:  British Columbia  :  Merritt

Merritt Merritt and the Nicola Valley exposes the traveller to the soft, wind-stirred beauty of thriving ranchlands. The valley offers sharp contrasts; from green fields or sagebrush-studded hillsides to rich marshes teeming with birds. This area was first settled by ranchers who recognized the potential for a productive cattle industry; the area contains the Douglas Lake Cattle Ranch, one of the largest working cattle ranches in North America. Merritt replaced Nicola to become the central service community in the area to serve the local coal mines and area ranches. Merritt is also at the junction of four major highways serving the High Country area. The entire area is rich in displays of its ranching heritage but also provides a number of opportunities to outdoor enthusiasts; Merritt is specially famous for its fishing lakes. Access: Merritt is easily accessed from the south via the Coquihalla Highway or by turning east of Highway 1 at Spences Bridge. From the north, it is 87km (52 mi.) south of Kamloops on the Coquihalla Highway. From either direction you pass through vast differences in scenery; from towering, craggy mountain peaks, heavily forested hillsides to rolling, grassy or desert like areas. A haven for the avid photographer or sightseer. Population: 6,253. Elevation: 595 meters (1,950 ft.) Main Industries: forestry; mining; ranching. Recreation Facilities & Activities: Fishing; working guest ranches; Merritt golf course; wildlife watching. Local Attractions: Historic courthouse (in Nicola); Douglas Lake Ranch (one of the largest working cattle ranches in North America); craft stores; Merritt rodeo; Merritt Mountain Music Festival (July); Quintette Tunnels (carved from rock for the railway); Harmon Lake Demonstration Forest; Nicola Valley Archives Heritage Museum; Spius Creek Fish Hatchery; Valley Copper and Lornex Mine tours

Accommodations

Best Western Nicola Inn
4025 Walters Street
Merritt, BC V0K 2B0
Nightly Rates: ( 102.81 - 112.24 )
3 Star
The Best Western Nicola Inn is conveniently located in Merritt, a ranching community three hours from Vancouver, British Columbia. In Merritt, a quiet drive through the country on a warm autumn day takes you to breathtaking places. A photographer's

Super 8 Motel Merritt
3561 Voght Stret
Merritt, BC V1K 1C5
Nightly Rates: ( 72.09 - 81.71 )
1 Star
Welcome to the Super 8 Motel in Merritt, BC. We are conveniently located off Highway 5 near restaurants, shopping and area attractions. The Super 8 in Merritt is home to the Merritt Mountain Festival. All rooms offer Free High Speed Wireless Interne

Knights Inn Merritt
2702 Nicola Ave
Merritt, BC V1K 1B3
Nightly Rates: ( 57.41 - 71.77 )
1 Star
1 and 2 Bed Room Suites with Living Room and Full Kitchen. One level access. Park your vehicle in front of your room. Close to Highway, Downtown, and Restaurants. Business district, Downtown, Expressway

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites
2201 Voght Street
Merritt, BC V1K 1B8
Nightly Rates: ( 86.51 - 120.15 )
1 Star
Located in downtown Merritt next to Arena, Curling Rink, Aquatic Centre and Convention Centre. Walking distance to shops and restaurants and pub. Bridal suite with Jacuzzi and fireplace. One or two bedroom suites including kitchenettes and living roo

Ramada Limited - Merritt
3571 Voght Street
Merritt, BC V1K1C5
Nightly Rates: ( 84.44 - 108.89 )
2 Star
Ramada Limited Merritt hotel is located in the heart of BC's interior and can be found at Exit 290 on the Coquihalla Highway. This hotel in Merritt is close to the Merritt Mountain Music Festival, Nicola Lake and Douglas Lake. The Merritt area is l

Merritt Travelodge
3581 Voght St.
Merritt, BC V0H 2B0
Nightly Rates: ( 78.13 - 156.26 )
2 Star
You can find us just off the Coquihalla Highway, exit 290. We have 34 brand new and very comfortable rooms which all come with direct telephone service, full cable with movie channel (including remote control), and in room coffee and tea. After a l