House Hotel
After a long day of gold panning or digging, Barkerville miners would drop into the local saloon for a drink and to catch up on the gossip of the day. Visitors to Barkerville can enjoy the very same experience as those miners of old at the House Hotel, Barkerville’s very own saloon. Ambiance, refreshing drinks and hearty meals await at this licensed establishment that’s also kid-friendly. Belly up to the bar for a cool drink or hot cup of coffee and a delicious pastry or baked treat. You can also enjoy a full and delicious, cooked on-site, from-scratch lunch from a menu that includes comfort foods like soups, sandwiches, pizza, spaghetti and meatballs and more. The House Hotel also offers catering for special events like weddings, parties and reunions.
The House Hotel is a member of the Quesnel Chamber of Commerce. It was the 2015 nominee for the Chamber of Commerce Best Business of the Year Award.
Meet Rose Higgins
Meet Rose Higgins
Although she is supposed to be retired, Rose Higgins just couldn't turn down the opportunity to purchase the House Hotel in Barkerville Historic Town in 2011. Rose, who owned a local campground at the time, had always wanted to be in the food service industry. She jumped at the chance, and now the Quesnel resident spends four months out of each year living out of her RV in Wells and working seven days a week cooking and serving for Barkerville visitors.
Rose works side-by-side with her daughter who manages the restaurant, and both immensely enjoy their jobs. "It's such a fun atmosphere!" Rose says of working within the borders of the tourist town. "Everyone who works in Barkerville is like a big, extended family." Not only does she get to enjoy the camaraderie of her fellow Barkerville workers, she also gets to meet new people every single day from all over the world. Being able to serve her guests and listen to their stories of their backgrounds makes each work day different and exciting.
Rose works a hectic pace throughout the summer months and often goes for long stretches without days off. She doesn't mind though, and once tourist season winds down and Barkerville closes for the year, Rose rewards herself. She is an avid traveller and she takes the off-months to travel around the world.
