The Renaissance Town of Wells, BC

Whenever I tell people I have been to the Cariboo they ask: “Did you go to Wells?” and up until earlier this summer, the answer was no – and they would look so disappointed. After my visit in early June, I can now proudly say I have been to Wells – thanks to FestivalSeekers – and now I know what all the fuss is about!

I arrived in town during the Wells Classic Show & Shine and Pooley Street was hopping. The brightly painted buildings – galleries, studio spaces, shops, theatres – popped as did the show & shine classics that were on display.

East Van meet Wells! see who I met on my trip to this artsy Cariboo town »

It seemed like everyone in Wells was so incredibly creative, they painted, acted, wrote, while also keeping up day jobs in historic Barkerville, at a cafe, or even at the local gold mine.

I loved my stay at the historic Wells Hotel, and supper at the Pooley Street Cafe (with delicious, gourmet meals prepared by a red seal chef inspired by the Cariboo region). Make sure you pop into the Bear’s Paw as well for a cup of coffee, and browse the goods at Frog in the Bog.

The ArtsWells festival is the main attraction in the summer (August 3-6, 2018) so book your stay early and enjoy some time in town meeting the locals and getting inspired by their many talents.

If You Go

Start planning your adventures in Wells at its tourism website »

Wells is found along the Gold Rush Trail – which links several of these funky communities together. Chris Wheeler made the trek, producing this video to give you a better idea to what’s in store:

Learn more about ArtsWells this August »

Start exploring the Cariboo and Gold Rush Trail with Destination BC.

Search #ExploreCariboo for more inspiration. Be sure to tag #ExploreCariboo while exploring the region as you could be featured on our social media channels!