Merritt

Merritt is a city of about 7,000 people (2023) in the Nicola River valley of the Thompson-Nicola region of British Columbia. There isn't much to see in town, other than a certain vintage Old West flavour, but as a location makes it a convenient place to stop for a rest or to get some food.

Merritt Halal Explorer

Merritt

Ranching, farming, forestry, transportation and tourism are the primary industries. Merritt is the nearest large community to the Douglas Lake Cattle Company, Canada's largest working cattle ranch.

The annual Merritt Mountain Music Festival drew as many as 148,000 people at its peak in the summer of 2005. The festival, combined with the development of the Merritt Walk of Stars - a display of bronzed handprints of Mountainfest artists placed around the community - the Mural Project and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, Music in the Plaza and in the Park along with other tourism development activities have been used to solidify the city's branding as the Country Music Capital of Canada.

Nearby and there are four provincial parks, numerous lakes, and several recreational trails.

• Merritt Visitor Centre - 2250 Voght Street at the Baillie House ☎ +1 250-378-0349

History of Merritt

For years the Merritt area was a gathering place for local European colonists and First Nations, as the area was a focus of transportation routes used by early pioneers. The grasslands eventually drew the attention of settlers interested in ranching, and the first ranches were staked in the mid-19th century.

In the 1880s three ranches located at the confluence of the Nicola and Coldwater Rivers, owned by William Voght, Jesus Garcia, and the John Charters Estate, became the focus of a farming community known as "The Forks". With the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway through British Columbia in 1885, interest increased in the coal deposits south of The Forks.

Part of the ranches owned by Voght, Garcia and Charters were surveyed in 1893 for the townsite of Forksdale, but the name did not catch on with local residents. Instead and the name was changed in 1906 to honour William Hamilton Merritt III, a mining engineer and railway promoter. By 1907 and the coal mines were in operation and with the completion of the railway from Spences Bridge, government and other offices starting moving from Lower and Upper Nicola to establish Merritt as the major settlement in the Nicola Valley. Other industries developed in the Valley, including ranching, copper, nickel, Gold and silver mining, and forestry, and as a result, new business buildings were constructed.

Merritt and the Nicola Valley experienced prosperity until the passage of restrictive trade legislation in the United States in 1930. Because the city had financially backed one of the major sawmills and the loss of lumber markets caused the city to go into receivership from 1933 to 1952.

The next wave of immigrants, primarily Sikh, from the Punjab region of India, arrived in Merritt in the 1950s, but a large influx arrived in the late 1960s and early 1970s to work in the booming Forestry sector of the time and adding to the cultural mosaic of Merritt. Known as Indo-Canadians and they continue to play a crucial part in the economy—Aspen Planers Ltd., a major employer in the city, and many other businesses, restaurants and hotels in Merritt are owned by members of this group.

Travel to Merritt

Merritt is at the junction of four highways, of which the Coquihalla (Highway 5) and the Okanagan Connector (Highway 97C) are the most important. This makes it easily accessible by vehicle from Vancouver (2½-3 hours), Kamloops (40-60 minutes) and Kelowna (1 hour).

Highway 5, and Highway 97C all intersect at Merritt with Highway 97C East connecting the city to Kelowna and Penticton, Highway 97C Northwest to Logan Lake, Highway 8 to Spences Bridge and Lillooet, Highway 5A South to Princeton, Highway 5A North to Kamloops, Highway 5 South to Hope, and Highway 5 North to Kamloops.

Ebus connects Merritt to Kamloops, Kelowna, and Vancouver.

How to get around in Merritt

Downtown is definitely small enough to get around on foot, although getting from the downtown center up to the newer developed areas can take up to an hour. Almost anywhere in the city can be visited by an hour on foot. A vehicle or at least a good bike (with a good state of health) is recommended to explore around the city.

What to see in Merritt

• Nicola Valley Museum & Archives - 1675 Tutill Court off Coldwater Ave. behind Cooper's Foods ☎ +1 250-378-4145 Opening Hours: Winter: Monday Tuesday Friday 10AM Monday - 3PM, West Thursday 10AM Monday - 4PM; Summer: Monday 10AM Monday - 3PM, Tuesday - Saturday 9AM Monday - 5PM Suggested donation: adult $2, child $1 The museum has an extensive collection of Nicola Valley photographs & artifacts on display: rail travel, teams & sports, Nicola Valley General Hospital, pioneer kitchen, ranching equipment & brands, Harry Priest - pioneer photographer, pioneer general store, First Nations & James Teit, transportation, churches, Widow Smith of Spence's Bridge, musical instruments, record players & radios, military uniforms and artifacts, early mining history, Craigmont mine history.

• Douglas Lake Ranch Canada's largest working cattle ranch is located to the Northwest of the city.
• Walk of Stars A collection of hand imprints and painted murals of various country music stars spread throughout downtown.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Merritt

• Rockin' River Musicfest - Genetal admission: one day $72.50, four days $285, children 12 and under free; reserved seating $315 for four days 2018-05-20 A four-day country music festival on the first weekend in August. Camping $70 per day for up to four people. Parking $20/day, or $45 for four days.

