BCRCC

How To Support Local Farming

August 23, 2021

Do you know how your food was made and where it was made? Most of the time we pick something up off the shelf at the grocery store and have no clue where it was made or grown. Here in Grand Forks we have so many opportunities to support local farmers and to know exactly where our food is coming from! Grand Forks has such a rich history of agriculture in our valley, especially with our Doukhobor heritage. There is also have a great climate for growing, with a long season since we are in Southern BC, and very nutrient rich soil!

So where can you buy locally grown produce, meats and so much more? There are many options!

The Grand Forks Farmers Market

Twice a week, May until October, locals and tourists can stop by and pick up vegetables, fruits, local honey (Kettle Kountry Farms), local meats and eggs and so much more every Tuesday and Friday! With vendors such as Mehmals Ranch for beef, North Fork Pork & Poultry for meats and eggs, produce from Deane Farms, GF Diggers, Grand Forks Farms Collective, and so many more, you can find everything you need for a healthy and local summer meal! The schedule for weekly vendors can be found on their Facebook page.

Jerseyland Organics

With an on-farm store, Jerseyland Organics is a great spot to support local, and organic! With a variety of cheeses, yogurts, and even a milk dispenser, they have a great selection of dairy products produced on site! Other products made in Grand Forks include; meats from PV Ranch, chocolate from Lucky Pheasant, coffee beans from Juggernaut Coffee Co. They also have a great selection of products local to BC including natural cleaners, detergents, soaps and lotions, organic baking essentials, pastas and so much more!

Kettle Valley Co-op

The KVFC is a consumer and producer co-operative which runs year round and gives local farmers a platform to sell to local members. With weekly orders and pick ups, and quarterly bulk food orders this is a great way to support local! Produce, meats, tofu, baked goods, teas, essentials such as oils, nuts, sweeteners, spices, condiments and so much more, why not become a member?

Click here to learn more!

So, what are you waiting for? Check out one of our many great options whether you are in town for the weekend, or if you call Grand Forks home.

A Peek into Market on Market

August 18, 2021

Discover Grand Forks had a booth on July 24 and August 14, 2021, at Market on Market. This was an exciting time to talk to locals and travellers alike about our area, trails, recommendation and more! We had so much fun and took the chance to photograph the day.

Thank you to all the amazing vendors that allowed us to take photos, shop and chat!

Though the vendors often rotate, the photos below give anyone a great idea of what to expect, and what to find on Market Ave Friday and Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. We hope to see you there!

July 24 – 2021

August 14 – 2021

History Through Food – Doukhobor Cuisine

August 17, 2021

Grand Forks is a mixture of unique cultures, from First Nations to pioneers, prospectors to farmers, and the unique Doukhobors, there is always something special to explore.

After the great copper boom of the late 20th century, the Doukhobors arrived from Russia. They introduced their communal way of living with flourishing farms around the city. The Doukhobors are heavily pacifist and extend their anti-violence values to not eating meat, however, they make up for this by eating very rich foods with butter and creams. Many of their family recipes are still around today and have made their way into commercial kitchens in town.

To learn more about their storied past visit the former Fructova Schoolhouse, now known as the Boundary Museum & Interpretive Centre. This fantastic museum captures the vibrant history of the Boundary area, from the ghost town of Phoenix to Christina Lake and everything in between. The building has re-opened on Tuesday, Aug 17 for 2021. Be sure to stop by!

Borscht is the most common menu item, and while most associate borscht with the Ukrainian beet base, traditional Doukhobor borscht is based heavily on cabbage and tomatoes, giving the soup an orange colour. Check out The Borscht Bowl on Market Avenue for a hot bowl served with fresh bread, as well as traditional crafts and delicious desserts.

Another great dish is Pyrahi. These are Russian tarts with vegetarian fillings like peas, beans, sauerkraut, and dry cottage cheese. They are best eaten hot (freshly baked or baked from frozen) with melted butter or sour cream. Don’t mix up your “Pyrahi” and “Pirozhki”; Pirozhki is a sweeter dough filled with fruit and often the top is left a bit open to reveal the sweet filling.

These great eats are perfect for adding a bit of culture to the weekend. Whatever your taste buds, you’re sure to find something yummy! To try Doukhobor food out yourself, visit our dining directory at discovergrandforks.ca/directory/dining.

