Summer Adventures in Merritt & Nicola Valley, BC, Canada

Adventures (Summer), Attractions, Canada, Environment, Merritt, Nicola Valley

PACIFIC FOREST RALLY NICOLA VALLEY MERRITT BC

PACIFIC FOREST RALLY

NICOLA VALLEY MERRITT BC OFF ROADING

“Whenever you meet the driver or the co-driver (navigator) they are more than happy to sign a autograph. Furthermore take a snapshot with you.”

This year the Pacific Forest Rally in Nicola Valley Merritt BC begins September 26, 2019. Specifically the Pacific Forest Rally (PFR) attracts rally teams from Canada and the U.S. Subsequently compete with production-based cars on Nicola Valley’s rough challenging gravel roads.

Speeding at 140k.

Canadian Rally Championship since 1977. Sponsored by SUBARU.

Clocked out at 120k.

Registration Thursday 26.

Pacific rally headquarters and service park will be in the Nicola Valley, in Merritt BC. It allows spectators the opportunity to see the cars close up. The rally will take place September 26 to the 28. Two days of some very exciting gravel road racing.

Every Kids Dream!

Downtown Merritt BC Granite Av. Were you can meet the drivers. Between 4:30 and 5:30pm.

Downtown Meet & Greet

When you want to meet the Team!

Getting a selfie with driver and co-driver is the best.

Additionally you can get a cool pic!

Yes, this is my ride!

Meeting your hero is amazing.

While wondering what its like to Rally Race. Getting a close look at the cars is truly amazing.

Peek inside, you will be amazed.

Time to pick your favourites to win!

This happened to be my son’s favourite! Snowflake.

Furthermore you will be impressed with the work that goes into these cars.

Love the wing!

Picking your dream Rally car.

Whenever you meet the driver or the co-driver (navigator) they are more than happy to sign a autograph. Furthermore take a snapshot with you.

Red is my favourite colour.

Little Rally Racing!

The true excitement begins!

Corner ahead!

Safety Car

Purely amazing.

Thank you to the Safety Car. Making sure everyone is safe.

Although there are barriers, getting this close pumps up the volume.

Very fine off road racing.

Co-pilot working hard!

Never forget the importance of the co-pilot.

The Race Is On

Stand back and watch.

Its all about speed.

Undoubtedly an adrenaline rush!

Pure adrenaline rush.

While taking a sharp corner at high speed. They make it look easy.

Corners are always interesting.

Corner Ahead!

Born to race!

To demonstrate how fast these cars are going.

Speed is a virtue.

Following the cars with your camera can be tricky.

Handling the road is also a virtue.

While the sound of the cars can be ear breaking, the dust and flying rocks can be hazardous.

Subaru driving.

To illustrate how close and personal you can get as a spectator at the Pacific Forest Rally Race in the Nicola Valley.

Dont get to close.

To Sum It Up

Nicola Valley Merritt BC will be hosting the Pacific Forest Rally September 26 this fall. This is a free event sponsored by Subaru. A time to get out-doors and experience the rush of watching these drivers race in our backyard. Remember to take out what you brought in, its your environment.

Merritt BC Car Racing : Pacific Forest Rally

by Tania Stewart

Adventures (Summer), Attractions, Merritt, Parks

Hiking and Walking Trails in Merritt BC

We are on our way

Trails in Merritt BC Canada

We Have A Variety Of Merritt Walking & Hiking Trails

Nicola Valley Also Provides Motorized or Non-motorized Recreations Trails and Areas

Do we have trails in Merritt, BC! If you are looking to use your motorized ATV or dirt bike we have trails for you. If you are a non motorized trail user we can accommodate you as well. Most of the trails we use are in the Nicola Valley surrounding Merritt, but I will get to them at a later date.

Trails in the City of Merritt BC Canada

Trails in Merritt, BC are varied from walks beside the river to hikes along a mountain ridge. Many of the trails do not have a name as they are on Crown Land.

Take your dog for a walk

Yes we have dog friendly trails. Whereas many residents know of these trails, visitor probably don’t. Therefore, as your guide, I will cover a few of the trails in Merritt that I use. The first of these is a no name trail I call the Doggie Walk Way. Many residents use this path to walk their dogs because they are in the woods and the dogs can run freely.

Because the trail connects the Bench Subdivision to Grandview Heights you have the option of entering from either end. From the Grandview Heights end you go to the top of Peregrine Way. From the Bench side you enter at the top of Pineridge Drive.

