barriere into a cross between an old-fashioned homecoming and the sort of country fair most folks
last saw in a Walt Disney movie.
What will you find at the fair? How about three days of rapid-fire rodeo action, pony chariot and chuckwagon races,
an outdoor logging show, heavy horse pulls, equestrian events, 4-H and open livestock and poultry competitions,
three parades, roving entertainers on the grounds, a commercial booth area, an exhibition hall fairly bulging with
displays of cut flowers, baking, preserves, hobby-craft, art and photography, quilts, plus children's and group
displays.
And, yes, there's a midway as well, and an open-air stage where the music and excitement continue throughout the day.
When the sun goes down, the adults-only cabaret style dances on Saturday and Sunday evening keep the music going into
the night. Youngsters can compete in the talent competitions, everyone can judge the wheelbarrow contests, and young
would-be farmers can try their hand at cow milking.
Notable Comments
- "My grandma's moving in with us," Stella said to Iris, as they poked at the abandoned beehive.
"There was this big fire in Barriere, so they made her move away. I think it's because she started the
fire."
Iris, naturally, was a little more skeptical. "No way! Why would your grandma start a fire?"
Shrugging, Stella began to run her hands through the layers of old honeycomb. "She's always doing
crazy things. She walks barefoot in the woods! Anyway, a lot of other people had to move too,
so maybe she wasn't alone."
Iris rolled her eyes- but a proper sarcastic remark was prevented by the sudden appearance of a large
hobo spider from within the beehive. Both girls screamed in unison and high-tailed it back to Stella's
farm.
- Celista Heffley, in her Newberry-winning novel It's a Long Way to Grandma's House
- "I like Barry-ere!"
- Delores Clayburn, an enthusiastic four-year old from Kamloops
Contact Information
Barriere and District Chamber of Commerce
2 - 353 Connor Road
PO Box 1190
Barriere, BC V0E 1E0
Telephone: 250-672-9221
E-mail: info@barrieredistrict.com
Website: http://www.barrieredistrict.com
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
2280-D Leckie Road
Kelowna, BC V1X 6G6
Phone: 250-860-5999
Toll-Free: 1-800-567-2275
Fax: 250-860-9993
E-mail: info@totabc.com
Website: http://www.totabc.com
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