Grand Forks - Boundary Country - BC Canada

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Grand Forks

Uniquely Boundary Country

City Hall, Grand Forks, Boundary

Top Grand Forks Experiences

  1. Learn about the Doukhobor culture and their lasting legacy at the Boundary Museum or the Pride of the Valley Heritage Flour Mill. Afterwards, stop by local restaurants for a hearty bowl of Borscht, a traditional Doukhobor dish
  2. Join in one of the largest fly fishing drifts in BC at the annual Kettle River Fishing Drift, the second weekend of July. Paddle your canoe along the Kettle & Granby Rivers’ gentle rapids from cool forests to open ranges
  3. From spring to late fall, visit our Farmers’ Market in the heart of downtown at Gyro Park Tuesday and Friday
  4. Write your own tale of discovery on a rock-hounding safari at Rock Candy Mine
  5. Ride, hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski sections of the Trans Canada Trail through the heart of Grand Forks
  6. Attend Titans of Rock (previously CannaFest) in August for the very best of Canadian Classic Rock
  7. Grand Forks Car Show. Lots of other great cars in the mix
  8. Absorb Grand Forks stories, arts and culture, and heritage as you stroll back in time at the three galleries at Gallery 2: Grand Forks Art Gallery
  9. Cheer on your favourite team at the annual Grand Forks Invitational Baseball Tournament (2020)
  10. Celebrate the best of rural BC at the annual Grand Forks Fall Fair, a mainstay since 1910
  11. Take a walk around town and get your picture taken with the huge murals you’ll find along the way.

Good to know before you go

  • Accommodations in Grand Forks include nationally branded hotels, roadside motels, B&Bs, and RV parks
  • Fresh-water fishing is regulated in BC and fishing licenses are required.
  • Learn more about local regulations and where to locate tackle shops at Boating & Fishing
  • Visit Trails for more information about hiking and biking the Trans Canada Trail and other Grand Forks area trails
  • Rivers & Lakes has a detailed list of tubing routes on the Kettle and Granby Rivers
  • When travelling in Grand Forks, look for a comprehensive list of weekly events, activities and festivals posted at the Visitor Centre, tourism businesses, RV parks and campgrounds
  • Farms & Orchards provides more information on Grand Forks’ agritourism experiences
  • Winter Recreation offers more detailed information on skiing Phoenix Mountain, Mt. Baldy and Marshall Lakes

The Trans Canada Trail and the Kettle and Granby Rivers all converge in Grand Forks (pop. 3,985). This urban enclave is nestled in a lush, broad valley flanked by the Monashee Mountains and mile after mile of rolling farmlands. In this tranquil landscape, you’ll find postcard scenery, abundant outdoor recreation, heritage sites and cultural attractions unique only to this part of BC. Our arts scene is alive and well and we have several must-attend festivals and events, including the baseball tournament and Titans of Rock (previously CannaFest).

Our City

Grand Forks is Boundary Country’s largest city. It’s where the enduring stories of farmers, prospectors, Doukhobors and up-and-coming baseball players reveal themselves. You’ll find them in nearby pastures, the geode rich fields of Rock Candy Mine, at the Boundary Museum, and on the pitcher’s mound at the Grand Forks International Tournament.

The timeless architecture of our downtown core invites a stroll into the galleries and shops that anchor our vibrant arts scene. The Trans Canada Trail and the Kettle and Granby Rivers beckon you outdoors no matter the season.

Take a walk through Grand Forks and get ready for some Instagram worthy backdrops that are fun and colourful. 

We may be classified as a city, but settle down for any length of time in Grand Forks and you’ll fall in love with our endearing small-town charm.

Our Culture and History

Here in Grand Forks we are a mixture of several cultures, built upon layers of First Nations, pioneers, immigrants, prospectors, farmers, teachers, and artists, to name a few.

A Storied Past

The great copper boom of the late 20th century established Grand Forks. The roots of our story really take hold with the arrival of the Doukhobors. Escaping tyranny in Eastern Europe and Russia in the late 20th century, the group first emigrated to Saskatchewan and then Grand Forks. It was here where their communal way of living flourished on farms surrounding the city.