The Pineridge Drive entrance is my favourite for two reasons. One, it is just outside my front door, but more importantly it’s just a short walk to Dairy Queen when you reach the Grandview Heights end. In fact you have access to all the eateries on DeWolf Way when you go this way.

Trails in Merritt.BC We are on our Way!

Take it Easy

This trail is easy and is meant for a leisurely stroll when you are looking for a short walk. The total round trip is about forty minutes to an hour depending on who is on the walk. Little kids and pets will probably put you on the longer end of the time frame.

Doggie Walk Way

The trail provides views of the valley and downtown but you will also be able to see some houses through the trees so you know you can’t get lost. So if you are looking for something to do and dont have a lot of time this may be the trail for you.

Romp beside the River

Another of the trails in Merritt, BC is the River Walk. You also have two options for accessing this trail. The best one is from Voght Street across from Claybanks RV Park where there is lots of parking. The other option is to use the entrance on Main Street at Canford Ave. You can park along the Canford side of Voght Park.

Merritt trails beside The Coldwater River

Beauty and Serenity

The trail is short as it takes about fifteen minutes one way. However, the beauty and serenity are worth the time. In addition, you will meet friendly Merrittonians who will greet you with a smile and a hearty welcome. The trail is also used in some community events such as the Merritt Country Run

Running the River Trail in Merritt, BC

Expansion on the Way?

The good news is that there may be an expansion of this trail to make it a real tourist attraction. With the demise of the Tolko Mill there is an opportunity to extend the trail along the Coldwater to the south east. The more exciting improvement is the possibility of using the old Kettle Valley Rail line to create a trail that is just over sixty Kilometers, from Merritt to Spence’s Bridge While there are many issues to resolve the TNRD, the City, the Lower Nicola Indian Band and some interested citizens are working on the possibility. We can only hope this can come to fruition!,Trails in Merritt.

Trails in Merritt, BC

by Tom Reynolds

Adventures (Summer), Guest Ranches, Horseback Riding, Merritt

Ranching in the Nicola Valley – Branding Day

Ranching in the Nicola Valley – Branding Calves

Branding calves on the ranch

“I feel very blessed to be working with such a great bunch of people”

There are so many things to consider if you are ranching in the Nicola Valley – branding day and calves is one of them.

Spring is here in Merritt BC Canada, the calves are born and now it’s time to get things ready to start branding caves on the ranch. You want to do this before you send them to range or before anyone can take them.

There is so much you need to get organized and ready for branding day. Not only do you have to have your ropers and ground people lined up but you also have to make sure all your equipment is in working order. You also need to make sure you have all the necessary supplies for the day.

On top of all that your crew will need to be fed and kept hydrated throughout the day.

Today I am going to take you through a day of ranching in the Nicola Valley – branding calves. This is not like a typical written blog but a story through photographs. I really hope you enjoy.

Start of the day

Once the crew all know there jobs, fed breakfast which on this day consisted of coffee, tea, water, juice, muffins, bacon and egg or ham and egg on English muffins.

Breakfast at the Ranch House

Cowboys mounting up and discussing life before the real work begins.

Breakfast done, now everyone is just getting ready to head out to gather the cows and calves.

Cowboys heading up to gather the cows and calves and bring them in for branding.

Ranching in the Nicola Valley – Branding Day, bringing the first herd in from the back fields.

Heading into the arena.

Look at all the fresh grass. Won’t be like that for long.

Cowboys getting ready to start roping the calves.

Here we go, first calf roped and getting hauled up to the branding station.

Once they have had their medications its time to brand. Gerry is checking to make sure the brand is on well enough. The smoke is from the hair burning.

Two sides going at once to make it a smoother operation and a little faster.

Corena branding one of her calves.

Sometimes things don’t go quite as planned so the ground crew tries to help out in catching the calf to re position the rope into the correct place. It’s all about team work.

Waiting for all parts of the branding to be completed before letting the calf go.

Ranching in the Nicola Valley - Branding Day

You can see here the calf was roped in the wrong spot.

So they wrestle the calf and re position the rope.

Which makes it easier and faster to give the medications and position for getting the ranches brand.

Gerry from 8 Mile Ranch putting his brand on.

First herd finished and heading back out to pasture. Lunch Break

Horses all lined up along the fence as the cowboys and crew stop for lunch.

Lunch Time

Another great meal consisting of fruit trays, vegetable trays, home made sausage rolls, sandwiches, muffins, all kids of little deserts and drinks.

Lunch all done, time to head out and gather the second herd.

Ranching in the Nicola Valley – Branding Day. This is the second herd coming in for branding.