Grand Forks’ Local Art Culture

August 11, 2021

Grand Forks has attracted many artists over the years with its stunning mountain-scapes and creative energy. Some of our local artists share their wares at markets so if you’re looking for a handmade craft with your afternoon walk, that’s the place to go!

Visit the Tuesday and Friday Farmers Market, from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm in Gryo Park. There you will find colourful stone and sterling pendants, macrame plant hangers, or artistic cards for any occasion. Or go to the Market on Market on Fridays and Saturdays, from 9:00 am-2:00 pm on Market Ave. On any other day, you can always find artwork on display at our various cafes, like the Wooden Spoon where there is a regular rotation of local paintings and photography.

Enjoy the sunshine and take a walk through downtown and see the many stunning murals painted by Victoria artist, Archer. The murals have a variety of themes, some representing our city’s heritage or simply the businesses they decorate. They make great backdrops for Instagram photoshoots!

If you want the full art experience, head to Gallery 2!

Located right on Highway 3 at the west end of downtown Grand Forks is a stunning 1911 heritage courthouse building. Gallery 2 has been in this building since 2008, yet has operated as the Grand Forks Art Gallery since 1984 when it was located in the basement of the library. This historic building served as a courthouse up to the 2000’s, but is now thriving as the centre for contemporary visual arts and culture programming for locals and visitors alike.

Explore engaging exhibitions upstairs that provoke conversation. Or meander through the main floor Gift Shop where you will find a collection of local and regional crafts, like our flora and fauna in original pencil crayon drawings on pine boards by artist Peni Campbell.

There will always be a hidden gem to spark interest and alight the inner creative, in all those that chose to take a closer look at our stunning city. For more information, to search our directory or view upcoming Arts and Culture events, be sure to visit discovergrandforks.ca.

Photo Credit: Charnley v. Wyk

A Family Weekend In Grand Forks

July 26, 2021

Grand Forks has plenty of all-ages experiences for your memorable family trip.

Whether a short weekend stop or a month-long adventure, there is always something to fill the days.

Start by picking up your morning coffee or hot chocolate at one of our local cafes and walking down Market Ave. There is quite a selection at Jogas, the Wooden spoon or the Board Room Cafe.

It’s here where you can admire towering murals, or stop by a local market. Farmers markets are 8:00 am-1:00 pm on Tuesdays and Fridays in Gryo Park. Market on Market is on Saturdays, from 9:00 am-2:00 pm on Market Ave. For more information about events in the area visit discovergrandforks.ca/events or the Visitor Information Centre and Gallery 3.

If you’re looking for an exciting afternoon stop by the City skatepark, or take a dip in the Aquatic centre. For more time outdoors, rent a bike at Seasons outdoors and ride along the Canadian Pacific Railway trail to the Granby Dam Site. This beautiful and accessible trail is a must in the Grand Forks area and is an easy 1.4km or approximately 30 minutes one way. The trail has views of the Granby River the whole way and ends with a great view of what was once the Granby Dam. You can also choose to visit Jerseyland Organics Cheese and Yogurt where you can pet the sheep and pick up some yoghurt.

If you want to stay indoors, there is a bouldering wall and archery range at the Fresh Tracks Outdoor Club, and they serve a great cup of coffee for those waiting.

To finish the day, enjoy a family board game at the Board Room Cafe. Or quickly grab something delicious at one of our bakeshops like Marvelous Munchies and Pascale’s for an evening picnic at the City Park.

Whatever you wish to do, be sure to adventure smart and safely by preparing ahead. Enjoy discovering Grand Forks!

Camping For All Types Of Campers

July 5, 2021

There are few things better in life than waking up in a beautiful place, making a cup of coffee and enjoying the great outdoors and all it has to offer. For each person, this can look different. As summer starts, and our province opens up for travel, it’s time to discover the variety of camping in Grand Forks and the surrounding area. Whether you stay in Grand Forks, or across the Boundary, there is something for you!

From lightweight kayak camping to a comfortable home on wheels, from campsites just a minute’s walk from a great cafe, to one out of cell reception, the region offers it all and everything in between!

TENTING

Tenting can be the most versatile and flexible way to camp. Hike, paddle, or drive to a spot that fits your style. All of these are great ways to experience the great outdoors.

Some off-grid campsites and recreation sites can be found throughout Granby Provincial Park north of Grand Forks. If you want to be closer to town, the Municipal Campground a short walk from downtown, and others listed bellow welcome tents too. Camping by tent also allows for many more adventures to be had.

