Things to Do in Merritt BC That Make It Worth Visiting

Is Merritt just another quick pit-stop on the Coquihalla, or is it worth pausing for? If you’ve ever asked yourself that while checking your map, you’re not alone.

I’ve spent slow afternoons here—wandering the country-music murals, sipping a latte at Kekuli Café’s open-mic night, scanning the sagebrush for wild horses—enough time to see that Merritt rewards travellers who crave open skies and unhurried moments.

You’ll find five relaxed things to do in Merritt, BC that make it genuinely worth visiting.

I’ll show you where to walk, what to eat, and how to soak up those Nicola Valley views—plus practical tips on timing, packing, and road-trip logistics—so you can turn a simple detour into a standout memory on your Rainforest-to-Rockies journey.

Plan Your Trip
Check hotel availability in Merritt →

I stopped and stayed a night in midsummer, but every season has its own charm—pumpkin-bright fall mornings, snow-quiet winter afternoons, or that first sunny market day in May.

1. Wander the Country-Music Murals & Walk of Stars

Country tunes have been the soundtrack of my life—first in Houston, Texas, then during my years in Calgary, Alberta, and now whenever I’m road-tripping in BC.

So, yeah, for sure, I had to pull over in Merritt, the self-proclaimed “Country Music Capital of Canada.” More than twenty larger-than-life portraits light up downtown brick walls, honouring legends from Reba McEntire to Tim McGraw.

A few steps away, a self-guided Walk of Stars showcases over seventy bronzed handprints from artists who’ve played local stages.

I spent an easy half-hour tracing the route, iced tea from Kekuli Café in hand, stopping whenever late-afternoon light set the red brick aglow against the blue Nicola Valley hills.

Slow-travel (and accessibility) tips I swear by

• Start at the Coldwater Hotel on Quilchena Avenue. Sidewalks here are flat and curb-ramped—knee-friendly for longer strolls.
• Detour to the gravel lot off Garcia Street. Dan Weser’s black-and-white portraits are easy to miss if you rush.
• Aim for golden hour, about an hour before sunset, for softer light and quieter streets.
• Grab take-out first. An iced tea pairs perfectly with a mural stroll, and you can head up to Nicola Lake afterward for a sunset picnic.

By the time you loop back to your car, you’ll have stretched your legs, filled a camera roll, and connected with a slice of Canadian country-music culture—no tickets, no rush, just curiosity and a bit of unhurried time.

🎥 Want a quick look at what Merritt’s really like?

I turned my short stop into a slow afternoon — murals, lake views, and a peaceful walk along the Nicola River. Watch the video below for a real feel of what it’s like to pause here instead of passing through:

2. Browse the Nicola Valley Farmers’ Market

Saturday mornings (9 a.m.–1 p.m., mid-May to Thanksgiving), the lot beside Baillie House, 2250 Voght St, fills with local stalls.

Best for

• Road-trippers hunting fresh snacks, families looking for easy souvenirs, and anyone who’d rather picnic than hit a drive-thru.

What you’ll find

• Fresh fruit & veg. Think juicy cherries, crisp apples, bright tomatoes.
• Homemade jams, pickles, and salsa—all shelf-stable and vegan.
• Hand-made crafts. Quilts, wood-turned bowls, painted signs.
• Vegan baked treats. Cinnamon bannock twists and fruit pies are my go-to road fuel when I can find them.

Quick tips

• Bring cash—some vendors skip cards.
• Arrive before 11 a.m. for the best produce and smaller crowds.
• Pack a cooler bag so berries stay fresh until your Nicola Lake picnic.
• Flat pavement + curb cuts make the market stroller- and cane-friendly.

Why I loved it

I grabbed a basket of cherry tomatoes and a warm bannock twist—perfect for nibbling as I wandered the murals and, later, watched the sun dance on Nicola Lake.

3. Picnic by Nicola Lake

Ten minutes northeast of town on Hwy 5A, Nicola Lake spreads out like a blue mirror between rolling brown hills. I parked at Monck Provincial Park’s day-use area—free parking, flat grass, plenty of shaded tables—and let the big-sky silence do its thing.

