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Grand
Forks
Grand Forks is located 126 km (79 miles) east of Osoyoos
on Hwy 3. Grand Forks is situated in a large valley that is very
sunny and quite fertile.
Boundary
Region
Settled by miners during the early 1900's, later the Doukhobor and,
more recently, by retirees, Grand Forks provides retail and government
services for the Boundary region.
Retirement
Facilities
Health facilities include a medical clinic, hospital, dentist and
various specialty support services. There is a recreational complex
complete with indoor pool, ice arena and curling rink. For shopping
there is a small downtown area as well three large grocery chains
including a new Extra Foods.
Heritage
Homes
Grand Forks is a very clean community. The drive through town is
very beautiful as Hwy 3 takes you past heritage homes along tree-lined
streets that front the highway.
Staying
in Grand Forks
If you want to stay, most of the motels are located right on Hwy
3, both on the east and west side of the Grandby River. There is
also a municipal campground if you have an RV or want to tent. It
is located right on the banks of the Kettle River.
Kettle
River
There is a small beach presenting a great way to cool off in the
summer. This makes a great destination point if you happen to be
biking or walking the Trans-Canada Trail. The trail goes right by
the campground on its way along the Kettle River.
Boundary
Museum
Grand Forks has two museums for you to visit. There is the Boundary
Museum located right next to the Visitor Info Centre site on Hwy
3. The other one is located just a short drive on the hillside that
surrounds Grand Forks. This is the Doukhobor Museum.
Doukhobor
Museum
The Doukhobors played a large part in the settlement of Grand Forks
and this is quite evident from the building style throughout the
landscape. A fine example is the old farmhouses along Hwy 3 just
west of the city limits.
Russian
Food
If you get a chance try some Doukhobor food that is featured in
the local restaurants throughout the Grand Forks area. One favourite
is the Chef's Garden Restaurant on the west side of town.
Chef's
Garden
If you enjoy Russian food, the traditional Doukhobor food served
at the Chef's Garden is excellent plus the old photos that line
the walls of the restaurant are well worth the visit.
Observation
Mountain
The Grand Forks area also has some great hikes if you like a good
walk. A favourite is the walk up Observation Mountain right in town.
The trailhead is a little hard to find, but if you go to the north
end of Second Street and look for an unmarked trail that heads up
the hill, you're on the right path. Once on the trail, it will become
more evident where you're going. The views of the Grand Forks Valley
and northern Washington State are incredible.
Trans-Canada
Trail
Mountain biking and cycling are quite popular in Grand Forks. There
is the Trans-Canada Trail that meanders down the Grandby River Valley
towards Grand Forks with elevations at railway bed grade. You can
start the trail at various points in Grand Forks with the trail
heading towards Eholt Station in the west and eastwards along the
Kettle River towards Christina Lake.
Boundary
Trails Guide & Maps
Besides the Trans-Canada Trail, there are the Phoenix Interpretive
Forest Trails and some single track out towards Neff Creek and at
The Harpold Trails in town. A good booklet for you to pick up is
the free Boundary Trails Guide & Maps found at the Visitor Info
Centre or at the local bike store, Chain Reaction.
Christina
Lake
There are lots of things for you to do in Grand Forks. During the
summer there is Christina Lake
located just 20 km (12 miles) east of town. Christina Lake has crystal
clear warm water making it one of British Columbia's biggest destinations.
Christina Lake claims to contain the warmest water in Canada. The
swimming and boating is absolutely the best.
Gladstone
Provincial Park
If you enjoy camping try the facilities at Texas Creek Provincial
Campground.
Golf
If you enjoy golf, Christina Lake
has a very nice 18-hole course. The unique thing about the course
is the use of black sand for the bunkers.
Christina
Lake Mountain Biking
Christina Lake also has some
great areas for you to cycle especially along the Kettle River towards
Cascade Falls on the Trans-Canada Trail. Go to WildWays in Christina
Lake for rentals and information.
Phoenix
Mountain
During the winter Grand Forks offers great snow-related activities
throughout the area. Just 30 km (19 miles) west of Grand Forks is
Phoenix Mountain - a nice small family orientated mountain offering
a rope tow and T-bar lift. If you enjoy cross-country skiing, there
are some great trails for you to explore at Phoenix as well.
Mt.
Baldy and Big White
For bigger facilities both Mt. Baldy Area near Osoyoos
and Big White just north of Beaverdell
are within one and a half hours drive west from Grand Forks.
Exploring
Around
Other recreational activities around Grand Forks include snowmobiling,
snowshoeing and exploring the old mining roads and trails that cover
the landscape.
Grand
Forks International Baseball Tournament
For baseball fans, make sure you visit Grand Forks International
Baseball Tournament. This event happens during the last week in
August. This will give you a chance to watch future baseball stars
perform in Grand Fork's beautiful baseball stadium located right
in town on Hwy 3.
Grand
Forks Links
Tourism
Accommodation
Recreation
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