Visitor Guide 2014

Travel Experiences Guide

Merritt Nicola Valley

Merritt | Nicola Valley | Quilchena | Douglas Lake

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Our Story

Country Unbridled Our story begins at a crossroad of time and place, where old west meets new country.

Our story begins at a crossroad of time and place, where old west meets new country, and breathtaking scenery and time-honoured traditions are woven into the fabric of our lives. In a land carved by hand and cultivated by hard work, we’ve been welcoming travellers since long before there were highways. Discover our world, where the simple things in life still mean something, where our unbridled country spirit fuels the sense of adventure we can’t wait to share with others. Come on by and join us for your type of adventure and stay awhile.

Go on…get Outside and Play

Rolling bunchgrass meadows meet the rugged ridge of the Coastal Mountain range, rising over our sun-drenched

valley, creating a natural backdrop for outdoor adventures.

We learn to fish and ride as soon as we can walk around here, making us pretty savvy about bait and lures, quads and trails – come along for the ride – we’ll show you how it’s done. Join us on your mountain bike cutting through the trees, grinding along jagged trails just minutes from the city centre. Drink in the fragrance of fresh alfalfa and sagebrush winding your ATV through undulating fields in Canada’s new old west. Ride the open range on your trusty steed – this one fuelled by pure adrenaline and torqued by horsepower. Or head off on your own to kick back and drop a line in the water. With 200 freshwater lakes and streams teeming with Rainbow trout and Kokanee, freshwater fishing is legendary around here.

Where the possibility of adventure is as wide as our western skies. www.visitMerritt.ca | 3

Our Story

See what’SUP paddling Nicola Lake, where outdoor adventure abounds.

Find your fish tale in one of our 200 lakes.

Drink in the views from the top of our hoodoos.

Where Working Hard has its own Rewards We work hard, but we play even harder – get in on the action. Tease your curiosity and sense of adventure geocaching your way through the Nicola Valley and Gold Country, discovering even more treasures in our region.

Or you could just take to the open road, twisting and turning amongst Hoodoos, our own local treasures carved by wind and time…exploring our panoramic landscapes. Our wealth of natural attractions makes Merritt a quality retreat. Take in a bonfire by the river, lay back and stargaze beneath our clear night skies, this is where family bonds are made and traditions take root.

Embrace our Country Roots We know country — we live it every day. Share in the richness of our country roots at local events and one-of-akind attractions you’ll only find in Merritt.

Real cowboys work the range at Douglas Lake Ranch, Canada’s largest cattle ranch, where you can book a lodge stay for your own fishing getaway. Sip tea and wander the gardens at the historic Baillie House, reminiscent of a bygone era, and just one of 28 heritage sites you’ll find here.

Step back in time with a stay at the Quilchena Hotel, where you can imagine the life of our earliest travellers drinking in a saloon still outfitted in turn-of-the 20th century luxury.

Family tradition that spans generations firmly grounds us here. Take part in those traditions with us at the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo, an event that has banded our commu-

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Expand your horizons, embrace our country roots and roam free!

Experience the raw horse power of the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo.

Where countr y, and characte western r all meet.

nity together for over 50 years. Explore the Country Music Capital of Canada and our country music legacy by strolling our Walk of Stars, roaming the halls of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, or take a self-guided tour of our outdoor art gallery of murals dedicated to country music’s top stars.

Our First Nations Peoples In a country so rich with heritage, you would expect to find a First Nations community as lush in culture as the surrounding lands. That holds true here. Explore Monck Provincial Park, searching for evidence of the Nicola Valley Salish winter encampments still visible today. Sail or paddle the shores of Nicola Lake and uncover the stories these ancient peoples told in the pictographs embedded on

the glacial rocks. Wander amongst buckskin clothing, intricate beading and other historical treasures at the Nicola Valley Museum and Archives, where the work of First Nations Ethnologist James Teit still resonates.

A Gateway to Adventure You’ll find this and more at the gateway to B.C.’s interior, where the Trans-Canada connects with the fabled Yellowhead and Coquihalla Highways, and any change in direction leads you from one adventure to another. A natural rest stop for travellers; explore our land, explore our history, explore our diverse culture. Discover for yourself why Merritt and the Nicola Valley are more than a stop along the way.

www.visitMerritt.ca | 5

Baillie Property A Community Heritage site Since 1997

Visitors are welcome to bring a lunch and enjoy a picnic in our garden.

Afterward you can take a free tour of the Baillie property and experience a glimpse of Merritt`s early history.

Free coffee, tea, iced tea & lemonade.

Local gifts, crafts, souvenirs & collectibles available all year.

The property is now home to the Merritt Visitor Information Booth.

We can provide you information on anything you desire: community events, sports, recreation, swimming spots, etc. e-mail: bailliehouse@shaw.ca or Visit our website at www.bailliehouse.com 2250 Voght St. Merritt, BC

Ph: (250) 378-0349

HOURS OF OPERATION: Every day from May 1 to September 30, Tuesday To Saturday from October 1 to April 30

Your travel story starts with us!

Drop by our Visitor Centre VISIT THE BC VISITOR CENTRE @ MERRITT for in-depth travel planning, insider tips, free province-wide hotel reservations, great deals on activities and attractions tickets, and much more.

• Free, public Wi-Fi • Maps, brochures, books and travel guides • BC Ferries ticket vouchers and reservations

• Exclusive Super, Natural British Columbia® souvenirs and gifts • Seasonal food & beverage kiosk

SE Corner of Hwy 5 & 97C (Exit 286) Ph: 250-315-1342 Connect with us online: HelloBC.com BCVCMerritt @BCVCMerritt tweet #BCVCStory British Columbia Visitor Centre @ Merritt “SUPER, NATURAL BRITISH COLUMBIA”, “HELLO BC” and “VISITOR CENTRE” and all associated logos/trade-marks are trade-marks or Official Marks belonging to Destination BC Corp.

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What’s Inside

3 Our Story 9 About Our Valley 10 Uncover our Best-Kept Secrets 14 Mountain Biking 17 Scenic Drives 20 Explore Our Lakes and Rivers 21 Play in our Mountains 23 Sips & Bites 24 Heritage & Culture 31 Country Culture 34 Snowbound Exploration 38 Events 42 Merritt Heritage Walking Tour 44 Explore Downtown Merritt 49 Event Calendar 52 Travel Tips 54 City of Merritt

Copyright 2014 Š Merritt Nicola Valley This guide was created in partnership with TOTA, City of Merritt, Merritt Herald and Tourism Nicola Valley.

Production Design: Dan Swedberg Design Consultant: Roger Handling/www.terrafda.com Map Design: Roger Handling/www.terrafda.com Copywriting: Merritt Herald, City of Merritt, Tourism Nicola Valley Advertising sales: Katie Ottenbreit & Theresa Arnold Printing and distribution by: Merritt Herald Writer: Kathleen Head Editing: Kim Cameron Photography: Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Darren Robinson, Kelly Funk, Katie Ottenbreit, Ian Webster, Merritt Mountain Bike Association

Paddle on Nicola Lake

Playing alongside the Nicola River, Nicola Valley www.visitMerritt.ca | 7

Merritt Stock Car Association 100 YEARS OF EVOLUTION SALES TEAM

Fun, fast-paced entertainment for the whole family, on one of the last operating dirt tracks in the province of B.C. Racing runs every 3 - 4 weeks starting the May long weekend right through to the Thanksgiving weekend. During the summer most races are under the lights.

For more information call Lonni at 250-315-0474 or check our Facebook page - Merritt Stock Car Association. Check us out at www.merrittspeedway.ca

Tom McDonagh Associate Broker

Karen Bonneteau Sales Rep

John Issac Broker

Claudette Edenoste Broker/Owner

Personal Real Estate Corp.

Debra Schindler

Melody Simon Sales Rep

250-378-7170

250-315-5178

250-378-1586

250-280-0689

250-315-3548

250-315-8539

tmcdonagh@ telus.net

kbonneteau@ telus.net

johnisaac@ telus.net

claudetteedenoste@ royallepage.ca

debbieschindler2@ gmail.com

melodysimon@ royallepage.ca

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TEAM

Lynda Etchart

Diane Manchester

250-378-1996 proplepage@gmail.com

Crystal Chandler Unlicenced Assistant

Connecting your listings to buyers and sellers world wide. www.royallepagemerritt.com

RACE SCHEDULE

Day races – Time Trials 1pm – Racing 2pm Night races – Time Trials 5pm – Racing 6pm

May 17 & 18 – day races • June 7 – night race June 21 – night race • July 5 & 19 – night race Aug. 2 & 3 - night race •Aug. 23 – night race – toy drive Sept. 20 – night race – food bank drive Oct. 11 & 12 – day races Bill John Memorial Invitational RAIN OUT DATES: Aug. 24 & Sept. 21

www.facebook.com/rlpmerritt

www.twitter.com/rlpmerritt

www.pinterest.com/rlpmerritt

REAL ESTATE REVIEW

Helping you is what we do.™ M E R R I T T

Independently owned and operated

Phone: 250-378-6181 1988 Quilchena Ave., Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 • Fax: 250-378-6184

LOOKING for that

unique gift?

COME VISIT US DOWNTOWN MERRITT!

GOOD FOOD, GOOD SERVICE, GRAND TIMES!

YOUR HOMETOWN HOSPITALITY SPECIALISTS ★ FULL PUB MENU ★ COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF BEER & WINE ★ CALL US FOR ALL YOUR CATERING NEEDS

Local Artisans One-of-a-kind Gifts a

ve incti d is t

artisan

run gallery since 1989

Ph: 250.378.0813 2074 Quilchena Ave www.creativecompany.com 8 | www.visitMerritt.ca

www.grandpubandgrill.com 250-378-4618 2099 Garcia St., Merritt, BC

Sunday: 10AM to Midnight Mon-Wed: 11AM to 11PM Thurs-Sat: 11AM to 1PM

About Our Valley Swimming at Harmon Lake near Merritt

Leap into our local swimming holes at Little Box Canyon and N’kwala. Unplug and reconnect with your brood in winter by grabbing your toboggan and heading to Hamilton Hill; the very same spot where you can stargaze beneath summer’s darkened skies.