RV & TRAILER CAMPING

In Grand Forks, Country Hideaway Campground, Riviera RV Park, and the City Park Campground are all great options. These have full hook-ups available for your comfort if you want to camp with your RV or trailer. Each of these campgrounds is either next to, or a short walk away from, the beautiful Kettle River which is a local favourite spot to cool down on hot summer days.

CABINS

Located 20 minutes north of Grand Forks, cabins can be booked at PV Ranch Adventures. This is great option for those who want to get away from town and spend some quality time with family and friends. Fully furnished and with a kitchenette, this is an ideal – and easy – getaway option.

Don’t forget to do your research before you come. Reserve campsites when necessary. Research road and weather conditions, check wildfire risks and fire ban updates. Be aware of what is a campsite and what is not and please stick to designated campsites. Come prepared for the environment(s) you are in and most importantly, take out what you bring in and respect the communities that you are recreating in.

We can’t wait to see you #discovergrandforks soon!

Explore the rest of this site for more resources to help you plan your trip this summer.

Old Yale Hotel Borscht

November 30, 2020

“This is the borscht my Baba (grandma) made at the Old Yale Hotel in Grand Forks, British Columbia for many years. Although many have copied the recipe, none tastes quite the same. It is time consuming to make this soup, so large quantities were made to share with friends and family.” – Garry Hoolaeff

2 quarts canned tomatoes
2 cups tomato juice
2 cups chopped onion
1/4 lb (1/2 cup) butter, divided use (do not use margarine)
18 cups cabbage, shredded, divided use
7 quarts water
10 medium potatoes, peeled and halved
1 medium beet, quartered
1 pint heavy (whipping) cream, divided use
1 3/4 cups carrots, chopped
1 3/4 cups celery, chopped
8 cloves garlic
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 1/2 cups diced potatoes
1 cup chopped fresh dill (or 1/4 cup dry dill)
1 cup chopped green onion
3 tablespoons salt (or to taste)

Cook tomatoes and juice in pot for 1 hour.

Sauté onion lightly in 1/4 cup butter then add 3 cups cabbage and sauté; set aside.

Add 7 quarts water to tomatoes and bring to boil. Add halved potatoes and beet. Cook until done. Remove beet and discard. Remove potatoes and mash with remaining 1/4 cup butter. Add 1/2pint whipping cream; set aside.

Add remaining cream to water and tomatoes in the pot. Add carrots, celery, garlic and green pepper to tomato mixture. Cook till done.

Add mashed potatoes and diced potatoes. Bring to hard boil. Add the remaining shredded cabbage and bring to a hard boil. Add dill and green onions and bring to hard boil. Add sautéed onion and cabbage mixture and bring to hard boil. Add salt to taste. Take off burner and let stand uncovered till half cooled.

Makes 18-20 servings
Source: Canada’s Heritage through Food and Wine by Shelley Kitching and Diane Finlayson

The Markets of Grand Forks

July 22, 2020

For locals and visitors alike, the different Markets of Grand Forks offer a vibrant sense of community.

The mainstay being the Grand Forks Farmers Market. Taking place every Tuesday and Friday, you will find farm fresh food that was picked that morning, handmade crafts, coffee, beauty products, spirits, the occasional food truck, and even live music. The market also includes some regional vendors from throughout the Kootenays. Taking place at Gyro Park, right along HWY 3, downtown Grand Forks, this market is hard to miss. Spring right through Fall, you will find it running twice a week, from 8am until 1pm.

The summer of 2020 now also features Market on Market. Every second Saturday our local artisans are setting up right on the road downtown, creating a large open pedestrian friendly market place. Artisans mixed in among our brick and mortar store fronts with some fresh popped kettle corn and mini donuts. A wonderful combination of the best Grand Forks has to offer. This market will be running July and August of 2020.

Market Ave

Last but not least – Market Ave. Essentially, this is downtown Grand Forks’ “Main Street”. It’s vibrant tree lined design and pedestrian friendly walkway make it a great place to relax and grab a coffee. The cafe’s and eatery’s are entirely one of a kind. From the Boardroom Cafe (where you can play hundreds of different boardgames while you eat) to the Borscht Bowl (who offers the most authentic Russian cuisine you will find in Canada) there is truly something for everyone. Market Ave is also home to some awesome retail shopping including: bike and sport, gifts, wellness, health foods, ice cream, cannabis, clothing, comics, electronics and much more.

