President Letter

As we reach the end of another year of hard work and numerous achievements to report we will be reporting to you monthly from here on in.

I want to start by saying what an honor it has been to lead and work with such an inspirational group. There cannot be enough said about how extremely grateful I am for the support of this board.

Tourism Nicola Valley was started in 2005 as a Hotel Association with hotel owners and managers on the board. As hotels changed owners we were often short board members and struggled for a quorum. In 2012 we updated our by-laws to include tourism businesses and businesses that would encourage tourism.

Dear Merritt Tourism Businesses,

It's the time of the year when we celebrate the remarkable progress and initiatives that our tourism community has accomplished this year in Merritt. Your commitment to enhancing the visitor experience has truly positioned Merritt as a tourism destination on the move. As we look forward to 2024, we are excited to continue working on expanding our tourism seasons, increasing the average length of stay for travelers, and enhancing our adventure opportunities for locals. 

Merritt and the Nicola Valley will be well represented by a Tourism Information Rest Area (formerly known as Gasoline Alley) with a digital sign educating the traveler, and directing them to our downtown and adventure destinations throughout the region. The Community Sightseeing App will compliment the sign by educating and enticing visitors to create custom tours and explore our unique town.

The bus tours are coming! We will soon see our bus weaving through the charming streets of Merritt and highlighting the hidden gems of Merritt and the TNRD. It is one of our many commitments to showcase our town's rich culture and history.

Things To Do in Barrie, Ontario, Canada

Things to Do in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. A guide for popular summer and winter adventures and activities provided by guides, tours and outfitters while visiting and exploring, in and around, the Bruce Peninsula-Georgian Bay Region of Southern Ontario, Canada.

In-line Skating: The long and paved waterfront path following the shores of Kempenfelt Bay is ideal for inline skating and for sightseeing the community.

Swing a Club:Bring your golf game when visiting Barrie. There are over 10 golf courses in and around the community to swing away at.

Cast a Line :Lake Simcoe and surrounding nearby lakes and rivers provide fishing for yellow perch, whitefish, northern pike, trout and largemouth and smallmouth bass. There are outfitters and fishing guides in the region.

Things To Do in Timmins, Ontario, Canada, Wilderness Region

Here is a Timmins Things To Do List for some of the more popular summer and winter adventures and activities enjoyed while visiting and exploring, in and around, Northern Ontario, Canada.

Cast a Fishing Line : There are 1000's of lakes & rivers in and around the Timmins area for fishing walleye, northern pike, trout, muskie, etc. Some are decorated with fishing lodges, cabins and outposts. Outfitters & guides available in the region.

Swing a Club :Bring your golf clubs and play one of the golf courses in Timmins or venture to one of the golf courses in any of the surrounding communities. Just do not forget your favourite putter. 

Take a Walk-a-bout : Timmins enjoys an extensive inter-connecting trail system ideal for talking long walks sightseeing the community, the waterfront and the many local parks.

Things To Do in Cochrane, Ontario, Canada

Here is a Cochrane Things To Do List for some of the more popular summer and winter adventures and activities enjoyed while visiting and exploring, in and around, Northern Ontario, Canada including the surrounding communities of Smooth Rock Falls and Fraserdale.

Hooks, Rods & Reels:Off road to a remote lake, fly-in to a remote lodge for an opportunity to fish for brook trout, northern pike and walleye to name a few. There are guides, lodges, outposts, wilderness resorts and charters in the region.

Sleep under the Stars:There are serviced and non serviced campsites in Greenwater Park and in the local community campgrounds and there are wilderness campsites located in the backcountry accessed via backpacking and canoeing. 

Things To Do in Hearst, Ontario, Canada

Here is a Hearst Things To Do List for some of the more popular summer and winter adventures and activities enjoyed while visiting and exploring, in and around, Northern Ontario, Canada including the surrounding communities of Hallebourg, Val Côté, and Mattice.

