Grand Forks (British Columbia) – Travel guide at Wikivoyage (2024)

Grand Forks is a city of about 4,000 people (2016) in the West Kootenays, near the Washington, USA border. It is a useful food and fuel stop when travelling the Crowsnest Highway.

Understand

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The city is in the traditional territory of the Sinixt people, who lived here for at least 10,000 years. Bounded by tall mountains, they interacted with nearby First Nations, but settlers did not arrive until the early 19th century. Smallpox epidemics in the late 18th and early 20th centuries killed some 80% of the population. The 49th parallel border imposed by US and Britain divided the Sinixt territory in two. Most people ended up living south of the border, in the Colville Indian Reservation. The completion of the Grand Coulee Dam blocked salmon migrations up the Columbia River, ending centuries of salmon culture and removing a food source. In 1956 the Canadian government declared the "Arrow Lakes Band" as extinct. However, Sinixt descendants continue to leave in Vallican.

Small numbers of settlers visited the region early in the 19th century, but in the 1890s the development of copper mining brought about permanent settlement. The present city of Grand Forks was established in 1897. Between 1900-1910, pacifist Russian settlers known as "Doukhobors" settled in the area. The population reached 1500 by 1911.

The city of Grand Forks has a population of some 4,000 people (2016), and 10,000 or so live in the Grand Forks area.

  • 1 Grand Forks Visitor Information Centre, 524 Central Avenue (at 5 St), +1 250-442-5835, fax: +1 250-442-0099, gftourism@g2gf.ca. M–Sa 9AM–5PM. Supplies tourist information. free. (updated Sep 2017)

Get in

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Highway 3, the Crowsnest Highway, brings you to Grand Forks from the east and the west.

Highway 41, the Danville Highway, approaches from the south, from the Carson port of entry. This crossing is served by Washington Highway 21.

By bus

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  • Mountain Man Mike's Bus Service, +1-778-382-7729, info@mountainmanmikes.ca. Twice per week service between Kaslo and Vancouver with stops in Balfour, Nelson, Castlegar, Christina Lake, Grand_Forks, Greenwood, Rock Creek, Osoyoos, Keremeos, Princeton, Manning Provincial Park, Hope, Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Langley, and New Westminster. Travel time to Grand Forks from Kalso is 3 hours, from Nelson is 2 hours, from Castlegar is 1.25 hours, from Osoyoos is 1.25 hours, from Princeton is 3 hours, from Hope is 4.75 hours, from Abbotsford is 6 hours, and from Vancouver is 7.25 hours. This service provider also offers a weekly route between Kalso and Calgary via Nelson. (updated Mar 2022)
  • Silver City Stagelines Limited, support@fritztravels.com. Multiple days per week bus service between Trail and Kelowna with stops in Nelson, Castlegar, Christina Lake, Grand Forks, Greenwood, Midway, and Rock Creek. Travel time to Grand Forks from Trail is 3.25 hours, from Nelson is 2 hours, from Castlegar is 1.5 hours, and from Kelowna is 3 hours. (updated Mar 2022)

By airport

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If you own a recreational aircraft, you can fly into 1 Grand Forks Airport. .

Get around

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49°1′38″N 118°26′47″W

Map of Grand Forks (British Columbia)

The core of Grand Forks is walkable and compact. A car will be most convenient.

By public transit

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BC Transit (Boundary Transit System), +1 855 993 3100. Offers on demand (by calling to book) service within Grand Forks during limited daytime hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. (updated Apr 2022)

  • On Fridays, offers a return trip between Grand Forks and Greenwood. Reservation required by the day before.
  • On Tuesdays offers Health Connections trips between Rock Creek and Grand Forks with stops in Midway and Greenwood. Reservations must be made by the day before. The trips are open to all members of the public, but as "Health Connections" trips, people traveling to medical appointments receive priority for reservations.

See

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  • 1 Boundary Museum and Interpretive Centre, 6145 Reservoir Road, +1-250-442-3737, boundarymuse@shaw.ca. winters Tu–F 10AM–4PM. Housed in the "Fructova Heritage Site", which was built as a school by Doukhobors. Has exhibits on Doukhobor life, and on pioneer life in the Boundary in general. Suggested donation $5 per adult, $3 per youth, and $2 per child. (updated Sep 2017)
  • 2 Alpine Taxidermy & Wildlife Museum, 460 Starchuk Rd, +1 250-442-2993. Daily 9AM-9PM. Life-like preserved species of many big and small game found throughout BC. There is no charge to walk through the museum and several items are for sale for the right price. Outside, there is a cedar tree maze for the kids, and many rock & flower gardens to walk through. (updated May 2018)
  • 3 Gallery 2, 524 Central Avenue, +1 250-442-2211. Tu-F 10AM-4PM, Sa 10AM-3PM. Permanent collection representing regional, national, and international artists documenting and preserving art history and cultural heritage. Free (donations accepted). (updated Feb 2024)

Do

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Learn

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Buy

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Eat

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  • 1 Tastie Treat, 1629 Central Ave, +1-250-442-3015. Th–Su 11:30AM–7PM, Su noon–7PM. An old-style burger and ice cream stand, in business since the 1960s. Their milkshakes are just the treat for a hot summer day. (updated Sep 2017)
  • 2 The Wooden Spoon Bistro, 221B Market Avenue, +1 250-442-5005. M-Sa 8AM-3PM, Su 8:30AM-1PM. Breakfasts and lunches, healthy choices and vegan options. (updated May 2023)

