Food & Farms
When everyone else zigs, Boundary Country zags.
With such great soil and so many sunny days, we produce crops like nobody’s business—and have been doing it for a century.
We’re home to B.C.’s first organic dairy, Jerseyland Farms, where the cows are happy and the milk is too. In fact, we have dozens of growers—and dozens of Farmer's Markets in the warm season. Visit Spencer Hill Orchard and Gallery—an organic orchard and market garden on a sunny hillside near Grand Forks. Or buy slippers made from hand-dyed wool, shorn from the critters at Joybilee Farm near Greenwood. Check out the listings for more places to buy local grub in Boundary Country.
Rock Creek Fall Fair
Yee Haw! Bring the whole family to one of the last true agricultural fairs around. For over 60 years the Rock Creek Fall Fair has brought families together for a day of fun at the “Biggest Little Fair Around.” The two-day event features everything from heavy horse shows and pro barrel racing to lawnmower races and a thrilling midway for kids of all ages. Camping is available on site or accommodations are offered in Rock Creek, nearby Midway and stunning Conkle Lake is approximately 50 minutes away.
The Fair is always held the 2nd week after Labour Day Weekend. Check the website for more details.
Jerseyland Organics
Visit the contented cows and stock up on organic cheddar, gouda, feta and yogurt at Jerseyland Organics. Jerseyland Organics dairy products are made from 100% certified organic Jersey milk from our own herd of dairy cows. This Farm produces outstanding product that is sold all over the Province and is highly sought after. Owner Jeremy Devries not only takes care of his farmland, but cares for the animals – they welcome visitors to the farm where you can pet the sheep and pick up some yoghurt while you’re there!
Season: Year Round
Hours: Monday - Thursday 9AM to 4PM (phone ahead)
Spencer Hill Orchard and Gallery
A working organic orchard and agritourism operation, hosts Sheila and Karl offer farm tours, farm fresh produce (seasonal) and a myriad of events that draw locals and visitors alike. You’ll find eighteen varieties of apples, plus plums, pears, peaches, nectarines, and cherries as well as a yearly crop of tomatoes, pumpkins, potatoes and raspberries. Take a break on the shady patio and indulge in homemade apple pie, sour cherry tarts and ice cream. The Apple Festival is their signature event and children will love the wagon rides and working apple press. Parents can enjoy the well-stocked artisan gallery lovingly filled by local artists.
Season: May to September
Hours: Spring; Thursday - Saturday 10AM to 5PM
Summer; Monday - Sunday 10AM to 5PM
Pride of the Valley Flour Mill
Take a step back in history! The Grand Forks Doukhobor Milling Heritage Society is home to the original stone grind mill that operated from 1915 to 1945. The mill was built as part of an industrial complex by Doukhobors and was the largest communal undertaking of its kind in North American history. This heritage mill continues to produce flour for labeled “Pride of the Valley” which is available for purchase at local grocery stores. The mill has been preserved in its original form and functions as a museum housing a collection of old equipment and millstones.
Hours: By appointment
Joybilee Farm
How does your clothing grow? Come discover where clothing pastures in the fields and colour grows in the garden. Joybilee Farm is a “joyful communion of ethical husbandry and fiber artistry.” Take a walk through natural dye gardens where eco-friendly, plant based, colours grow. Meet the contented angora goats, coloured sheep, llamas, and angora rabbits that provide the fiber for our “wearable, huggable art” and outrageously joyful yarns -- yarns to make you smile. To make your visit memorable, custom workshops can be arranged for groups of 3 or more. Joybilee Farm goat’s milk soaps and natural moisturizers made from local herbs are also available in the gift shop.
The baby animals are always a hit in Spring and Summer and visitors enjoy seeing the exodus each day around 1pm when the sheep, goats and llamas are released from the summer paddock to graze freely over our 140 acres, only to come home each evening around closing time.
Season: May to mid October
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10AM to 5PM, or by appointment
Boundary Area Farmers Markets
Colourful displays of fresh produce delights the senses in these busy open-air markets starting on the May long weekend and operating until Thanksgiving weekend. Find an array of certified organic vegetables, apples, plums, pears, and cherries in season along with local wild huckleberries, jams and jellies and fresh baked goods. If you are looking for some local art, you’ll find that at most markets as well! Farmers Markets offer you the best in local produce and make for a fascinating morning out!
Season:May to mid October
Hours: See below
Grand Forks
When: Tuesdays/ Fridays 8AM to 1PM
Where: Gyro Park - Located on Highway 3 Across from Overwaitea
Rock Creek
When: Saturdays 9AM to 2PM
Where: Highway 3 next to the Christian Valley Service building
More Information: 250 446 2797
Greenwood
When: Wednesdays/ Sundays 8AM to 7PM
Where: Miners Park
More Information: 250 445 6506
Website by Story & Co.