Vanderhoof
Greer Creek Falls, Sheila Evans photo
Vanderhoof (population: 3,865) is the geographical centre of British Columbia – the heart of the province. Visitors here enjoy peaceful views of rolling agricultural hills close to town, along with enticing nearby forests, lakes, creeks, and rivers a little farther out.
In the wilderness – only a short drive, flight, or boat ride from town – an endless number of seasonal outdoor activities await. Summer attracts anglers, outfitters, canoeists, kayakers, hikers, swimmers, bikers, birdwatchers and photographers. Winters shift to snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and even dogsledding.
Many visitors to Vanderhoof stay at one of 15 wilderness retreats in Big River Country south of town. Enjoy gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, view birds come and go, swim in the lakes, and hike to the nearby waterfalls.
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Kenney Dam and Flightseeing
Make sure to check out Kenney Dam, which was once the largest rock filled dam in the world. Take a scenic drive to this area on a daytrip. It's also possible to join a flightseeing tour and witness all these sights from the air.
Festivals and Events
To experience the enthusiasm of the local community, watch the Christmas parade or one the children's theatre group performances, or join in the Halloween pumpkin walk. Enter a local sports tournament such as hockey at the local arena or golf at the town's 18-hole course. Attend the fall fair in August.
Bird Watching
Another unique experience Vanderhoof offers is a chance to see migratory geese at the Riverside Park bird sanctuary just a few minutes walk from downtown on the Nechako River. They usually hang out there in the late spring and early fall.
All About Town
Vanderhoof itself sits on the banks of the Nechako River. The entire area is located on the Nechako Plateau, which is part of the larger North Central Interior Plateau. The land is a notable flat spot between BC's Coastal Mountain and Rocky Mountain ranges.
The name of the town means 'farm' in Dutch – a fitting name considering Vanderhoof's ranching history. Vanderhoof was originally founded to be an artists' retreat but farmers were attracted by the fertile lands and settled here instead. Loggers followed soon after, drawn by the surrounding masses of untouched forest. For many years, Vanderhoof boomed along with the rest of the province's forestry industry based towns, but these days, a more entrepreneurial spirit exists. To learn more about the area's culture and history, take a tour around the Vanderhoof Community Museum.
Where to Begin
Stop by the Vanderhoof Visitor Centre on Burrard Avenue, a block from Highway 16, to learn more about things to do in the area, plus accommodation and dining options.
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