Catch air on Hamilton Hill The sun shines year round on our valley creating a vast environment of possibilities.

Set in the heart of Gold Country Embracing undulating grasslands dotted with abundant lakes and weather-beaten hoodoos, come see what we’re all about. We won’t disappoint.

If hiking and biking are your passions then head to the Trans-Canada Trail, which follows the Kettle Valley Railway right-of-way from nearby Brookmere over to Hope. Trails proliferate throughout the region, from ambling strolls alongside lakes to challenging back-country routes.

Home of the Walk of Stars and the Country Music Hall of Fame, the city of Merritt is the Nicola Valley’s urban centre with a proud country heritage. Merritt highlights easyto-access outdoor recreation, down-home hospitality and an eclectic blend of events and festivals.

Unearth our ranching country. Marvel at the quick-handed wranglers at Douglas Lake Ranch or historic Quilchena. Slumber in a rustic log lodge and get inspired by the intricate artistry of blacksmithing at AP Guest Ranch. Explore our wide open country on the back of a faithful mount – you’ll feel like a real cowboy here.

If you’re hungry for adventure and discovery, then you need to high-tail it to our outdoor oasis and experience our Gold Country Geotourism Program. Caches are found in unusual places, with unusual stories.

Hike through the wildflowers at Stump Lake, Thompson Nicola Region

www.visitMerritt.ca | 9

Uncover our

Best Kept Secrets

View of Nicola Lake, near Merritt, in the Nicola Valley 10 | www.visitMerritt.ca

A keen sense of adventure and plenty of time is all you need to explore the craggy mountains and rolling ranch lands surrounding Merritt and the sun-soaked Nicola Valley. There are adventures around every turn in the road – make sure you don’t miss any of these special places:

Nicola Valley

Wildlife viewing at a protected wildlife area off Highway 5A, Merritt

Bring your camera; there’s lots of eye candy here. Wind-carved hoodoos, timeless, rolling ranch lands, old west landmarks and more getaway-from-it-all than you can even imagine.

200 Lakes

Talk about ample angling adventures. Cast your way to trophy-size catches; fly, river, or shore fishing for famous Kamloops trout, Kokanee, or mountain whitefish.

Get a taste of country at the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo

Nicola Lake

The centrepiece in the heart of our windswept valley, Nicola Lake is the largest and deepest in the region – this is where you windsurf, SUP, sail or boat your day away.

Mountain biking heaven off Highway 5

Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo

Not so much a secret, but definitely a highlight of our summer calendar.

Mountain Biking

Our trails stretch on for days! Whether you want to get technical or stay in your zone, you’ll find plenty of knobby tire action deep in the trees and easily accessed from almost anywhere in Merritt.

Merritt Heritage Walk

Our streets tell our story and you can uncover it on the Merritt Heritage Walking Tour of 28 heritage locations around town. Start with the Baillie House, a heritage building and your first stop for visitor information.

Visit the historic Coldwater Hotel in Merritt

Country Music Capital of Canada

Our hearts beat to the sound of country music — explore our love affair with all things country stepping out amongst the stars at: the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, the Walk of Stars, or our artful murals of country legends’ hot new stars, or listen for country music at local bars around town.

Come see the murals in downtown Merritt www.visitMerritt.ca | 11

All amenities available.

Also offers long term winter stays.

Riverside

CAMPING &

Recreation

Claybanks RV Park • Heated washrooms • Sani station • Handicap toilets

• Large sites • Pull throughs • RV storage

Down by the River

Your hosts: Jack and Rosemary McNeil

• Showers • Gift shop on-site

OPEN YEAR ROUND Monthly Rates

Check out our Virtual Tour on-line: www.claybanksrv.com

MERRITT, BC Located on beautiful Coldwater River, Moon Shadows offers all amenities and long term winter stays.

Call: 250-315-2267 or 1-888-344-2267 info@moonshadows.ca

ENGLISH Style craft cider made in merritt bc

WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE TO DOWNTOWN AMENITIES • Recreation building with amenities for large gatherings • Golf Discounts available for two local courses • 44 service sites and 20 tent sites • Reservations required for the winter time

Phone: (250) 378-6441

Fax: (250) 378-6444

MILE HIGH RESORT On beautiful Face Lake

Come by our Ciderhouse for a tasting and see how our small batch, full juice ciders are made with beautiful BC apples.

We are located at the south end of Mamette Lake - on hwy 97C between Merrit and Logan Lake.

4 Season Resort 4 Season Rates

OPEN ALL SUMMER: Friday 3PM - 7PM Saturday/Sunday Noon - 6PM GET IN TOUCH: info@leftfieldcider.com www.leftfieldcider.com

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email: info@milehighresort.com

• Fishing • Boat & Kayak Rentals • 14 Housekeeping Cabins • Hunting • Camping • Seasonal Sites Available • Snowmobiling • Cross-country Skiing • Ice Skating • Ice Fishing • Snowshoeing

Go On...

Get Outside and play

Merritt and Nicola Valley are ripe with possibilities inviting you to head outside and play!

Frisbee at Marquart Lake near Merritt

Get your motor running and your legs pumping on epic backcountry rides, splash and angle into our rivers and lakes, or thunder and traipse through our mountain trails on foot or by bike. No matter what your adventure, nature is calling. www.visitMerritt.ca | 13

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking trails in Merritt

e d i R & l l Rock & Ro The mountain biking scene is coming alive in the Nicola Valley. Grab your wheels & be part of it.

Riding in Merritt is no ordinary day in the terrain park. We ride the old school way, in a natural playground, on single tracks and open ranges.

Take a roll in the hay and bomb your way through rugged trails handcrafted by locals whose passion for ripping through tree-lined paths knows no bounds.

Hammer along various routes, sun on your shoulders, warm wind on your face, creating your own personal nirvana. We have one of the longest mountain biking seasons in B.C. with many of our diverse trails accessible as early as March and as late as November, giving you one heck of a ride almost any time of the year.

Our local trails stretch on for days and, whether you want to get technical or stay in your zone, you’ll find plenty of knobby tire action here. Warm up and get down along the Merritt Info Centre trails. Ride fast 14 | www.visitMerritt.ca

and furious, criss-crossing the Godey Creek Trail, rolling over bridges or resting at the waterfall – you’ll get a little mud on your tires here. If you like climbing with a steady heart rate, tackle Too Much Info where you will be kept off your seat riding “Big Easy,” a tenfoot log ride settled into our rolling grasslands.

Dirt jumping at the bike park, near Central Park, Merritt

Mountain Biking

Biking near Marquart Lake, Nicola Valley

From challenging climbs to smooth descents our trails deliver all the heart stopping action you need.

ark, the bike p Big air at al Park, Merritt near Centr

Top 10 Spots to Get a Little Pedal Mojo > Warm up on the Merritt Info Centre Trails – 5-kilometre ride with a scenic viewpoint at the top > Plummet along Godey Creek – 2 km of creek crossing energy > Catch some air on Too Much Info – crush the logs on the “Big Easy” > Bound along Swakum Mountain Trail – a fast-paced 1-kilometre ride with plenty of stunts > Enjoy the scenery on Coco Bonk – an assorted mix of single and double track > Get old school with 98 – one of the first trails built in Merritt

> Journey the Kane Valley Trail – 45-kilometres featuring a wide variety of trails and loops > Polish your talent on Harmon Demonstration Forest – 2.7-kilometres along the shores of prime lake beauty > Twist and turn single track style on JP Cool – 3-kilometres of technical delights > Explore the awesome diversity of Merritt biking – head out in any direction from the city center and be grinding along a trail in 5 minutes

www.visitMerritt.ca | 15

Your community

PHARMACIST FOR OVER 50 YEARS

What Kind of Yamaha are you?

• Rexall Compliance Packs • Sigvaris Compression Stockings • Free Delivery for Seniors & the Disabled • Diabetic & Asthma • Gifts, magazines, retail, Kodak photo development and so much more!

Merritt’s Source For Outdoor Adventure!

Friendly, professional service, from people who care.

Black’s Pharmacy 2037 Quilchena Ave., Merritt BC • 250.378.2155

NICOLA MOTORSPORTS

2626 Nicola Ave., Merritt, B.C.

250-378-2416

Everything You Need for when

ADVENTURE

Awaits

and so many more...

DOWNTOWN PRINCETON: #1 - 136 Tapton Ave., 250-295-0657 DOWNTOWN MERRITT: #120 1700 Garcia St. Railyard Mall 250-378-5217 16 | www.visitMerritt.ca

We offer

In-Store Embroidery

Scenic Drives

Drive along Highway 5A , towards Quilchena in the Nicola Valley

head out on the high

way

Put the pedal to the metal and hit the blacktop - road touring Merritt’s backcountry roads.

You’re close to many of B.C.’s urban centres, yet still miles away from your everyday. Leave all your cares behind. Twist and turn in the comfort of your car; hammer down and thunder along on a chopper, or use your own power and propel our hills peddling a sleek road bike – these drives are all about the freedom you’ll find out on the open road.

Scenic Drives Expansive roads surrounded by breathtaking scenery make the Nicola Valley an inspired place to stretch out on the highway and escape your daily grind. Capture landscapes that speak of a bygone era – waving grasslands, softly rounded mountains and forests all around. Sunshine Valley is magical in the fall as warm mist rises off roadside ponds and foliage creates a symphony of soft yellow and vibrant orange. Cruise past rolling hillsides of lodgepole pine and sagebrush bordering Highway 5A’s awe-inspiring landscapes, and make sure you stop to explore Quilchena, a testament to another time on the shores of Nicola Lake.

