Explore Merritt
Centrally located at the gateway between British Columbia’s South Coast and Thompson-Okanagan regions, Merritt serves as a hub for outdoor recreation and regional events.
From music festivals and street markets to mountain bike races and car rallies, Merritt’s Nicola Valley offers a vibrant array of activities and cultural experiences. With easy access to hundreds of lakes, streams, and trails, the area is a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from snowmobiling and ice fishing to horseback riding and wilderness adventures.
Nestled among shimmering golden grasslands and sagebrush deserts, bordered by evergreen forests and alpine meadows, Merritt is known for its abundant sunshine and semi-arid climate. Combining small-town charm with big-city amenities, Merritt is the perfect place to flourish under the sun.
Climate
Situated in the semi-arid Nicola Valley, at an elevation of 595 metres (1950 feet) above sea level, Merritt tends to experience mild winters with little snowfall and warm, dry, sunny summers. As a point of reference, the elevation on Merritt is roughly equivalent to the elevation of Kamloops commercial district.
Climate Statistics
- Annual Mean Total Rainfall 189.3 mm
- Annual Mean Total Snowfall 99.6 mm
- Hours of Sunshine 2,030 hours
- Annual Mean Daily Temperature 6.7° C
- July Daily Maximum Temperature 28.7° C
- January Daily Minimum Temperature -10.5° C
- Average Frost Free Days 250 days
- Average Growing Season 5 Months
Cost of Living
Low-income housing to executive homes, apartments to acreages – Merritt has what you’re looking for and at a fraction of the cost in larger urban centres.
Hope | Lower Mainland Region |
1-hour drive south |
Kamloops | Thompson Region |
1-hour drive north |
Kelowna International Airport (Okanagan) |
1.5 hours drive east |
Abbotsford International Airport (Lower Mainland) |
2-hour drive south |
Vancouver International Airport (Lower Mainland) |
3-hour drive southwest |
Lifestyle and Amenities
Merritt has ample shopping opportunities, with three locations to get groceries, including Save-on-Foods, No Frills, and Walmart, plus a number of boutique shops like the local butcher. The city is also home to Canadian Tire, City Furniture, Home Hardware, and two Dollaramas. The city is home to nearly 600 businesses offering a variety of goods and services. View the full business listing at merritt.ca/business-directory.
The City has the Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre and a post-secondary institution Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT).
The City is also home to an indoor swimming pool, a civic and conference centre, and arena (which is home to Junior A team, Merritt Centennials). The City also has about 8 parks, including amenities such as a spray park, tennis courts, ball tournament fields, skate park, bike pumptrack, multi-sport rink, and much more. View amenities and more at merritt.ca/visitor.