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Grand Forks
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Grand Forks
Named for the confluence of the Kettle and Granby rivers, Grand Forks is a community of warm smiles, natural, untamed settings and a storied Doukhobor heritage. And while its roots are planted firmly in mining and agriculture, this tiny southern BC town, set between the Okanagan Valley and the Kootenay Rockies, is arts-minded, adventure-driven and, with its tidy offering of early 1900s architecture and historical settings, wholly charming.
In Grand Forks you can view notable works and local history exhibitions at the historic Court House, a.k.a. the Gallery 2: Grand Forks Art & Heritage Centre, or for a glimpse into early Doukhobor life, visit Boundary Museum; here, artifacts, literature and more from the religious Russian sect are preserved in the former Doukhobor Fructova School. Once you’ve roamed the school’s halls, take a Doukhobor Heritage Drive (you’ll find a map at the Visitor Centre), for views of old communal villages and the town’s former cannery.
For a change in scenery, head to Jerseyland Organics, where you’ll find happy cows — not to mention tasty nibbles of cheddar, Gouda, feta and Parmesan. Meet members of the DeVries family at their organic dairy and learn why their dry curd cottage cheese is a favourite in local Russian specialties that include pyrahi (tarts filled with veggies and cheese) and vareniki (Russian dumplings).
Love crystals? Then rock out during an off-the-beaten-path treasure hunt, northwest of town. Rock Candy Mine Safari Tours will help you unearth some beauties at, you guessed it, Rock Candy Mine — an early 1900s quarry so named for the multi-hued fluorite, barite and quartz crystals found there. Be sure to fill your boots: you can walk out with all the highly prized crystals you can carry.
Lace up for a leisurely self-guided tour through the town’s historic centre (the Visitor Centre has guides) or throw on the backpack for a longer trek along the Trans Canada Trail, one of the world’s longest network of trails that, conveniently, winds its way through town. Should you prefer an afternoon of leisurely pursuits, you can shine your line during a fly-fishing outing to Jewel Lake or grab your favourite inflatable and go for a long, lazy summer-day float along the Granby or Kettle rivers.
Early birds will start their day with steaming mugs and sweet treats at Kokomo’s Coffee House. Keep it simple and ask for a dark roast, with its rich, full-bodied flavour, courtesy of the crew from homegrown Hardy Mountain Roasters.
Bring on the borscht, and indulge in a heaping bowl of this classic Russian staple at the aptly named Borscht Bowl and Omega Restaurant (tip: thick slabs of homemade bread will sop up the remnants). Here, specialties of pyrahi, vareniki and blintsi (thin pancakes) mingle happily with Greek and western dishes. Still peckish? Make yours an edible journey, and stock your canvas bags, beginning in May, with fruits, vegetables and tasty treats at the local Farmer’s Market in Gyro Park.
At Luna Grand Forks Bed and Breakfast, Gabriela and Bujor Tanasescu will make you feel like one of the family in their cedar home that dates back to 1913. (Bujor’s breakfasts of quiche with homemade bread and smoked meats will provide the necessary fuel for the day.) A delectable, home-cooked breakfast is also sure to tempt at Maples Bed & Breakfast, a quaint 1900s heritage property that offers a quiet escape amid neatly manicured gardens.
If you’re eager to saddle up, then join the crew at PV Ranch. Here, roundups and trail rides are part of the daily routine, and hearty, country-style meals and cosy cabins or campsites by the river ensure you’ll be dreaming of your time in Grand Forks for weeks to come.
For more information, or to find out what other festivities are in store in Grand Forks, visit www.boundarybc.com or www.city.grandforks.bc.ca.