Vanderhoof, British Columbia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Vanderhoof
District municipality
District of Vanderhoof
Vanderhoof Location in British Columbia
Country	Canada
Province	British Columbia
Region	Interior Plateau
Regional district	Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako
Incorporated	1926
Area
• Total	54.83 km2 (21.17 sq mi)
Elevation	640 m (2,100 ft)
Population  (2016)
• Total	4,439
• Density	81.0/km2 (210/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC-8 (PST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-7 (PDT)
Area code(s)	250 / 778 / 236
Highways	Hwy 16 (TCH) Trans-Canada Highway Hwy 27
Waterways	Nechako River
Climate	Dfb

Vanderhoof is a town in the middle of British Columbia, Canada. It's home to about 4,500 people, but it also helps nearly 10,000 more in nearby areas. Its main jobs are in forestry (trees), farming, and tourism. Mining is also starting to grow.

Vanderhoof has several elementary schools and a big high school called Nechako Valley Secondary School. You can also find a campus for the College of New Caledonia here. The Jasper–Prince Rupert train stops at the Vanderhoof railway station.

History of Vanderhoof

The town of Vanderhoof is named after Herbert Vanderhoof. He was one of the people who helped start the town. Herbert worked for a company connected to the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway.

The town grew quickly until World War II, when many men left to fight. After the war, the price of lumber went up, and the Kenney Dam was built. These things helped the town's population grow again. Today, Vanderhoof is an important service center for the communities around it. It is the second-largest town in the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako.

People and Population

In 2021, about 4,346 people lived in Vanderhoof. This was a small decrease from 4,434 people in 2016.

Who Lives in Vanderhoof?

Most people in Vanderhoof are of European background. There is also a significant number of Indigenous people. Other groups include people from Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, Latin America, and East Asia.

Beliefs and Religions

According to the 2021 census, almost half of the people in Vanderhoof do not follow a specific religion. The other half are mostly Christian. Smaller groups follow Sikhism, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Indigenous Spirituality.

Wildlife in Vanderhoof

Vanderhoof is famous for its bird sanctuary along the Nechako River. Many Canada geese, swans, and other birds stop here during their long journeys.

The Nechako River is home to different kinds of fish, including salmon. It also has the endangered Nechako white sturgeon. Many hunters visit Vanderhoof to find animals like bear, moose, deer, cougar, and elk.

Schools in Vanderhoof

Vanderhoof has several schools for different ages:

Elementary Schools

• Evelyn Dickson
• W.L. McLeod
• Sinkutview
• Mapes

Secondary Schools (High Schools)

• Nechako Valley Secondary School (NVSS)
• Northside Christian School
• Valhalla High
• Virtual School: EBUS Academy

Fun Things to Do

Vanderhoof offers many places for fun and activities:

A collaborative mural painted on the Neighbourhood Space Youth Centre in 2010.

• Nechako Valley Exhibition Grounds: This is where the Fall Fair happens in August. It has places for horse riding and farm shows.
• Vanderhoof Heritage Museum: Learn about the town's history here.
• Vanderhoof Aquatic Centre: A great place to swim! It has a 6-lane pool, a climbing wall, a hot tub, a sauna, and a fun leisure pool.
• Vanderhoof Skateboard Park: Perfect for skateboarding and scootering.
• Grand Reo Theatre: A beautifully restored movie theater.
• Omineca Golf Course: An 18-hole golf course.
• Disc Golf Course: Play disc golf with friends.
• Vanderhoof Arena: An indoor ice rink in winter for skating and hockey. In summer, it's a community center.
• Vanderhoof Curling Club: Try your hand at curling.
• Riverside Park & Campground: Enjoy birdwatching, a playground, beach volleyball, and walking trails.
• Ferland Park: Features a playground and a waterpark.
• Community Garden: Grow your own plants in raised beds or plots.
• Rip n' The North Bike Park: Mountain bike trails for all skill levels.
• Moore's Motocross Track: A dirt bike track for motocross fans.
• Community Trail System: Explore many walking and biking trails.
• Nechako White Sturgeon Conservation Centre: Learn about efforts to protect the endangered white sturgeon fish.
• Nechako Valley Sporting Association: Offers activities like archery, shooting, fishing, hunting, and cross-country skiing.
• Vanderhoof Public Library: A great place to find books and learn.
• Community Bus: A free bus service to help people get around town.

Telegraph Trail

A very old telegraph line, built in the 1890s for communication, was later turned into walking trails. A 10 km trail connects Hogsback Lake (near Vanderhoof) to Blackwater Road.

Community Events

Vanderhoof hosts many fun events throughout the year:

• Wild Goose Chase: A fun run with different distances held on the first Sunday in May.
• BC Rodeo: Held in April, featuring exciting rodeo events.
• Hooterville Hoot: An annual classic car show in early June.
• Concert In The Park: Local talent performs in July.
• Canada Day Celebration: Celebrate Canada's birthday on July 1st.
• Vanderhoof Farmers' Market: Find fresh local produce and handmade goods from June to September.
• Vanderhoof International Air Show: Happens every two years in August, showing off amazing planes and pilots.
• Nechako Valley Exhibition: A true country fair in August, fun for the whole family.
• The Great Pumpkin Walk: On October 31st, see hand-carved pumpkins and go trick-or-treating in the park, followed by fireworks!
• Parade of Lights and Midnight Madness: Kicks off the Christmas season in December with a light parade and special sales.

Climate

Vanderhoof has a climate with warm summers and cold winters. It gets a good amount of rain and snow throughout the year.