For approximately 5000 years the First Nations people have lived in the Nicola Valley. About 300 years ago Athapaskan Natives came into the valley. It is said the band was divided into the Thompson and Okanagan groups, which live here today.
You will find the historic Nicola town site 7 km northeast of Merritt, at the foot of Nicola Lake. Once one of the most important settlements in the area with a population of close to 1,000 in the 1860's, it housed the first Post Office and government offices. With the discovery of coal and the routing of the railway south of Nicola, people and businesses began to move to Merritt.
In 1919 Charles Sydney “Major” Goldman from South Africa started the Nicola Stock Farm, and purchased the Nicola town site. It has changed ownership over the years and has become one of the largest ranches in B.C., with approximately 300,000 acres of deeded and government leased land. Black Angus and Wagyu (Kobe Style Beef) cattle, fallow deer and sheep are raised on the Ranch. On their 2000 irrigated acres of farmland, hay and other crops are harvested.
In 1989 the current owner purchased Nicola Ranch and began renovating the Nicola town site. Visitors are welcome to walk around the town site and enjoy the many original buildings that are still intact, including the Harness Maker's House built in the 1890's, the Banker’s House built in 1906, and the Courthouse built in 1913 with the same plans as the Merritt Courthouse. Bring your camera and enjoy a memorable walk back in time. Each building has been renovated to include modern conveniences, and can even be booked for an overnight stay. What better place for your next family reunion!
Don't miss Murray Church, one of the oldest churches in the B.C. Interior and the oldest in the Nicola Valley. Built in 1876, it was the first church built in Nicola Valley and took six years to complete. It is named in honour of its founder, Reverend George Murray. Being the only Presbyterian minister in the Interior, Murray also ministered in areas as far away as Yale, Clinton, Ashcroft and Lillooet, with periodic visits to Quesnel. His area exceeded 600 miles, covered entirely on horseback, with his Bible under his arm. The church still maintains its beauty with the original pews, organ and pulpit still intact.
Other points of interest include the farm equipment display, blacksmith shop; and the domestic animal exhibit is always a thrill for children. Browse through the many treasures at the Country Gift Shop with unique jewellery, cowboy hats, clothing, souvenirs and collectables.
Outdoor activities include trout fishing in the Nicola River, or hiking or biking in the hills on the Ranch.
For the Bird Watchers many species of birds reside in Nicola, such as ospreys, eagles and hawks. During the fall you will see ducks and geese in the fields.
Population: 40
Elevation: 660m
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