A treasured part of our heritage, the Doukhobor story is unique to Boundary Country. It is brought to life in Grand Forks. Connect with their stories at the Fructova School, once a schoolhouse for Doukhobor children, now home to the Boundary Museum. You’ll enjoy traditional Russian recipes like Borscht and Pyrahi at several of our local restaurants. Listen to the storytellers at the Pride of the Valley Heritage Flour Mill. They’ll bring to life the Doukhobor agricultural history, kindling the stories you’ll tell of your own Grand Forks visit.

Where Farm Meets City

There’s nothing like home grown goodness to create some of the best food you’ve tasted in a while. Most of what we eat, is grown or raised right here in Boundary Country.

Fresh Grown Goodness

Settlers have cultivated the lands surrounding Grand Forks for over 100 years. As miners flocked to the area during the copper boom of the 20th century, farmers took advantage of the influx of people and created more farms. The Doukhobors called this land Fructova, “the fruit of the valley.” Today, this lush farmland still yields a bumper crop of delicious produce. Come and experience where your food comes from. There are plenty of agri-tourism experiences at farms and orchards within a few minutes’ drive of the heart of the city.

Be sure to visit Jerseyland Organics outside of Grand Forks. Call ahead to find out if there is a tour when you are there. Learn how cheese and yogurt are made the organic way. Your mouth is sure to start watering as you step inside the cheese shop. Afterwards, visit the petting zoo and pat with your favourite farm animal or watch the peacock strut his stuff.

Explore the Pride of the Valley Heritage Flour Mill. Watch demonstrations on how grain is transformed into flour. You’ll also get the bonus of hearing tales of days-gone-by delivered by local characters who know these stories best.

Come Celebrate the Harvest

We celebrate food quite a bit here in Boundary Country. Come and celebrate the harvest with us at the Boundary Museum in late September. Sponsored by the Kettle Valley Food Co-op, this is a one-day festival you do not want to miss. Breathe deep and inhale the scent of tree-ripened fruit, and fresh produce ready for eating!

Farmers’ Market

When you don’t have time to visit the farms and orchards, you can still take home some fresh Grand Forks produce. Come out to the Grand Forks’ Farmers’ Market in Gyro Park. It’s held every Tuesday and Friday morning between May and October. There’s nothing like fresh picked produce to make your meals taste great.

Arts & Entertainment

We have quite a lively arts culture in Grand Forks. Entertainment ranges from wine tasting to murals, live music and theatre. Come out and meet the locals and see their creations.

Gallery 2

Get your art and cultural bearings and step inside the Grand Forks’ Gallery 2. This is the centrepiece of the Grand Forks art scene. Stroll the first floor of the historic, red-brick courthouse, dating back to 1911.

The Grand Forks Art Gallery is Boundary Country’s public art gallery. Since 1984 the gallery has been a centre for contemporary visual arts and culture programming for locals and visitors alike. The engaging exhibitions will surprise and delight you and provoke conversation. The gallery aims to present exhibits that place Grand Forks and the Boundary Region in the larger contemporary cultural context.

This is also where you’ll find some down home Grand Forks entertainment. They have Taps and Tapas fundraisers, artists’ talks and garden tours.

Gallery 2 is also where you’ll find the Grand Forks Visitor Centre! Pick up a guide of Artisan Studios at the Visitor Centre and go explore.

Wine Tasting

Kick-off the holiday season at Gallery 2 for the annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser in November. Stroll the gallery’s archival photography or pop up to view the current art exhibits. Sample wine made from the Kootenay, Okanagan and Similkameen regions. There’s also BC craft beer and savoury hors d’oeuvres to nibble on while indulging in the arts, raising funds for the gallery.

Live Performances

In the spring, we celebrate the Arts in Learning and in Life from late April to early May. The Boundary and District Arts Council has a performance series each year with tickets available until late September.

The River’s Edge Theatre Society has been entertaining in Boundary Country for over 20 years now. They produce works that are reflective of the area and community and are highly entertaining. Our Boundary Musical Theatre group puts on classic shows each year, like the Wizard of Oz and Mary Poppins. Our local Les Folles Jambettes is a can-can troupe that performs regularly and has a breakoff group called the Rara Avis Dancers that put on an annual burlesque show.