Rods & Reels : There are nearby provincial parks and fly-in lodges, outposts and wilderness resorts located throughout the northern wilderness backcountry which are ideal for fishing walleye, whitefish, perch and northern pike. 

Camp Out : The rural and wilderness environment in the region is very popular for camping during the summer season. There are wilderness sites, local campgrounds and provincial park campgrounds available for camping.

Things To Do in Iroquois Falls, Ontario, Canada

Here is a Iroquois Falls Things To Do List for some of the more popular summer and winter adventures and activities enjoyed while visiting and exploring, in and around, Northern Ontario, Canada including the surrounding communities of Connaught, Nellie Lake, Porquis Junction, Val Gagne, Black River- Matheson, Kelso and Monteith.

Geocaching: Take a road trip exploring the north from Iroquois Falls to Cochrane, Ontario on the GPS Discovery Tour. The tour is a self guided adventure with hand help GPS units visiting with viewpoints, historical sites, nature trails and the Abitibi Model Forest.

Rod & Reel :Fish for trout, walleye, northern pike and perch. There are many lakes and rivers in the region for fishing. Tours, guides and fishing lodges provide fishing adventures throughout the backcountry. Boat launches for those with boat in tow. 

Road Trip : Pack up the family, camera, snacks and plan a road trip sightseeing the north. There are parks and day use picnic sites located on many routes including Hwy #400, Hwy #11, Hwy #117, Hwy #101 and Hwy #17.

Things To Do in Kapuskasing, Ontario, Canada

Here is a Kapuskasing Things To Do List for some of the more popular summer and winter adventures and activities enjoyed while visiting and exploring, in and around, Northern Ontario, Canada including the surrounding communities of Moonbeam, Opasatika, Harty, Val-Rita and Fauquier.

Rod & Reel : Fishing guides, fishing outposts, fishing lodges and fly-in wilderness campsites are all in the area. Come and try your luck fishing for walleye, yellow perch, white sucker, whitefish and northern pike.

Wildlife Sightings :Birding and wildlife watching is a natural for the north. Whether exploring parks, trails or backcountry forests there are good possibilities of a bear, wolf, moose, fox or lynx sighting, as well as, many local and migrating bird species.

Art and Artifacts :Visit the local museums in the small towns. Plan some time in the art gallery and visiting with some of the artisan shops located throughout the region. There are painters, sculptors and carvers.

Tours :Plan a boat cruise exploring the Kapuskasing River. Sign up for a flightseeing tour exploring the north from high in the sky. Book some time with any of the tour companies in the region and enjoy some of the sights.

Things To Do in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada

Here is a Kirkland Lake Things To Do List for some of the more popular summer and winter adventures and activities enjoyed while visiting and exploring, in and around, Northern Ontario, Canada including the surrounding communities of Swastika, Chaput Hughes, Charlton, James, Englehart, Larder Lake, Goodfish Lake, Matachewan and McGarry.

Rod and Reel :Fishing guides, lodges and outposts located in the region for fishing trout, northern pike and walleye. For the self guided fisherman there are many remote lakes to fish from also. 

Rail Sightseeing : Take a road trip south to the community of Englehart, Ontario and visit with some vintage locomotive train exhibits like the Temiskaming and Northern Ontario steam engines.

Summit a Mountain :Hike the elevation trail to the summit on Mount Cheminis located east of Kirkland Lake. From the 500 metre summit one can enjoy the sights for many kilometres. Maps available in community.

Things To Do in Moosonee, Ontario, Canada

Here is a Moosonee Things To Do List for some of the more popular summer and winter adventures and activities enjoyed while visiting and exploring, in and around, Northern Ontario, Canada including the surrounding communities of Moose Factory.

Wildlife Sightings: Plan a boat and/or a plane sightseeing tour and view the beluga whales, seals and polar bears. Best season for viewing is in the spring and fall seasons.

Look to the Skies :On some nights look up to the stars and watch the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) dance in the skies flashing brilliant colours of green, orange, yellow and red.