While the options are endless, a day on Market Ave might just look like this… A breakfast “Sandy” with local produce from the Wooden Spoon. Followed by shopping for some new swimwear at Work n’ Play. Then some time running through the spray park with family to cool off, or perhaps a quick float down the river. After that, over to Jogas for some of the best coffee around, with a smoked salmon bagel and some homemade borscht for lunch. Wrapping up just in time for an afternoon movie at the GEM (arguably one of the most unique independent movie theatres in BC). All capped off with dinner and drink at Clydes Pub (family friendly).

Amidst the revitalization of downtown Grand Forks – all things “Market” are thriving, and are of the truest small town summer experiences.

A Bounty of Biking

June 26, 2020

If you can balance yourself on two wheels, then Grand Forks has some treats for you. Tucked away in what some people call “The Sunshine Valley”, Grand Fork’s long cycle season offers more than you’ll find in most Canadian cities, including:

Easy family friendly rail-grade (aka flat) trail rides, with countless panoramic views
An enthusiastic BMX community
Road cycling ride loops with minimal traffic
And top tier mountain biking

Mountain Biking

While Grand Forks itself is host some spectacular trail riding, it would be foolish to ignore the world class trails surrounding the area. Christina Lake, about 10 minutes down HWY 3, has a vast network of trails, and some of the best pure downhill biking you will find. Coming in from west, you’ll find long rail-grade networks that can take you… well pretty much as far are you willing to go.

That said, those of us lucky enough to live right in Grand Forks know full well that some of the best rides are found right out our front door.

Harpold and Saddle mountain are two of the single-track trail rides that will challenge even the most experienced of riders. But the payoff is always worth it, with multiple views of the entire city – and with a climate like this one, you are going to see people riding these trails 6 months a year, or more.

Trails like Fisherman’s Creek and White Arrow are diverse enough for beginners to ride, while entertaining and challenging enough to keep our local pros coming back for more.

A blog really isn’t the place to do these trails, and all of the others justice… if you have read this far, all you need to know is… bring your bike, there is a lot of trail to ride! Check out this TRAILFORKS link for a bit of an overview!

Family Friendly Biking

While it must be mentioned that many of the mountain biking trails, like White Arrow, are definitely family friendly – Grand Forks offers some purely recreational trail riding that simply cannot be found in most other places.

The City is lucky to have the Trans-Canada Trail cut right through the heart of Grand Forks. The great thing about this trail, and numerous other rail-grade trails in Grand Forks is that the riding is simple. On a rail-grade trail, you are not going to face steep climbs or descents, nor any other dangers – it is as family friendly as trail riding gets! The Trans-Canada Trail is also largely paved in Grand Forks, and follows the Kettle river – which is a good thing on those 35-degree days.

Downtown Grand Forks also hosts a number bike racks, so stopping in for a drink to cool down at the Boardroom Cafe or Wooden Spoon is always another great option on those hot summer days.

Check Today’s Weather >

If you hop onto the TRAILFORKS link provided, and keep your eyes to the “green & blue trails” you will find a number of family friendly trail segments. All well maintained, with wide-open space, spectacular views, and high reward for taking your time to make the adventure.

Long Story Short – Bring Your Bike!

Photo credit to Bob Stanhope and Peter Kalasz

Downtown Alive with Art!

January 13, 2020

Downtown Grand Forks is Alive with Art! It is no secret that Downtown Grand Forks was one of the hardest hit areas in the 2018 flood. While it has been a hard push for our business community to get back on track, we are excited to see the tremendous progress that has been made this year!

Downtown Grand Forks has become a place of revitalization with our small business owners leading the way. Most of the buildings are restored, and open for business as usual. We are even seeing fantastic new stores opening. Ice Cream, books, board games, clothing, shoes, coffee, dinner, lunch, breakfast, crossfit, yoga, and more. And to sweeten the deal, our business owners have stepped up to add some artistic life to our streets.

It is hard to believe that only a few months ago, none of this amazing art existed in our downtown core. Grand Forks is lucky to have such supportive and motivated entrepreneurs that are willing to make investments like this in their community. If you haven’t seen these in person, be sure to stop by Market Ave Downtown Grand Forks!

Art by Archer.