Best for

Picnic lovers, sunset photographers, kids who need to run, and anyone who wants a calm hour off the highway.

What to Pack

• Cooler bag with fruit, veggies, and fresh market bread.
• Camp chair or picnic blanket (grass is soft but sometimes damp).
• Light jacket—afternoon winds can pick up over the water.

Easy Tips

• Arrive before 4 p.m. for good parking and softer light on the hills.
• Stay close to shore if you paddle; sudden gusts surprise even locals.
• Paths from the lot to the tables are hard-packed gravel—fine for strollers, canes, and wheeled coolers.

Check the notice board: a blue-green algae advisory was posted in early July 2025. If signs are up, skip swimming and stick to shoreline fun.

Why I Loved It

I laid out my haul—crisp Nicola Valley apples, a cinnamon bannock twist, and an iced soy latte from Kekuli. Then I kicked back on the picnic blanket.

The hills glowed gold, meadowlarks chirped in the sage, and a couple of kids tried (and mostly failed) to skip rocks. For a few quiet minutes, the highway disappeared, and the endless blue sky felt like my own private ceiling.

4. Climb the Norgaard Flagpole Lookout for 360° Valley Views

Perched on a low hill right above town, the Norgaard Flagpole Lookout dishes up the best quick view of Merritt and the whole Nicola Valley. The climb is short, the payoff is huge, and the wide-open sky feels like a reward after hours in the car.

Best for

First-time visitors who want their bearings, sunset photographers, travellers who need a stretch but not a slog.

Trail Snapshot

Step-by-Step

• Park at the wide pull-out just past Norgaard Ready Mix (watch for the concrete plant on your right).
• Follow the well-marked dirt road uphill; switchbacks keep the grade mellow.
• At the top, a tall white flagpole marks the viewpoint—panoramas in every direction.
• Grab a seat on the low rock wall and trace landmarks: downtown Merritt, Nicola Lake’s blue ribbon, and the sage-brown hills rolling to the horizon.

Quick Tips

• Golden hour glow. Arrive 45 minutes before sunset for soft light on the grasslands (and cooler temps).
• Wind can whip up. A light fleece or windbreaker keeps the chill off, even in July.
• Keep kids close. The lookout is open; a short rock wall edges the drop-off.
• Accessibility note. The road is wide and even, but the grade may be tough for wheelchairs; the pull-out still gives a decent valley glimpse if walking isn’t an option.

Why I Loved It

I walked up with an iced soy latte and my camera, stopping to watch marmots scurry between the sage. At the flagpole, the view hit me—town lights flicking on below, fiery clouds above, and that hush you only get when the wind pauses.

5. Walk Merritt’s Heritage Block

Best for

Photo-happy history fans, easy walkers, kids on a “spot the cool building” hunt

Why I notice the little things

I studied art history and worked as an interior designer, so trim, brick, and old signs jump out at me. Merritt’s tiny heritage block is a fast lesson in prairie-railway style—no museum ticket needed.

Why Merritt Feels Different

A New Look the Moment You Arrive

• Big sky, dry air. After the damp forests near Vancouver, Nicola Valley’s blue-on-gold hills feel almost desert-like.
• Sagebrush scent. Roll down the window—yes, that sharp, earthy smell is sage heating in the sun.
• Ranch fences and hay bales. Even the roadside looks like a prairie postcard.

Sounds & Wildlife

• Meadowlarks sing instead of seagulls. Their flute-like whistle is easy to spot once you listen.
• Wild horses appear on quiet roads. Keep binoculars handy; they blend into the hills.
• Crickets at dusk. The dry grass turns into a soft chorus when the sun drops.

Weather Snapshot

Plan Your Merritt, BC Stop

When to Visit

• Spring (Apr – Jun) – Warm sun, cool breeze, first farmers’ market stalls.
• Summer (Jul – Aug) – Hot, dry days; long light for evening murals.
• Fall (Sep – Oct) – Golden grass, crisp air, perfect hiking temps.
• Winter (Nov – Mar) – Light snow, quiet streets; pack micro-spikes for the lookout.

