Lakefront Recreational Property with History - Merritt, BC

Located 10 km east off Highway 5A in between the communities of Princeton, BC and Merritt, BC sits Missezula Lake. The lake is over 6 kms long and is one of the first lakes accessible from the Lower Mainland that has both good fishing for rainbow trout and allows for power boats and water sport recreation. This area is known for its warm and dry cloud-free climate suitable for both sun tanning and self-sufficient living.

The property itself is 1.3 acres of west-facing lakefront completely surrounded by Crown land. In fact, this property is the only piece of privately owned lakefront at the north end of Missezula Lake. Totally private and totally unique. Located off Dillard Creek Forest Service Road the entrance to the property is gated, with this little hideaway being tucked into the Ponderosa pine forest along the lakeshore. You wouldn’t even know it’s there when driving by.

The property has an old dilapidated home, likely constructed sometime in the 40’s or 50’s. The home is likely not salvageable and has no material value other than the stories it could tell about the parties it’s held over the years. Rumored to have been a former brothel and stop along the wagon trail, it would have been quite an impressive structure when originally built. Also on the property is a secondary smaller cabin which is in better condition than the main home and is likely salvageable. Also, down along the waterfront is a boat house which hangs over the lakefront and includes an upper-level party room. The boathouse is also likely not salvageable but tells an interesting story.

Southwest-facing lakefront within three hours of the Lower Mainland in this price range is extremely difficult to come across these days. A prospective buyer should purchase this property, clear out the old dwelling and build their lakefront cabin. The views from the lakefront cabin will be spectacular to the south all the way down Missezula Lake.

The recreation on the doorstep of this property is excellent. The area is known for its hunting opportunities, with healthy populations of white-tailed deer, mule deer, moose, bears and grouse. The lake is home to ramble trout ranging up to 4 pounds. The area has an almost unlimited number of logging roads and ATV trails to explore in all four seasons.

Property such as this do not come up for sale often, so don’t wait to contact the listing agent today for more information or to book a time to go by for a look.

DL 5977 Missezula Lake - Princeton, BC

Located 10 km east of Highway 5A off Dillard Creek Forest Service Road. Contact listing agent for detailed directions.

Nestled in the scenic Nicola Valley, Merritt (population: 7,000) offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, ranching heritage, and small-town charm. Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of British Columbia’s southern interior, Merritt is a vibrant community where rolling hills, open grasslands, and sparkling fishing lakes create an unforgettable backdrop for everyday living.

Just 278 km (168 miles) from Vancouver, Merritt is known for its rich cultural history and active lifestyle. Dramatic natural features, like the striking formations of Windy Canyon and the ancient shorelines of glacial lakes, add to the area’s beauty and character. Here, cattle graze peacefully on historic rangelands, maintaining the area's proud ranching traditions.

Throughout the spring, summer, and fall, Merritt hosts lively rodeos that showcase the community’s spirit and deep roots in cowboy culture. Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, or a true connection to the land, Merritt offers an exceptional lifestyle in one of British Columbia’s most picturesque regions.

The vegetation around Merritt is a mix of open grasslands, sagebrush, and dry forest dominated by Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. In the valleys, you’ll find native bunchgrasses and wildflowers, while higher elevations feature pockets of aspen and lodgepole pine. This diverse landscape reflects the area's warm, dry climate and natural ranching environment.

Merritt offers a diverse array of year-round recreational activities. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, the areas numerous provincial parks, lakes, and trails that cater to a variety of interests.

Spring and Summer:

As the snow melts, Merritt's natural beauty comes alive. Kentucky-Alleyne Provincial Park is renowned for its turquoise lakes, ideal for fishing, kayaking, and hiking along scenic trails. Monck Provincial Park, situated on the shores of Nicola Lake, offers opportunities for camping, boating, and swimming. Lundbom Lake is a popular spot for horseback riding, mountain biking, and camping, with over 100 campsites available. For hiking enthusiasts, trails like the Coldwater River Trail and the Tom Lacey Memorial Trail provide scenic routes through diverse terrains.

Fall:

The cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage make autumn an excellent time for hiking and wildlife viewing. The Kane Valley Trails offer a network of paths through forests and meadows, perfect for observing the changing colors and spotting local wildlife.

Winter:

When snow blankets the region, Merritt transforms into a winter wonderland. The Kane Valley Trails become a hub for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, providing groomed paths for all skill levels. Ice fishing is a popular activity on lakes like Nicola and Lundbom, where anglers can catch rainbow trout beneath the frozen surfaces.

Throughout the year, Merritt's parks and recreational facilities, such as Centennial Park and Voght Park, offer spaces for picnicking, sports, and community events. With its rich array of outdoor activities set against stunning natural backdrops, Merritt provides endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation in every season.

For years the Merritt area was used as a gathering place by First Nations groups and a transportation route by early pioneers. The grasslands eventually drew the attention of settlers interested in ranching, and the first ranches were staked in the mid-19^th century.

In the 1880s three ranches located at the confluence of the Nicola and Coldwater Rivers, owned by William Voght, Jesus Garcia and the John Charters Estate, became the focus of a farming community knows as "The Forks." With the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway through British Columbia in 1885, interest increased in the coal deposits south of The Forks.

Part of the ranches owned by Voght, Garcia and Charters was surveyed in 1893 for the townsite of Forksdale, but the name did not catch on with locals. Instead, the name was changed in 1906 to honour William Hamilton Merritt, a mining engineer and railway promoter. By 1907, the coal mines were in operation and with the completion of the railway from Spences Bridge, government and other offices starting moving from Nicola west to establish Merritt as the major settlement in the Nicola Valley.

Please see mapping section, all boundaries are approximate.

49°48'32.33"N and 120°32'1.64"W

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The property has an old dilapidated home, likely constructed sometime in the 40’s or 50’s. The home is likely not salvageable and has no material value other than the stories it could tell about the parties it’s held over the years. Rumored to have been a former brothel and stop along the wagon trail, it would have been quite an impressive structure when originally built. Also on the property is a secondary smaller cabin which is in better condition than the main home and is likely salvageable. Also, down along the waterfront is a boat house which hangs over the lakefront and includes an upper-level party room. The boathouse is also likely not salvageable but tells an interesting story.

$729.92 (2024)

RL-1

DISTRICT LOT 5977 KAMLOOPS DIVISION OF YALE DISTRICT
PID 019-003-714