Grand Forks is an agricultural town surrounded by farms and orchards with a tradition that dates to the late 1800s when a few settlers came to the "Sunshine Valley" to take advantage of the fertile land.
Russian Influence
Mining spurred rapid growth and demand for agricultural production. The tradition was bolstered in 1909 with the arrival of the Doukhobors, Russian pacifists, who settled in communal farming "villages" and turned the valley into Fructova, the "fruit of the valley."
Root Crops & Seeds
Along with grains, market garden produce and fruit orchards, Grand Forks has been known for its production of root crops like carrots, onions and beets. The area was also once the major seed producer in Canada and a local initiative is under way to collect organic and heritage seed varieties.
Evolving Agriculture
Agriculture continues to evolve with experimental vineyards being planted on the sun-drenched slopes near town. Fresh produce is readily available in season and local attractions make it easy to enjoy the area's farms and orchards.
Spencer Hill Orchard and Gallery
Visit a working organic orchard and market garden on a sunny hillside west of Grand Forks. Walk among the fruit trees, 18 varieties of apples plus plums, pears, peaches, nectarines and cherries. At the top of the Spencer Hill Orchard & Gallery check on the progress of this year's crop of tomatoes, pumpkins, potatoes, raspberries and myriad other vegetables.
Spencer Hill Farm Market
In the farm market, shop for farm fresh eggs, fruit and vegetables (including the most enormous garlic heads) or the wares of local artisans such as tie-dyed fabrics. Take a break on the shady patio and indulge in homemade apple pie or sour cherry tarts. Spencer Hill hosts performances and special events on its outdoor stage throughout the summer and presents an annual apple festival at the end of September.
Jerseyland Organics
Get to know some seriously contented cows at the multi-generation, family owned Jerseyland Organics. BC's first certified organic dairy farm, this is an excellent place to take city kids to get acquainted with traditional farm life, where the cows get to graze in the pasture and cheese and yogurt is made right on site.
Learn How to Make Cheese
If Uncle Ric is around, he's usually got time to give visitors a guided tour. See all the cheese-making equipment (in action, if the timing's right) through an observation window in the farm store. Cheese lovers buy a block of cheddar, flavoured Gouda, herbed feta or goat cheese and settle on a picnic bench for a snack while the kids make friends with a horse or goat in the critter pen.
Doukhobor Flour Mill
Located on the site where a Doukhobor gristmill was built in the 1920s this new mill turns out additive-free flour under the brand Pride of the Valley, available in area specialty stores. Original millstones and a replica outdoor bake oven are also displayed. Ask at the Grand Forks Visitor Centre, located at 524 Central Avenue (Hwy 3), for information on arranging a tour.
Grand Forks Farmers Market
Shop for fresh picked fruits and vegetables in season, herbs, cut flowers and a wide array of area handicrafts at the Grand Forks Farmers Market. It's spread out downtown in City Park on Tuesday and Friday mornings from June to October.