As the second herd makes it’s way into the arena you can see it isn’t as grassy this time.

I have to say this is one of my favorite calves. I call it Panda. Just missing the white around the eyes.

Relaxing for a moment while waiting it’s turn.

Ranch dogs patiently waiting for their turn to do some work.

The hair is clipped away so you can see better where you are putting the brand.

The Bosses 🙂 Gerry 8 Mile Ranch and Corena Calton Cattle Co.

Kids also love having some fun on branding day.

Colin bringing up another calf. Way to go Colin.

Nothing quite like seeing a father and son bonding.

Calves are just so darn cute.

The Boss Gerry doing his part in roping a calf. These horses are just as hard working as the cowboys and people on the ground. It is really quite something to watch how it all comes together.

Corena’s pretty brand on one of her calves. Nice job

Sometimes a little wrestling is in order hahaha, hold her down.

UT watching on, waiting to go out and work.

Gerry jumping off his horse to fix the rope on a calf.

Catch it…

And re position the rope. Great team work by all.

Team wrestling is a fact of life when branding. Flipping a calf that just didn’t want to go down.

Hold on… We are almost done!

Oh another one where the rope needs to be re positioned.

Way to go, get them all finished up.

Group two heading back out to pasture

There’s that little panda again. So darn cute.

Second group back into the pasture, now to go and get the third and final group.

Final Group to be Branded

Ranching in the Nicola Valley – Branding day. Here comes the last small group of calves that need to be branded. Yes, that is a dairy cow that you see. She is a surrogate mother. Any orphan calves that the ranch gets will be introduced to the Dairy cow. She takes them on as her own. It’s quite amazing to watch.

There always seems to be one that ends up almost like a pet

This little one is no exception. Corena has to go and give it a little pet.

Then she talks to it before branding. So cute. So much care and consideration goes into everything that this ranch does. I feel blessed to be a part of what they do.

And sometimes you think you have it.

You try really hard

And still….

The calf wins and gets away….lol

There is even a dummy steer and rope for those who would like to try their luck.

Kids seem to love it

Although it’s more fun to rope your brother and drag him around.

Okay, I will let you go hahaha.

Supper Time

Now that all the calves have been branded. It’s time to relax, tell stories and prepare for the amazing supper.

All in all a day ranching in the Nicola Valley – Branding Day is a day of not only full of hard work. It is also fun in seeing old friends, new ones and enjoying all the day had to offer.

The start of the amazing Mexican dinner being prepared for supper by Patrick.

Adding peppers, oh my it’s looking so good.

For more great blogs about Merritt and the Nicola Valley head over to Experience Nicola Valley web page. Corena owner of Calton Cattle Co is also at Creative Company in downtown Merritt with lots of wonderful western decor.

western decor Calton Cattle Co Merritt BC Nicolla Valley

Photo Credit Calton Cattle Co. at Creative Company

Ranching in the Nicola Valley – Branding Day

by Michelle Bacon

Adventures (Summer), Adventures (Winter), Attractions, Canada, Mountain Biking, Merritt, Nicola Valley

Mountainboarding in Merritt, BC, Canada

Nicola Valley Mountainboarding

Merritt, BC, Canada Extreme Sports

“There’s nothing like mountain boarding! I have been to amusement parks and gone on the rides and roller coasters and none have even come close.”

Although mountainboarding is an up and coming new sport in Canada, it is quickly gaining popularity. A mountainboard contains components including a deck, bindings to secure the rider to the deck, four pneumatic tires and two trucks for steering.

Mountainboarders ride specifically designed boarder-cross tracks, slope-style parks, grass hills, woodlands, gravel tracks, streets, skate parks, ski resorts, BMX courses and mountain bike trails. The ability to ride such a variety of terrain is what makes mountainboarding different from other board sports.

Merritt is mountainboarding country

Mountainboarding in Merritt, BC, Canada is an ideal destination with all the different terrains that the area has to offer. There’s hills, gravel tracks, mountain bike trails, woodlands and so much more to experience.

“You can’t really describe how it feels. It’s like a roller coaster but you have control of the track, if that makes any sense.”

Youth mountainboarding

Let me introduce you now to a young man, Brayden. He discovered the sport and became interested in mountainboarding as an alternative to his longboarding. When I spoke to this young man, I asked him how he got interested in mountainboarding. His response was that he had watched a movie called “Johnny Kapahala: Back on Board.” Once he watched the movie, he was essentially “hooked” and wanted to try this up and coming sport in Canada.

