Things To Do
Merritt's rolling landscape and semi-arid climate make it a hotbed of outdoor adventure year round.
In summer, golf one of the more unique courses in Canada, boat and fish the area's various waterways, attend one of the biggest country music festivals in North America, or stay on an authentic working ranch. In winter, head to the Kane Valley for cross-country skiing, or check out local snowmobiling trails.
Outdoor Activities
With a diverse topography of lakes, grasslands, and hills, the Merritt area offers a variety of outdoor activities. Play a round of golf at Sagebrush Golf and Sporting Club, a rolling links-style course carved out of the hills that line Nicola Lake. Or try one of the three nine-hole courses that will test your course management and shot making skills. Go sailing or motoring on nearby Nicola Lake, or fish Merritt's endless waterways. View the salmon spawning process at Spius Creek Hatchery (4369 Sunshine Valley Road), 15km/9mi southwest of Merritt, where chinook and coho salmon are raised to replenish local waterways.
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The Kane Valley Recreational Area, 18km/11mi south of Merritt on Hwy 97C, has more than 40km/25mi of trails suitable for beginner-to-intermediate cross-country skiers. These trails are used in summer by mountain bikers and hikers.
Bird Watching
Some 200 species of birds, including Williamson's sapsuckers, common snipes, great blue herons, osprey, bald eagles, and Pacific-slope flycatchers are found in the Nicola Valley. Highway 5A north of Merritt is excellent for bird watching, as it winds along Nicola Lake through the rolling hills of the grasslands where Ducks Unlimited maintains a large refuge.
Music and Art
Take in performances throughout the year at the Capital Sound Stage (2058 Granite Ave), a multi-purpose facility featuring of a 125-seat performing arts venue. Drop by Cowboy Classic Equipment and watch local artisan Don Loewen, one of BC's greatest saddle carvers, etch out elaborate designs on leather.
Driving Routes
Explore Merritt's outdoor adventure, wildlife viewing, and arts and cultural offerings by following the Rivers and Ranchlands driving routes. Learn more about driving routes through Merritt here: Driving Routes.
Where to Begin
Stop by the Merritt Visitor Centre (Baillie House, 2202 Voght St) for more information about things to do in the area.
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