Rod & Reel : Cast a fishing line in the Moose River or in some of the secondary streams in the region and try your luck fishing for brook trout, northern pike and/or walleye. Bring your own gear.

Things To Do in Temiskaming Shores and Temagami, Ontario, Canada

Here is a Temiskaming Shores & Temagami Things To Do List for some of the more popular summer and winter adventures and activities enjoyed while visiting and exploring, in and around, Northern Ontario, Canada including the surrounding communities of Historic Cobalt, Latchford, Coleman, New Liskeard, Earlton, Charlton and Lady Evelyn Lake.

Tours & Guides : Have someone else lead you around the area pointing out the best spots for sightseeing nature and for enjoying your favourite adventures. 

Hike Nature :The Temiskaming Shores and Temagami regions provide many opportunities for short community strolls, long day hikes and overnight backpacking adventures exploring mountains, rivers, lakes, forests and wetlands.

Visit with History :Historic buildings, museums and historic sites are located throughout the region. There are artifacts, exhibits, ruins and historic plaques to explore and learn. There is even a historic town named Colbalt. 

Attractions :The communities in the region provide attractions to entertain including live theatre, galleries, events, festivals, derbys, concerts and more. 

Things To Do in Nestor Falls, Ontario, Canada

Here is a Nestor Falls Things To Do List for some of the more popular summer and winter adventures and activities enjoyed while visiting and exploring, in and around, Nestor Falls, Ontario, Canada and the surrounding communities.  

Cast a Way : There are many lakes in the region for fishing for walleye, bass, crappie, perch, northern pike, muskie, bullhead and lake trout. There are fishing lodges, guides, outfitters, fly-in camps and wilderness resorts located throughout he region.

Sightseeing: Take a walk to the viewing area of The Falls. Board a boat and cruise The Lake of the Woods for First Nation Pictographs. Hop a floatplane and enjoy an aerial flightseeing tour overlooking the region.

Boating & Sailing :The Lake of the Woods is the second largest fresh water lake in Ontario spanning over 2,414 square kilometres. Lake of the Woods stretches 104 kilometres from its most northern point to its southern point and 88 Kilometres west to east.

Things To Do in Red Lake, Ontario, Canada

Here is a Red Lake Things To Do List for some of the more popular summer and winter adventures and activities enjoyed while visiting and exploring, in and around, Red Lake, Ontario, Canada and the surrounding communities of Balmertown, Cochenour, Madsen, McKenzie Island, Starratt Olsen and the Village of Ear Falls.  

Sports Fishing : Fishing lodges, fishing guides, fly-in outposts, wilderness resorts and outfitter campsites provide endless opportunities for fishing perch, walleye, northern pike, muskie, yellow perch, whitefish, lake and brook trout. 

Flightseeing : The "Norseman Capital of the World." Floatplanes provide aerial sightseeing tours. They also provide remote villages with supplies and transportation to and from fishing, hunting and canoeing resorts and remote wilderness outposts.

Paddle Routes : The chain of lakes in the region provide day paddles and overnight adventures. The more popular paddle routes include the Bloodvein River and the 2000+ kms of paddle routes in the Woodland Caribou Provincial Park. 

Things To Do in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, Canada

Here is a Sioux Lookout Things To Do List for some of the more popular summer and winter adventures and activities enjoyed while visiting and exploring, in and around, Sioux Lookout, Ontario, Canada and the surrounding communities of Hudson, Lac Saul, Savant Lake, Mishkeegogamang, Pickle Lake and other First Nation communities.  

Rod & Reel Country:There are chain of lakes close by and nearby which connect to some very fine fishing lakes. Guides working from fishing lodges, fly-in outposts and wilderness camps provide fishing adventures in the region. Walleye, Perch, Bass, Trout, Muskie & more. 

Plan for Beaches:Plan for a day at one of the developed sandy beaches or get out on the waterways and locate a remote lake beach. Easy access sandy beaches include Town Beach, Umfreville Park, Second Sandy and Ojibway Provincial Park.

