“Country Music Capital of Canada”
(photo) ©Michelle Loughery Murals
Nestled in the serene Nicola Valley, Merritt is a vibrant city with a rich history. Music is at the heart of this Gold Country community, home of the Merritt Mountain Music Festival. Visit Merritt in 2011 as the city celebrates its centennial in style.
History
In the 1880's, three ranches on the Nicola and Coldwater Rivers joined to form a community known as Forksdale. In 1885 coal was discovered south of "The Fork". Mines were opened and the coal was transported 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. The main industries included ranching, mining and forestry. Merritt was incorporated as a city in 1911.
Things To Do
To honour the long-running Merritt Mountain Music Festival and Merritt’s reputation as the Country Music Capital of Canada, over 100 bronze stars are dotted around the city emblazoned with the handprints of the biggest names in music history, from Johnny Cash to The Dixie Chicks. The Walk of Stars is accompanied by artists’ murals that illuminate the sides of many buildings. You can pick up walking tour guides at the Visitor Information Centres.
The history of the Historic Baillie Property is one of unrequited love. Built for a couple about to be married, the bride-to-be found a new sweetheart on her voyage to Canada! The restored and beautifully maintained Victorian property is much loved by locals and visitors alike. Ask at the Visitor Information Booth on site to take a look around the old buildings, fitted with period furniture. The friendly staff will be sure to make you feel at home in Merritt, and will be more than happy to assist you as you continue your travels in Gold Country.
A Merritt landmark, the copper dome of the Coldwater Hotel harks back to an era of booming coalmines and ranches. Spend a night or stop in for a drink at this historic site.
Heritage Walking Tour.
With twenty-eight fascinating historic buildings that chronicle Merritt’s past, this tour is well worth taking. The Baillie Property, the Coldwater Hotel, pioneer houses, churches, a theatre and a general store harking back to the Chinese community in the valley are just a few of the sites on offer. Walking tour guides are available at the Visitor Information Centres.
The Nicola Valley Museum & Archives provides a glimpse into Merritt’s past – including the impact of industry, military conflicts, medicine and the railway. James Teit, anthropologist, native rights activist and native history researcher is remembered here.
Courthouse Art Gallery
1840 Nicola Avenue. Phone: 250-378-6515.
Once a legal hub complete with jail cells, the building now houses works by some of the region’s most talented artists. The Courthouse Art Gallery welcomes a new exhibit every month. Open year round on Thursdays 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Fridays & Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Merritt Lookout (Juniper Drive).
A great place to take a few snaps of the city, this spot will provide you with a panoramic view of Merritt. Access is by foot or mountain bike.
GeoTourism.
The Gold Country GeoTourism Program invites you to explore some of Merritt’s best and least known attractions as part of this popular treasure hunting adventure. Caches are hidden at locations including a historic church and pioneer cemetery.
Recreation
Take in a round at the Merritt Golf & Country Club where you can test your talent on this par 72 course. Enjoy separate sets of tee boxes distinguishing front and back nines, or arrange for the club’s professional instructors to guide you through private and group lessons.
Rotary Park.
Barbecues, picnic areas, a playground and beautiful flower beds make this park a popular spot on a hot summer’s day.
Central Park.
Sand volleyball courts, baseball diamonds and a skateboard park are available here for residents and visitors to enjoy. Central Park is also an ideal location for a picnic, and has a playground for the kids.
Fishing.
With over two hundred lakes in the area, visitors to Merritt can experience fantastic camping and fishing opportunities year round.
Hiking and Mountain Biking.
Merritt has a challenging mountain bike park and skate park (2999 Voght St). For easily accessible biking trails in Merritt, look for the trailhead at the back of the Merritt Tourist Information Centre (at the junction of Hwy 5 and Hwy 97C). The Kane Valley, Swakum Mountain and Thynne Mountain are just a few of the many beautiful surrounding areas offering hiking and biking trails.
Other activities include horseback riding, which can be arranged through local accommodations.
Winter Fun
The Nicola Nordic Ski Club maintains excellent ski trails in the area. Some of the best cross-country skiing can be found on the Kane Valley trails east of Merritt.
Merritt is surrounded by perfect snowmobiling terrain, as members of the Merritt Snowmobile Club will confirm. Popular areas include the Coquihalla Lakes, Thynne Mountain, Swakum Mountain and Stoyoma Mountain.
Ice Fishing.
The staff at Powderkeg Outdoor Supply (2052 Nicola Avenue) and Ponderosa Sports (1914 Voght Street) would be happy to clue you into the area’s best ice fishing spots.
Dining & Accommodation
Merritt has a great variety of different dining options for visitors to experience. Classic western meals are served at the Grand Pub & Grill (2099 Garcia St. Phone: 250-378-4618), the Middlesboro Neighborhood Pub, the Coldwater Hotel and the restaurant at the Corbett Lake Country Inn (reservations required). Try mouth-watering Japanese cuisine at the Garden Sushi Restaurant (2701 Nicola Ave. Phone: 250-378-5504) or Sushiyama Restaurant (3581 Voght St. Phone: 250-378-8382). For excellent Chinese fare, visit Crystal Gardens or the Golden Palace (1953 Nicola Ave. Phone: 250-378-8283).
Merritt has many motels to choose from, located on the Coqihalla Highway (exit 290), as well as downtown on Voght Street and Nicola Avenue. B&Bs in the city include JJ Gillis House Bed & Breakfast (2276 Garcia Street. Phone: 250-378-4461), situated in a heritage property.
Western experiences await visitors at A.P. Guest Ranch. Outdoors enthusiasts will feel at home at the Coquihalla Lakes Lodge. For a tranquil countryside B&B, stay at the Running Waters Country Estate (1464 Miller Rd. Phone: 250-378-4476). Camping on the Coldwater River is available at the Moon Shadows RV Park and Campground and the Claybanks RV Park and Campground.
Events
In 2011, Merritt will be celebrating 100 years as an incorporated city with a number of exciting events. The Homecoming Week from July 27th to August 1st celebrates the industries and cultures that have forged this great city. For more information visit: www.merritt100.com
The First annual Great Canadian Bike Rally will be a new addition to Merritt's summer activities. Slotted for July 14th-17th, 2011, the Great Canadian Bike Rally will have various bike related events taking place. For more information please visit merrittrally.com
The Merritt Mountain Music Festival, held in July, attracts visitors from far and wide with its world-class line up. An unforgettable country music experience, festival goers can even attend a music boot camp and helicopter sight-seeing tours.
Other popular events include the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo and Fall Fair, held on Labour Day weekend in early September.
The Nicola Valley Fish and Game Club hosts an Ice Fishing Derby every January on Mammette Lake.
See the Events Calendar for more event listings in Merritt.
Key Facts
Population: 8000+
Elevation: 595 m
Amenities include:
• Accommodations
• Camping
• Grocery stores
• Restaurants
• Service Stations
• Community Park
• Shopping
• Info Centre
• Museum
• Hospital
• Aquatic Centre
More Info
City of Merritt
Tourism Merritt
Merritt Herald
Merritt News
Radio: Q101.1 FM
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