Epic Rides Discover scenery so vast no windshield is wide enough to see it all. Ramble along Coldwater Road, one of B.C.’s

premier motorcycle routes. Zoom along the Kettle Valley Railway and the Coldwater River, leaning in and out with every bend in the road! Drink in the sights on a back road tour riding Douglas Lake Ranch Road. Rustic farmland, open ranges and undulating hills are the hallmark of this ride that carries you from smooth pavement to a good-ol’ gravel road.

Come along for the ride – join the weekend warriors navigating their cycles throughout the valley. Follow the Nicola River, head out on Highway 8 toward Spences Bridge marvelling in the beauty of the craggy hoodoos while pumping along dips and curves. Feed your inner adrenaline junkie then stop and fuel up at Monkey in the Garden, an organic food wagon serving locally grown farm to table fare in the most unexpected location.

Celebrating Life on the Highway Love life out on the open road? Join in our annual celebrations of life on the highway. Classic cars roll into Merritt with souped-up engines revved for the Nicola Valley Cruisers Show and Shine. Think Merritt is all country? Think again during Sturgis Canada as die-hard motorcycle enthusiasts and hard-core music lovers alike celebrate life out here on the edge. www.visitMerritt.ca | 17

Highland Valley Copper Mine Tours Tours offered three days a week Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 pm Starting May 21 & Ending August 29 or stop by our Annual Open House • Monday August 4th

Regular Mine Tour Duration: 2.5 Hours • Tour starts at 1 pm The guided bus tour showcases various interest points of the mine site and includes a video presentation. HVC is an industrial setting, casual dress is recommended: pants, runners, and no open toed footwear.

Children under the age of 12 are not permitted on the daily tours.

CALL AHEAD to reserve your seat. Space is limited to a maximum of 20 persons per tour.

Reserve Your FREE Tour Today 250-523-3802

Family Day Open House Monday, August 4th, 2014

Hwy 97C Logan Lake, BC

Open to all ages with some age restrictions on various tours, the Open House is a day showcasing many aspects of the mine including ve different types of tours, many displays and family entertainment

Open House Hours: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

®

Now open for public play*. Present this coupon for 20% off one green fee (see website for pricing).

Located in beautiful Quilchena, BC (15 minutes from Merritt) *some restrictions apply

Play for your soul.

Award winning … boldly unique … less than 3 hours from Vancouver Email: info@SagebrushClub.com • Toll Free: 877-350-9555 • Web: www.SagebrushClub.com 18 | www.visitMerritt.ca

YOUR HOLIDAY HEADQUARTERS

AUTOMOTIVE • TOOLS • FULL SERVICE DEPARTMENT • CAMPING SUPPLIES • SEASONAL • HOME DECOR

REGULAR STORE HOURS: Monday to Friday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

2761 Forksdale Ave, Merritt

Phone: 250-378-1818 Camping Weddings Group Tours & Activities

Find us on

e at: Onlin ch.ca s u it an Vis reekr

.hatc

www

Open Daily from May 1 to October 1, 2014 Call Toll Free 1.800.782.0922 for more information A great place to visit this summer and immerse yourself in BC’s history. Costumed characters, gold and gemstone panning, horseshoe pitches, animals galore and real Creamery ice cream! Original restored buildings from 1860 and newer, wagons and farm equipment.

• Kekuli, Teepee and Cabin Rentals • Spacious Camping Areas Available • Shower & Washroom Facilities • Gift Shop & Licensed Restaurant • Powered RV Sites • Guided Tours of the Roadhouse & Shuswap Village • Stagecoach Ride • Guided Trail Rides on Horseback • Weekend Events & Activities Visit us online to find out more!

Junction of Hwy. 97 & 99, PO Box 878, Cache Creek, BC, V0K 1H0 contact@hatcreekranch.ca • www.hatcreekranch.ca Tel: 250-457-9722 • 1-800-782-0922 www.visitMerritt.ca | 19

Sandy beach on Nicola Lake

Explore

Our Lakes and Rivers Wade right in – our lakes and rivers glisten like diamonds among the sun tipped meadows near Merritt.

With more than 200 lakes and the Nicola and Coldwater rivers dotting our storied landscape, there’s plenty of space to cool off in summer, angle for trophy-sized catches, or idle your days away.

Fly fishing around Merritt

Unrivalled Nicola Lake Cast your line into Nicola Lake, one of the largest in the area at 22 kilometres long and up to 55 metres deep, where Kokanee and Burbot bite. Angling isn’t the only outdoor experience here – warm winds blow through the narrow valley, creating ideal conditions for windsurfing and sailing. Try gliding the rippling waters stand-up paddle boarding (SUPing), or cut through the lake waterskiing, feeling the wind on your face. At the end of the day, make camp at Monck Provincial Park, or unwind in luxury at the Quilchena Hotel, sharing your exploits with other travellers you’ll meet along the way.

Lure ‘em in!

Find your own great fish tale in Merritt – an unmatched destination for freshwater fishing. Drop your line into the azure waters of Kentucky and Alleyne Lakes, rich with Rainbow trout. Ponds located near these two peaceful lakes include children’s only fishing, highlighted by the annual Father’s Day Fishing Derby. Guests at Douglas Lake Ranch will experience the tranquil art of fly-fishing, with twelve lakes and a fishing tradition that goes back generations. Spend lazy days casting your cares away at Corbett

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Lake, a by-reservation-only fly-fishing oasis with sweeping hillsides and a climate that inspires relaxation.

Chill out ice Fishing Winter doesn’t mean the end of our fishing season – sun shines year round in our valley so grab your auger and angle for some unparalleled winter fun! Crack the ice and drop your bait into the frosty waters of Kentucky, Alleyne and Edna, our premier ice fishing spots. Or, try to “catch” top prize at the yearly Ice Fishing Derby, held on the wintry banks of Mamit Lake.

Take a Dip! Plunge into a refreshing swimming hole to cool down as temperatures rise. Everyone has their favourite spot to tread water. Come on out and discover yours. Jump into the crystal waters at Little Box Canyon on Spius Creek, or bound into N’kwala, a popular swimming hole near Spences Bridge. When the Nicola River runs high in spring, kayak its rapids, or come in summer, to lay back and unwind – floating the Coldwater River.

Play

in our Mountains rk on Nicola Lake

Hiking Monck Pa

View of Merritt and the Nicola Valle y

A rugged coastal mountain range borders Merritt and the Nicola Valley providing ample space to get out and explore.

ing at Picture tak rritt e M yon near Windy Can

Come play in our mountains - grab some knobby tire action, hike the hills, motor our trails, reconnect with nature, and discover life in our great outdoors.

Find your Trail Lace up your boots and hit the trails! The Tom Lacey Legacy Trail meanders to the Merritt Viewpoint where panoramic views of the city are only rivalled by the quiet you’ll find there. Snow-capped Stoyoma Mountain features scaling ridges and scrambling rocky vistas. Your inner daredevil will be in paradise. Lose yourself in the chirps of local fowl and lush wildflowers trekking historic Kane Valley Trail. Amble along to Harmon Lake, a 2.7 km interpretive trail and a bird watchers utopia, with over 200 species of bird that call this sanctuary home.

Carve Through our Paths When we ride our mountain trails, we ride the old school way, on single tracks and open ranges. See if you’ve got what it takes to master Too Much Info, a heart pumping bermed ride where logjams test your technical skills.

Roller coaster along the Swakum Mountain Trail, thrills plummeting at you with every turn, or plow along Coco Bonk near Lundbom Lake, a cross-country rider’s haven bordered by rolling grasslands.

Swap Some Swag Quench your thirst for knowledge. Discover our local leg-

ends and lore on a one-of-a-kind Geocaching adventure. A modern day treasure hunt, comb our valley with your GPS to discover caches and the history of our territory. With twenty-four caches highlighting sites such on the Promontory Lookout, Pineridge Cemetery, and Craigmont Mine, you can spend an entire day on the hunt in Merritt!

Horsepower, not Horse Power Rev your engines and hop on your ride. Bountiful trails allow you to roll through our wooded areas and open ranges whether you prefer two wheels or four. Connect with other riders and join up with the Nicola Valley Dirt Riders Association who share your love of power at our annual Bar Bender Classic.

Monumental Hoodoos Rising out of the earth along B.C. Highway 8, hulking pillars of rocks carved by time and the elements watch over our valley floor. Powerful and strong, our hoodoos connect us to our land in the most primal way. Wander along nature’s architecture, drinking in the views from the tall, rocky columns and see for yourself why these stone formations stand as monuments to the past, and a gateway to our future.

www.visitMerritt.ca | 21

Available in English, French and German

Craigmont Mine .................... GC1TQEP Monck Prov. Park...................GC1TTW0 Merritt Viewpoint ....................GC1TTVC Pineridge Cemetery .............. GC1TTWA Trinity United Church .............. GC1TTXZ Baillie House .........................GC3P8RM Godey Creek Trails .................GC3PBCZ James Teit .............................. GC3PBD4 Nicola Sub. Agate & Dot ........GC3PBDF Jesus Garcia...........................GC3PBDR McLean Brothers ................. GC1TWQN

22 | www.visitMerritt.ca

Mary Lafek, Pioneer............... GC1TTQX Pennask Lake & Esker ............GC1VCKZ Promontory Lookout ..............GC1TTWQ Clapperton Falls .................... GC1TQE8 Quilchena ............................GC3PAMG Salmon Valley .......................GC3PAN2 Paradise Lakes...................... GC3PAM3 Stump Lake ...........................GC3P8MP Trans Canada Trail ................GC3PANE Guichon Lundbom Grasslands GC1V1X7 Brookmere ............................GC1V1YV

AP Mining Characters.............GC1TKPX The Smith’s ............................GC1V1ZA Aspen Grove Mining Camp ...GC1TQ48 Stoyoma .............................. GC1V20G Merritt Subdivision.................. GC3PCJ6 Kane Valley Ski Trail .............. GC3PBDY Kentucky-Alleyne Prov. Park ....GC3PBE6 Henry Castilou ...................... GC3PBEG NK & S ................................. GC3PCEK Tunkwa Lake..........................GC1VBVC The Birth of Logan Lake .........GC1V1WP

Logan Lake Pioneers .............GC1VBWP Transvaal Mine ......................GC1TQFD HVC Mine .............................. GC1TXPX Paska Lake .......................... GC1VNQ7 Joseph Burr - Glossie City ...... GC3P97H George Dawson ....................GC3P8N7 Glossy Mountain ...................GC3PCN8 Logan Lake Shovel ................ GC3PCKG Stake Lake Trail...................... GC3P9A8 Mimi Falls ............................ GC3Q6XK Bluebird Trail ..........................GC3P8K4

Eat Nicola Valley Farmers Ma rke

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Sips & Bites When those hunger pangs start rumbling, we’ve got a recipe to conquer your craving.