Brayden mountainboarding near LundbomLake

Setting up your gear

First came the purchase of the deck, trucks, wheels and safety gear. Finally, the day came that he could venture out to try. Starting out small, this young man ventured out into the Merritt area looking for suitable terrain to test out. First place this young man tried was the bike park. He soon found out that mountainboarding was much more different that skateboarding and longboarding.

Mountainboarding 101

Coming home after a few tumbles, he started watching videos from other more seasoned mountainboarders from around the world. After spending several days watching videos, he was ready to venture out again to try. Fast forward about a year and this young man has reached a top speed of 30 km/h down Midday Valley Road during the Winter and 40 km/h down the same road with the arrival of Spring.

“One of the best first attempts was when coming down Midday Valley Road and how you learn to control the board. There’s only so much you can learn from videos and you have to just jump on the board.”

Mountainboarding in the Nicola Valley.

Looking for mountain boarding runs

Brayden is excited and looking at different locations within the Merritt area to test his mountainboard out. He will soon have a better idea of the perfect areas for mountainboarding in Merritt, BC. Brayden’s ambition and goal is to bring mountainboarding to Merritt, BC. He hopes to offer rental boards, lessons and ventures for groups to enjoy the many different areas Merritt,BC has to offer in the near future.

Mountainboarding in Merritt British Columbia Canada

by House Member

Accommodations, Adventures (Summer), Artists-Galleries-Art, Attractions, Businesses, Entertainment - Music, Events & Festivals, History, Hotels - Motels, First Nations, Merritt, Merritt Murals, Nicola Valley, Youth

Art in Merritt BC – The Chair Walk

The Chair Walk, Merritt BC

July 10, 2019 to August 7, 2019

“Chairs like you have never seen before”

Art in Merritt BC. Art in Merritt comes in all forms, shapes and sizes. There are art galleries for you to enjoy, craft markets where many different artists participate, as well as, various venues with live entertainment. Locals and visitors will also enjoy the “Chair Walk”, the latest addition to the art experience while exploring Merritt BC Canada.

How does the Chair Walk Work?

The Chair Walk is modeled after a self-guided walking tour. Many communities provide self guided art walks including Merritt and the Nicola Valley. The Chair Walk will soon be one of the many art experiences to enjoy alongside the Merritt Murals, Walk Of Stars and many others.

However, one should know, the Chair Walk is different than many other art exhibits because it is a fund raiser for the Nicola Valley Community Arts Council and the Nicola Valley Community Theatre Society . The Chair Walk has some unique twists and turns that are not found in your every-day conventional Art Walk. It will be well worth the walk.

The Chair Walk is an army of community minded artists coming together for a good cause by donating their time and talents to producing some amazing art creations in the form of chairs. While the basis of the work is a common chair, there is nothing common about the finished results. But hold on! That is all we can tell you about it right now because it is a surprise. You will have to come to Merritt BC Canada this summer and take the walking tour to see the collection of creative chair masterpieces.

What will the chairs look like?

The Business Community is on board.

Of course, all this effort by the artists would be for naught if the businesses did not see this as a valuable event, not only for themselves, but for the whole town in fostering art in Merritt. You will find that the interesting thing is the large variety of businesses involved. There are flower shops, restaurants, auto parts dealers, a bike shop, sportswear, gift shops and many others for you to visit. All with their own versions of chair art.

Making Money for Art in Merritt, BC

Whereas the artists and business are crucial, you will be the ones to determine the success of this event.

Each chair will be the subject of a silent auction

However, if you are not going to bid on a chair you can still help the cause. Each chair will have a piggy bank placed nearby where you can make a donation. As a side note, the banks are fun to see as they come in all sizes and shapes too.

“Families, children, teens, seniors, singles, tourists, and couples are all encouraged to support this event as it will not only be a fun summer activity but also help make Merritt become a better community in which to live.” says Team Leader for the Chair Project, Shirley

Art in Merritt is worth the effort

The Chair Walk will give you a great introduction to our wonderful little City. While you travel to each venue you will pass by other attractions that might interest you, such as the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.

In addition, if you are into museums visit the Nicola Valley Museum and Archives. You will find great information on the local history including the Indigenous peoples of the region. You can also take in the many murals of the country stars that have played at our annual summer music fest.

The Merritt Murals are another example of art in Merritt that is on public display. There are said to around 20+ murals depicting country music stars. All painted by Michelle Loughery.

Accommodations Galore!

While experiencing the Chair Walk you may find time flies by fast. There are fifteen art sites spread out around town. Therefore, if you are from out of town you will want to consider staying over night. Accommodations in Merritt are varied from first class hotels to camping in the wilderness.

