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Lifestyle, Adventures (Summer), Adventures (Winter), Merritt, Snowmobiling, Transportation, Travel Tips, Youth

Backcountry Adventure in Merritt BC

Exploring Fall & Winter Seasonal

Merritt BC Adventures in our wilderness backcountry trails, lakes and roads.

Backcountry Adventure in Merritt BC – The Nicola Valley is a perfect for all outdoor adventure seekers who love a challenge in addition to having a memorable experience surrounded by mountainous beauty. Therefore, it is easy for me to say that, “Backcountry adventure in Merritt BC is your #1 destination spot for all off-roading fun.” The region is specially geared for weekend trips, day trips, or week-long vacations. We enjoy moderate temperatures during the fall and winter which truly makes the Nicola Valley ideal for all levels of outdoor backcountry 4×4 adventures. Merritt is surrounded by the most amazing 4×4 mountain trails in Canada making this your year-round destination spot.

Hidden Falls. Photo by Tania Stewart.

Backcountry Relaxing. Picture by Tania Stewart.

Fall Backcountry Adventure in Merritt BC

The Autumn lifestyle around Merritt BC can only be experienced in person. It is that beautiful! Besides being my favorite season, exploring the backcountry in the fall & winter around the valley is truly exhilarating, scenic and eye popping. That is to say, that many will come to enjoy our fall colors, babbling brooks, less traffic, and an abundance of empty picnic spots lakeside. Share your photos and trip reports with us on Facebook. Tag us on your posts with @experiencenicolavalley .

You can only find this in the backcountry. Photo Tania Stewart.

Backcountry Adventure Lakes & Hidden Falls

Important to note while out exploring around Merritt BC are the many hidden falls and pristine lakes that you can find in the backcountry. Certain waterfalls, lakes, mountains, and other natural beauties might be off-limits unless you have an off-road vehicle to drive you in there.

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” Albert Einstein

I will see you here! Picture by Tania Stewart.

This is what we experience in life! Picture Tania Stewart.

“For my part, I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream. ” Vincent Van Gogh

Backcountry Hamlets Merritt BC

While a Nicola Valley adventure will take you through breathtaking scenic terrain, it will also give you a chance to visit a few historic communities. There are hidden jewels tucked away from the main highways with backroad accessibility such as Kingsville and Brookmere historic hamlets. Great history in the fall as well as in the winter.

Adventure is different for everyone. Photo Tania Stewart.

“While I relish our warm months, winter forms our character and brings out our best.” Tom Allen

Fall fishing on empty lakes. Photo Credit eh Canada Travel Website

Mountain top lakes. Photo by Tania Stewart

Backcountry Winter Adventures

Whether you are looking for a slower scenic off-road trip or a heart-pounding snow-covered mountain trail adventure, we can help. Winter in the surrounding Nicola Valley offers just that. Exploring backcountry Merritt BC is ideal for all levels of winter sport.

Nothing like getting a little air while snowmobiling. Photo credit Experience Nicola Valley

Bring your sled. Photo Tania Stewart

Chasing The Snow in Merritt BC

The Nicola Valley is ideal for snow chasers and snow climbers 4×4 style. Whether on a zipped-out sled or a pimped-out 4×4 geared for ultimate winter terrain traction, the Nicola Valley offers countless hours of thrill-seeking extreme adventures. Important to know, adventure does not come knocking, you have to go looking for life adventures in our backcountry. However it is important to understand how to safely off-road and explore the backcountry in the winter.

“Adventure is worthwhile.” – Aristotle

Adventure is an attitude. Picture by Tania Stewart.

Just get out there! Picture Tania Stewart.

“Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, and drink the wild air.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Backcountry Adventure Trails

Out in the backcountry. Picture by Tania Stewart.

Make memories, not live in your dreams. Photo from Tania Stewart.

Mountain journey. Photo by Tania Stewart.

“Spontaneity is the best kind of adventure.” Unknown

Hospitality in the Nicola Valley

Affordable hotel rates with inclusive packages make this your ideal outdoor destination spot during the fall & winter seasons. Moreover, people around Canada and the world are discovering backcountry adventures in Merritt BC, making it their #1 top outdoor vacation destination in our region. Camping during the fall and winter is an experience our valley can accommodate for all adventure seekers. With over 200 lakes, you can choose your campsite.

MR Mikes Merritt BC. Photo by Tania Stewart.

Best Western Merritt BC.

