About
Merritt is a city in the Nicola Valley of British Columbia, Canada. It is known as Canada's "Country Music Capital" and is the home of the annual Merritt Mountain Music Festival, which gives the town a lively summer focus for music lovers.
The valley setting is the other half of the appeal. Rolling hills, lakes and four major rivers surround the city, so the landscape is open and easy to reach from town. It suits visitors who enjoy being outdoors rather than spending their time indoors.
What a visit offers
- Music: the festival and live music venues make the city a natural stop for country music fans.
- Outdoor recreation: fishing, hiking and other activities across the lakes and rivers.
- Ranching heritage: the area's history of ranching gives the valley its character and is worth exploring.
Planning your trip
Merritt works well as a base for a few days of music and outdoor time. Because the city sits among the hills and waterways, many of the best experiences lie a short drive from the centre. If you come for the festival, plan ahead, as visits built around a specific event tend to be the most rewarding.