Drink

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Sleep

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  • 1 Grand Forks Inn, 2729 Central Ave, +1 250-442-2127. Free continental breakfast and WiFi. Air-conditioned rooms with a view of the mountains, outdoor courtyard pool, pet-friendly hotel. (updated May 2023)
  • 2 Western Traveller Motel, 1591 Central Ave, +1 250-442-5566. Fitness room, coin laundromat, business centre, 34 non-smoking rooms (plus 1 smoking room), wheelchair accessible room, in-room jacuzzi suite available, free Wi-Fi, coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator, air conditioning, pet free rooms are available. (updated May 2023)
  • 3 Luna Grand Forks Bed and Breakfast, 558 Central Avenue, +1 250-444-0581, gabrah25@yahoo.com. In downtown Grand Forks, next to the Heritage Courthouse and Kettle River, Luna B&B is an elegant home that dates back to 1913. Tastefully decorated rooms with private bathroom and toiletries, TV/DVD, alarm clock, fan, fireplace and wireless Internet access. (updated May 2018)

Connect

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Cope

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  • 3 Boundary District Hospital, 7649 22nd St, +1 250-443-2100. Has an emergency department that operates 24/7 (updated Apr 2023)

Go next

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Routes through Grand Forks

Osoyoos Greenwood WGrand Forks (British Columbia) – Travel guide at Wikivoyage (10)E Christina Lake Castlegar / Nelson
END NGrand Forks (British Columbia) – Travel guide at Wikivoyage (11)S → becomes Grand Forks (British Columbia) – Travel guide at Wikivoyage (13) Republic
This city travel guide to Grand Forks is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
Grand Forks (British Columbia) – Travel guide at Wikivoyage (2024)

FAQs

What is Grand Forks BC known for? ›

It's where the enduring stories of farmers, prospectors, Doukhobors and up-and-coming baseball players reveal themselves. You'll find them in nearby pastures, the geode rich fields of Rock Candy Mine, at the Boundary Museum, and on the pitcher's mound at the Grand Forks International Tournament.

What elevation is Grand Forks? ›

Is Grand Forks in the interior? ›

Grand Forks is a picturesque community, located in the southern interior of British Columbia, in what is commonly known as the Boundary Country, a region found between the Okanagan Valley and the Kootenays.

Why move to Grand Forks BC? ›

An extensive trail system that supports ATV's, Bikes, Horses and people. Outdoor recreation that supports fishing, snowmobiling, golfing, cross country skiing and access to the best family ski hill around. Cost of living; offers one of the lowest property tax and municipal charges in the province.

What movie was filmed in Grand Forks? ›

LOON! is a natural horror movie for everyone who loves the lake and the state bird but doesn't mind seeing the loons get a little crazy! Filmmaker cousins Kale and Charles Eickhof wrote, produced, and shot the movie entirely in Grand Forks/East Grand Forks area and on northwestern Minnesota lakes.

Is Grand Forks a walkable city? ›

With a walkable downtown, miles of riverfront trails, and easy access to natural areas for four seasons of outdoor recreation, Grand Forks offers a customizable pace of life in a beautiful, welcoming setting.

How far is it from Grand Forks to the Canadian border? ›

Grand Forks, city, seat (1875) of Grand Forks county, eastern North Dakota, U.S. It lies at the confluence of the Red River of the North and the Red Lake River, opposite East Grand Forks, Minnesota, about 80 miles (130 km) south of the Canadian border and 75 miles (120 km) north of Fargo.

What is the ethnicity of Grand Forks? ›

The 5 largest ethnic groups in Grand Forks, ND are White (Non-Hispanic) (80.7%), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (4.25%), Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (3.88%), Asian (Non-Hispanic) (3.31%), and American Indian & Alaska Native (Non-Hispanic) (1.99%).

How safe is Grand Forks? ›

With a crime rate of 34 per one thousand residents, Grand Forks has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 29.

How far is Grand Forks, BC from the U.S. border? ›

Location. Grand Forks is located on Hwy 3, 100 km (62 mi) west of Castlegar and 124 km (77 mi) east of Osoyoos. It is near the Canada/US border with two border crossings close by, one at 20 km (12.4 mi) east and the other 8 km (5 mi) west of Grand Forks.

Is it expensive to live in Grand Forks North Dakota? ›

Grand Forks's housing expenses are 16% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 3% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 5% lower than the national average.

What is the main industry in Grand Forks? ›

Agribusiness. Greater Grand Forks is home to some of America's richest farmland and leads the nation in food production and processing.

What is the main industry in Grand Forks BC? ›

Grand Forks is fortunate to have such a vibrant and strong economic base. Ranging from well-established forestry industry to international manufacturing companies and a vibrant agricultural sector.

What is the city of Forks known for? ›

For many years, the city's economy was fueled by the local timber industry. More recently it has drawn tourism related to the novel series Twilight and films of the same name, set in Forks.

What kind of soup is Grand Forks famous for? ›

“In a town famous for Borscht....”

A lovely place to enjoy borscht and the Russian cuisine grand forks is known for!

What is Grand Forks AFB known for? ›

Today the base is home to the 319th Reconnaissance Wing assigned to the Air Combat Command where we generate world-class support for the Global Hawk High Altitude ISR mission and seamlessly operate and sustain the High Frequency Global Communication System.

References

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