Barkerville’s iconic Cornish Waterwheel is more than a historic attraction. It is a beloved family favourite and an authentic demonstration of 1870s gold rush technology. After two decades of powering unforgettable experiences, this remarkable piece of living history now needs a full replacement.

We need your help to rebuild this character-defining feature so future generations can experience the mighty wheel in motion, hear the rush of water, and witness a gold clean-up just as miners did during the Cariboo Gold Rush.


In the same spirit as the early miners who pooled their resources to build the water systems that powered the goldfields, your support will help bring a new Cornish Waterwheel to life and keep Barkerville’s story turning for years to come.


The Cornish Waterwheel show is Barkerville at its best: authentic, hands-on, and unforgettable. This fully functional, historically accurate wheel is not a prop. It is a cornerstone of Barkerville’s industrial heritage and a treasured connection to the people, ingenuity, and determination that shaped British Columbia’s gold rush history.


Your donation will help keep the water rushing and the wonder of history alive so families can continue laughing, learning, and making memories at Barkerville for generations to come.


Donate today to help rebuild Barkerville’s Cornish Waterwheel and keep this extraordinary piece of living history turning.