What to expect with art in Merritt

You will see some amazing creations, you will feel the small town experience and you could win a prize at the same time. Just get your passport stamped at all fifteen venues and you will be entered into the draw. You will walk away feeling proud that you participated in the Chair Walk in Merritt.

Chair Walk – Art in Merritt BC Canada

by Tom Reynolds

Adventures (Summer), Attractions, Events & Festivals, Merritt, Nicola Valley

Running in Merritt, BC, Canada

Hilly Half Marathon in Merritt, BC

Scenery in the Nicola Valley Can’t be Beat

“The views are worth every bit of the challenge” –Andrea

Running in Merritt is the subject of my first ever blog. Mary Jorgensen, as a new comer to Merritt BC Canada, was disappointed by the fact that there wasn’t a run in Merritt so she took the bull by the horns, got a small band of like minded people together, and the Merritt Country Run was born.

They’re off and running in Merritt, BC, Canada

The Merritt Country Run provides four different distances. Namely,” 2Xtrack(800M)”, 5K, 10K and the 1/2 Marathon. Of all the distances the 1/2 Marathon is the ultimate “running in Merritt” experience. Whereas runs on the Stanley Park Sea Wall are flat and easy, this run is hilly and really tests your endurance. While the route may be hilly our participants say:

“The views are worth every bit of the challenge” –Andrea

The Views While Running in Merritt, BC

The race starts at Voght Park, with the first part of the journey travelling beside the Coldwater River. However, after the first kilometer you meet your first challenging hill. This part of the run travels North East and gives you views out over the City’s golf course and the grasslands of the southern interior. If you have ever seen a wrinkle dog then you get the idea of what the grasslands look like.

View of Golf Course and Grasslands

The good thing is that when you reach the top of Juniper Hill you have over 8 kilometers before the next one! Your reward at the top of the hill is running through the Bench Subdivision. The fragrance of the pines as you run along Mountain Way screams out “Summer Vacation.”

While I could go on about the views, I will only cover three more spots. When you travel along the City’s Truck Route you get to see the booming metropolis of Merritt, BC. Secondly, when you are running out along Lindley Creek Road you get a magnificent view of the Nicola River as it flows down to the Fraser River at Spences Bridge. Finally, your last leg borders the Coldwater River where the babbling sounds of the river sooth your soul as you roll to the finish line back at Voght Park.

The Booming Metropolis of Merritt

The Home Stretch beside the Coldwater River

Come for the Running in Merritt enjoy the Nicola Valley

The temperature can be warm at this time of year so we start the half marathon at 8:00AM. If you are coming from out of town it is best to come the day before. You have many choices of accommodation from first class hotels, motels, B&B’s and of course camping.

To get full service camping you need to choose the in town sites of Claybanks RV or Moon Shadows RV Park. Choosing Monk Park provides you with all the comforts of a Provincial Campground on the shores of beautiful Nicola Lake. Alternatively, if you are into more rustic, Kane Valley and Lundbom Lake provide lakeside camping with minimal fan fare.

If this is not your year to attempt running in Merritt then remember that the Country Run is always the second Sunday in June. You don’t have to wait for the run to enjoy Merritt. Go to Experience Nicola Valley to get the scoop on all the exciting things to do in the Nicola Valley. After all, we are just a hop skip and jump away from Vancouver (3 hours), an hour + from the Okanagan and 45 minutes from Kamloops.

There will be more news on the Running in Merritt in the coming future so stay tuned.

Merritt Country Run in the Nicola Valley

by Tom Reynolds

Adventures (Summer), Canoeing - Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Merritt, Nicola Valley, People, Services

Bike Rentals in Merritt BC – An Interview with Breathe Bikes

Bike Rentals in Merritt BC

Bikes, kayaks and paddleboard rentals – Breathe Bikes

Bike rentals in Merritt BC includes kayaking and paddleboards when talking with my fellow blogger and Breath Bikes business owner, Travis Fehr. Travis is the proud owner of Breathe Bikes in Merritt BC Canada. The bike shop is a good starting point in Merritt for mountain biking, kayaking and SUP rentals during your summer visits to the Nicola Valley.

Travis Fehr outside his bike shop in Merritt BC

10 Questions For A Merritt BC Bike Shop

I asked Travel Fehr (bike shop owner) 10 questions about his Nicola Valley business. So pull up a stump and have a read about the only bike store in Merritt BC Canada.

Q1: Why did you want to start Breathe Bikes?

