Indian Restaurants in Merritt, BC

chicken korma mughal gardens merritt BC

Mild Chicken Korma at Mughal Gardens in Merritt Desert Inn

Mughal Gardens Indian Food Restaurant in Merritt, Canada

The Merritt Desert Inn is now home to a brand new Indian Food Restaurant!

This is great news for me because over the last few years I’ve really developed a taste for South Asian cuisine. Up until recently, there was nowhere in town for me to try new dishes and old favourites, so I was excited to go in for a meal at the new Indian Restaurant in Merritt.

I had eaten at the previous restaurant in the building many times, and I noticed that the dining area had been given a facelift, with new paint and centerpieces – it was bright and clean and attractive. The Christmas tree in the lobby was a nice touch. I was seated quickly by a friendly waitress who passed me a menu and brought me a glass of water.

Dining Room at Mughal Gardens Indian Restaurant in Merritt BC, Canada

Newly Painted Dining Room at Mughal Gardens Indian Restaurant

The menu selection is on par with food in larger cities like Kamloops or Kelowna

I love having a variety of food to choose from, and Mughal Gardens has an extensive menu. There are all sorts of dishes listed: chicken, pork, seafood, lamb, goat, paneer, korma… There is so much to try you could go back over and over again and not have the same thing twice.

veggie samosas indian food mughal gardens merritt bc

Delicious Veggie Samosas a Mughal Gardens specialty

I decided to try a veggie samosa – which was the special for just 99 cents! Golden, crispy and not oily at all. One of my absolute favourites is the Paneer Pakora – paneer is a firm and mild cheese, in this case coated and fried. It comes with a chutney dipping sauce that is just the right combination of sweet and spicy.

paneer pakora at mughal gardens indian restaurant merritt bc canada

Paneer Pakora at Mughal Gardens, Merritt BC

The waitress was very helpful, which makes a big difference to me, I like staff to be friendly and approachable, especially when I’m not familiar with the menu or what makes up a particular dish. With her help, I decided on the chicken korma. I wasn’t quite brave enough to try the traditional goat dishes, thinking of my little herd at home in the barn, no doubt snoozing peacefully without visions of curry dancing in their heads.

When eating at an Indian Restaurant with spicy cuisine, it’s a good idea to have a drink handy, and what better than a traditional Mango Lassi? Which I originally thought was a dessert, ha! I love mango in all forms, so how could I not order one?

mango lassi mughal gardens merritt desert inn merritt bc canada

A delicious Mango Lassi at Mughal Gardens

The waitress told me they would make it any way I liked, spicy or mild

Now, once I ordered from an Indian Restaurant and – feeling brave – I specified my dish be “medium spicy”. Oh, how foolish I was. If you do not have a high tolerance for spicy foods, always order “mild”. Because I’m quite certain that Indian chefs have a different standard of “spicy” than any other! I joke to this day about how my waiter at that restaurant must have laughed all the way to the kitchen and back about little blonde me (she who cuts back the taco seasoning to cool it down) and my order of “medium” butter chicken!

menu at mughal gardens indian food restaurant merritt bc canada

Browsing the Menu at Mughal Gardens

Not wanting to make that mistake again (because I don’t want to cry onion cutting tears at the table) I asked if my chicken korma could be made mild. The waitress told me they would make it any way I liked! Perfect! Anything from “very mild” to “very spicy” in just about every dish, so everyone can dine happily.

The food is quickly prepared, hot and tasty

Although the restaurant itself was quiet on a Tuesday night, there’s a nice atmosphere. You can tell by the way the waitress jokes and laughs with the cooks and how they converse with the owner, that there’s a great rapport among everyone. And the enthusiasm for this new venture shows in the way the food is quickly prepared and comes to the table with the chef eager to know how you’ve enjoyed your dish. As for me, I enjoyed it immensely! Tasty and hot with hardly any wait is a win in my books. And I enjoy a night out and a meal without the radio blaring or three different TV screens broadcasting baseball, hockey and football.

