Merritt is a growing community of 8,000 located at the heart of the Coquihalla Highway system. It services both as the service center for the Nicola Valley and as the strategic gateway to BC's southwestern Interior. The City is experiencing substantial business growth; confidence in Merritt's future is exemplified by a number of new projects in the community

As a consequence of its expansion, the city is emerging as a diversified service centre for a region with a population of 15,000. The combination of Merritt's strategic location, its natural advantages, and its quality of life ensures that the community will continue to flourish into the future. While Merritt retains its strong ties to the resource economy (the leading industries in the area are forestry, mining and agriculture) this is balanced with growth in knowledge and lifestyle based industries, small business, and recreation and tourism. Two new golf courses are being built; Ex-PGA Golfer Richard Zokol is building an ultra exclusive golf resort overlooking Nicola Lake and an 18 hole full size course.

Recently branded the "Country Music Capital of Canada," Merritt and the Nicola Valley is well on its way to becoming the very "heart" of the region and the country western experience. A year-round recreational hotspot, with a growing number of world-class resorts and attractions, all built on a rich mining, ranching and forestry heritage; Merritt is fast becoming the "Nashville of the North" and a wonderful place to experience everything country.

Merritt is located 271 km northeast of Vancouver in the heart of the Nicola Valley. Blessed with rolling hills, sparkling lakes and a remarkable 2,050 hours per year of sunshine, this area is a haven for four-season outdoor recreation, from hiking and fishing to horseback riding and golfing.

It’s easy to plan for nearly every type of outdoor activity in the Merritt region; the area has one of the lowest rainfall rates in Canada! Many hiking and mountain-biking enthusiasts head to the Trans-Canada Trail, which follows the Kettle Valley Railway right-of-way from nearby Brookmere over to Hope. Trails proliferate throughout the region, from ambling strolls alongside lakes to challenging backcountry routes.