• Bass Coast Music Festival | 1000 Midday Valley Road General admission $350 Early July. Electronic music festival founded and run by women with no sponsors or corporate presence. Sold out for 2018.

• Coldwater River Provincial Park - 50 kilometers south of Merritt on Highway #5, just north of the tollbooths The park is undergoing reclamation activities for a few years to return the area back to a river valley ecosystem. The area is permanently closed to vehicular traffic – pedestrian traffic is strongly discouraged due to the safety hazards that exist throughout, particularly at the entrance.
• Mountain biking A dry climate and many mountains combine to make a great place for more adventurous mountain bikers. Trail maps and information are available in several downtown stores as well as City Hall. A more sedate bike trip can be found by following the abandoned railroad out towards Spences Bridge.
• Fishing The Nicola Valley is home to many lakes and rivers and freshwater fishing is popular both during the summer and in the winter. Equipment can be purchased at the Canadian Tire or Powderkeg shop downtown. Nicola and Douglas lake are the most popular locations.
• Swimming For people that don't mind the cold water, Nicola Lake is incredibly refreshing on an August day. Monck park operates a small beach on the Northern shore, which is probably the most popular place to swim. Two local swimming holes in the Coldwater river are also worth paying a visit. Ask for directions from a local to reach Little Box and Big Box. Big Box requires a good pair of hiking boots and about 45 minutes of hiking to reach.
• On the water Nicola Lake is a very large lake with many summer homes and good winds. As such, during the summer months, motorboats, sailboats and wind-surfers can all be seen out on the water. Kayaking on Nicola or any of the smaller lakes can also be a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, but be warned that there are no rental companies in town.
• Camping Several campsites are open year-round in the valley. The most popular campsite is Monck Park, roughly 20 kilometers to the east of Merritt, although it is only open during the summer. Be sure to check the Wildfire Danger Level before going out camping to see if a campfire ban is in effect.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Merritt

• Nicola Valley Honey - 860 Coldwater Road ☎ +1 250-378-5208 Named Canada's Best Honey in a national survey, this stuff is liquid Gold. Usually easy to find, local grocery stores stock it. Also worth trying is the strawberry rhubarb spread.

Halal Restaurants in Merritt

• Brambles Bakery & Cafe | 2151 Quilchena Avenue ☎ +1 250-378-6655 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 7AM Monday - 5:30PM; Saturday 8:30AM Monday - 4PM Soups, sandwiches, bakery.

• Mandolin's Bagel & Coffee House 114 1700 Garcia ☎ +1 250-315-0007 Small cafe downtown, this place scratch-bakes the majority of its products. Giant cookies, cinnamon buns and biscotti are all excellent choices. Also does very good sandwiches and home-made soups.

• Home Restaurant - 3561 Voght Street ☎ +1 250-378-9112 Breakfast $8-18, lunch and dinner mains $10-20
• Garden Sushi Japanese Restaurant 2701 Nicola Avenue ☎ +1 250-378-5504 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 11AM Monday - 9PM
• Game On Sports Grill 3701 Dewolf Way ☎ +1 250-315-1022 Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday 11AM Monday - mdnighr, Friday Saturday 11AM Monday - 1AM

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Merritt

Merritt - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Merritt, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Merritt. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Merritt and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Merritt. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Merritt. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMerritt: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Merritt.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Merritt: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Merritt, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Merritt.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Merritt, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Merritt, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Merritt and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Merritt, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Merritt, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Merritt without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Merritt is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Merritt.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Merritt is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Merritt, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Merritt Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Merritt

eHalal Group Merritt is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Merritt. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Merritt.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Merritt ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Merritt. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Merritt, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Merritt are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@halal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Ranchland Villa Motel - 1301 Nicola Ave - From $69 Free Wi-Fi in all areas. A microwave and a refrigerator are included in each guest room. A cable TV and a seating area are provided in air-conditioned rooms. A coffee maker is also offered. An en suite bathroom includes free toiletries. Some rooms feature a full kitchen. 24-hour reception. A guest launderette is on site and free parking is provided.

• Sportsman's Motel - 3463 Voght Street ☎ +1 250-378-2207 - From $58 Free Wi-Fi and a barbecue, pet-friendly accommodation. Each room at this motel is air-conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Rooms come with a private bathroom fitted with a bath.

• Intown Inn & Suites - 2201 Voght Street ☎ +1 250-378-4291 - From $75 Free Wi-Fi, business centre. Non-smoking rooms.

• Ramada Merritt | 3571 Voght Street ☎ +1-800-870-3911 - From $76 - Free deluxe continental breakfast and WiFi. Heated indoor swimmingpool with a two-storey waterslide, gym, hot tub and sauna. Guest laundry facilities, free parking and 24-hour front desk service. Accessible and non-smoking rooms are available.

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