Kamloops to Merritt via Hwy 5A is a Ducks Unlimited Projects haven as it winds through the grasslands of Kamloops Country and the splendor of the Nicola Valley. Situated in the rain shadow of the coastal mountains the area boasts some of the warmest summers and mildest winters in the country. Throw in a string of wetlands and a couple of recreational lakes like Nicola Lake and Stump Lake, you have a splendid balance of wilderness-ranchland-development.

This area boasts some of the nations largest cattle ranches that are now branching into multi-functional corporations that serve many industries like tourism, forestry, fishing, camping, golf and resort living.

Established names like Douglas Lake Ranch, Quilchena Ranch, Nicola Ranch, Frolek Cattle Company, Stump Lake Ranch and Beaver Flats (formerly Girard Guichon Ranch) sprawl in all directions through the rolling grasslands to forests of the Thompson Plateau.

For over 35 years Ducks Unlimited has enhanced and secured a unique collection of wetlands that serve a variety of uses. The 90 km drive along this section of highway 5A is home to no less than 5 DU Canada(BC) wetland projects and many more that are accessible on secondary/rural roads that branch from hwy 5A.

The map below will give you a good idea of the route from Kamloops to Merritt. Here are the Ducks Unlimited Projects that you will see on your drive.

Shumway Lake

Trapp Lake

Tulee Marshes

Beaver Flats Ranch Wetlands

Nicola River Corridor Co-op Project

Starting at the junction of the Trans-Canada Hwy and Highway 5A in Kamloops we head south on 5A toward Merritt. It's a primary 2 lane highway that winds through the dry grasslands of the interior and a series of Ducks Unlimited projects adjacent to the road.

The valley is a series of geographically connected water bodies that serve as both a migratory stop over and permantent breeding grounds for Pacific Flyway waterfowl.

In addition, the area is renowned for it's rainbow trout fishing, big game hunting, camping and hiking. There are 2 provincial parks and numerous wilderness forestry campsites and RV parks within the area.