The Nicola Valley — nestled between the Thompson Plateau and the Coast Mountains — is one of British Columbia’s best-kept outdoor secrets. Encompassing wide-open grasslands, pristine lakes, rolling forests, and highland plateaus, the region offers year-round adventure for every kind of traveler.
Whether you're paddling on Nicola Lake, riding remote ATV trails near Douglas Lake, or camping beneath the stars in Aspen Grove, this four-season destination is ideal for those seeking recreation, nature, and solitude. Here's your guide to the top outdoor things to do in the Nicola Valley, beyond the City of Merritt.
The Nicola Valley is home to dozens of stunning lakes, including Nicola Lake, Stump Lake, Douglas Lake, Kentucky Lake, and Marquart Lake. These waters are perfect for:
Kayaking & Canoeing
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Swimming
Powerboating & Water Skiing
Sailing & Windsurfing
🧭 Explore: Monck Provincial Park for public beaches, swimming, and paddling access.
With hundreds of productive lakes and streams, the Nicola Valley is a prime region for:
Fly fishing
Trolling
Ice fishing (in winter)
Anglers can expect healthy stocks of rainbow trout, brook trout, and kokanee. Notable fishing zones include:
Nicola Lake
Marquart Lake
Stump Lake
Paska Lake (near Brookmere)
🎣 License Info: BC Freshwater Fishing Licences
Experience trails that wind through pine forests, alpine ridges, and open rangelands. Popular areas for hiking include:
Lundbom Commonage (south of Nicola Lake)
Kane Valley Trails
Stoyoma Mountain
Corbett Lake area
Many trails offer wildflower meadows, lookouts, and the chance to spot wildlife like mule deer, hawks, and even bears.
🗺️ Map Resource: Trails & Recreation Sites – Recreation Sites & Trails BC
The region is well-suited for cross-country biking, with options ranging from beginner loops to challenging backcountry routes.
Best-known spots:
Lundbom Lake Trail System (gravel, dirt, and forest singletrack)
Kane Valley (multi-use trails for biking and skiing)
Access roads near Douglas Lake and Aspen Grove
🚲 Look for mixed-use trails with equestrian access and rustic amenities.
Come winter, the Nicola Valley transforms into a snow-covered playground. Popular activities include:
Cross-country skiing in Kane Valley, with over 50 km of groomed trails
Snowmobiling in Thynne Mountain, Brookmere, and Paska Lake areas
Ice fishing on Stump Lake, Douglas Lake, and smaller highland lakes
Snowshoeing in backcountry zones near Aspen Grove
❄️ Snowmobile clubs and XC ski trail maps available via local community groups and Snowmobile BC.
The Nicola Valley is located within BC’s Region 3 (Thompson-Nicola) hunting zone, known for:
Mule deer
Black bear
Moose
Upland game birds
Outside of hunting season, the region offers fantastic wildlife photography, birdwatching, and scenic drives through rural backroads.
Campers can enjoy a range of settings:
Rustic forestry sites on crown land
Lakeside provincial parks (e.g. Monck Park, Kentucky-Alleyne)
Remote backcountry camping near Quilchena or Aspen Grove
Private RV resorts along Nicola Lake and Douglas Lake
🏕️ Booking Info: Discover Camping BC
With a rich ranching history, horseback riding in the Nicola Valley is deeply rooted in local culture.
Ride across Lundbom grasslands and traditional grazing territory
Join a guided trail ride near Quilchena
Visit working guest ranches for a weekend on the range
🐴 Ask local outfitters about pack trips, day rides, and cattle drive experiences.
Whether you're on a dirt bike, side-by-side, or 4x4, there are hundreds of kilometers of off-road routes in the Nicola Valley:
Lundbom to Kane Valley connector roads
Backroads near Douglas Lake
Remote ridgelines outside Brookmere
Old logging roads and alpine lakes in the plateau above Aspen Grove
📍 Tip: Use a Backroads Mapbook and download offline GPS maps before heading out.
The valley’s diverse ecosystems host:
Bald eagles, golden eagles, owls, and hawks
Songbirds, woodpeckers, grebes, and herons
Wetlands near Douglas Lake, Stump Lake, and Nicola River floodplain
📷 Don’t forget your telephoto lens — spring and fall migrations offer unforgettable photo ops.
While the main golf course is in Merritt, nearby experiences include:
BC's #1 Public Golf Course and #17 Golf Course in Canada - Sagebrush Golf Course
Driving Range: Johnny's on the Rez Convenience Store and Driving Range
Quilchena – A historic ranching village with lakefront views and rustic charm
Douglas Lake – Home to one of North America's largest working cattle ranches
Aspen Grove – Small but scenic junction for trail access and wildlife viewing
Brookmere – A snowmobiling hub and old Kettle Valley rail town
Lower Nicola & Upper Nicola – Rural communities with Indigenous cultural sites
Stump Lake – A quiet lake destination with excellent fishing and paddling access
Here are a few useful resources to plan your trip and stay safe outdoors:
Fishing Licences & Regulations
Water Activities
Swimming, kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, boating
Outdoor Adventure
Hiking, camping, off-roading, horseback riding
Winter Sports
Snowmobiling, XC skiing, ice fishing, snowshoeing
Fishing & Hunting
Lake fishing, fly fishing, big game hunting, bird watching
Scenic Drives
Remote backroads, wildlife viewing, historic routes
Local Communities
Merritt, Quilchena, Douglas Lake, Aspen Grove, Brookmere, Stump Lake
The Nicola Valley is an accessible, uncrowded destination filled with wide-open spaces and endless opportunity for exploration. Whether you're visiting for the weekend or making it your seasonal escape, check out nicolalake.ca for up-to-date guides, travel tips, and local insight.
✨ Looking for a place to stay? Explore our waterfront rental property on Nicola Lake for direct access to everything the valley has to offer.