Planning a trip? The City of Merritt has been busy living up to its' new designation as the "Country Music Capital of Canada" and we've got plenty of reasons for you to stay a while!

Merritt is a place where all the roads come together, where the grasslands sway in the summer breeze, where the lakes teem with fish and where history meets the present while remaining true to its roots. Located at the crossroads of four major highways, Merritt is a centrally located community of 8,000. This distinct landscape boasts a limitless supply of outdoor adventure. There's something for everyone in Merritt and the Nicola Valley. Birdwatchers frequent the Harmon Lake Interpretive Trail to catch sightings of over 200 species of birds. Throughout the area are over 200 pristine lakes and streams ideal for fishing. Hikers head to Monck Provincial Park for spectacular views and the trails at Lundborn Commonage, home to the Laurie Guichon Memorial Grasslands Interpretive Site. Mountain biking terrain consists of great steep single tracks and wide open grasslands.

The "old west" can be felt across the valley through historic attractions and working ranches such as western Canada's largest, Douglas Lake Ranch and the Nicola Valley Museum and Archives. Historic Baillie House and Merritt's famous landmark, The Coldwater Hotel (circa 1909), are two of the area's original structures you must visit. Having fully embraced its rural roots with a variety of festivals and events, Merritt now proudly carries the title of "Country Music Capital of Canada". The Merritt Mountain Music Festival in July attracts more than 120,000 fans and throughout the year you can experience an ever-expanding variety of country music attractions and events in the downtown core. Be sure to visit the Walk of Stars - from old time, best-loved singers like Johnny Cash to modern icons like Aaron Pritchett and Terri Clark.  Merritt also boasts the largest country music art gallery in Canada! Come and see how world-renowned mural artist Michelle Loughery has brought both a town and country stars to life.

So when your planning your next golf trip, be sure to do it country style!

For more information on golf packages including dining, accommodations, events and activities, visit: www.tourismmerritt.com