“If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine; it’s lethal.” – Paulo Coelho

Trip reports are welcome. Tania Stewart.

“Backcountry Etiquette means that you never leave anything behind or endanger wildlife.” Tania Stewart

Spontaneity is the best kind of adventure. Photo by Tania Stewart.

Happiness is the goal. Photo by Tania Stewart

Exploring the Backcountry in Merritt BC

When off-roading in the fall & winter, know what you are up against. Understand and be able to identify the different types of snow. Furthermore traversing different snow consistencies will require different driving techniques. For example, there is hard, icy snow located on north-facing slopes. Soft snow that is sitting in the sun. Knowing that trying to stay on top of soft and dry snow is often harder than driving over wet and heavy snow. Truly plan your course accordingly before embarking out in the backcountry. Moreover, a map or booklet on the Nicola Valley backcountry is a must. From my own experience, this has saved us on many occasions. Seasonal daylight hours with cooler weather can be challenging. Do not let it be.

YES!’ to your adventure. Photo Tania Stewart.

Fill your life with adventures. Picture by Tania Stewart.

Know Your Limits While Exploring Backcountry in Merritt BC

I can not stress the importance of knowing your limits. Moreover, know the limits of your vehicle. If you are just starting to adventure in the backcountry. Try low-lying roads on dry tracks. Even better, bring a well-seasoned off-roader with you. Additionally, walkie-talkies are a must. Bring a friend, preferably in their vehicle. If you have a break down it could be many hours or days before anyone finds you. Cell phones may not work in a lot of areas. Keep water, food, flashlights, long distant radio, extra clothing even a flare gun.

Let’s make adventure priority #1. Photo courtesy of Tania Stewart.

Backcountry Lakes

Grab your map, set your time, pack gear, gas up, and go. Moreover, “Just Do It!” Exploring backcountry parallels to treasure hunting. Backcountry adventure in Merritt BC provides scenic natural beauty, with countless lakes. Must note, when out in the backcountry you may only see wildlife. Look out for fellow adventure seekers. I hear they will always welcome sharing places that are a must-see, and what areas to avoid.

Backcountry trip adventure. Picture by Tania Stewart

Dedicated adventurers. Photo courtesy Tania Stewart.

Dedicated Adventurers Wanted in Merritt BC

Don’t let the fall or winter blues set in. Truly, plan your picnic spot mountainside or one with a lakeshore view. While in the winter months, pack up your skis, sleds, crazy carpets even snowshoes. Outdoor backcountry mountain journeys are waiting for you right here in Merritt BC Canada.

Merritt British Columbia Backcountry Adventures

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by Tania Stewart

Lifestyle, Adventures (Summer), Adventures (Winter), Four Season Adventures, Merritt, Transportation, Youth

Off-Roading in Merritt BC

Off-Roading in Merritt BC Canada

Extreme Outdoor Terrain Action 4×4 Sport

Off-roading Adventure Seeker’s Wanted!

Off-roading in Merritt BC is a top destination spot for all adventure seekers who like a challenge. Moreover, the Merritt BC region provides miles of trails, extreme terrain action for all 4×4 sporting enthusiasts. With moderate temperatures year-round, the Nicola Valley is a first choice for many who seek off road extreme 4x4ing. The Nicola Valley boasts endless back country roads, which offer gentle slopes for beginners or steep climbing mountain trails for the brave. Come and discover some of the most beautiful, scenic, natural place’s found right here in Merritt BC. Canada. I guarantee it will be a most enjoyable outdoor experience.

Picture time. Photo by Tania Stewart.

Scenic beauty. Pic by Tania Stewart.

Sightseeing While Off-Roading in Merritt BC

Off-roading around Merritt BC will leave you breathless. With such amazing scenic beauty to see, old growth trees, towering mountain peaks, rock bluffs, grass plains, hidden lakes, wildlife, and the odd cow. Take some time to discover those mountain top lakes that seem to be untouched with exceptional fishing. Certain waterfalls, lakes, mountains, and other natural beauties might be off-limits unless you have an off-road vehicle to drive you there. Allowing you to take a dip in a secluded lake or waterfall, say what! Hiking is great, but to get to some of these places would take days.

Mountain views while off roading in Merritt BC

Mountain Views. Photo by Robert Neil

Mountain goat. Picture by Robert Neil

Off-road vehicles is anticipated to grow at 7% CAGR between 2021 and 2027. Market Growth

Jeep Wrangler Style. Photo by Tania Stewart.