Dine In, Take Out and Catering

Of all places to eat in Merritt, Mughal Gardens has some of the most flexibility. You can eat in the restaurant or the pub or order your meal to go. They also offer catering (including a buffet!) They will bring the food to you, or if you need a venue they have a banquet/dining hall capable of seating 100 people, and the pub seats up to 254.

Hours and Location

Mughal Gardens is located in the Merritt Desert Inn at 2350 Voght Street and is also easily accessible from Merritt Ave.

They are open everyday 11:00am – 9:30pm

On your next visit to Merritt, plan to include some authentic Indian cuisine!

 

owner of mughal gardens restaurant merritt desert inn

Feeling Festive with the new owner of Mughal Gardens Restaurant

 

Sushi in Merritt BC – NEW Town Sushi

“Japanese food can be fancy and affordable”.🍴

That is what James, the owner and chef told me about offering his specialties; Japanese cuisine and Sushi in Merritt BC.  Oh yes, also James’s cuisine has his signature “style” and a “European twist”.  He may be the new kid on the block however he is  anything but new when it comes to preparing and delivering food. It is an experience at New Town Sushi that you will not want to miss.

If you live in Merritt, travelling through or a regular visitor to Merritt, you will want to make sure to take some time and make a stop at the newly opened New Town Sushi for an unforgettable meal. 

Exterior at New Town Sushi In Merritt BC

NOW OPEN at the Quality Inn In Merritt BC NEW TOWN SUSHI

 opened in October 2018 Don’t get this “New Town Sushi” confused with the previous restaurant at that location with a similiar name. Because it is NOT the same at all!  I think many are saying much better! Still in the process of branding New Town Sushi In Merritt BC, the goal is to offer  a dining experience in Merritt that brings  “Newer City Trends and Tastes to the Country”. There is plans for new and upgraded decor with a “classy” up-town environment. I was happy to see that James and his Family are doing what I thought was a great idea for Merritt. Something new and different, with a perfect balance of Quality and Price. I am pretty sure they will rock this!

The menu is full of choices that  offer authentic Sushi to creative rolls like the one called “let’s Go Merritt”, to a really good steak dinner! Yes they offer Western style food as well. I am told that whenever possible they will use fresh and local, like the beef  I had for my  delicious steak dinner. “Top quality ingredients are always used for all meals”.

 

 

 

 

 

“My Food is my Fashion, It changes over time”

James is a professionally trained and  practiced as a General Manager for over 20 years at a variety of restaurants where he acquired his knowledge, skills, experience and expertise from  all of the best. Being a General Manager in the restaurant business is not only about the cooking. It is about creating, teaching and delivering. He teaches everything about HOW TO prepare and serve Japanese Food. And he is good at it!

He spent many years learning and working at a variety of restaurants in Vancouver BC, Alberta and Kelowna. Including most recently Blue Tail Sushi In Kelowna BC. Now here in Merritt, he and his Wife Jessica intend to set the bar high! A motivator so to speak. Having Sushi in Merritt BC at New Town Sushi, is a game changer. 

You may be surprised to find that the word “sushi” doesn’t mean raw fish; it is an outdated Japanese term that literally means “it’s sour.” It refers to vinegared rice, commonly topped or mixed with fish or vegetables.

Eat In or order out.

New Town Sushi in Merritt BC is an 80 seat restaurant with a very inviting and comfortable dining room. group tables or comfortable booths. Alternatively, you can order for take out. Changes are being made for both experiences as the interior, although very nice is going to get nicer! Online ordering is available as well! That’s innovative. Although James says there is no expense spared in his food, the prices on the menu are impressive. There is a special on right now, 10% off on take out over $30 until February 29 2019

The first time I went to New Town Sushi, I went with my friend Jared. He introduced me and this is what he has to say about them; “As someone who has come from the coast and is a big fan of Sushi, it was a pleasure to find New Town Sushi here in Merritt. Having experienced dining in the city, I can confirm that New Town Sushi has brought the trends and quality that you would find in the bigger cities. Their Quality and attention to detail is what you would expect to find in cities like Kelowna, Kamloops or Vancouver.