Grand Forks Choral Society puts on a Christmas and Spring Concert annually. We are very proud to announce they were invited to Carnegie Hall to perform in a mass choir performance.

We also have numerous Open Mic nights throughout the area and other random live performers that pass through regularly.

Murals and Street Art

Look out for snap-worthy murals and other floor-to-ceiling artworks on the walls of Grand Forks. The murals depict outdoor adventures, history, and unique scenes downtown and around. Enjoy murals by Archer Airbrushing, one of the many artists that colour the Boundary.

For a detailed map of our murals, what they mean and where to find them visit Google Maps.

Events and Celebrations

There’s nothing quite like a Boundary Country celebration, and Grand Forks has them throughout the year. Baseball, fall fairs, live music, music festivals, and car shows are just some of what we have to offer.

Grand Forks Invitational Baseball Tournament

A sporting tradition of over 40 years, the Grand Forks Invitational (GFI) Baseball Tournament is a must-do event for your summer calendar. Experience first-hand the sense of camaraderie that occurs when an entire community pitches together to create the event.

It’s great baseball, and the ballpark atmosphere is second to none. The GFI Hall of Fame provides the fans with history and interesting displays. Then there is free GFI Bingo during every game with awesome prizes to be won. There are also Kids Run the Bases and much more fun to be had for the whole family!

The pitcher’s mound at Grand Forks’ James Donaldson Park is where the fastest arms from around western Canada and the US compete for the title of GFI champion. Come out for a game or the whole series. You may be watching a future all-star.

The Grand Forks International invitational baseball tournament runs late June to early July each year. The winner could take home up to $20,000 from a total purse of around $54,000.

Grand Forks Fall Fair

Over 100 years ago, the first Grand Forks Fall Fair brought the community together for some much needed time away from work! Today it is a signature Boundary Country experience. This September event brings the community and visitors together. It’s a way to enjoy the last moments of summer as you meander alongside the opening day parade. Watch as the cowboys and clowns entertain the crowds.

Take the opportunity to indulge in fair food then check out the main stage for lively performances of some of BC’s most entertaining acts. Centred on family and farms, the Grand Forks Fall Fair celebrates the very best of rural BC.

Music in the Park

Enjoy Music in the Park on Wednesday nights during July and August at Gyro Park. Music starts at 7 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pass the hat around, enjoy random local entertainment and some interesting performers who happen to be passing through town.

Grand Forks Car Show

Come and enjoy three days of show related events and fun family activities. There are goody bags and dash plaques for the first 200 entries. Visit Grand Forks Car Show for registration and more information or follow them on Facebook.

Titans of Rock (previously CannaFest)

The second week of August is when Boundary Country’s hottest classic music festival happens. Former performers include: Gene Simmons Band, Whitesnake, Bret Michaels, Vince Neil, Burton Cummings, Randy Bachman, Loverboy, Tom Cochrane, April Wine, and many more iconic classic rock bands.

Titans Of Rock was created after many months of negotiating with rock legend Gene Simmons and Charles Varabioff. Gene Simmons Band appeared at Chucks music festival in Grand Forks in August 2017 and he liked what he saw.

The line up for 2020 can be found on the Titans of Rock website.

Titans Of Rock will feature an “after party” all three nights, no alcohol will be served.

Titans of Rock is a three-day rock ‘n’ roll festival complete with camping, a marketplace, a beer garden and lots of music. Bring your folding chair and your dancing shoes. Camping reservations can be made directly from the website for both tents, camper vans and RV. Note: This is a 19+ event. No pets or children. For a complete line-up of bands and ticket sales visit the Titans of Rock.

Outdoor Activities

The great outdoors beckons you when you come to Grand Forks. Spend time on our trails, in our parks, and our rivers. Swim and fish in our rivers or hike and bike in search of crystals that sparkle and shine. In the winter, head out on your skis, snow shoes or snowmobile for some winter wonderland enjoyment.

Explore the Trans Canada Trail

The Trans Canada Trail has also taken on the moniker of ‘the Great Trail’ at points in time. No matter what you call it, you can still feel history beneath your feet as you travel our trails.