4x4ing Back Country Roads Summer & Spring

Albeit most love to go off-roading in the summer months and the spring. Showcasing fresh buds on the trees, birds, bee’s, bear’s all waking up to the warm sun. Truly has to be one of the best times for getting out and hitting the back roads. Although off-roading in Merritt BC, Canada is a year round sport. Many people will find that the warmer months are more ideal. Nature enthusiasts will love the abundance of wildlife found in the back roads. Summer is great for overlanding off-roading. Taking your time with longer trips, staying at campsites, sleeping in tents, or just outside under the stars. Truly bare necessities!

Wildlife. Photo by Tania Stewart

Wildlife while Off-Roading in Nicola Valley

Bear Aware. Photo Tania Stewart

Nicola Valley Off-Roading in The Fall

Authentic natural environments is my favorite time to go off-roading. Getting out on the back country roads is truly exhilarating for all extreme adventurists. Along with being a bit cooler, fall colors will take you by surprise. Noteworthy, the Nicola Valley is renowned for its Indian Summers, with comfortable warm days and cool nights. Which makes this an ideal time for day trips, picnics, hiking, and just enjoying the scenic beauty. Rocky off-roading in the fall is a lot of fun, but may require a certain skill level.

Fall mountain top trees. Photo by Tania Stewart

Off-roading in the Winter

When temperatures start to dip and snow is starting to cover your favorite trails in the Nicola Valley. This doesn’t mean you have to put your Jeep or yourself in hibernation for the winter. Truly, 4×4 off-roading in the snow can be an extremely enjoyable, extreme adventure for those who are up for the challenge. Even if you a planning a two hour tour in the back country or an all day one. Or like us, go long into the night.

10m from downtown Merritt. Picture by Tania Stewart

Spring time 4×4. Picture by Tania Stewart

Discover some of the most beautiful, scenic, natural place right here in Merritt BC, Canada. Picture by Tania Stewart

Off-roading weather conditions in Merritt BC

When off-roading in the winter, know what you are up against. Understand and be able to identify the different types of snow. Furthermore traversing different snow consistencies will require different driving techniques. For example, there is hard, icy snow located on north-facing slopes. Soft snow that is sitting in the sun. Knowing that trying to stay on top of soft and dry snow is often harder than driving over wet and heavy snow. Truly plan your course accordingly before embarking out in the backcountry.

Spring Snow. Picture Tania Stewart

Mountain views. photo by Tania Stewart

Must Have – 4×4 Compass

Spectacular sunsets. Picture by Tania Stewart.

Useful Tip

Airing down your tires is an effective way to increase the amount of traction and displacement your vehicle has on slippery, icy surfaces. Moreover by reducing the amount of air in your tires, more surface area of the tire will touch the ground. As a result, gives a higher level of traction and displacement. Further, it is easier to stay on top of the snow, preventing you from spinning out and digging yourself into a hole.

Searching for Bigfoot. Photo Tania Stewart.

Back roads adventure.

Snow Tires in the Nicola Valley

Investing in a set of snow tires is perhaps the best way to avoid skidding and sliding on icy trails. Snow tires are specifically designed with deep treads that have larger gaps to optimize traction when driving on snow and ice. Remember, if the road is slippery, you will have less traction. Your tires simply can not grip the ground well when it is wet.

Bigfoot lives here! Photo by Tania Stewart.

The lighter your Jeep is, the easier it will be to stay on top of the snow and avoid sinking into the soft surface.

Family fun time! Photo by Tania Stewart.

wilderness adventures in the Nicola Valley

Lake cool off! Picture by Tania Stewart

Know Your Limits

I can not stress the importance of knowing your limits. Moreover know your vehicles limits. If you are just starting to adventure in the back country. Try low lying roads on dry tracks. Even better, bring a well seasoned off-roader with you or team up with a well seasoned off-roader. Fact, walkie-talkies are a must. Bring a friend, preferably in their own vehicle. If you have a break down it could be many hours before anyone finds you. Cell phones do not work here. Keep water, food, flashlights, long distant radio, extra clothing even a flare gun.

Back roads adventure. Picture Tania Stewart.

Pay Attention to Traction

The biggest hurdle beginner off-roaders face is figuring out how traction works. Traction is one of the most important things you need to understand when off-roading. When you lose traction, you run the risk of having your truck spin out of control or go off the trail.

