Nestled in the North Thompson Valley, and reminiscent of Swiss alpine scenery, the town of Barriere is a forty-five minute drive north of Kamloops.
The history of Barriere dates back to the days of fur trading. The settlement was named by French fur traders in 1828, for rocks in the nearby river which posed a barrier (French barriere) to navigation of the river. These barriers were most likely fishtraps from times when Native people trapped spawning salmon.
In the summer, the many lakes surrounding Barriere make it a perfect spot for fishing, and camping.
Farming and forestry are the main contributors to the economy of Barriere.
Population: 3,450
Location: Barriere is located just off the Yellowhead Highway 5 east of the Thompson River, midway between Kamloops in the south and Clearwater to the north.
Brush up on your history of the region at the North Thompson Museum on Lilley Road, which specializes in Canadian history. The museum is housed in a 1930s forestry building, and is open to the public from May to September.
Ten kilometres south of Barriere is the site of the Overlanders river voyage. This group of settlers, numbering approximately 150, made their epic trip all the way from Ontario, using various modes of transport.
Bonaparte Provincial Park incorporates the Bonaparte Lake and Valley, the dominant lake and river system in the south Cariboo, which offers outstanding fishing opportunities. There are two approaches to Bonaparte: either head west of Highway 5 from Barriere, or head east from Highway 97 at 70 Mile House.
The Barriere Lakes (North, South, and East) are all located about 40 km northeast of Barriere, and 16 km west of Highway 5 on Barriere Lake Road. Some of the best trout fishing in this region renowned for its fine fishing lakes can be found here. Try fly fishing and light spin casting for native Kamloops rainbow trout. The Kamloops Forest District details over 60 medium-sized and small lakes for fishing.
Golf: Chinook Cove Golf is a championship length 9-hole, par-36 golf course set in the beautiful North Thompson Valley, 3 km north of Barriere. The first four holes are links style, with water coming into play, and the last five holes are carved through the natural forest, with each fairway holding a unique challenging feature. The awesome undulating Providence bentgrass greens are second to none. Golf Vacations in British Columbia.
Whitewater Rafting: One of the most exhilarating outdoor activities has got to be whitewater rafting, and you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to indulge in it while you’re in this chock-full-of-rivers region. For easygoing paddling, the North Thompson River is perfect. The current gently pulls paddlers downstream all the way to Kamloops, although you’ll need several days to cover the entire distance. More recreation in the Thompson Okanagan area.
Known for its pristine snow, Barriere is an ideal location for snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Don’t miss the Fall Fair Rodeo, held annually over the Labour Day weekend.
Once the leaves have fallen from the trees and the birds have flown south, nearby Kamloops becomes a winter wonderland bursting with activity. Two downhill ski areas near Kamloops are Harper Mountain and Sun Peaks Resort. Whether you go tobogganing, ski the diamond slopes or challenge the snowboard park, Kamloops is the place to do it all. Skiing & Winter Activities in the North Thompson and Nicola Valley.
Cross-country ski enthusiasts travel from all parts of the world to experience the wonderful cross-country skiing in the mellow, rounded hills and snow-carpeted meadows in this area. Whether you’re interested in groomed trails, backcountry, or just looking for some peace and solitude along a trail, Kamloops is the place to discover it. The Stake Lake Ski Trails can be found 25 minutes by car from downtown Kamloops, Sun Peaks Resort and Harper Mountain both offer groomed trails, and Roche Lake is the place if it’s backcountry trails you desire – there are miles of old logging roads to explore. Lac le Jeune and Bush Lake are also very popular.
Touring: Drive the circle routes to South Barriere Lakes and Adams Lake, or explore the miles of roads on Samatosum Mountain.
Farm Guide: Travellers looking for a down-to-earth experience can find a list of resources and activities featured in the Kamloops Farm Fresh Guide. The guide showcases the diversity of life in the Thompson Nicola region, which ranges from wine tasting to guided family horseback rides on a working cattle ranch. Visitors can use the guide (available from Tourism Kamloops) to locate area farmer’s markets and fall fairs, discover fresh-picked fruit and vegetables, farm-raised meat and eggs, and value-added products like honey and jellies.
Circle Tours: See the best of the area on Okanagan and Kootenay Rockies Circle Tour. Travel the sunny interior of British Columbia, north through the Okanagan to Sicamous, following Highway 1 into the mountains of the BC Rockies. From Golden, head south through the Columbia Valley to Creston, and west through the Southern Okanagan, starting and ending your sun-drenched voyage in Osoyoos, the place where two lakes come together. Circle Tours in British Columbia.
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