 

;

I Love the names for the rolls, and I loved the rolls too! Cool names and delicious too! Consider the steak dinner, I did!

  • Red Dragon Roll
  • Spider
  • Rainbow
  • Green Dragon
  • White Dragon
  • Quality Green

Hungry? Get in touch.

Call or just stop in! They are easy to find! 

OPENING HOURS

Mon – Sat: 11:30 am – 9 pm

Call (250) 378-0855  4025 Walters Avenue. Super easy to find on the main road into Merritt, Voght Street, call them 6, soon to be 7 days a week. Or connect with them on FaceBook.

Go Ahead and order online RIGHT HERE

Do you have a favorite Sushi Restaurant? If you stop in at New Town Sushi in Merritt BC, I would love to hear your thoughts.

 

Chinese Food in Merritt BC 

Chinese food Merritt BC

Located in the Heart of Historic downtown Merritt

Chinese Food in Merritt BC Canada, CANADA CAFE

Serving Merritt for over 50 years!

Canada Cafe is famous for it’s delicious Chinese Food in Merritt BC. Because of that, it is not the least bit suprising, after 50 years in the restaurant business in Merritt, they have earned their reputation by serving up some of the best to found in the Nicola Valley! I love Chinese food.  I love Chinese food dining and love chatting with Dennis when I dine in or on occasion ordering take out at Canada Cafe. “Hot and Fresh” Guaranteed! 

                 Chinese Food Merritt BC Canada Cafe Dining roomCanada Cafe Chinese Food in Merritt BC

                 Restaurant dining room Canada CafeDining area in the Canada Cafe

 

Meet Dennis and his family at Canada Cafe in Merritt BC

Canada Cafe is a family run restaurant located in the heart of downtown Merritt. Dennis and his family took over September 15 2015 and Dennis can count the days! He tells me how much his family LOVES Merritt and the Nicola Valley! They Love Canada Cafe!   Dennis would be by any chef’s standards an expert in the kitchen! He has over 20 years experience cooking in a Chinese food restaurant in Chilliwack. It is a journey, a family life sharing their passion for cooking and serving the public! Merritt is lucky to have them!

Dennis was excited to share all of the attention to detail that makes Canada Cafe top of the list for choosing  Chinese food in Merritt BC. He sat with me and shared with pride how his restaurants food is “hot and Fresh”. I have to agree with that! He showed me around the restaurant and I could not help but notice and admire the pride he showed me.  So, when your hungry for Chinese Food in Merritt BC, stop in. You will not be disappointed.

Eat In. Take out. Catering. book a group. Cater an Event Canada Cafe has you covered!

Going into the Canada Cafe to dine is just great, in addition you have options to order out for free delivery, plan a group party and have a custom buffet, Cater out to any special event or meeting for groups of 10 or more. Dennis will promise you a great deal and Chinese food in Merritt that will be cooked up “Fresh and Hot”  

Chinese Food Canada Cafe Merritt BC Menu

More than just Chinese Food

Canada Cafe not only serves up some of the best Chinese food in the Valley, you can also dine on the classic western food like chicken strips, grilled cheese or deluxe burgers and fries! Canada Cafe is also fully licenced.

"<yoastmark

Locals  Love the fresh food and Service

On my last visit, I talked to Kay who was waiting for her take out order. She has lived in Merritt for six years and has been going to the Canada Cafe in Merritt for six years!  Kay said she doesn’t have a favourite choice because, “It’s all good”!  She has tried other restaurants but says she “always comes back”!  Her favorites to order here is the Hot and Sour Soup, along with Chow Mein,  Sweet and Sour Pork and the Prawns. 

