Vanderhoof, British Columbia, is a district municipality nestled near the geographical heart of Canada. Spanning 2.92 square kilometers, this charming town is home to approximately 4,500 residents and provides services to nearly 10,000 people in the surrounding rural communities.
The main industries in Vanderhoof are forestry, agriculture, and related businesses. However, tourism is on the rise, and mining operations are being developed in the area. The town is also home to several educational institutions, including many elementary schools, Nechako Valley Secondary School (NVSS), and a regional campus of the College of New Caledonia.
Vanderhoof was named after one of its founders, Herbert Vanderhoof of Chicago, an employee of the Grand Trunk Pacific Development Company. The town's population saw rapid growth until World War II, when many men left to fight overseas. Post-war, the town experienced another population surge due to an increase in lumber prices and the construction of the Kenney Dam. Today, Vanderhoof serves as a service centre for surrounding communities in the eastern Bulkley-Nechako region.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Vanderhoof had a population of 4,346 living in 1,786 of its 1,885 total private dwellings. This represented a -2% change from its 2016 population of 4,434. With a land area of 53.93 km2, it had a population density of 80.6/km2 in 2021.
Vanderhoof is renowned for its bird sanctuary along the Nechako River. The area sees a large influx of Canada geese, swans, and other migratory birds during their annual migrations. The Nechako River is also home to various fish species, including salmon and the endangered Nechako white sturgeon. The region attracts many hunters in search of bear, moose, deer, cougar, and elk.
Vanderhoof offers a plethora of cultural and recreational activities. From the Nechako Valley Exhibition Grounds, Vanderhoof Heritage Museum, and Grand Reo Theatre to the Vanderhoof Aquatic Centre, Vanderhoof Skateboard Park, and Omineca Golf Course, there's something for everyone. The town also boasts a community garden, a bike park, a motocross track, and a community trail system.
The Telegraph Trail, originally a telegraph line set up in the 1890s for communication with the Klondike Gold Rush gold fields, was converted into a series of walking trails after being abandoned in the 1930s. A 10 km trail connects Hogsback Lake to Blackwater Road, offering a scenic walk for visitors and locals alike.
Vanderhoof hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, including the Wild Goose Chase Fun Run, the Vanderhoof Chamber of Commerce Biennial Trade Show, the BC Rodeo, the Hooterville Hoot classic car show, and the Vanderhoof International Air show. The town also celebrates Canada Day and hosts a Farmers' Market from June to September.
Vanderhoof experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb) characterized by mild summers and cold winters. This climate contributes to the town's lush natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