Imagine the dreams of long-ago travellers as you explore the decommissioned rail beds. The Columbia and Western Railway (C&W) and Vancouver, Victoria and Eastern Railway (VV&E) wind through the heart of Grand Forks. They are part of a 240 km (149 mi) section of the Trans Canada Trail.

Start from the Heart of Grand Forks

Start at City Park and decide which direction to head. North takes you along the old C&W line on an uphill climb toward Eholt. This 23 km (15 mi) (one-way) journey takes your through cool, dark tunnels and mountainside lookouts over the North Fork Valley and the Granby River. Watch for eagles, deer, marmots and hawks, while contemplating the downhill slope of your return journey.

Trek to Christina Lake

If gentle landscapes are more your liking, point your compass toward Christina Lake. You can hike or cycle through a pastoral landscape that hugs the Kettle River, crossing the Smitten Trestle (at 154 m or 505 ft., the longest on the CP line). Listen for the Cascade Falls at the Cascade Gorge. It’s a spectacular waterfall hidden just off the main trail enroute to Christina Lake. Once you get to the lake, dive in for a well-deserved swim.

Grand Forks Skate Park

There are a whole host of mountain biking options on trails that wind through town and nearby mountainsides. But if you’re just starting out mountain biking, you can come and perfect your skills at Grand Forks Skate Park. There are plenty of bowls, rails and jams for every level of rider.

Fishing

The slow-running Kettle River winds its way into Canada at Grand Forks where it joins with the Granby River. These two lazy rivers take you on a grand and watery tour of secluded sun-dappled beaches, picturesque parks, local swimming holes, and secret fishing spots.

Both rivers teem with aquatic life, creating a rich food source for larger fish. Bring your kit and spend a warm summer day angling for rainbow and brook trout or Rocky Mountain whitefish. Fish from the shore, or if you’re game, wade into the middle of the river. The owners of the Victoria Motel and RV Park offer fly-tying lessons on Thursday nights. If you’re angling for pure Boundary Country adventure, take part in July’s annual Kettle River Fishing Drift where hundreds of people descend on the river, fishing and drifting the weekend away.

Water Fun

Make the most of Grand Forks’ watery playground. Bring the kids to the Tot Lot and Rotary Spray Park in the heart of the town.

Kayak or canoe the lower reaches of the Granby or in the Kettle River. The water here is as gentle as the breeze. Late June and early July are prime paddling times. The water is warm and you’ll find numerous sandy beaches along the way.

Search for Crystals at Rock Candy Mines

Write your own tale of discovery at Rock Candy Mines and heritage site. Embark on your quest for beautiful “rocks” on a rock-hounding safari. Get your hands dirty and collect sparkling quartz, green and purple fluorite, and beautiful barite, all amidst the beautiful mountain scenery. Your tour guide will be there to teach you about how to collect rocks and crystals. Here’s to finding your own treasure in Boundary Country.

Winter Recreation

The same trails that lure mountain bikers and hikers in summer are a natural draw come winter for snowshoers and cross-country skiers. Grand Forks’ relatively flat terrain and moderate snowfall combine for a quiet Winterlude. Outside the city, work up an appetite, skiing or snowshoeing Marshall Lakes trails, or get some downhill action at Phoenix Mountain Ski Hill. Drop by the Visitor Centre for maps and info on the best places to go for winter fun.

Wilgrass Lake, near Grand Forks, Boundary

Boundary Service Directory


A&W
1695 Central Ave, Grand Forks, BC V0H 1H0
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Fast-food outlet serving up namesake root beer & floats, plus burgers, chicken, hot dogs & fries.
Hiking, Kettle River, near Beaverdell, Boundary
Bedrock Bed & Breakfast
8690 Riverside Drive, Grand Forks, BC, Canada
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BedRock B&B is a spacious home offering guests a Boutique Hotel experience. The house was built in 2011 and was carefully planned so the B&B rooms are private and offer co […]

Boundary Country Door and Gate
Box 461, Grand Forks, BC V0H 1H0
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Proudly servicing and installing overhead doors, motorized driveway gates, commercial entry doors and rolling shutters throughout the entire Boundary area. Providing the highest q […]

Boundary Museum and Interpretive Centre
6145 Reservoir Road, Grand Forks BC V0H 1H5
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Celebrating the unique natural and cultural heritage of the Boundary with interactive tours, festivals, and workshops.