Canada CAfe boasts being awarded with Merritt Heralds People Choice Award 2018 for BEST CHINESE FOOD. you can see the award proudly displayed in the front window as you walk by. 

Best Chinese food Merritt BC award

NO MSG

There is no MSG at all, whatsoever, used in any of the food at Canada Cafe. That is good news for people that mat have allergies to it. 

Contact Canada Cafe is as simple as checking out their Facebook Page or calling 250-378-5551. They are open seven days a week and are easy to get to located at 2055 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt BC. (across the street from Fields)

After all this talking about their food, I’m hungry! I think this time, I will try the Hot and Sour Soup! 

Chinese food in Merritt BC

Canada Cafe Chinese and Western Cuisine In Merritt BC

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bird Watching in Canada

Bird watching in Canada is a favorite past time for thousands of people all over the world. It is no different right here in Merritt and the Nicola Valley. I Love birdwatching in Canada, and the Nicola Valley too. I do go out on occasion with some of our local Pros, like the great people at  Nicola Valley Naturalists.   When I do take that time, I am always amazed at the knowledge and at what they can spot and see! These nature and bird experts are amazing! 

Doing what I Love. Nature and Nikon

I just happened to be doing what I love, which is being outdoors and exploring and this happened! It is like a gift! This is the real deal bird watching in Canada!

I was sitting in my “Palace” my new to me, travel trailer (that I love BTW) and just outside on the lakeshore was this beautiful yellow, black and yellow bird! Camera time! I grab my Nikon and go sit in a chair close by waiting for the return! And “HE” did! This time with a baby! The baby bird started to sweetly  hop around, first on the branches of the berry tree, and then onto the ground and rocks just below! All fuzzy and cute as a baby bird can be, I start snapping away!

Bird watching in Canada is very rewarding

The little one was looking at me, looking around, waiting for daddy. Sure enough daddy comes back with some food! mushed up berries. Baby waits. Daddy hops to the ground and as you can see in the picture, this is what I saw! Isn’t this amazing?

Bird watching in Canada Western Tanager

Bird watching in Canada Western Tanager

Anticipating for the right moments to take pictures, I was once again rewarded!  Look who scurries over to see what is going on! The cutest chipmunk! He sits calmly on the rock, back turned to the baby bird as if to say “I know your there but I don’t care!” Baby bird stating right back at him also seeming to say, “I know your there and I don’t care either.” Then they looked at each other. Both caught in a stare. They both sat still for a moment both as calm as could be. 

The Western Tanager

Thanks to All About Birds I was able to learn more about the Western Tanager and so many other species. All the information you will ever need for Bird watching in Canada.  Here are some  cool facts and other information I learned about this bird.

A Male has an orange-red head, brilliant yellow body, and coal-black wings, back and tail. Females and younger ones are  similar to the males but have somewhat of a  dimmer yellow-green and black. These birds live in open woods all over the West, particularly among evergreens, where they often stay hidden in the canopy. Nevertheless, they’re a quintessential woodland denizen in summertime, where they fill the woods with their short, burry song and low, chuckling call notes.

Cool Facts

  • While most red birds owe their redness to a variety of plant pigments known as carotenoids, the Western Tanager gets it’s scarlet head feathers from a rare pigment called rhodoxanthin. Unable to make this substance in their own bodies, Western Tanagers probably obtain it from insects in their diet.
  • This species ranges farther north than any other tanager, breeding northward to a latitude of 60 degrees—into Canada’s Northwest Territories. In the chilly northernmost reaches of their breeding range, Western Tanagers may spend as little as two months before migrating south.

 

  • Male Western Tanagers sometimes perform an antic, eye-catching display, apparently a courtship ritual, in which they tumble past a female, their showy plumage flashing yellow and black.

