Getting Here & Maps

Travel Essentials

You’ll find Boundary Country hugging the US border in BC’s Thompson-Okanagan Region. It lies east of Osoyoos and west of the Kootenay Rockies region and the Alberta border. Driving access to Boundary Country is via BC Highway 33 from Kelowna. From points north take the Crowsnest Highway (BC Highway 3). It runs east to west between Vancouver, BC and Calgary, AB.

Boundary Bus Service

There’s also the Mountain Man Mike’s Bus Service which has runs between Kalso and Vancouver, with stops in Christina Lake, Grand Forks, Greenwood and Rock Creek.

Airport Info

Kelowna — YLW

Boundary Country’s closest airport is Kelowna International Airport. It is 209 km (130 mi) north of Grand Forks. Car rental available.

Spokane International Airport — GEG

The closest US airport is Spokane International Airport. From there it is 203 km (126 mi) to Grand Forks by car. Car rental available.

West Kootenay Regional Airport (Castlegar) — YCG

Fly into Castlegar’s West Kootenay Regional Airport in the Kootenay Rockies region. It is 97 km (60mi) from Grand Forks. Car rental available.

Grand Forks Municipal Airport

Grand Forks Municipal Airport offers small plane access into the heart of Boundary Country. There are no landing or parking fees.

Trail Regional Airport — YZZ

Get regional air service from Vancouver. The Trail Regional Airport also accommodates air charters, business and personal aircraft. Rental cars are available. 106 km (60 mi) from Grand Forks.

Where to Stay

Accommodation options are more boundless than you might think. There’s plenty of accommodations to choose from here. Maybe you’re more comfortable with nationally recognized hotel brands. If so, we have that here. We also have small family-run inns and motels.

Stay at a B & B and learn about the area from locals owners. Love the great outdoors? Come stay at our RV resorts and Provincial Park campgrounds. For something a little different, try vacation rentals and ranch stays. Avoid disappointment and book in advance.

Camping is available in Provincial Parks between May and September. Private RV Parks and campgrounds offer more extensive camping seasons. Check opening and closing dates with local operators.

Visitor Information

We have three Visitor Centres here. Greenwood’s is at the Greenwood Museum. The Grand Forks Visitor Centre is at Gallery 2 Heritage & Art Gallery. At Christina Lake, it’s located at the Christina Lake Living Arts Centre. You’ll recognize their blue and yellow logo sign. Stop in and say hi. The teams at each centre are more than happy to help you. They’ll point you in the right direction and share local insights. Ask for area and hiking trail maps. See if they have any recommendations to help you enjoy your stay.

Each Boundary Country Visitor Centre is open 9 am to 5 pm. They are open seven days a week in July and August. The Greenwood Visitor Centre is open seasonally between May and October. Grand Forks and Christina Lake Visitor Centres are open year round. They close on statutory holidays.

Boating Safety

The picturesque lakes and rivers in Boundary Country are some of the most beautiful places in BC. Boaters must be aware of boating restrictions on some lakes. Do you plan on driving a boat? Then you need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card boating license. A PCOC is required to operate a motorized boat in Canada. It proves you have the knowledge to safely operate a motorized boat on Canada’s waterways.

How Do Boaters Obtain Their Card?

It’s easy to get a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Simply write and pass the Transport Canada Accredited, multiple-choice exam. You can find it at www.boatsmartexam.com.

Fishing Licenses

Purchase your fishing licenses online at Service BC.  Or, get them at approved vendors in Grand Forks, Greenwood, and Rock Creek. Visit Fishing BC for more information.

Rules of the Road

Seat belt use is mandatory for all drivers and passengers in Canada. The Distracted Driving Law is in effect. It prohibits drivers from talking, texting or emailing on hand-held communication devices. That includes using other electronic devices while behind the wheel.

Cell Phone Use

Boundary country is rural and mountainous in nature. So that means cell phone signals are at their strongest in our towns and cities. Expect sporadic cell service when traveling between communities or in the backcountry.

What to Pack

The diversity of activities in Boundary Country calls for strategic packing. If you’re heading into the mountains, it’s best to dress in layers. River or lakeside activities are best enjoyed in water-resistant clothing. Our dining scene is totally laid-back. Casual attire is the order of the day. Remember to bring sunglasses! Grab a hat for protection from strong sunlight in every season.

Protect Against Insects

Mosquitoes are a fact of life in the Canadian wilderness. It’s no different in the BC Interior. It’s the price you pay for some of western Canada’s most dramatic wilderness areas. The intensity of mosquitoes varies by location. It also varies day to day so come prepared. Bug repellent should be one part of your strategy. Also bring along lightweight clothing or netting. Ensure your arms, legs and head are protected.

Weather

Boundary Country’s weather conditions are dependent on the season and location.

Rock Creek, Midway, Greenwood, Grand Forks and Christina Lake are at lower elevations. They enjoy a semi-arid climate with fairly low precipitation, mild winters and hot summers.

Westbridge, Beaverdell, Carmi, and Bridesville are in higher elevations. They are also considered semi-arid. They average cooler temperatures and more precipitation, particularly snow.