Planning the first leg from Vancouver? See my Vancouver → Kamloops drive guide.

Where to Stay

Handy Tips

• Fuel & EV: Two gas stations + a Level-3 charger sit right off Hwy 5.
• Groceries: Extra Foods (easy parking) if you need picnic fixings mid-week.
• Washrooms: Clean, accessible toilet at Baillie House Visitor Centre.
• Cell Service: Strong in town; drops once you hit Midday Valley Road—download maps first.

Set your plans, grab a soy latte, and let the wide-open sky do the rest—yeah, for sure, Merritt makes an easy, low-stress break on any Rainforest-to-Rockies drive.

Continuing east? Here are the best Vancouver → Revelstoke road-trip stops.

Road Trip Planner: Getting to Merritt & Where to Next

How to Reach Merritt

*Times assume light traffic and no construction delays.

Quick Navigation Tips

• EV & fuel: Two gas stations and a 100 kW DC fast charger sit right by the Hwy 5 exit—no range anxiety.
• Download maps: Cell coverage dips on the Coquihalla and Midday Valley Road.
• Winter driving: The Coquihalla can see sudden snow; check DriveBC and pack micro-spikes if you plan to visit that flagpole lookout.

The drives from Merritt to Kamloops and Merritt to Hope are quick ones if you’re looking for a day trip.

Where to Next? (Pick Your Adventure)

My Road-Tested Advice

I’ve driven these highways a dozen times—yeah, for sure, Merritt is the ideal “stretch-your-legs” midpoint.

Whether you head back home the same day, make this a weekend trip from Vancouver, or push onward to the Rockies, the mural stroll and a lakeside picnic break up the kilometres better than any rest-area burger ever could.

What to Pack for Merritt (Year-Round)

Clothing Basics

• Versatile rain shell – handy for spring showers and cool fall wind.
• Long-sleeve base layer – wicks sweat, layers easily.
• Breathable tee (poly/cotton blend) – dries quickly, itch-free.
• Stretchy yoga pants – comfy for mural strolls or car naps.
• Quick-dry hiking pants – zip-offs save space when temps swing.
• Fleece hoodie – evenings by Nicola Lake can dip below 15 °C.
• Fleece vest – adds core warmth without bulk.
• Packable puffer vest – swap in winter if you need extra insulation.
• Fleece-lined leggings – winter road trips = warm legs without heavy snow pants.

Footwear

• Waterproof hiking boots – grippy enough for the Flagpole Lookout.
• Closed-toe water sandals – perfect for lakeside picnics and shoreline wades.

Handy Extras

• Sun hat & UV-blocking shades – Nicola Valley glare is real.
• Reusable water bottle – dry air means you’ll drink more.
• Soft cooler bag – keeps farmers’ market goodies fresh till lunch.
• Ultralight camping chair – folds down to bottle size; ideal for mural breaks or lake views.
• Compact camera tripod – steady sunset shots without lugging heavy gear.
• Binoculars – spot wild horses from Midday Valley Road.

Seasonal Add-Ons

If you’re heading to Nicola Lake, you’ll want to pack items for a lake trip in addition to the above.

by Tazim Damji of Celebrate Life’s Adventures

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Frequently Asked Questions About Merritt, BC

Quick Road Hacks Before You Roll On 🚗

• Check DriveBC one last time. Coquihalla weather flips fast—sun now, fog at the summit 20 min later.
• Stash a soft cooler in the trunk. Farmers’ fruit and bannock taste way better lakeside than squished under backpacks.
• Snap your favourite mural and tag me on IG (@celebratelifesadventures)—I love seeing which artist wins your vote.
• Winter tires Oct 1 – Apr 30. The on-ramp sign isn’t kidding, and the RCMP do spot checks.
• Still have daylight? Head north for golden-hour views over Kamloops Lake, or swing south to Hope’s canyon walls for a sunset stretch.

Grab your soy latte, cue your road-trip playlist, and enjoy the wide-open miles ahead—for sure, Merritt turns a simple highway break into a memory worth replaying.