A: I have been working in bike shops for over 3 years and I got to the point where I wanted to be the boss. I was working in Camrose Alberta in a bike shop.

” I wanted to move away from the harsh winters of the prairies because I grew up in Saskatchewan. My family and I wanted to move to some place where the Winters weren’t so harsh and some place where they had excellent biking trails but no bike shops and Merritt fit all the those things.”

Q2: What did you do before you started Breath Bikes?

A: Before working in bike shops I was in the transportation industry in the Lower Mainland for many years. After realizing that I lost my passion for my career, I asked myself why should I keep doing what I don’t have a passion for?

Q3: What has been your biggest hurdle as a business owner?

A: Continuous learning. Being in business as a sole proprietor, you have to wear so many hats. Because there are so many things you have to know. You have to be open to learning and polishing your skills. It’s definitely a hurdle, but it’s also rewarding. I feel good when I am always learning. It keeps you motivated that’s for sure.

Q4: How long have you been in operation?

A: We opened here in May of 2013, I can’t believe it’s already been 6 years.

Q5: What sets you apart from the competition?

A: There is some competition with the big box stores. but the obvious difference is that I specialize in higher end bikes and bikes that are a little bit different in their specifications. As well, I offer full service and maintenance on all of those bikes. I also like to think that I am connected to my community.

Q6: What is your best selling model?

A: The hardtail mountain bike is my best selling model.

Q7: Besides bikes what else do you sell?

A: Cross country skis, snowshoes, kayaks, paddle boards and our newest product is stunt scooters. We not only sell them but people can rent them too. We also sell bikes, of course. Oh and we also do bike repairs!

Q8: What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?

A: I don’t want to sound like I’m patting myself on my back but I like to help those in need, when I can and in any way I can. Kids Christmas bikes. I donate kids bikes that have been used, I rebuild them. I’m really proud of that.

Q9: What is your company’s goals?

A: TAKE OVER THE WORLD!!! No but seriously, I want to grow my business, to see more growth of Merritt by encouraging active transportation and recreation culture of Merritt and the surrounding area. I would like to see that grow as well as see my business grow with it. I also want to stay grounded. Because sometimes you see businesses start small and get big and then they tend to lose their heart in that process. I don’t want that to happen, so I want to stay grounded and community focused and keep it real.

Q10: If you had ONE piece of advice for someone just starting out a business, what would it be?

A: Stay Positive! There’s going to be obstacles, setbacks and the only defeat is to give up.

Well my friends, that is Travis Fehr and Breathe Bikes .

Another feather in his cap was that Travis also helped fix up and rebuild the bike park in Central Park. This is complimented by his dedication to develop, maintain and design mountain bike paths in and around the Merritt area. To top it all off he is also a member of Council for the City of Merritt.

Some of the mountain biking events, of which, Travis is an active supporter of some of Merritt’s biggest mountain biking races include the Merritt Crown and the Epic 1000.

So if you are driving through the Nicola Valley from out of town or even out of the country and are itching to go for quick bike ride. Be sure to stop by and see Travis at Breathe Bikes just down from the Coldwater Hotel.

Thank you so much for you time, I now return you to your regularly scheduled scrolling

Bike Rentals in Merritt BC Canada

by Gerome Garcia

Adventures (Summer), Campgrounds, Camping, Canada, Canoeing - Kayaking, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Hiking-Backpacking, Merritt, Nicola Valley, Parks, Swimming

Camping in the Nicola Valley

Great places to go camping in the Nicola Valley.

Some great camp sites around Merritt.

Never a lack of things to do while out camping in the Nicola Valley.

Camping in the Nicola Valley is by far one of the best pass times in the spring, summer and fall.

You can start by checking all the provincial and forestry camp sites. There is a great map to look at and see what they have available at each. You can take a look at the interactive map from Ministry of Forests. From there it would be easy to decide on which site has what you are looking for in terms of hookups, power, showers, lake , fishing hiking etc.

I have done this a couple times and it can be very convenient. I may decide to do this again one day. But right now I prefer a little more rustic way of camping in the Nicola Valley. It opens up so many more options and places that you can go.

Provincial Camp sites.

Some great provincial campsites around the Merritt area include Kentucky Alleyne. Located off of highway 5A between Merritt and Princeton. There are some great hiking trails, fishing and geocaching. There is also a great kids pond between the two lakes where children can fish in the stocked trout pond.

Photo credit Michelle Lea’s Photography

Another great site is Monk park on the north west side of Nicola Lake. There is also great fishing here and if you have a boat you can get out into the deeper channels to fish. Rainbow, and kokanee are among the fish you can catch in Nicola Lake. You can get there by following highway 5 from Merritt towards Quilchena. Then take the Monk Park turn off just before the Nicola Lake dam.

