Country Music Corridor
Listen in to hear the sweet sound of Canadian country music on the Country Music Corridor road trip. Travel to the cities of Merritt, Kamloops, and Kelowna to experience the rich history of country music that continues to live on, with country music concerts and line-dancing in the land of cowboys.
Bust out your cowboy boots in Kelowna at the OK Corral & Cabaret. Check the schedule to join in on some old-fashioned fun, including line dancing, two stepping, live country music performances, and a chance to mount the mechanical bull.
From Kelowna, take Route 97 south, past West Kelowna, and onto Route 97 C, towards Merritt. Drive along forests that turn into scenic grassy hills where horses roam and cowboys live on to this day. The road turns into Highway 5A, which leads straight into the heart of the Nicola Valley, to the city of Merritt.
Merritt is the Country Music Capital of Canada. Discover country music treasures at the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. Go for a self-guided walking tour of the Merritt Walk of Stars, which features over 100 bronzed stars with the handprints and signatures of international country music performers who have paid homage to Merritt. Look out for dozens of Country Legends Murals that decorate the town.
From Merritt, take Highway 5 north towards Kamloops for 80 km (50 mi). Continue on the road until it turns into Columbia Street, which will guide you to downtown Kamloops.
Kamloops is host to many live music events throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule while here.
NOT TO BE MISSED
Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame
celebrates Canada’s rich history of country music songwriters and performers, including the Hall of Fame inductees and their contributions to the country music genre.
Walk of Stars
are 100 bronze stars placed around the city of Merritt, with hand prints and signatures of your favourite country music stars.
OK Corral & Cabaret
is the longest operating country music venue in Canada, first opened in 1984. Line dance on the Okanagan’s biggest country dance floor, sign up for two step lessons, or go for a wild ride on the mechanical bull.
KEY EVENTS
Kamloops Cowboy Festival (Kamloops, March)
Rockin’ River Music Festival (Merritt, August)
Denim on the Diamond (Kelowna, August/September)
Destinations
Road Trip Soundtrack
Then and Now
Canadian Country Music Legacy