 
| Merritt |
Merritt is a growing city, rich in history, recreational activities and home of the Merritt Mountain Music Festival.
Merritt's history dates back to the 1880's when three ranches owned by William Voght, Jesus Garcia and John Charters came together on the Nicola and Coldwater Rivers to form a community known as Forksdale. In 1885 coal was discovered south of "The Fork". Coal mines were started and coal was shipped out by horse until the CPR track was extended to Forksdale in 1906-1907. At around the same time the name of Forksdale was changed to Merritt in honor of William Hamilton Merritt, a mining engineer and railway promoter. As the people of Nicola Valley moved closer to the railway many new businesses developed and the main industries included ranching, mining and forestry. In 1911 Merritt was incorporated as a city and in 1913 was provided its first electrical power service.
Today ranching and forestry continue to be key parts of local economy, which has grown to include tourism. With the completion of the Coquihalla Highway, Merritt is now easily accessible by many interior highways. A major tourist attraction is the Merritt Mountain Music Festival that is held each summer and draws huge crowds to the open air concert. Merritt has since become the Country Music Capital of Canada, and murals of the country stars can be seen throughout the downtown area and along the Walk of Stars. For brochures, maps and many other interesting tourism information, visit the historic Baillie House Property at 2202 Voght Street, across from City Hall. This beautiful and historically rich site now serves as the Information Booth for the Merritt region. Well worth a visit..
Other events in the Nicola Valley include the Pro Rodeo and Fall Fair, which are held on Labour Day weekend in early September.
Recreational opportunities abound, with over 200 lakes offering camping and great fishing year round. Other activities include walking, biking and hiking trails, as well as horseback riding. There is a golf course in Merritt as well as Quilchena, and a driving range just 10 minutes away on HWY 8. The skate park on Voght St. is a challenge for any boarder or biker, or relax with a picnic in Rotary Park.
Stop by the Courthouse Art Gallery and view the works of local artists that are on display or take the Heritage Walk and view the many historic buildings around town.
Whatever you choose to do, you're sure to enjoy your stay in Merritt.
Population: 8000+
Elevation: 595 m
Amenities include:
- Accommodations
- Camping
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants
- Service Stations
- Community Park
- Shopping
- Info Centre
- Museum
- Hospital
- Aquatic Centre
Download the Map of Merritt (PDF File, Size 289 KB)
 Click here to download Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader
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