 

  • Around the turn of the twentieth century, Western Tanagers were thought to pose a significant threat to commercial fruit crops. One observer wrote that in 1896, “the damage done to cherries in one orchard was so great that the sales of the fruit which was left did not balance the bills paid out for poison and ammunition.” Today, it is illegal to shoot native birds and Western Tanagers are safer than they were a century ago.

 

  • The oldest Western Tanager on record—a male originally banded in Nevada in 1965—had lived at least 6 years and 11 months by the time he was recaptured and rereleased during banding operations in Oregon in 1971.

Bird watching in Canada photographs

It was fantastic! I know I had a big smile on my face as I sat and watched these three, and I knew I was capturing a great photos. Here is additional images I captured that afternoon. Hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoyed taking them. 

 

Birdwatching in Canada Western Tanager in Merritt BC Canada

Birdwatching in Canada Western Tanager in Merritt BC Canada

Birdwatching in Canada Western Tanager in Merritt BC Canada

Birdwatching in Canada Western Tanager in Merritt BC Canada

Birdwatching in Canada Western Tanager in Merritt BC Canada

 

  Birdwatching in Canada Western Tanager in Merritt BC Canada

 

Local Naturalist and Bird watching

I have been able to spend enlightening times with our local experts at Nicola Valley Naturalists. They have wonderful friendly experts, and some great programs for everyone. They started a new one this year called Merritt Nature Kids!  How cool is that? 

A major objective of  Nicola Naturalist Society is to provide education and information on the wild organisms and ecosystems of the BC interior. Especially those that are found in the Nicola Valley area.  They have regular meetings at the theatre at NVIT. (Nicola Valley Institue of Technology), and have all kinds of great field events like amphibian monitoring and the Christmas bird count.  They can count me in for that one this year.

You don’t have to be a birder to participate in the count. Join one of the best and historic bird watching in Canada events, just go. Bring a camera and binoculars and share with us what you see.

Happy Bird watching in Canada and the rest of the world too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merritt, B.C. things to do

Moonshadows campground is much more than a campground!

Check out upcoming activities at Moonshadows RV Park and Campground

Merritt B.C. things to do

Talking a Walk at Moonshadows RV and campground

Merritt, B.C. things to do offers more than just camping!  Moonshadows RV Park and Campground is much more than a campground! It is a spectacular destination family camping experience with lots of things to do for both visitors and locals. Campground manager Melvina White says, “ We want to invite the locals to come and  enjoy out gorgeous grounds. Also, we are planning events throughout the year to entice everyone.” What better way to enjoy Merritt, B.C. things to do?

Merritt, B.C. things to do

Camping in Merritt BC

This year Moonshadows RV Park and Campground hosted the first Annual pumpkin walk and did we have fun! On Halloween weekend although it was freezing cold we lit up the trails with carved pumpkins. Many community members contributed  their own pumpkins; more pumpkins  were donated from the pumpkin carving contest at Merritt’s downtown Halloween event and the rest were carved by the Moonshadows staff.  Everyone enjoyed participating in the lighting ceremony, placing the pumpkins and walking the lit paths.  We warmed our chilly toes afterward by roasting wieners and s’mores over a big bonfire.  This was only the first of many community events that Melvina will be host at the campground. Check out things to do in Merritt BC.

Winter activities at the campground

For more Merritt, B.C. things to do, pull out your snowshoes and enjoy a trek though the miles of trails in and around Moonshadows campground. Plan a group excursion or go with a friend. Bring snacks and wind down your day with a roaring bonfire!  

About the campground

Moonshadows R.V. Park and Campground is located South of Merritt at 1145 Neilson Street. The park itself is a gorgeous, treed area along the spectacular Coldwater River in an easily accessible location ideal for many day outings. For even more Merritt, B.C. things to do, fish at one of the hundreds of lakes in the area, run your quad or ATV all over the challenging mountains you see from your campsite, lace up your boots and take a hike up those inviting trails or go mountain biking! Of course, you are right beside the river so you could even swim or grab an inner tube and go floating! And remember, you are almost in town! Shopping is right on your doorstep!