Photo credit Michelle Lea’s Photography

More rustic camping in the Nicola Valley.

There are plenty of great forestry campsites through out the Nicola Valley as well. Some of them include Tyner, Boss, Shea, Davis, Kane, Lundbom, Marquart and so many more. Each of these lakes has it’s own pro’s. There are usually quite nice set ups for camping at all of these forestry sites and each lake has good fishing, trails and an abundance of wildlife.

Lundbom is a great place to camp for those who love to take their horses along. There are corrals and some great trails and open range land. Makes for an amazing camping trip.

Rustic Camping

We usually just drive to a nice spot in the bush by a lake and camp. No power, no hookups, no water. Sometimes we are not sure if our trailer will make it in but we do. If for some reason the road it not safe to take the trailer we will take the tent.

Photo Credit Michelle Lea’s Photography

Our trailer is always loaded with food.

We always bring our own water, propane, battery or solar lights. We even make a portable out house. And last camping trip we lined the path to the outhouse with solar lights. It was great.

Photo Credit Michelle Lea’s Photography

Canoeing, kayaking and boating

All of these lakes would be great to take your canoe, kayak, boat, belly boat or even pontoon boat. They are all easy to access. There are so many lakes close to these lakes as well so you can travel a short distance to a new lake and a new experience.

Photo credit Michelle Lea’s Photography

Loons

We love going fishing to catch our dinner or just catch and release. It’s all about getting out and enjoying the day. One lake we go to has a resident loon that will come and try to steal the fish right from the side of your boat or belly boat. You have to be very careful and keep a watch or your fish will either get taken or have some pretty good marks in it from the loon’s beak. It is quite exciting and kind of scary at the same time. You can get some great photos of the loon though.

Photo credit Michelle Lea’s Photography

Eagles

I remember another lake where you had to be careful as the resident bald eagle likes to come and steal the fish right off your line. Have to keep your eyes open and reel like crazy to get the fish in before the eagle steals it. It makes me laugh every time I think about it.

Photo credit Michelle Lea’s photography.

We are seriously so lucky to have what we have in our back yard. I remember setting up camp one summer and just going back and forth to work right from camp.

Bruce the Spruce

I have to tell you a fantastic little story about Bruce the spruce grouse. While out driving around, there is one road we always take to see what wildlife we can capture. Once particular day when we stopped at our normal corner I heard a grouse. I started to call it to see if it would come closer and what do you know. This grouse came right out strutting his stuff. He would follow me and even the truck for a little ways up the road.

NO WAY!!!

On our way back down I didn’t see the grouse again but told my boyfriend to stop and I would try calling him again. My boyfriend said no way is it going to come back again. I got out of the truck and started to call “Bruce…come on Bruce where are you” Well, wholly crap. Here comes Bruce strutting his stuff again. We couldn’t believe our eyes. I got a few more photo’s before heading home for the day.

Week Later

Thinking there is no possible way Bruce would still be there I decided to take my daughter for a ride up the road a week later. I needed some better photo’s. The ones I took the first time were not as good as I wanted. We got to the corner and I got out. My daughter must have though me to me crazy to be calling a grouse. “Bruce, come on Bruce, where are you” My daughter was just floored as out of the bush comes Bruce the Spruce. I got some better pictures this time. Had a little visit and left for home.

When my boyfriend got home and I started to tell him that Bruce was still there. My boyfriends daughters were listening couldn’t believe that I was calling this grouse in. I let them know that we would go out again as soon as we could so they could also see.

Couple weeks after that

It wasn’t until a couple weeks later that we got to head out again. I thought for sure this time Bruce would be gone. But he was still there and came out when I called him. My step-daughters thought it was the craziest thing. I also thought it was pretty wild how this grouse would come out when I called it. He was there and kept coming out for about a month and a half. We would go up and visit for a while and get some photo’s and a couple video’s.

I am not sure what ever happened to Bruce but he finally did disappear. It was a sad day when I went to see him and when I called he no longer came. I can only hope that he just moved on.

Photo credit Michelle Lea’s Photography

Gardening

I was pretty much ready to start planting a garden out there. Although we were back and forth I did plant some potato’s and lettuce. Our trailer stayed out there from April until the first snow in October. It was the best summer I have ever had. I think this year I will bring some planters out and have a bit of a container garden.