Traction basically means how well your truck’s tires are gripping the ground. That is why tires with deeper tread have better traction—the deeper tread allows the tires to better grip the ground. Important to know, if the road is slippery, you will have less traction. Tires simply can not grip the ground well when it is wet. The same goes for rocks. The less traction you have, the more important it is to accelerate smoothly.

Hitting the trails. Photo by Tania Stewart.

Sunsets are the best! Photo by Tania Stewart

Practice More Often

Get as much practice as you can. The more you practice, the better you will be at off-roading. You don’t have to practice every day—you might have obligations like work to take care of. However, you can set aside a few hours every weekend to practice your off-roading skills. Find trails near you that you can use for practicing.

In Conclusion

Discover some of the most beautiful, scenic, natural place’s found right here in Merritt BC. Canada. If you like adventure and challenges, you will enjoy off-roading here in the Nicola Valley. Meet you on the trail.

Scenic view 4×4 action. Photo by Tania Stewart

Off-Roading in Merritt BC Canada

Nicola Valley 4x4ing

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Lifestyle, Accommodations, Adventures (Winter), Attractions, Ice Fishing, Hotels - Motels, Hiking-Backpacking, Merritt, Nicola Valley, Snoeshoeing, Snowmobiling, XC Skiing

Winter Activities in Merritt BC.

Winter Activities in Merritt BC

Outdoor Winter Activities in The Nicola Valley

Getting outdoors and enjoying the crisp cold air is exhilarating to say the least.

Winter activities in Merritt BC – Albeit we all want to hunker down during the winter months and hibernate, sit back and wait for spring. Truth be told Winter is one of my favourite seasons to become more active and enjoy Outdoor Winter Activities in the Nicola Valley. Although nothing compares to swimming in a lake in the summer, ice fishing on that very lake in the winter is an “AHA moment”. Winter Activities in Merritt BC is an outdoors enthusiasts dream scape. Here in the Nicola Valley there is a winter activity for everyone to enjoy. Get outside and Experience Nicola Valley!

Snowshoeing in Merritt.

Snowmobiling on Tyme Mountain – Winters in Merritt, BC, Canada.

Let us begin with cross-country skiing and snowshoe winter activities in Merritt BC.

Importantly and ideally the best place is” Kane Valley” for xc skiing and snowshoeing. It is only located 18 kms south of Merritt, BC, Canada. ExperienceMerritt.com points out that the Kane Valley enjoys a base elevation of 1160 metres (3800 feet). The timbered valley has a micro-climate that can provide ideal Nordic skiing conditions. The snow is generally dry, seldom more than 1 to 1.5 metres deep, and the air temperature is usually between 0 and -15 degrees Celsius throughout the winter. The best winter access to the ski areas is along the Kane Valley road which joins Highway 5A/97C near Corbett Lake, 18 kilometers south of Merritt.

Cross country skiing Kane Valley. Photo by

merritt cross country skiing - kane valley

Cross country skiing on the Kane Valley Trails

Snowshoes are welcome also at Kane Valley. Outdoor Winter Activities in The Nicola Valley.

Snowshoeing winter style. Photo by Bonnie Kittle.

Furthermore with Covid19 and self-distancing there has been an increase with people getting back outdoors and enjoying nature. Albeit cross-country skis can be cumbersome to younger children, snowshoes are much easier to navigate and you will forget you are wearing them.

Now let us look at Snowmobiling. Outdoor Winter Activities in The Nicola Valley.

Snowmobiling is an outdoor winter activity everyone can enjoy in The Nicola Valley. While experiencing the crisp air and boundless trails. Snowmobiling in the surrounding Nicola Valley is an outdoor enthusiasts dream. Snowmobiling in Merritt BC can be the ride of your life, as stated by EH Canada Travel.

“Come and experience a snowmobiling paradise in Merritt BC, Canada. From rolling hills, groomed trails to immense peaks our snow-covered landscapes offer a variety of snowmobiling adventures for all ages, abilities and desires.”

One of the great winter activities around Merritt, BC.

Snowmobiling on Tyme Mountain – Winters in Merritt, BC, Canada.

Ice Fishing truly an Outdoor Winter Activity in The Nicola Valley.