Moon Shadows proudly hosts 50 fully serviced RV sites, 8 Power only sites, 36 non-serviced RV & tent sites and 19 tenting sites, available throughout the year. The fully serviced campsites have electrical, wireless internet capabilities (two park networks and a Shaw hotspot), and water & sewage hookups with sewage disposal facilities. All campsites have picnic tables. Choose from: 20, 30 and 50 amp power, plus plenty of pull-through sites. Please refer to our campsite map for details. 

Merritt, B.C. things to do

Hoodoos Merritt BC Moonshadows Rv Park Coldwater River

This campground boasts many services and amenities, including:

Comfort Stations – located at the administration building are laundry facilities, hot showers and bathrooms. The restrooms are wheelchair accessible including a shower stall for special needs guests. 

Services: 

Dumping station on site for guests using non-serviced sites and metered propane delivery are available for longer term stays. 

Campground Store – providing basic groceries, ice, camping supplies, local tackle and bait, firewood, souvenirs and clothing. Also sells cold beverages, ice cream treats, refreshments and munchies. 

Recreation Area – with space for outdoor activities and a horseshoe pit. Also a few rides (FREE!) for the little ones as well as an arcade game and TV room for your entertainment. 

All of the campsites are set within the beautiful trees and provide access to the Coldwater River. Red rock pathways and roads wind their way throughout the entire campground. The site is secure, immaculate and scenic.

We invite you to enjoy a great vacation getaway at Moon Shadows RV Park and Campground.  Register by telephone or email

Moon Shadows RV Park and Campground is open all year round with our main season running from Apr 15 through October 14. Drop-ins are welcome. Reservations are recommended, especially during the peak camping season (June 25 through September 8).

Visitors – Visitors please register at the office.

Pet Friendly – Please check with office for details

Gate – For the privacy of our guests the campground entrance is gated during festivals.

Remember watch for upcoming events at Moonshadows RV Park and Campground!

Swimming in Merritt, British Columbia

Whether you are travelling alone or with a group; with tiny tots or seniors,  swimming in Merritt will make a splash with everyone!

Who would expect our small city to offer the amazing swimming facilities available at Merritt’s Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre? Those of us who live here sometimes take these goodies for granted. Since I’m a local and know the city’s secrets, come with me and be surprised at what a swimming good time you can have here!

Nicola Valley Aquatic centre

Nicola Valley Aquatic centre

Aquatic Centre Amenities in Merritt

Fitness Room

If you want either a gentle warm-up before swimming or a real cardio blast, you can get them both right here! Maybe, like me, you prefer to start off gently, try every available piece of equipment and work those muscles to your personal limit. I like to feel well exercised but not worked to exhaustion preferring to leave some energy for swimming and just playing.

Test out your fitness level with the following equipment:

Cardio

– Treadmills
– Elliptical
– Bike
– Incumbent bike
– Stair Climber
20 minute limit on cardio machines.

Weight Machines

– Shoulder press- Hamstring curl
– Leg extension
– Chest press
– Tri/lat. pull
– Arm curl
– Seated row

Weights
– Barbells
– Plates
– Dumbbells

Misc. Equipment

– BOSU
– Stability ball
– Medicine balls
– Tubing
– Mats
– Skipping Rope

Now that we have warmed up and exercised some, let’s ease our muscles in the whirlpool.

Whirl Pool

This is an easy, pleasant way to relax those muscles you perhaps haven’t used in a while! It is my favorite spot in the whole complex! No swimming here! Just lean back and let the jets hit the tender spots. This will soften you up for the next stage. Feels good, doesn’t it?

When we’ve rested up for a bit, we can move on to some swimming.

25 Metre Main Pool

Nicola valley aquatic centre

Main Pool area

There are 6 lanes in our Aquatic Centre pool so here is the place to treat yourself to a really good swimming workout without disturbing anyone else! Just pick a lane! 