Whether it’s fast food, farm-to-table, or more eclectic fare you’re yearning for, we can satisfy your hunger at roadside national chains, family-friendly and hip joints in the heart of town, or organic eateries beyond our city limits.

Sip and bite your way through Merritt and the Nicola Valley. All you need to do is bring your appetite.

Homespun Comforts The aroma of coffee lures you in, but it’s the homemade baked goods, hot soups and fresh made sandwiches on the menu at Brambles Bakery that will keep you coming back.

For some down-home goodness, head to the Hitch’N’ Post, a country themed restaurant whose menu features local Douglas Lake Ranch raised beef. You just can’t get more fresh than this! For a cowboy-sized appetite, the Grand Pub & Grill has a varied menu – sure to leave you satisfied. Garden Sushi features exceptional Japanese fare – from sashimi to teriyaki, your hankering for sushi will be well indulged.

Garden Fresh The Nicola Valley Farmers Market held right in the heart of town during the growing season features homegrown delectables, ripe fruits, crisp vegetables and tasty baked goods – you’ll just keep coming back for more. For a unique outdoor dining experience, head to Monkey in the Garden on weekends during the summer. Here you’ll find farm-to-plate dishes leaving you refreshed and ready for the day’s adventures.

Left Field Cider Co. Real apples – real cider – made locally. There’s more to the story behind our valley’s very own cidery. Pop in for a taste during the summer sipping season and hear the rest of the story yourself. Grab your favourite type – Big Dry for a traditional taste, Little Dry for a more mild taste, and jump on the cider bandwagon to taste what all the buzz is about.

www.visitMerritt.ca | 23

Heritage & Culture

Ready to Sink into History?

Have a glimpse into our past and uncover a side of Merritt you might have never known. Whether it’s in the displays of the Nicola Valley Museum and Archives, the sights you’ll see along our heritage walk, or in the remnants of the Interior Salish First Nation found scattered throughout the valley, you’ll find our storied past unfolding all around you.

Nicola Valley Museum and Archives 24 | www.visitMerritt.ca

Heritage & Culture Baillie House built in 19 08, 2250 Voght Street, Me rritt

Nicola Valley Museum and Archives Uncover our past on a self-guided tour of the Nicola Valley Museum and Archives. Open Monday to Saturday in summer and Monday to Friday in winter, it’s where you’ll uncover the origins of Merritt and the Nicola Valley, leaving you yearning for simpler days. Keeping our past alive, Merritt’s proud milling and mining histories are prevalent here, where hand-crafted traditional buckskins, baskets and beads remind you of days gone by. Whether you’re interested in uncovering your family’s roots in the Archives or learning more about our earliest pioneers, there are plenty of ways to reveal our past with a visit to the Museum.

Heritage Walking Tour Strap on your shoes and hit the pavement. The Merritt Heritage Walking Tour introduces you to the stories behind our landmark heritage buildings, weaving tales of intrigue and curiosity as you wander our downtown core. Begin at the Baillie House and feel your heartstrings tug at the tale of a love story gone wrong. Explore the mysteries of the Tutill House where murderous legends are told. Wander through our selection of antique and collectable shops; you never know what treasures you’ll find!

Looking for more old-world architecture? Take a quiet country drive to the historic Quilchena Hotel where vintage hospitality matches the ambiance of a turn-of-the20th-century hotel built by settlers from France, or have a meal or drink at the iconic Coldwater Hotel, a downtown icon established in 1908.

Our First Nations Peoples Long before Merritt was a city, Interior Salish First Nations peoples roamed this great land. You can still find evidence of their nomadic ways at Monck Provincial Park or paddling the windy shores of Nicola Lake, where ancient pictographs depict stories of their wanderings and their connection to the earth.

Get Your Ommmmm on Seek out peace and harmony. Centre yourself. Restore your life’s balance. Get your ommm on a 10-day meditation session at the Dhanna Surabhi Meditation Centre of B.C. is all you’ll need! Secluded on 56 tranquil timbered acres, the Centre is one of 120 centres world-wide teaching the practice of Vipassana meditation. Just breathe and find your balance in this soothing environment while learning about the inter-connection of mind and body.

Nicola Lake, Nicola Valley

www.visitMerritt.ca | 25

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26 | www.visitMerritt.ca

JJ Gillis House Heritage Guest Inn

JJ GILLIS HOUSE B&B 2276 Garcia Street 250.378.9551 www.jjgillishouse.com

Inviting you to enjoy country like no other.

TOURISM NICOLA VALLEY VISIT WWW.TOURISMMERRITT.COM www.visitMerritt.ca | 27

To Lillooet and Cache Creek

8

Soap Lake Ecological Reserve

Pimainus Lake

Knight Lake Chataway Lake

Boat Launch Biking

Surrey Lake

Mamit Lake

Dot Lake

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Merritt & the Nicola Valley

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28 | www.visitMerritt.ca

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250-378-6166 Toll Free 1-877-841-2100

www.movingrealestate.ca

Pennask Lake

Quilchena Falls Trail

Kentucky Alleyne Provincial Park

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Pennask Lake Provincial Park

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1.25 hours 1.25 hours 2.25 hours 3.25 hours

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Whitemans Creek Rd

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www.visitMerritt.ca | 29

The

Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in Merritt, BC

This is Canada's most recent addition to the stage of national attractions! It's a great fit. Merritt and the Nicola Valley are the perfect showcase for the gritty western heritage and traditional ranching culture which was shaped by this unique landscape.

At the Hall of Fame, the best of Canadian country music is celebrated! Learn who the inductees are, their contributions to the genre and how the roots of the country music continue to influence musical styles and move our souls. Canada's rich fabric of country music songwriters and performers have influence far beyond our national borders. While music is a universal language, Canadian country music in particular is a story worth telling and sharing... join us in the discovery!

2025B Quilchena Ave.

Contact: info@ccmhalloffame.com • www.ccmhalloffame.com

30 | www.visitMerritt.ca

Proud to be

Country Unbridled Country isn’t just a type of music around here – it’s who we are.

The Country Music Capital of Canada; you’ll find we’re country strong and western proud. We ranch the range, and you can too at guest ranches where horse-power still rules. Pull some leather at our Pro Rodeo and Professional Bull Riding competitions where broncs ’n’ bucks take centre stage. Come and experience our unbridled country for yourself – here are some of our favourite experiences:

www.visitMerritt.ca | 31

Country Culture

Hungry for more country? Dig into the excitement at our annual Nicola Valley Rodeo

Saddle up and make new friends with a gentle soul.

Catch a glimpe of the cows in all their glory on the ranch

Saddle up Pull up your boots and ride the open range. Lundbom Lake features well-built horse corrals and carefully maintained trails, where you can guide your mount through storybook scenery of cows grazing on grasslands. Canter along the naturally sloping land, winding in and out of Douglas fir and sagebrush buttercups along the Kane Valley Trail.

After a full day’s ride, make camp under the stars at Lundbom Grasslands campsite, where horses are welcome along with the family.

Cowboy Cool Ranching is embedded in this land and that rich history is still alive today. Experience it for yourself at Douglas Lake Ranch, Canada’s largest working cattle ranch 125 years in the making. Make your reservation to stay in an authentic ranch house, fishing cabin or in turn-of-the-century luxury – then watch ranch hands work the cattle or angle in for 32 | www.visitMerritt.ca

unsurpassed fly-fishing – you just can’t get more country than that.

Become a horse whisperer at AP Guest Ranch where you can make some musical memories and join in with the band at the Old West Saloon, taste a nourishing meal prepared with authentic chuck wagon and ranch recipes, and ride the range on a trusted steed. With all of these genuine western experiences – you’ll feel like a wrangler in no time!

Watch us Rope n’ Ride Cowboy up. The Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo may be your first rodeo, but it sure won’t be your last. Experience a family tradition 50 years in the making. Your heart will be thumping in the grandstand just watching the contenders in action. Hold your breath for eight seconds during the saddle bronc, or feel your pulse quicken watching the clock during the team-roping event. Watch rodeo clown Jayson

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Charters, who will have you rolling in the stands with his uniquely wild sense of humour and body defying acts.

Come watch the best riders in the west - and that’s no bull. The Ty Pozzobon Invitational PBR, named after Merritt’s very own professional bull rider, is your chance to watch firsthand as skilled cowboys try to stay locked in the saddle on a jerking, bucking bull; guaranteed to leave you as breathless as the riders.

Country Music Capital of Canada Country music is our featured soundtrack, so turn up the volume; we play all your favourites!

Country crooners have long wandered our streets, and you can too by following our Walk of Stars. Find your favourite country music match - with 100 bronze stars to locate, there’s a legend to be found at almost every corner.

Wander your way past painted murals of famous country troubadours; Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire and more,

ams

then duck into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame where more artists are featured. Roam the halls adorned with bronze plaques and discover inductees such as Michelle Wright and Ian Tyson to uncover why they’re so significant to the genre.