Ice fishing is not for the weak at heart. In other words having to deal with the wind, cold, wet feet and even picking the wrong drilling spots can be trying for some. However, ice fishing is a winter delight for many who enjoy fishing as a hobby. This is an activity anyone can enjoy, whether being a beginner or a pro. On the other hand, when the fish are not biting, make it a family day of fun with a hotdog roast and gooey smores. Lastly, make sure to check the depth of the ice. Safety is key! Need more information on ice fishing, go to “Getting Started for Ice Fishing.

Where to Ice Fish in the Nicola Valley?

Nicola Lake located 13km from Merritt is a favourite for ice fishing. Chicken Ranch Lake, another lake, offers great fishing for Brook Trout. The fish average in size around 1 lb but can reach up to 3 to 4 lbs. Alleyne Lake (near Merritt) fishes Kokanee. Generally speaking ice fishing usually starts in mid December as the colder weather brings over 6 inches of hard ice. Along with the fish still feeding because of the high oxygen levels in the water. Ideal ice fishing time!

Photo courtesy of Freshwater Fisheries Society.

What about Tobogganing? Truly a Winter Activity enjoyed in Merritt BC.

Surely one of the best tobogganing is just before Lundbom Lake. With easy access for cars this is an ideal place with some amazing hills to toboggan down. It is an outdoor adventure with a picnic. A historical fact – the toboggan was originally used as transportation by the Inuit and First Nations groups of Canada. Moreover do not forget the hot chocolate!

Star Gazing outdoor winter activities in The Nicola Valley.

Star Gazing during the winter months in the Nicola Valley is ideal. Because it is a smaller community there is little-to-no light pollution to cover the stars at night. In effect the Nicola Valley is one of the best location for avid star gazers. Thus if you are a pro star gazer or a beginner this is your destination place.

Star Gazing. Photo by Alessandro Viaro.

Photo courtesy of Calwaen Liew.

Winter Moon. Photo by Tania Stewart.

Even more there is Winter Hiking!

Hiking Kentucky Lake.

Okay now let us talk about winter time hiking. Merritt is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains with an abundance of mountain trails. Makes for an ideal spot for all levels of hiker’s who like a challenge or just a hour stroll.

In addition the Nicola Valley offers trails that wrap around majestic lakes. Check out Kentucky Lake which offers a scenic hike around it’s lake. Assuredly the Nicola Valley has a wide variety of hiking trails available for all hiking abilities. Iron Mountain located just off highway 97C, enjoys a 4k trek to the top. Worth the views.

Winter Hiking. Photo by Tania Stewart.

Hiking trails in Merritt. Photo courtesy of Tania Stewart.

Tom Lacey Memorial Trail. Located close to downtown Merritt. Truly a fun family hike. Then there is Sugarloaf Mountain which starts at Lundbom Lake. Follow the access road to Hamilton Lake, gives you the most direct access to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain,

Winter in Merritt BC

Winter activities in Merritt BC are numerous. Getting outdoors and enjoying the crisp cold air is exhilarating to say the least. As previously stated winter in the Nicola Valley offers ice fishing, tobogganing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and star gazing. Further more Merritt has numerous Hotel accommodations for travelers along with a great selection of downtown shops with fine eateries for all. Let us bring back skating on lakes what about outdoor hockey with masks.

Winter in Merritt, BC, Canada

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by Tania Stewart

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, Nicola Valley

Enjoy Camping in Canada – Nicola Valley

Enjoy Camping in Canada

Experience Lundbom Lake in the Nicola Valley!

You may never want to go home!

Camping in Canada! Lundbom Lake West Recreation Site, in British Columbia, is an awesome fishing, horseback riding, and camping location! Add the surrounding area which provides excellent mountain biking and ATV/dirt bike riding and you may never want to go home!

Check out some exciting ways to experience Lundbom Lake!

Fees:$12.00 Camping
Fee Applies: Apr 27, 2018 – Oct 8, 2018 All Days
Campsites: 37
Access: Road
Facilities: Boat Launch
Tables
Toilets

Come in the summer, come in the fall, this lake is fabulous any time at all.

Each time I experience Lundbom Lake, I fall in love with it all over again! I know I’m just 15 minutes from downtown Merritt, but I feel like I’m miles away in the wilderness. Super easy to get to, it is just off Highway 97c on an easy-to-travel gravel road! Each summer I spend many weeks there enjoying all it has to offer, and even travel back and forth to work from my campsite!