Do you enjoy getting serious swimming exercise? Like to go for miles? Then here is your chance to push yourself to the limit! Travelling? What better way to work out those kinks! Remember- start off slowly, though, we have just been lazing in the whirlpool!

Lazy River & Vortex

The lazy river is a great way to relax after swimming or fitness workouts. Not only can I float on my back, I can also just let the lazy river float me gently in the current. What a perfect way to soothe away the stress of serious exercise! Probably it’s not the best idea to do what I did. I fell asleep!

The next thing to sample is the sauna. I don’t know how you feel, but after relaxing or swimming,  even in a heated pool, I can end up feeling a bit chilled. Some down time in the sauna will certainly solve that problem.

The Sauna

Ah, yes, luxurious, delicious heat! And we can use it in so many combinations! Fitness exercising and sauna, swimming and sauna, playing and sauna- any way you choose to enjoy the facilities, the sauna will fit right in and you will have a thoroughly relaxing time!

Today I just want to soak up the heat, as well as ease my too long unused muscles. Ahh! Lovely!

Leisure Pool

After I am well roasted, I like to take a final plunge in the leisure pool to play, swim and float a bit and cool down. This is relaxing and low key. I like to play with the pool toys, especially if there are some kids in the group with us! We forget that kids are surprised when adults will play with them and they love it! So do we. Nothing like enjoying your second childhood first hand!

Tot’s Pool and Water Sprays

Even in the depths of winter this is a great place to take the little ones. They seem to enjoy the surprise of the water sprays more than anything! It sure is fun for us adults to watch the kids splashing and hear their squeals of delight. Truly, there is no music like the laughter of children. Their uninhibited joy always makes us smile. Oh, yes, you can help them with their swimming too!

Pool Showers

After all this swimming and activity, it feels great to have a shower, get soggy hair dried. Time to get ready to leave. We always work up a good appetite at the pool and Aquatic Centre. Isn’t it lucky that the complex is close to several downtown restaurants? Before we go, let me leave you with a bit more information about Merritt’s Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre.

Pool Parties

Want a birthday party for your child with all the fun and none of the work? The Aquatic Centre offers themed pool parties with an energetic Aquatic Leader, fun, games, and memories to last a lifetime! Choose from a Western, Hawaiian, Disco, Frozen, Pirate or Dinosaur theme. The children will enjoy pizza, beverages, piñata and goodie bags. Fully decorated to your choice of theme.

Seniors Free Swim

Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre

Seniors aquafit

 

Since I’m a senior, I am always interested in any special senior programs on offer. The Aquatic Centre offers a seniors free swim Wednesdays from October 3 to May29, from 9:00 to 10:00 am. This program is sponsored by the Seniors Society and is intended for seniors to come for a fun, free swim.

Aquatic Special Events

The Aquatic Centre offers many special events throughout the year such as:
– National Seniors Day
– Dive-In Movie
– Family Fun Nights
– Free Teen Night
– Free Pre-Teen Night
– Halloween Swim
– Hawaiian Swim
– Stocking Stuffer Sale
– Splash Down With Santa
– New Year’s Eve Day Swim
– Super Hero Swim

Thanks to the Aquatic Centre for the information contained in this blog and thanks to the  Senior’s Centre.

Experience Merritt BC Living

“The diversity keeps life and living exciting!”

Experience the “Dream” of small town living in the heart of the amazing Nicola Valley, Merritt BC

Want to experience living in a small town? Wondered if would be all that you have dreamt it would be? Well I am happy to share with you the reasons I love Merritt BC living. 

Merritt BC living, in the Nicola Valley, has given me the chance to experience  amazing diversity with the people, the colorful cultures, the landscape, and many experiences beyond any other community I have lived in!

We are nestled in the Nicola Valley, with a charming community, Merritt. And we are also IMHO blessed to be surrounded by first Nations Bands and can experience all of the wonders of their culture people and history. Much more on that to coming blogs. I will just say, if you haven’t been to a POWWOW or a first nations event, get out and go!