Horse Sense Rustle up a not-so-ordinary family vacation out on the range at AP Guest Ranch. More than 100 years old, the ranch is a great place to gain some horse sense by trail riding, horsemanship lessons, blacksmithing workshops or learning to make your own saddle. Book an extended stay for pack trips or hiking and mountain biking. This is no average day at the water park; this is an old-fashioned vacation your kids will forever dream of.

www.visitMerritt.ca | 33

Winter Activities

Snowmobiling Merritt, Thompson Nicola region

n o i t a r o l p x E d n u o B w o Sn

Crave outdoor adventure? Get your fill in Mother Nature’s playground - a natural escape from your daily grind.

Winter on two Feet Our terrain equips you for winter escapades, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in a mild and snowy winter wonderland. Get your glide on the Kane Valley Trails, home of the Nicola Nordic Ski Club, where you’ll find 50 kilometres (31 miles) of varied tracks to explore. Slide across ski trails, old logging roads and snow-covered grasslands, but don’t forget to stop and take in the views along the way – our winter landscapes are nothing short of inspired. If heading into the trees is more to your liking, trek your way along snow-canvassed paths adjacent to the ski trails – you’ll feel like a pioneer explorer cutting fresh tracks by snowshoe.

Ice Fishing Grab your auger and break the ice on a new fishing hole.

More than 200 lakes nearby make for some pretty robust fishing, even in the dead of winter. Try your luck fishing Rainbow trout at Mamit Lake or head to Chicken Ranch Lake for some of the best brook trout fishing around. Settle in for cool tranquility as you crack the ice, drop your line and wait for your catch, and feel your adrenaline surge with pure icy satisfaction when that fish finally bites.

34 | www.visitMerritt.ca

Snowmobile Power Find solitude in the backcountry or rip and plow through veritable oceans of snow – snowmobiling is the ultimate way to explore the Nicola Valley in winter! Whether you like riding steep and deep, or boondocking through the trees, you’ll find plenty of white powered action out here.

For family-oriented fun, travel the well-groomed trails of Thynne Mountain, weaving in and out of wooded areas, breathing in the scent of the winter forest. Revel in stunning scenery as you sled the Honeymoon trail, one of the most popular runs leading to a log cabin in the woods.

For some local history, head up rugged Stoyoma Mountain and ride to the crash site of a water bomber plane still visible today – you’ll be reminded of nature’s raw power. If you’re an advanced rider – you’ll want to take on Hooshum’s challenging terrain bounding over tracks, side-hilling along curves – the faint of heart need not apply. Still looking for your winter-bound oasis? Join up with the Merritt Snowmobile Club, these locals will show you all the hot (or cold) spots.

Winter Activities Winters are mild around here, but we have more than enough snow-pack to fuel plenty of fun: crosscountry skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and more. Inspired? Then breathe in that revitalizing alpine air and head outside to play!

Merritt Country Christmas Winter wonderland takes on a whole new meaning in Merritt with our annual Country Christmas. Our entire community pulls together to put on an event sure to get you into the yuletide spirit. Country Christmas is one for the senses; the taste of warm baked seasonal delights, the sight of the light-up Santa Clause Parade, the touch of crafters’ delicate treasures, the smell of rich hot cocoa, and the sound of our community choir carolling time-honoured favourites. Join us for the season – you’ll sure be glad you did.

Where Hockey Lives Slap shots, body slams and breakaways are imbedded in the fabric of almost every Canadian community, and Merritt is no exception. The Merritt Centennials, the oldest continuously operating Junior A Hockey League team in the province, will easily remind you why you love this frozen game. Bring the family along to one of their games – you’ll be on your feet and stomping for all three periods.

Merritt has turned out some hockey greats who started with the Merritt Centennials including Eddy Beers, who went on to play for the University of Denver, Calgary, Colo-

View from the Coquihalla Highway 5

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rado Flames and the St. Louis Blues and Grant Mulvey, who played for the Chicago Blackhawks and his brother Paul who played for such teams as the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings.

Need more hockey? Drop by during the Moccasin Hockey Tournament, held in the middle of February every year. Teams from local First Nations communities compete for a $10,000 prize – friendly competition at its finest.

Kane Valley Trails Nicola Nordic Ski Club www.visitMerritt.ca | 35

TURN OFF 18KM FROM MERRIT

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This map is sponsored by #102, 2840 Voght Street, Merritt, B.C.

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36 | www.visitMerritt.ca

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Events

r e h t e g o Rally T

Pacific Forest Rally Celebrations

Nicola Valley Cruisers Show ‘n’ Shine

Family Friendly Events We have no shortage of family-inspired fun. If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind events you can bring the whole gang to, we’ve got you covered in Merritt! Get in on plenty of white-knuckled action at the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo.

Inspire your own future rodeo stars when your youngest watch riders hone their skills at our Little Britches Rodeo.

Or, take in the Ty Pozzobon Invitational PBR (Professional Bull Riders) event. Named for one of our very own bull riding professionals, you’ll discover it’s an adrenaline charged good time!

Pack a picnic and bring the family along for an afternoon of traditional song, dance and game playing – celebrating the unique culture of our First Nations people at our annual Aboriginal Day celebrations in June. Or, get the whole family into the spirit of the season with Merritt Country Christmas – our kick-off weekend to the holiday season.

Events to Rally Around Brains and brawn…our love affair with cars almost knows no bounds. Show off your own pride and joy, share your passion for vintage vehicles, decked-out classic cruisers or heaps of horsepower under the hood – celebrate 20 years of the Nicola Valley Cruisers Show ‘n’ Shine – our signature event for classic car gear heads.

38 | www.visitMerritt.ca

Looking for a more adrenaline fuelled rally? You’ll find all the thrills and spills you’re looking for at the Pacific Forest Rally. Watch the dirt fly as cars of all makes and models skid and steer beneath the pines along closed logging roads. Part of the Pacific Northwest Championship, this race features an eco-challenge and cars so fast, you’ll wonder if you really saw them.

Full Throttle Events We love our horsepower – we believe if we can ride it, we can race it! Get in on the action – channel your inner daredevil and take part in the Bar Bender Classic. Hear the roar of your engines, feel the wind on your face and the crunch of dirt and stones beneath your bike. Navigating expert or amateur courses through the Lower Nicola Valley is part of the Pacific Northwest Motorcycle Association’s 17 races – where testing your mettle is nothing short of a gravel-spraying good time.

Relax by the river, dance to the soundtrack of your youth; watch in wonder as stunt riders defy gravity, or when motorcycle horsepower rides the rodeo; camp out under the stars. Rock, roll and ride to Sturgis Canada Motorcycle Music Festival. Burton Cummings headlines a full lineup of concerts that also include Teenage Head, the Stampeders, Nick Gilder and Sweeny Todd, and more.

Events

Whether you celebrate your inner gear head at events like the Bar Bender Classic or lose yourself in the pure intensity of the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo and Ty Pozzobon Invitational PBR or simply dance the night away to great live entertainment, we’ve got your ticket to a good time.

Sound of Live Music Country may be in our roots, but if you spend any time in Merritt, you’ll soon realize we have an eclectic live entertainment scene. From powwows and Indo-Canadian dance performances at Rotary Park to boot scootin’ bands at the Adelphi and Desert Inn, you can find your own beat to dance to in Merritt.

Integrating the best in electronic music, art, yoga and much more, the Bass Coast Electronic Music Festival, is three days of celebrating the diverse and eclectic cultures around BC, joined together with a sense of harmony and raucous beats.

Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo and Fall Fair The excitement emanating from the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo is infectious. The crowd roars as their favourite rider takes to the arena, the ground literally shaking with thunderous applause. Your mouth will water at the intoxicating aroma of smoking BBQ wafting through the air. Over 50 years in the making, our rodeo creates the perfect storm for wranglers looking for the greatest ride of their lives – keeping you on your feet and cheering ’til the end.

Join in on our Nicola Valley Fall Fair fun. Indulge in some incredible edibles, fawn over locally-raised livestock and our ever popular harvest dance will have you kicking

Ty Pozzobon Invitational PBR

up your heels. Join in the celebrations, a family tradition for over 100 years.

Merritt Country Christmas Herald in the holidays at our Country Christmas celebration. The spirit of the season is alive at our Santa Claus Parade where illuminated floats create a magical rolling fairyland. Capture wide-eyed memories and precious moments with Santa photos, or find handcrafted gifts for family and friends (and maybe a sumptuous treat or two for you!) at our holiday market.

Country Christmas Light Up Parade www.visitMerritt.ca | 39

COUNTRY

CHRISTMAS Thursday, NOV 27 - Sunday, NOV 30, 2014 Kids and adults will be amazed with the bright lights, sounds and sights on this fun- filled weekend. Events Include: Community Concert, Craft Fair, Light Up Parade, Santa's Village, Breakfast with Santa.

Photo Credit: V22 Photography

CONTACT: General Inquiries - Sharon e: tedwards@telus.net | t: 250.378.6158 Craft Fair - Carolyn Thompson (including info and application form) e: mushroomlady@telus.net | t: 250.378.6848 Parade - (including info and application form) e: countrychristmas@merrittchamber.com | t: 250.378.5634

Saturday, Aug. 30 & Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014 Starts at 1 pm

N.V. RODEO ARENA Lindley Creek Road, Merritt, B.C.