The occasional lightening storm rolls through as seen from the west campground

The short drive on the gravel road takes your breath away! Rolling hills covered with wildflowers, sparkling lakes, and rich grasslands. Gorgeous! If you are planning on experiencing Lundbom Lake, you can also take the the back road through pine and fir forests and grassy, open meadows. There are a few extra bumps on this road, but is it worth it!

Camping in Canada? Great camping in the southern interior of BC

Lundbom Lake camping will add additional camp sites this year, as the demand is growing! It is usually full on weekends and holidays, so reserve early. It’s pretty easy to find a nice camping spot during the week. This is a forestry campsite so there is a small fee for camping.

Two areas to choose from – East and West

Even the horses smile at Lundbom Lake

Most of the sites are spacious and private, great for large RV’s, tents, and trailers! I have even seen motorcycle groups come and stay for overnighters. Several sites are right on the lake. Others are nestled in the forest. There are two areas for camping at Lundbom Lake, East and West. Stay on the main road to access the East side or cut through the west campground and take the back road thru the forest! You’ll find the campground hosts, Cathy and Clint, on the West site.

Click here for a quick timelapse of the sun setting at Lundbom Lake! Beautiful!

Excellent Equine Camping Experience

Horse people love it here! The West campground includes horse corals. “Build it and they will come.”, someone said. And they do!

The draw? The never ending trail riding. And the trails really are never ending! Trails thru the grasslands up the mountains, by the lakes, and into the forests. Spectacular!

Experience Lundbom Lake Fishing

My friend Joanne caught a beauty at our site.

Be prepared to catch “the big one”! I have seen them as big as 9 lbs and they can get even bigger! The lake is stocked with rainbow trout each year and there are plenty of fish to be caught here!

Some days are a little tricky but when the bite is on, it’s on! Lundbom Lake can be challenging so the more fishing skills you have, the better your luck will be. I don’t consider my self a “pro”, but I’ve had pretty good luck right off the shore!

Brian Chan & Phillip Rowley are fish experts and can provide excellent information and details on fish and fishing

To get specific information on the types and quantities, visit Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.

Did you Know?

Fishing in the shoals on the west end of Lundbom Lake is a popular pastime.
Lundbom Lake at it’s deepest is about 80 ft.

History of Lundbom Lake

To find the history of Lundbom Lake, I reached out to Nicola Valley Museum and was thrilled with the response! They rock!! Special thanks to Emmanuelle Dugas!

I had heard that the lake was named after a Lundbom. The lake is actually named after an early Nicola Valley settler, a Norwegian bachelor named Agustus William Lundbaum.

In 1871, Lundbaum settled north of Nicola Lake. He was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1880 and a judge in the Court of Revision and Appeal under the Assessment Act for Nicola 1n 1881.

What did Lundbaum do?

Overlooking Lundbom Lake

Lundbaum was a great fisherman and is credited with introducing the angleworm into the district. Lundbom Lake was mainly known as Fishermans lake. It eventually became popular for just lazing around or hiking. Early campers said it was crawling with all kinds of insects, snakes, frogs, moles and coyotes. They said the fish were “small, silvery and saucy”.

Sometime before Lundbaum left in 1885 or 1886, he declared the Nicola Country was “going to the dogs” and “the grass was about done”. He rode the range, with his rifle, shooting down his heifer calves so that as he put it, “ there would be enough grass grow” for those he allowed to survive.

Lundbaum was so concerned about the overgrazing of the Nicola Rangeland that it is said he went out of his mind and was taken out of the valley, never to return. He apparently recovered and farmed in the Fraser Valley.

Lundbom Commanage

Ridley and Pooley staked a claim and applied to purchase the open country. This action resulted in the Stockmen from Nicola Lake signing a petition to the government to have the area declared a commonage reserve under the Commonage Act.

The commonage bearing Agustus William Lundbaum’s name still exists as established in 1887 and is a fitting monument to this early environmentalist. It is a commonage reserve to this day.

Lundbom Commanage contains 100 acres. Lundbom Head, sometimes called Sugar Loaf Mountain, stands in the Lundbom Commons.

Now visitors from far and wide enjoy the Lundbom Lake experience!

Turquoise waters at Lundbom Lake?

Camping at Canada, at Lundbom Lake! Lots of fun…

But always be careful and be safe! Wildfires are always an issue during the hot summer months.

Check the Fire Bans and Restrictions

I remember when Lundbom Lake used to be turquoise waters.

Anyone else remember that? And know why it’s not anymore?

And want to read about why I love living in Merritt? Read my blog…

Julie

by Julie Pollard