There are winding rivers,  sparkling lakes, beautiful creeks, natural river pools to swim and fish, amazing wildlife and forests spread over this entire valley with landscapes from wide open grasslands to dense pine and fir forests.

And it’s not just our location, our diversity in nature and landscapes, it’s our people! And there is about 8000 of us!

We have the best People!

People who love small towns like me!  People who have had family ties go back generations! Like the Pooley’s, the Voght’s, the Guichon’s, the Garcia’s. Many people I meet tell me that they were born and raised here. Or they moved away for work or to raise a family, and then they returned.

If you spend time living here to experience the beautiful community and the surrounding country it grows on you! And you grow on Merritt! People get to know you, you grow roots. You can’t help it! It just happens! It is hard to go anywhere where you don’t run into a friend or acquaintance.

We have are very own “mystery masked dancer” and a grapevine!

Merritt BC living

Experience Merritt masked dancer

The diversity here keeps life and living exciting!

Like our masked dancer! He has become famous in Merritt! Everyone is talking about him, and he makes (most of us ) smile. Who is he? Why does he sing and dance with a creepy mask on in public! Stay tuned for more to come as we “unmask” the mystery! 

We have a grapevine! A Facebook grapevine that sometimes takes on a life of it’s own. Do you want to know who is doing what, where, or when in town? Do you want to know instant gossip? This is the place to be! Check the grapevine! It really brings out the diversity I am talking about! There are 6626 members. Join in or simply watch! Believe it or don’t. Your call.

I love the grapevine because it is a place for people of Merritt to express themselves. Also because it is amazing to watch the town’s people come together in tragic times, like the fire last year of an apartment building where so many people lost everything they owned! Love that I live in community of such caring and generous people!

Experience Outdoor Adventure 

I can say for certain that Adventure and Play go hand in hand for me! It is never-ending!  Of course you may have heard Merritt’s mantra? “A Lake A Day As Long As You Stay” Well, that is a true story. My plan is to discover them all! I want to share it here!  I love exploring! See a back road, take it. See a fork in the road, take both! You will discover the most magnificent beauty in the world! IMHO!

Merritt BC living is a different experience every day.  My best times are when I take my old 4×4 jeep and find the “roads less traveled”.  Most often I feel rewarded with something that ignites the senses. A big healthy  mama bear with cubs, a gigantic moose, colorful wildflower fields, or even just a glimpse of landscapes as seen from a perspective I have not experienced before.

“An Adventure a day, as long as you stay” is a good mantra we use for Merritt too.

Experience Diversity in  Music and Arts

Music Festivals, Art, Musicians and Artists. I must declare that we have the best of the best!  In 2003 we have the honor of being named Country Music Capital of Canada. Make sure to visit the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame when you are here. Music and Art are often combined together in events like the Bass Coast Music and Arts Festival or the Rockin River Country Music Fest.

I have been to these and they are just an exciting part of Merritt BC living. No words can describe the experience of actually being in the sun drenched valley with the Coldwater River flowing through your toes as you await the stars to arrive! Yes the twinkling kind in the sky and the Star artists for the shows! It is without a doubt, a natural stage for a festival that would rank best in the world! New Festivals arriving this year too! 

Merritt BC Living

Experience Music Festivals like these people at Rockin River Music Fest

Merritt BC Living

Or these people at Bass Coast

The Arts are everywhere!

Of course in the heritage Court House Arts Gallery, the walls of the buildings all around town, in the local cafes and our amazing Art Walk each July to showcase Local Artists in businesses around town! “Take a walk on the art side” when in Merritt BC.

Our Art Walk is a summer feature in Merritt, just like the music festivals!

Now, those are a lot of reasons I love living in Merritt BC!

If you have dreamt of small town living, come and see what Merritt BC living is like!