LOCAL RODEO EVENTS High School Rodeo - May 9 &10 Little Britches Rodeo - June 14 & 15

www.nicolavalleyprorodeo.com 40 | www.visitMerritt.ca

The 5th Annual

Merritt Country Run takes place in the beautiful Nicola Valley on

Sunday, June 8, 2014

WALK

RUN Plan Ahead June 14, 2015

Saturday, Aug. 30 : Noon - 8:00 PM Sunday, Aug. 31: 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM Venture down to the fall fair building and take in one of our colourful displays! After we’re done clean-up the party begins with our

6th Annual Merritt Country Run

COUNTRY DANCE: 9 PM - 1 AM

P. 250.378.8219 F. 250.378.8291 E. info@merrittcountryrun.ca

www.merrittcountryrun.ca

Lindley Creek Rd (Just passed the Rodeo Grounds) 250-378-7270 • 250-378-9929

The mandate of the program is to: • Nurture provincial leaders of the future • Promote and assist with the expenses of post-secondary education • Forge links of friendship and understanding throughout British Columbia communities

Candidates are judged on: • Promotion of BC program & self • General knowledge of British Columbia (including current events) • Personal Interviews with the judges • Presentation skills • Public speaking The British Columbia Ambassador Program began in 1999; it is an annual event that takes place in Merritt, BC. The program is open to any young man or woman age 16 to 24, who has held an Ambassador/Royal title in British Columbia. The British Columbia Ambassador team representing our youth travels throughout our province, promoting our mandate.

For ticket information please contact: Teresa Dares • t: 250-819-5691 • e: tdares@telus.net www.bcambassador.com

Left to right: Casey Helgason (Kamloops), Camelia Vokey (Penticton), Lauren Sherwood (Osoyoos)

August 15th & 16th, 2014 Check out our website for next years dates. www.visitMerritt.ca | 41

Merritt Heritage

WALKING TOUR 1

2

1. BAILLIE HOUSE 2250 VOGHT ST.

2. GRIMMETT HOUSE 2326 GARCIA ST.

1908

1910

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7. ADELPHI HOTEL 2101 QUILCHENA AVENUE

8. REX THEATER 2037 QUILCHENA AVENUE

1913

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1920’s

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13. MIDDLESBORO HOUSE 1849 QUILCHENA AVE.

14. GORDON HOUSE 1784 GRANITE AVE

15. WARREN HOUSE 1888 GRANITE AVE

1907

1908

1910

21

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21. JACKSON BUILDING 2015 VOGHT STREET

1910

42 | www.visitMerritt.ca

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22. POST OFFICE 2040 VOGHT STREET

1940

16. ST. MICHAEL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH 1990 CHAPMAN STREET 24

23. HOSP. AUX. THRIFT SHOP 1803 VOGHT STREET

1926

24. YUEN ON LUNG STORE 1798 VOGHT STREET

1928

UR

A love story gone wrong. A doctor’s wife who died under mysterious circumstances. A stopping place for early travellers. The home of a Grand Master of the Masonic Order. Love, mystery and intrigue helped shape our heritage district and you can take it all in on a self-directed Heritage Walking Tour uncovering our storied past.

Follow the signs to our visitor information booth at the Baillie House and pick up your guide. The Baillie House is also stop one along the tour. Choose to linger here for a while to experience some great activities; inscribe a letter on an old-fashioned typewriter, listen to a spine-tingling ghost story, or rest in the garden and sip coffee or lemonade in the shade of a lofty tree. Then hit the streets, walking in the footsteps of our history and the remaining 27 historical sites. You’ll see Merritt in a whole new light as you observe the architecture of the city’s yesterday and the narrative they created.

Explore the historic past of Merritt

3

4

3. J.J. GILLIS HOUSE 2276 GARCIA ST.

1920’s

9

5

4. DR. AUSTIN GILLIS HOUSE 2101 NICOLA AVE.

9. ARMSTRONG DEPARTMENT STORE 2025 QUILCHENA AVENUE 17

12

11. TRINITY UNITED CHURCH 1899 QUILCHENA AVENUE

12. UNITED CHURCH MANSE 1887 QUILCHENA AVENUE

1910

1910

1921

19

18. HYLAND HALL 1776 NICOLA AVE

1914

20

19. GABARA HOUSE 1740 NICOLA AVE.

1907

26

1910

1909

10. COLDWATER HOTEL 1999 QUILCHENA AVENUE

17. MERRITT COURT HOUSE 1840 NICOLA AVENUE

25. MCGORAN HOUSE 1502 RIVER STREET

6. METHODIST CHURCH 2113 GRANITE AVENUE

1909

11

18

25

5. GRAND HOTEL 2099 GARCIA STREET

1920

10

6

1906

27

26. MERRITT DRILL HALL / ELKS HALL 1702 COLDWATER AVE

1915

20. TUTILL HOUSE 1937 NICOLA AVENUE

1910

28

27. EASTWOOD HOUSE 1402 COLDWATER AVE.

1917

28. COLLETT RANCH HOUSE 1415 COLLETT STREET

1916

www.visitMerritt.ca | 43

Explore

DOWNTOWN Shopping & Murals

to Hwy #5 to Hwy #5A

to Hwy #8

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A to Hwy #5 to Hwy #97C

NICOLA A

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DOWNTOWN MERRITT WALK OF STARS MURAL LOCATIONS CHRIS CUMMINGS .................2185 VOGHT ST. ADAM GREGORY ................... 2185 VOGHT ST. RONNIE PROPHET ................. 2185 VOGHT ST. KENNY HESS .........................2190 VOGHT ST. THE MAVERICKS ....................2051 VOGHT ST. JOANNE ALLEN .....................2040 VOGHT ST. LACE..................................... 2001 VOGHT ST. BLACKHAWK .........................2001 VOGHT ST. GIL GRAND ...........................1959 VOGHT ST. GLEN CAMPBELL ....................1976 VOGHT ST. DIXIE CHICKS ........................1901 VOGHT ST. JOHN BERRY .........................1998 VOGHT ST. ALAN JACKSON .....................1701 VOGHT ST. TRACY LAWRENCE ..............2025 COUTLEE AVE. TRISHA YEARWOOD ..............2025 COUTLEE AVE. TRAVIS TRITT ......................2025 COUTLEE AVE. LEE ROY PARNELL .................2025 COUTLEE AVE. RANDY TRAVIS ...................2025 COUTLEE AVE. LISA BROKOP .....................2076 COUTLEE AVE. JASON MCCOY....................2076 COUTLEE AVE. AARON TIPPIN ........................1700 GARCIA ST. JO DEE MESSINA .....................1700 GARCIA ST. MARTINA MCBRIDE .................1700 GARCIA ST.

44 | www.visitMerritt.ca

DEANA CARTER .....................1700 GARCIA ST. ROY CLARK ..........................1700 GARCIA ST. MARK CHESNUT ................1802 CHARTERS ST. CAROLYN DAWN JOHNSON ...1800 GARCIA ST. LACY J DALTON.....................1951 GARCIA ST. TRACY PRESCOTT ..................1950 GARCIA ST. LORETTA LYNN ......................1950 GARCIA ST. THE STAMPEDERS .................2059 GARCIA ST. LEANN RIMES .......................2099 GARCIA ST. LONESTAR ............................2099 GARCIA ST. JOHNNY PAYCHECK .............1926 QUILCHENA MERLE HAGGARD ................1940 QUILCHENA PATRICIA CONROY ...............1975 QUILCHENA BELLAMY BROTHERS ...........2001 QUILCHENA DAVID LEE MURPHY ............2001 QUILCHENA RICK TIPPE.......................A-2025 QUILCHENA NEAL MCCOY .......................2025 QUILCHENA KEITH URBAN .....................2037 QUILCHENA DR. HOOK ..........................2032 QUILCHENA AARON PRICHETT ................2052 QUILCHENA BRAD JOHNER ....................2058 QUILCHENA JOHN LANDRY ....................2058 QUILCHENA THE GOOD BROTHERS .........2063 QUILCHENA DUANE STEELE ....................2067 QUILCHENA

TANYA TUCKER & GEORGE JONES 1976 VOGHT ST.

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BRYAN WHITE .....................2070 QUILCHENA MARTY STUART....................2088 QUILCHENA TOBY KEITH ........................2088 QUILCHENA DERIC RUTTAN ....................2099 QUILCHENA BROOKS & DUNN ................2099 QUILCHENA PAUL BRANDT .....................2090 QUILCHENA BILLY RAY CYRUS ................2101 QUILCHENA DOC WALKER ....................2137C QUILCHENA WYNONNA JUDD ................2144 QUILCHENA KENNY RODGERS ................2149 QUILCHENA JAMIE WARREN .................2152A QUILCHENA MICHELLE WRIGHT ..............2177 QUILCHENA CLINT BLACK ....................2090 GRANITE AVE. TIM RUSHLOW .................2090 GRANITE AVE. JULIAN AUSTIN ................2076 GRANITE AVE. IAN TYSON .....................2026B GRANITE AVE. RONNIE PROPHET ..............2038 NICOLA AVE. DWIGHT YOAKUM ...............2049 NICOLA AVE NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND ...2099 NICOLA AVE. JO DEE MESSINA ................2697 NICOLA AVE. IVONNE HERNANDEZ ................ROTARY PARK PAM TILLIS ............................3643 VOGHT ST. THE WILKINSONS .........2761 FORKSDALE AVE. JOHNNY CASH ...................3999 AIRPORT RD.

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PAUL BRANDT, GEORGE CANYON, AARON PRITCHETT 2025 COUTLEE AVE.

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ALAN JACKSON 1701 VOGHT ST.

MERRITT, BC E

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Merritt Drycleaning & Coin Laundry AIRCONDITIONED FACILITY. AMPLE ROOM FOR RV PARKING HOURS MON - SAT : 8:30 AM - 5 PM SUNDAY: 9:30 AM - 4 PM

MICHELLE WRIGHT, CAROLYN DAWN JOHNSON, LISA BROKOP 1701 VOGHT ST.

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TIM MCGRAW 2151 COUTLEE AVE.

JOHNNY PAYCHECK - WALK OF STARS

1926 QUILCHENA AVE. 250-378-2676

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Home Hardware SEE US FOR ALL YOUR CAMPING NEEDS, GIFTWARE AND SEASONAL ITEMS. HOURS MON - FRI : 8 AM - 5:30 PM SATURDAY: 8 AM - 5 PM SUNDAY: 10 AM - 3 PM

CANADIAN HISTORICAL MURALS SCENES 2025 COUTLEE AVE.