Property

Now we live on property and I thought by having property I wouldn’t want to go camping in the Nicola Valley anymore. So I started to get animals to sustain us on our own land. Well, I was wrong. I miss camping in the Nicola Valley. Quading, fishing going on hikes from out in the bush some where. There is absolutely nothing like it. I love being able to see all the amazing wildlife when I am camping in the Nicola Valley.

Photo credit Michelle Lea’s Photography

New places to explore

Usually we always camped at Helmer Lake. Unfortunately there was a bad flood that took out most of the camp sites as well as the road. Forestry has not fixed it for the past 3 years. So on to new and exciting places.

We decided to sell all the animals so we can do some serious exploring again. Some of the lakes that we are looking forward to checking out this year are forestry camp sites. But that’s okay. I am looking forward to picking fresh berries and catching my supper again.

Can’t wait to share with you all what I have experienced over the spring, summer and fall and which ones we love. There are so many places to check out when you go camping in the Nicola Valley. Some you may have heard about. Some maybe you haven’t. I will tell you about all of the ones I visit and what I see and experience at each.

Take Care

Please take care of our country so that others may also enjoy it for generations to come.

I would like you to make a promise. When you go into the back country please, leave it like you were never there. Always make sure your camp fire is out before you leave. If you see someone else has left a mess behind, please make an effort to clean it up then make a note and message me at Experience Nicola Valley. I will make a point to go back and see if there is anything else I can do. Thank you all so much.

Great places to go camping in the Nicola Valley.

by Michelle Bacon

Adventures (Summer), Camping, Environment, Four Season Adventures, Merritt, Nicola Valley, People, Youth

Growing up in Merritt, BC

Why I love growing up in Merritt

“…I never had any friends later on like the ones I did when I was twelve..”Richard Dreyfuss spoke these words in the final scene of my favorite movie “Stand by Me” . For me this quote reflects my growing up in Merritt with my friends. While we may have never searched for a dead body, we did have some memorable adventures. Whether it be getting my two friends and I lost on a mountain and picking ticks out of our hair on the way down, or floating down the Nicola River in dollar store rafts, my group of friends and I did it all.

Being raised in Merritt, My playground was the outdoors. Everything was in walking distance, and even if it wasn’t, we would still walk 2.5 hours in the scorching 40-degree weather to find a new cliff to descend into the river. Summers were spent playing on the river, or trying our best to leave early to get the ‘perfect’ spot under the shady tree at Monck Park beach. Dirt biking up to the lookout point up Promotory , and geocaching in Lower Nicola.

Hunting season in the Nicola Valley

As the leaves changed colours, so did our interests. I had completed my hunting core that past April. All I wanted for my birthday was to do an overnight hunting trip with my dad. On one brisk September’s day my father and I set out for our overnighter. We set up our camp under an old fir tree, 15 minutes outside of Merritt.

After we finished setting up, with a few hours of daylight left, we started down the rough terrain below us. Although we never shot anything, we did come across a small group of mule deer heading towards the timber. About 15 minutes after we had spotted a beautiful large black bear. We sat and watched the bear in admiration for quite some time. When we got back to camp, I sat underneath the fir tree with a breathtaking view of the Nicola Valley. I relaxed as my father prepared supper. The trip is one I will never forget.

Wintertime in Merritt

When snow starts falling in the Nicola Valley and winter approaches, Doug’s once green lawn turns into an ice rink. If you don’t have skates to wear, he supplies them without charge. Sledding and snowshoeing in the Nicola valley are a thing my family and I have always enjoyed and now it is our family tradition,

it’s not a successful sledding trip if you’re not leaving without a black eye (at least in my family anyway!) .

The lights when I come into Merritt always put a smile on my face; the streetlights are always so beautifully decorated that you just can’t help feeling that Christmas spirit. Of course, my most favorite thing about living in Merritt at Christmas time is the parade. It’s usually me, my mother and brother’s tradition to go every year to the Christmas Parade. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. No matter how old I get, I will still get that feeling of pure joy when I see the ‘Frosty the Snowman’ Norgaard truck float, and even at the end when Santa appears.

I really couldn’t wish for a better place to grow up in. I know that when I get older and leave for school, a part of me will always be here in Merritt. There are so many memories and adventures built here and I’m so proud and grateful to be able to explore The Nicola Valley and call it my hometown. The mountains and lakes have so much to offer that I hope that in the future more kids grow up and have a similar childhood to mine growing up in a small town.

by Jordyn Lee

Adventures (Summer), Canada, Environment, Four Season Adventures, Merritt, Nicola Valley

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

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

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!

by Julie Pollard