Things To Do
#ExploreMerritt Today!

Merritt is a growing city, rich in history, and recreational activities. While continuing to nurture its rich historical roots, Merritt has become a world renowned location to experience western music, art, culture, and entertainment. Come experience all there is to offer in and around the biggest little city in Gold Country.

Merritt – Plan 1: Explore Merritt

  • Begin your day with a relaxing breakfast in one of the coffee shops or restaurants
  • Off to the historic Baillie House2202 Voght Street – to learn some local and regional history. Pick up your “Heritage Walking Tour” brochure, “Walk of Stars” brochure and “Murals of the Stars” map.
  • Beat the heat while you explore the marvelous heritage homes, marks of history, and featured art on display throughout the walking tour.
  • Be sure to browse the endless treasures of antiques, local art, western wear, pottery, gift ware, and merchandise scattered throughout the community.
  • Savor an air-conditioned lunch indoors or request take-out to enjoy a picnic in one of the many beautiful City Parks.
  • Enjoy a round of golf at the Merritt Golf and Country Club1450 Juniper Dr – or continue to explore the city. The Communities In Bloom committee invites you to stroll the streets to experience the variety of landscaping and yard displays around the community and visit with those you meet.
  • Cool off with a swim at the Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre - Mamette Avenue – or enjoy one of the local lakes, rivers or water parks.
  • Ask at the Info Centre, your accommodations or visit our community calendar for local events happening during your stay.
  • Dine in style at one of our many dining establishments stuffed full of history and flavor.
  • End the evening with an enjoyable family bowling tournament or an exciting night at the Merritt Speedway.
  • Settle in for a perfect nights’ rest in one of the friendly accommodations – motels, inns, campgrounds, guest ranches or pampering bed & breakfasts.

 

Merritt – Plan 2: Explore the Nicola Valley

  • Begin your day with an energizing breakfast in one of the coffee shops or restaurants.
  • Off to the historic Baillie House2202 Voght Street – to learn some local and regional history. Pick up your “Heritage Walking Tour” brochure, “Walk of Stars” brochure and “Murals of the Stars” map. If you are interested in ranch tours please ask the Info Centre to make booking arrangements.
  • You will find the Historic Nicola Ranch site – 7 Km Northeast on Hwy 5A – at the foot of Nicola Lake. Site of the first local Post Office and government buildings, you will enjoy exploring the many original buildings that remain.
  • Enjoy the many photo opportunities, a leisurely walk, the animal exhibit and gift shop all at Nicola.
  • Discover the beauty of Nicola Lake as you wind 13 Km on to Quilchena – the hotel opened by Joe Guichon in 1908 remains to entertain modern guests. Tour the ranch, rent a boat for a float on the lake, enjoy a round of golf or just stop for a historic lunch.
  • Take Hwy 5A northeast ~5 Km then turn east and follow the signs ~17 Km to Douglas Lake Ranch. Visit one of the many fly fishing lakes, browse the gift shop or take a pre-booked tour of the ranching operations.
  • Return ~17 Km to Hwy 5A south to Merritt ~ 25 Km along Nicola Lake.
  • Ask at the Info Centre or your accommodations for other local events showcasing during your visit.
  • Dine in style at one of our many dining establishments stuffed full of history and flavor.
  • Settle in for a perfect nights’ rest in one of the friendly accommodations – motels, inns, campgrounds, guest ranches or pampering bed & breakfasts.

