Written by CL Smith (2020 QDHPCA Board Member)
The Quesnel & District Hospice Palliative Care Association would like to thank the Billy Barker Casino and Hotel for their generous donation of $1,742.94. This in addition to supplying appetizers for our Hearts for Hospice Gala that was held February 8, 2020.
The Billy Barker Casino Hotel is a landmark in downtown Quesnel. It was designed after the historical river paddle-wheelers that traveled the Fraser River during the gold rush of the late 1800’s, complete with a statue of Billy Barker himself atop.
The paddle wheelers were the fastest form of transportation for both people and cargo in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These steam driven workhorses chugged their way up the Fraser River on a regular basis delivering much-needed supplies to residents of the BC interior.
The Billy Barker Casino Hotel pays tribute to these stately steamers in its exterior paddle wheel design. The corner of McLean Street and Barlow Avenue is now the location of the last remaining paddle wheeler on the upper Fraser river.
Inside the Billy Barker Casino Hotel you will find a fully renovated restaurant and lounge, casino, and hotel rooms each with its own unique historical style.
The atmosphere of the hotel is charming and nostalgic, with a good dose of down-to-earth friendliness and delicious home cooking. It is a popular stop for both locals and tourists alike.
The casino features 125 slot machines and electronic Roulette. Experience the gold rush era as you relax, play or just enjoy your stay at Billy Barker Casino Hotel.
With a heartfelt Thank You, we at the QDHPCA wish to acknowledge the generosity of this wonderful Quesnel business.