LONESTAR 2099 GARCIA ST.

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ALAN JACKSON - WALK OF STARS

1701 VOGHT ST.

3

250-378-4215

Vision Quest Optical & Gifts AUTHENTIC NATIVE ART GALLERY CONTACTS, GLASSES & SUNGLASSES DAVID LEE MURPHY - WALK OF STARS

MARTINA MCBRIDE, REBA MCENTIRE, CARRIE UNDERWOOD & RANDY TRAVIS 2101 QUILCHENA AVE.

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WINDS OF TIME - MUSEUM 1675 TUTILL COURT

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BELLAMY BROTHERS - WALK OF STARS

2001 QUILCHENA AVE. 250-378-2022

This map is sponsored by #102, 2840 Voght Street, Merritt, B.C.

JOHNNY REID 2002 QUILCHENA AVE.

GRETCHEN WILSON & ELVIS 2350 VOGHT ST.

250-378-6166 Toll Free MOVING REAL ESTATE BC LTD. 1-877-841-2100 www.movingrealestate.ca

www.visitMerritt.ca | 45

Now serving MERRITT with 2 Locations!

Where friends meet to eat

BABY BACK RIB FRIDAYS! Check us out on Merritt Herald’s Restaurant Guide page for weekly events and specials!

First Location

OPEN DAILY! 7am - 10pm

daily

2190A Voght St., Merritt

SOUP & SANDWICH

250-378-3646

specials

Second Location

OPEN DAILY! 7am - 10pm

Find us on Facebook MONDAY - SATURDAY: 7 am-7 pm SUNDAY: Closed 2101 Quilchena Ave., Merritt 250-378-0331 3623 DeWolf Way, Merritt

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City of Merritt

www.city.merritt.bc.ca

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N D R LO U CR. NTAI IL MOU C AS T R. EASTWOOD RO C MU N VE S GILLIS CR. GREA AVE. PARKER DR .

2760 Forksdale Rd., Merritt, BC 250-378-1841 46 | www.visitMerritt.caTourist Information Centre

NICHOLSON AVE.

BEL

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BREMNER AVE.

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Earn points towards dollars off your grocery bill

TRAVEL CENTRE & TRUCK STOP WA LT

TO MONCK PARK, NICOLA LAKE, QUILCHENA, DOUGLAS LAKE AND KAMLOOPS. HWY #5A TO KAMLOOPS 95 km

C RA WF

Prepaid Cell Phones Express/Long distance calling card

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G T S. GRANDVIEW H

CHARTERS ST.

What’s in store for you?

HWY #5 TO KAMLOOPS 87 km

FAL C

Gas Bar - Fuel up & earn FREE groceries!

Ministry Of Forests Ministry Of Transportation & Highways City Works Yard & Pound Government Offices Coquihalla Centre Mall Pineridge Cemetery

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Senior Citizen’s Recreation Ctr. & Museum Archives Lawn Bowling Green Claybanks Park Rodeo Grounds, Fall Fair Complex Viewpoint Mall Skateboard Park Bike Park Fire Hall Collettville Park Fairley Park Legacy Square Youth Centre Railyard Mall Gillis House Chamber Of Commerce

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21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

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Nicola Valley Health Centre RCMP Station Airport Bus Depot (in truck stop) City Hall Post Office Civic Centre Bench Tennis Courts & Park Central Park & Kiwanis Play Area Golf Course Central Park Tennis Courts Rotary Park N’Kwala Park Lions Park Curling Rink Nicola Valley Memorial Arena Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre Public Library Recycling Depot Voght Park

GR IM

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

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Numerical Guide to Merritt’s Facilities

• FREE Wi-Fi • Propane • Television • Showers • Restaurant • Convenience Store • Auto Parts & Accessories Store • Retail Diesel & Gasoline 37 School District #58 Office • Greyhound Bus Depot 38 Baillie House - Tourist Info

AV E

STORE HOURS 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM 7 Days a week DRUGStore™ Pharmacy Hours Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

250-315-0208

SPRINGBANK AVE.

HWY #97C TO KELOWNA 115KM HWY #5 TO VANCOUVER 250KM Nicola River

ALPH A DESIGN ALPHA SHOP:

• Welding & Steel Fabricating • Machining • Sandblasting & Painting • Steel & Aluminum Products

FRANK’S MECHANICAL SERVICE OLD OR NEW WE HAVE THE EXPEREINCE TO REPAIR THEM ALL • Tune Ups • Brakes • Exhaust • Suspension • Lube/Oil

PARTS:

•Radiator Service • Shocks & Struts • Air Conditioning Service

• Power Transmission • Industrial Supplies • Hydraulic Hoses • Safety Products

CRANE SERVICE:

• 70 Ton All Terrain • 28 Ton Rough Terrain • 26 Ton Boom Truck

“If you can dream it, we can build it!”

Safety • Hydraulic • Parts & more!

ALPHA

SHOP: 250-378-5395 • 2795 Pooley Avenue PARTS: 250-378-3765 • 1101 McFarlane Way www.alpha-weld.com TOLL FREE: 1-866-378-5395 DESIGN

2026 Mamette Avenue

Nicola Valley Radiator

Free Estimates

Mesabi radiator authorized repair facility & sales. Air conditioning mobile unit.

250-378-1322

Big or small we fix them all!

Shuttle Service

• Logging, mining trucks & automotive • Air conditioning & coolant flushing • Full service & repair of air conditioning units • Recore radiators • Repair radiators • Custom built radiators • Heater cores: new and recore • Flushing (power)

NO DISTANCE TOO FAR, TO SERVE YOUR NEEDS!

No heat?

Try Flushing BEFORE REPLACING

2775 Marian Avenue, Merritt, B.C.

250-378-1366 www.visitMerritt.ca | 47

Register today!

WWW.NVIT.CA

Home

hardware

building centre LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

More than a hardware store!

A GREAT SELECTION OF: • Home Decor • Unique Giftware • Camping Supplies • Seasonal • Building Materials

With campuses in Merritt and Vancouver and over 300 courses available, come and experience what makes NVIT a great place to grow.

NICOLA VALLEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY MERRITT CAMPUS 250.378.3300 VANCOUVER CAMPUS 604.602.9555 TOLL FREE 1.877.682.3300 WWW.NVIT.CA

BEAVER HOMES & COTTAGES

BIG CITY SELECTION SMALL TOWN SERVICE THE HOME OF ABORIGINAL PUBLIC POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION IN BC

1701 Voght Street, Merritt, B.C. www.merritthomehardware.ca (250) 378-4215

Welcome to Merritt and the Nicola Valley Your MP Available to You

Dan Albas, MP Working Hard for Okanagan-Coquihalla Westbank Location: Hwy 97 Plaza #10-2483 Main Street Westbank,B.C. V4T 2E8 48 | www.visitMerritt.ca

Toll Free: 1-800-665-8711 www.danalbas.com

Event Calendar We’re more than just beautiful scenery and fantastic outdoor activities – we know how to get down and put on one heck of a party.

January

Mamit Lake Ice Fishing Derby

February Moccasin Hockey Tournament

July

Live Music & Entertainment at Spirit Square & Rotary Park Nicola Valley Cruisers Show ’n’ Shine

August

Merritt Secondary School Rodeo Ty Pozzobon Invitational PBR

Bass Coast Music Festival Sturgis Canada Motorcycle Music Festival Nicola Valley Fall Fair Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo BC Ambassadors

June

October

May

Little Britches Rodeo Merritt Country Run Aboriginal Day Celebrations Bar Bender Classic Father’s Day Fishing Derby

Pacific Forest Car Rally

November Country Christmas

www.visitMerritt.ca | 49

Business Directory Accommodations Guichon Ranch Bed Bale & Breakfast

1 - 8535 Kamloops-Merritt Highway (5A) 778.257.0033 tootkin@hotmail.com www.guichonranchbb.ca

Escape

to the great outdoors

Tranquility, Charm & World Class Fly

Fishing will keep you coming back • Rustic Cabins • Fine Dining • Group Retreats, Weddings, Conferences • Family Reunions 12 km south-east of Merritt on the Connector 5A • Natural Walking Trails

FOR RESERVATIONS & FURTHER INFORMATION CALL (250) 378-4334

Museum Summer Hours: Winter Hours: 10 am - 3 pm Mon. 10 am - 3 pm Mon., Tues., Fri. 9 am - 5 pm Tues. - Sat. 10 am - 4 pm Wed., Thurs.

Closed Sunday Closed Saturday, Sunday

Come And Visit Nicola Valley Museum & Archives 1675 Tutil Court • Ph: (250) 378-4145 www.nicolavalleymuseum.org

Restaurants

5A DINER Restaurant

BEST BURGERS IN TOWN! Huge portions! Great Prices!

Daily Specials!

80 seats (beautiful open surrounding)

3999 Airport Road, Merritt, BC at the Wagon West Travel Plaza

250 - 378 - 2100

Have a sit down dinner, take-out order or have it delivered.

Canada Cafe Canadian & Chinese Restaurant

2055 Quilchena Ave., Merritt, BC

Shopping

50 | www.visitMerritt.ca

Lunch Buffet: Monday to Friday: Noon - 2 pm Dinner Buffet: Friday & Saturday: 5 pm - 8 pm Closed: Statutory Holidays

Business Hours Mon. to Fri.: 11 am - 8 pm Saturday: Noon - 8 pm Sunday: 4 pm - 8 pm

250-378-5551

Plan on staying awhile in Merritt? Come on over, there’s a pillow waiting for you. From eclectic family-run motels and inns just off the highway and in our downtown core to charmed and character-infused turn-of-the-20th-century historic country inns or a teepee by the river, we’ll make you feel at home.

ALL SEASONS MOTEL

• Air Conditioned • Affordable Rates • Smoking or Non-Smoking • Cable TV & FREE Movies • Daily, Weekly or Monthly Rates • Special Rates for Truckers!

