 Road near Merritt, Tourism BC/Tom Ryan photo
Car Travel Merritt is a three-hour drive from Vancouver and a 45-minute drive from Kamloops. From Vancouver, take Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) to Hope, where there are two choices for Merritt access - via the Coquihalla Highway or Highway 1 Eastbound. The Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) traverses the Coastal Mountains at an elevation of 1244m/4081ft. Highway 1 winds along the equally dramatic Fraser Canyon and through the Thompson Valley to Spences Bridge, where Highway 8 connects to Merritt. Either route is well maintained year around. Snow tires are recommended during winter months. From Kamloops, Highway 5 provides a direct route into Merritt. An alternate route is along Highway 5A that winds past several small lakes and between rolling desert hills, past several historic ranches and along Nicola Lake. To reach Merritt from Kelowna, drive south along Highway 97 until reaching Peachland. Continue on Highway 97C (Okanagan Connector) to Merritt. Car rentals are available in Merritt, as well as Vancouver, Kamloops, and Kelowna. From Seattle: Take I-5 North to Bellingham, exit on Meridian Street heading East, and then head north to the Sumas border crossing. Once in Canada, take Highway 1 eastbound to Hope and follow the same direction as from Vancouver (above). By Air Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Kamloops International Airport (YKA), and Kelowna International Airport (KLW) service both domestic and international flights. Also, car rentals are available at each airport. Pick up maps of the area at the Merritt Visitor Centre.
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