 

Merritt – Plan 3: Explore More of Gold Country

  • Begin your day with an energizing breakfast in one of the coffee shops or restaurants.
  • Off to the historic Baillie House2202 Voght Street – to learn some local and regional history. Pick up your “Heritage Walking Tour” brochure, “Walk of Stars” brochure and “Murals of the Stars” map.
  • Discover the beauty of Lower Nicola as you wind along Hwy 8 Northwest to Spences Bridge.
  • Renowned for their Mountain Sheep spotting and Train watching Spences Bridge is a wonderful mix of the serene and the exhilarating. Try your hand at gold-panning or sample the fresh produce at the stands and markets or perhaps a simple tea on your journey!
  • Take Hwy 1 North 48 Km to Cache Creek where you collect another Gold Nugget Stamp at the Info Centre – 1270 Stage Road. Don’t miss your photo opportunity with Cariboo Sam!
  • Enjoy lunch at one of the many dining opportunities Cache Creek has to offer from fast-food to distinctive-fare.
  • Follow Hwy 1 South 4 Km to the Junction of Hwy 97C – Turn East 6 Km to Ashcroft – Stop at the Ashcroft Museum – 404 Brink Street – to collect your next Stamp!
  • Enjoy the scenic views along Hwy 97C South East from Ashcroft to Logan Lake ~ 55 Km.
  • Stop at the Logan Lake Info Centre – 31 Chartrand – to check out the mining shovel and haul truck. Don’t forget to collect your ‘Gold Nugget’ contest Stamp!
  • Follow Hwy 97C south as you wind through ranching country, passing peaceful Mamette Lake and into the City of Merritt.
  • Explore historic Merritt with the walking tour, enjoy some shopping or just relax in a park.
  • Ask at the Info Centre or your accommodations for other local events showcasing during your visit.
  • Dine in style at one of our many dining establishments stuffed full of history and flavor.
  • Settle in for a perfect nights’ rest in one of the friendly accommodations – motels, inns, campgrounds, guest ranches or pampering bed & breakfasts.
 

Merritt – Plan 4: Explore the Surrounding Areas of Kingsvale, Brookmere & Aspen Grove

  • Begin your day with an energizing breakfast in one of the coffee shops or restaurants.
  • Off to the historic Baillie House2202 Voght Street – to learn some local and regional history. Pick up your “Heritage Walking Tour” brochure, “Walk of Stars” brochure and “Murals of the Stars” map. Don’t forget to pack a hearty picnic lunch!
  • Take Hwy 5 South ~ 30 Km to the Coldwater Road Exit 256. Turn West and follow the Coldwater Road ~ 3.5 Km into Kingsvale.
  • Enjoy the walking trails, streams, wildlife or just some historic photography in the great outdoors.
  • Stay on the Coldwater Road east ~ 11 Km to the remarkable town of Brooksmere – the once stopping off point for the Kettle Valley Railway. Check out the old water tower and still standing trestles throughout the area – hiking trails, picnic areas and off road access abound throughout the valleys – please respect the environment – leave no garbage, no tracks and prevent the spread of noxious weeks should you choose to travel one of the many back roads.
  • Depending upon your level of adventure you may choose to head east on a logging road to meet Hwy 5A while exploring the lakes, streams, valleys and old mine sites throughout the country – please use caution as many are still traveled by logging trucks who retain the right-of-way!
  • Return north on Hwy 5 to the Hwy 5A interchange at Merritt – turn south and follow the 5A ~28 Km to Aspen Grove.
  • From here your choices abound – go west to explore the wilderness of the Kane Valley or due east into the Kentucky Alleyne provincial park.
  • On your return to Merritt – north of Hwy 5A – check out the Grasslands Interpretive Centre just north of Corbett Lake.
  • Explore the remarkable city landmarks with the walking tour, enjoy some shopping or just relax in a park.
  • Ask at the Info Centre or your accommodations for other local events showcasing during your visit.
  • Dine in style at one of our many dining establishments stuffed full of history and flavor.
  • Settle in for a perfect nights’ rest in one of the friendly accommodations – motels, inns, campgrounds, guest ranches or pampering bed & breakfasts.

 

If you are active on social media share your adventures with us at #ExploreMerritt!

 

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(Photo Credit for ATV Image: Backroad Mapbooks)

Contact Us

Got questions? Contact us by phone, or by email using our contact form.

Merritt Visitor Centre: 250-378-0349
Tourism Manager: 250-378-8619
Email: Contact Form