2652 Nicola Ave. Merritt BC • Phone: 250-378-2352

• 1 & 2 Bedroom Suites • Kitchenettes • 24 HR Service •10% Seniors’ Discounts • 10% Discount to BCAA/CAA/AAA Members 2276 Nicola Rd. Merritt, BC www.coppervalleymotel.net | coppervalley@hotmail.ca Phone: 250-378-9214

• TOLL FREE 1-866-378-9214

• Located next to the arena, curling rink, aquatic centre and convention centre • One or two bedroom suites including kitchenettes and living room.

• Corporate rates • Conference room • Voice mail and wireless internet RESERVATIONS: 1-888-828-8828 2201 Voght St., Box 878 Merritt, B.C. V1K 1B8 •

Front Desk: 250-378-4291 Fax: 250-378-8819

INTOWN

Inn Suites

• 14 Comfortable Units • Low Rates Guaranteed • Movie Channels & Wireless Internet • Lots of Parking TOLL FREE 1-877-378-6899 • Close to Downtown 2677 Nicola Ave. Merritt, BC

• New Double & Queen Sized Beds • 1 Bdrm Suites • Kitchenettes • Complimentary Coffee & tea • Flat Screen TV’s •Pet Friendly • Cable TV & Movie Channels •Wireless Internet

RANCHLAND VILLA MOTEL

2379 Nicola Ave. Merritt, BC • ranchlandvilla@uniserve.com • 33 Deluxe Units Including 18 Kitchen Units • FREE Wireless Internet • Cable TV • Laundry Facilities • Air Conditioned Rooms •Smoking & Non-smoking Rooms • Free Local Calls •All rooms include: fridges, microwaves, coffee & tea TOLL FREE 1-800-663-6868 • 3463 Voght St. Merritt, BC • sportsmanmotel@yahoo.ca

ROAD RUNNER

Motel

take exit 286

2799 Nicola Avenue, Merritt, BC

Good Deal, Low Rates • In room coffee • WiFi Your home • Free long distance calling (US/Canada) away from home • Air conditioning • Movie & Sports channels

Ph: 250-378-4201 www.visitMerritt.ca | 51

Country road near Stump Lake

Travel essentials With a semi-arid desert in the east, the lush Lower Mainland and coast to the west, and mountains and lakes all around, there are plenty of ways to approach Merritt and the Nicola Valley.

Quilchena, Nicola Valley

Getting Here Merritt and the Nicola Valley are in the southern Interior in B.C.’s ThompsonOkanagan Region. Conveniently located to most major BC urban centres, Merritt is accessible by via the Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) and is truly the gateway to B.C.’s beautiful Interior. Highway access routes also include Highway 8, 97C, and the scenic 5A. Travel to Merritt and the Nicola Valley is accessible via car, RV or Greyhound Bus. The closest airports are located in Kamloops, 87 km (54 mi) north, Kelowna’s International Airport 132 km (82 mi) east, in Abbotsford 206 km (128 mi) west, or Vancouver International Airport 278 km (168 mi) west.

Visitor Information Visitors can expect the personal touch at the Baillie House. It is centrally located in downtown Merritt in one of our heritage buildings, 2250 Voght Street. Come on by for maps and directions, a spot of tea and homemade cookies or some history We’re ready to help you head off in the right direction. From May to September hours are 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., 7 days per week; from October to April 10:00 a.m.

– 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. You can contact the Baillie House by phone 250-378-0349 or email info@bailliehouse.com.

The provincial Visitor Centre at Merritt is located conveniently at the Junction of Coquihalla Highway (Highways 5) and Highway 97C (exit 286). Stop in for maps and brochures, driving directions or road conditions for the rest of your journey.

Open daily except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Boating Safety With over 200 lakes in the region, we’re sure that you’re itchin’ to hop in a boat and get fishing. British Columbia hosts a few boating restrictions that you should know before you go.

A Pleasure Craft Operator Card boating licence (PCOC) is required if you are planning to operate a motorized boat. You can obtain your card by passing the Transport Canada Accredited exam online at: www.boatsmartexam.com.

Fishing licences are required and can be purchased on-line at http://www. servicebc.gov.bc.ca/locations/, or you can visit http://www.fishing.gov.bc.ca/ Fishing BC for more information.

52 | www.visitMerritt.ca

Driving Distances Kilometres Vancouver 278 Edmonton 887 Calgary 707 Kamloops 87 Kelowna 132 Banff 579 Jasper 526 Seattle 390

Miles 168 552 440 54 82 360 327 242

Nicola Lake, near Merritt BC

Weather Our summers are hot and dry with average temperatures of 26° C/ 80° F and our winters are mild and snowy with average temperatures of -1° C/ 30° F. For current weather conditions, visit Environment Canada: http://weather.gc.ca/city/ pages/bc-49_metric_e.html.

Pennask Lake Road, Nicola Valley

Municipal

Campground call for more info: 1-800-331-6495

www.visitloganlake.com www.visitMerritt.ca | 53

Discover Merritt in the heart of the Nicola Valley, where you will be welcomed by the friendly country hospitality of our local people. Search our downtown streets for country music legends, explore our heritage walk – you’ll be climbing into the past and uncovering the legends that created our city. Join us for our rodeos, fall fair and special Country Christmas events. Get active and bond with your family at the BMX or skate parks, or check out the Merritt Centennials – B.C.’s oldest Junior A hockey team – they’re a sight to cheer on when they take to the ice.

Make time in your travels to explore Merritt – there’s more going on than you think!

Downtown Heritage

Comb the downtown core of Merritt and discover the footprint of our eclectic community. With a heritage steeped in forestry, today you can explore our roots on a Heritage Walking Tour featuring 28 vintage buildings that speak of a bygone era.

Find yourself wandering among country music legends.

Colourful murals of famed songsters and the Walk of Stars pay tribute to our love of country music or visit the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. And if you chance upon Spirit Square stop for a spell – taking in the sounds of music in summer, or heart-warming carols in winter.

Bring the Past to Life

Get a firsthand look at our First Nations, ranching and mining histories at the Nicola Valley Museum and Archives where escaping into the past is as easy as stepping through the door. Or pop into Baillie House, the first stop on the Heritage Walking Tour and the place to get information about our area. Here, you can enjoy a complementary tour of the building (complete with a chilling ghost story or two), try on the stylish hats and gloves of yesteryear, or enjoy the gardens, a great picnic location when hunger strikes before exploring the possibilities of your Merritt visit – we’ll make you feel right at home!

get to know merritt Immerse yourself in our local pastimes – there’s plenty to keep you busy no matter the season.

Spirit Square

54 | www.visitMerritt.ca 54 | www.visitMerritt.ca

Downtown

Tim McGraw plaque on the Walk of Stars

Merritt Centennials

City of Merritt

Golf and Country Club

Family Fuelled Adventure

Remember a time when family fun meant getting outdoors? In Merritt, it still does! Unplug and reconnect with your brood on a family hike along the Tom Lacey Legacy Trail. Take the whole family on a geocaching adventure – learn something new while searching for hidden treasures right in town – pure family infotainment. Want to feel like a kid again yourself? Throw caution to the wind and head to the Rotary Skateboard Park or to the BMX Bike Park where mastering tricks and stunts will give you a palpitating good time.

Local Events

MERRITT CIVIC CENTRE Merritt is brimming with all kinds of events. Watch for activities at the Merritt Civic Centre; from kids’ club, fitness and educational programs to special movie presentations, you’ll find your next great hobby here.

OUTDOOR VENUES Get your groove on with great live entertainment at Spirit Square and Rotary Park. The docket includes Merritt’s diverse cultural groups, local musicians, holiday festivities and more. Stop on by, you never know what’s happening!

COUNTRY CHRISTMAS Come home for the holidays at our Country Christmas celebrations. Gaze in wonder at the illuminated parade – one of the largest in North America. Bask in the familiar sounds of choirs carolling, indulge in tantalizing seasonal treats, and make memories last with photo ops with Santa.

RODEO FUN Fast-paced rodeo events are held throughout the spring

and fall. The Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo features more bucking and roping than you can handle, with professional athletes, entertaining rodeo clowns and more. Born and raised right in Merritt, Ty Pozzobon is ranked as one of the top professional bull riders in the world. Ty has created his very own event, the Ty Pozzobon PBR Invitational, to bring the best bull riders on earth to our community – what a celebration!

A Sporting Good Time

What’s your game? You name it, we play it here; the tradition of lacrosse, the smooth moves of curling, or the bumps and dives of volleyball, not to mention being home to one of B.C.’s oldest hockey teams. Combine those with our recreation facilities and you’ve got the makings of some good clean family fun.

Unwind at the Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre and refine your stroke in a six lane, 25-metre pool. Float down the lazy river, or take in some tot-sized fun – spending time with the family is what it’s all about in Merritt.

If you’re looking for a little “me” Pro bull riding time, perfect your swing at the Merritt Golf & Country Club, where nine holes of greens and bunkers will challenge your inner Tiger Woods.

What’s the best game you can name? The good old hockey game! Our Merritt Centennials are the oldest continuously operating Junior A Hockey franchise in the province.

Create hockey fans for life and bring the family to cheer on our team at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena as soon as the puck drops, or come by during the Moccasin Hockey Tournament where teams from local First Nations communities compete for a $10,000 purse. www.visitMerritt.ca | 55 www.visitMerritt.ca | 55

Got the urge to expand your horizons?

Roam Free Roam free at a crossroad of time and place, where old west meets new country, and where breathtaking scenery and long-established traditions are honoured everyday – you’ve found yourself in Merritt.

Drop by the Baillie House to start your Merritt adventure, we’ll help uncover the local insights to discovering Merritt your way.

Baillie House Visitor Information 2250 Voght Street, 250-378-0349 info@bailliehouse.com

Discover Merritt Country!

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