Looking for a spot to cool off this summer? Here are five of our favourite beaches and swimming holes in and around Grand Forks.
1. Nursery Bridge Beach
Nursery Bridge Beach is a staple piece here in Grand Forks BC located right on the Granby River. It includes a sandy beach for all kids to play and enjoy, a deep swimming hole for lots of water activity, a rope swing for an entertaining day, and shaded sections along the beach to keep cool. This beach also offers a safe place to swim due to the slower section of the river and can be enjoyed by anyone. Nursery Bridge is located right beside the rail trail making it a perfect spot to cool off if you are walking or biking along. Make sure you check out this one-of-a-kind swimming hole. You can find this beautiful spot located right off Popoff Rd. or on the other side of Nursery Rd. There is parking and access to the bridge on both roads.
2. Hummingbird Beach
Hummingbird Bridge offers a large sandy beach as well as amazing scenery right along the Granby River. This spot is located 10 miles right off North Fork Rd, right after Brown Creek Rd. or right before Granby Rd. With another deep swimming hole, this is a perfect spot to jump in and cool off! The beach gradually declines into the water leaving a shallow spot for the little ones to play safely while getting wet. This spot gets lots of sun and the large beach allows everyone to lay out and catch some rays. If you are interested in fishing there is a great fishing hole just on the other side of this beach. There is a fairly easy access trail down to Hummingbird from the road so everyone can enjoy it!
3. Barbara Ann Beach
Barbara Ann offers so much and is based not too far from downtown Grand Forks! This beach is located on the Granby River and has a mix of sand as well as grass to allow anyone to pull up a chair and relax. With its shallow decline, it allows young ones to play and easy access to the water for everyone. There are many picnic tables and lots of shade to have lunch and take a break from the sun. This beach is also located beside many walking trails, pickleball courts, and tennis courts open for anyone to use. Another great addition to this beach is its public bathrooms located right by the pickleball courts. You can park and access Barbara Ann Beach easily right off the end of 83rd Avenue.
4. Black Train Bridge Beach
Black Train Bridge Beach has one of the largest beaches in Grand Forks and is located on the Kettle River. This beach is mostly rock and allows many people to relax in their own space. Enjoy an afternoon here with skipping rocks and exploring the beach. The water has many different levels allowing people of all ages to enjoy and stay cool. The Columbia and Western Rail Trail travels across this bridge so jump in and cool off during your walk or bike trip! This swimming spot is located right off Kettle River Dr. where there is limited parking but more parking is offered just up the road. If you are coming off Kettle River Dr. cross the bridge to the stairs that descend to the beach for the easiest access.
5. Doukhobor Beach
Doukhobor Beach may offer the largest beach in Grand Forks. This beach contains mostly rock but a small amount of sand right by the Kettle River. You can explore so many parts of this beach and enjoy the shade that the surrounding trees offer. This beach is easy to access but has a very short walking trail leading to it. This is one of the more secluded beaches in Grand Forks and has much to offer! If you’re looking for a place for your dog to cool off there are a few spots along this beach that are perfect. Parking and access are located right at the end of Beach Rd. and there you will find a dirt trail leading you to the beach.
