Things To Do
Vanderhoof offers visitors a chance to get back to nature and pursue outdoor adventure.
The backcountry area south of town provides easy access to wilderness viewing, bird watching, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Tour the area on a scenic drive or a flightseeing tour.
Summer Activities
Summer is definitely high season for Vanderhoof, as the area's limitless outdoor adventure opportunities attract visitors from across the province, country, and world.
Take a scenic drive through the vast network of logging roads just south of town. This region, referred to locally as "Big River Country", showcases hundreds of lakes, forests, rivers, creeks, and meadows. Have a dip in the many waterways, or hike to numerous waterfalls, viewpoints, and Kenney Dam, once the largest rock-filled dam in the world. Recreational trails closer to town – good for cycling, and hiking – are also plentiful. Join the local hiking club, which ventures out weekly on easy-to-intermediate treks.
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For a longer visit here, stay at any number of wilderness lodges located throughout the area. Kick back and relax or explore the area accompanied by an on-site guide. Other wilderness lodge activities include fishing, outfitting, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing.
Flightseeing Tours
Flightseeing is another spectacular way to experience the area. Choose from a number of aircraft and take a spin over the town and surrounding area. Better yet, choose a destination. Many anglers (looking to land rainbow trout) and outfitters fly or boat into various sections of this region and stay for a day or more.
Bird Watching
View a flock of migratory geese from the observatory tower at the local bird sanctuary on Nechako River at Riverside Park, just a few blocks from downtown. The birds are only in town at certain times of the year. The best viewing months are April to May, and September. They usually stick around for a couple of weeks only. White pelicans also nest at Tatchit Lake, a short drive from town, for the summer.
Winter Activities
Vanderhoof winters tend to be white so snow sports are popular here. Cross-country skiers have a vast trail system to choose from located only minutes from town. Those interested in snowshoeing, dog sledding, and snowmobiling, even competing in biathlons, will also do well in Vanderhoof. The landscape is flat, so there's an especially low avalanche risk. Ice fishing on local lakes is another winter option.
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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