Experience Quilchena

Shop at our general store, explore the golden hills surrounding the ranch by horse or mountain bike. Take a day trip to Kamloops/Logan Lake/Merritt or Douglas Lake. Snag a fish, hunt in the pine-forested mountains surrounding the Merritt area. Explore the traditional territory of local First Nations. From hay rides to cycle trips, an afternoon on our front deck or a leisurely trail ride Quilchena offers experience for the active or relaxed – you choose. Quilchena is a gateway to romance, adventure, history and outdoor living.

Increasingly road cyclists and mountain bikers from all over British Columbia, Albert and Washington state are choosing the Nicola Valley as their road riding destination. Scenic highway 5A offers a variety of vistas, twists and turns for road cyclists.

There are plenty of drive-to mountain biking destinations close to Quilchena. Mountain bikers can explore the mountains behind Monck Provincial Park, Kane Valley or Iron Mountain. For more info read the two articles below:

For less experienced cyclists, Quilchena has mountain bikes for rent for half or full days so that you can pedal to the lake, one of the many government launches and swimming spots or even Quilchena Indian Reserve or Quilchena Bay. Book in advance when you check into to your room.

Across from Quilchena Hotel is Nicola Lake, a source of trout and salmon fishing. Merritt’s motto is ‘A lake a day as long as you stay’. Quilchena Hotel guests can explore not only Nicola Lake, but also the many lakes in the vicinity: Pennask Lake, Stoney Lake, Douglas Lake, Stump Lake, Lac leJeune, etc.

Hunting groups are also welcome at Quilchena Hotel. Though the hotel closes after Thanksgiving, room/catering packages can be booked for large groups looking to take advantage of Merritt’s fantastic fall hunting season.

For more information on fishing and hunting during your stay at Quilchena visit the Nicola Valley Rod & Gun Club: www.nvfishandgameclub.ca

Gorgeous scenery. Professional wranglers. Well-trained horses. These are the hallmarks of trail-riding at Quilchena Hotel. Each year families from across BC stay at Quilchena specifically for a taste of the old west. While smell of gunpowder is long gone, and there will be no more bullets in the bar (link to Saloon page) – we can offer a true dude ranch experience.

Trail ride prices are:

  • Two hours $65.00
  • Three hours $90.00
  • Corral $ 15.00

Horseback riding available to hotel guests and Quilchena on the Lake RV Park guests only due to insurance restrictions. Book your trail ride when you check into the hotel. All trail riders must age 10 years old and up. Corral rides are available for children under 10 years and are subject to availability. Typically, corral rides are scheduled after a trail ride.

Quilchena reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee of $15 per rider if the ride is cancelled 2 hours or less prior to the trail ride departure time.

For family groups wanting a taste of old west meets new transport – a hay ride can be booked for hotel guest groups of 20 or more. We’ll arrange the hay ride, a picnic spot and food. You bring your blue jeans, camera and binoculars.

Road trips around the Nicola Valley are some of BC’s most beautiful drives according to BC travel writers such as Liz Bryan (www.heritagehouse.ca). Drive or motorcycle to historic Quilchena Cattle Company’s Home Ranch. Or drive about ½ hour to Douglas Lake Ranch to visit the Upper Nicola Indian Band and one of BC’s oldest, largest ranches. To explore lakes and ranches drive north on highway 5A towards Kamloops.

To explore the Gold route, go south through Merritt on highway 1 towards Lower Nicola, Spences Bridge and Aschcroft. For more information on Gold Country visit here: www.exploregoldcountry.com