Tours & Guides:Book yourself a local tour and/or hire a guide. There are tours and guides in the region who have the experience and knowledge to ensure a safe and successful adventure. 

Things To Do in Sioux Narrows, Ontario, Canada

Here is a Sioux Narrows Things To Do List for some of the more popular summer and winter adventures and activities enjoyed while visiting and exploring, in and around, Sioux Narrows, Ontario, Canada and the surrounding communities.  

Pictographs:First Nation stories are told through the rock paintings and pictographs located on the cliffs and boulders surrounding the Lake of the Woods. There are boat tours, canoe and kayak rentals in various villages on the lake. 

Rod & Reel Haven: The outfitters, outpost camps, guides, fly-in lodges and wilderness resorts entertain many who enjoy fishing for walleye, northern pike, muskie, perch, crappies, lake trout and/or small and largemouth bass. 

Go for a Hike or Walk:Hike the 4 -12 kilometre trails in the forested Aspen Trails parkland area. Visit Sioux Narrows Provincial Park and walk the boreal trails exploring along the sandy shores of the Lake of the Woods.

Things To Do in Kenora, Ontario, Canada, Sunset Country

Here is a Kenora Things To Do List for some of the more popular summer and winter adventures and activities enjoyed while visiting and exploring, in and around, Kenora, Ontario, Canada and the surrounding communities of Redditt, Keewatin and Minaki, Ontario.  

Boating & Sailing :The Lake of the Woods is the second largest fresh water lake in Ontario spanning over 2,414 square kilometres. Lake of the Woods stretches 104 kilometres from its most northern point to its southern point and 88 Kilometres west to east.

Rod & Reel Experiences: The surrounding lakes provide fishing for northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass, whitefish, lake and black trout. Fishing lodges, guides, outfitters, fly-in camps and wilderness resorts located throughout he region.

Canoeing :Day paddles and multi-day paddles start and finish from The Lake of the Woods. Tours, rentals and paddle route information is available in Kenora, Ontario.

Things To Do in Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada

Here is a Fort Frances Things To Do List for some of the more popular summer and winter adventures and activities enjoyed while visiting and exploring, in and around, Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada and the surrounding communities of Emo, Devlin, Barwick, Sleeman and Rainy River.  

Boating & Sailing:Rainy Lake provides over 2575 kilometres (1600 mi.) of shoreline to explore and Fort Frances is a major launching point for accessing the waterways in the region. Boat launches and customs in community.

Reeling It In:Fishing for smallmouth bass, pike, walleye, muskie and/or pickerel. Rainy Lake supports a smallmouth bass fishery. There are fishing lodges, fly-in outposts, wilderness resorts and fishing guides available.

Day Tripping: East of Fort Frances is the Noden Causeway. It is a sightseeing driving route exploring a series of bridges on Highway #11. The 5.6 kilometre (3.5 mile) section of highway hops from one small island to another while crossing over the Rainy River.

Things To Do in Dryden, Ontario, Canada, Sunset Country

Here is a Dryden Things To Do List for some of the more popular summer and winter adventures and activities enjoyed while visiting and exploring, in and around, Dryden, Ontario, Canada and the surrounding communities of Vermilion Bay, Pritchard Lake, Wabigoon, Eagle Lake First Nation and the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway First Nation.  

Fishing Around: There are fishing lodges, wilderness resorts, fly-in camps, outposts and outfitter camps operating from Dryden who cater to wilderness adventures fishing for walleye, bass, trout, northern pike, perch and muskie. 

Tours & Guides: Book yourself a local tour and/or hire a guide. Tours and guides have the experience and knowledge to ensure a safe and successful wilderness adventure or sightseeing tour. 

Walking Tours: Explore Dryden, Ontario while on a self guided sightseeing tour walking community pathways and downtown streets enjoying scenic views, colorful painted murals, community parks and various shops and stores.