Brio Guesthouse & Cottage
1515 Wolverton Road, Christina Lake, BC V0H 1E0, Canada
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A charming log home retreat situated in a peaceful garden setting. Close to everything Christina Lake has to offer, Brio's guesthouse, cottage and bunkhouse provide flexible acco […]

Chain Reaction Ride & Slide
1815 Central Avenue, Grand Forks BC V0H 1H0
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We have been riding and fixing bikes forever. We have been skiing for almost as long. We ride the bikes we sell. We ski on what we sell. Correct fit for both skis and bikes is cri […]

Clyde's Pub
7248 2nd Street, Grand Forks BC VOH 1H0
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Great Times, Great Food, Great Drinks. That's what is on tap at Clyde's Neighbourhood Pub. Current Status Temporarily unavailable. Direct contact: 250-442-6679

Contact Photo Arts
386 Market Ave, Grand Forks, BC V0H 1H0, Canada
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Established in 1983, Contact Photo Arts continues to offer Grand Forks and the Boundary area fast, efficient, and superb quality photo printing services.

Country Hideaway Campground
1285 Manly Meadows Road, Grand Forks, BC, Canada
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Located off the highway, surrounded by the majestic Kettle River. Country Hideaway Campground offers clean, hot showers, flush toilets, power and water with a sani station service […]

Dairy Queen Grand Forks
1555 Central Avenue, Grand Forks, BC, Canada
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Burgers, ice cream, family restaurant, drive-thru.

Devil Drag Motorsport Rentals
7231 22nd Street, Grand Forks, BC, Canada
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All your Motorsport needs at very affordable prices!!!! Wake Boat/Speedboat/Fishing Boat/Quads/Harley Davidson V Rod/Honda Shadow/Snowmobiles/Jetskis Contact Darryl for all your […]

Discover Border Country Realty
347 Market Ave, Grand Forks, BC V0H 1H0, Canada
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Discover Border Country Realty, locally owned and operated, has offered professional award-winning service in the Boundary area for over 35 years. Our real estate professionals a […]
Get involved in the Discover the Boundary Country Geocoin Challenge. Fill your passport as you search for all 25 geocaches between Christina Lake and Rock Creek. To receive your G […]

Exploring Abandoned Mines Museum
4120 Hardy Mountain Rd, Grand Forks, BC V0H 1H2, Canada
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Come visit the Best Mining Museum in the area. We have 1,000 square feet of indoor artifacts, a large collection of outdoor artifacts, and an amazing underground mine tour of the […]

Free Rein Ranch
1060 Carson Rd, Grand Forks, BC V0H 1H4, Canada
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Free Rein Ranch offers Equine Assisted Learning programs for All walks of Life. Equine Assisted Learning is an effective approach to human development that encourages individual a […]

Fresh Tracks Outdoors Club
239 Market Ave, Grand Forks, BC V0H 1H0, Canada
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Outdoor outfitter with a wicked climbing wall and indoor archery range. We have all your outdoor needs covered, from hiking to hunting for all ages. It’s here you’ll find great ge […]

Gallery 2 - Grand Forks Art Gallery
524 Central Avenue, Grand Forks BC V0H 1H0
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Gallery 2 - The Grand Forks Art Gallery is Boundary Country's public art gallery. Since 1984 the gallery has been a centre for contemporary visual arts and culture programming for […]

GEM Theatre
257 Market Ave, Grand Forks BC V0H 1H0
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GEM Theatre is the home of Digital and Real 3D movies with Digital Surround Sound. GEM serves its patrons only the very best popcorn with real butter! For our ice cream connoisseu […]

Gilly’s Restaurant
1511 Central Ave, Grand Forks, BC V0H 1H0
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Offers a daily Chinese Buffet: chow mein, chop suey, foo yung, chicken and house specials.

Grand Forks Community Trails Society
524 Central Ave, Grand Forks, BC V0H 1H0, Canada
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We are a volunteer society that manages and promotes trails for people-powered use in and around Grand Forks, B.C. Formed in 2001, we now maintain more than 75 km of trails and ha […]