Vanderhoof is very near the geographic center of the Province of British Columbia. It is located 97 km/60 miles west of Prince George.
Nestled in the fertile Nechako Valley, Vanderhoof is the central supply and distribution for a large agricultureal, lumbering and mining area. The Nechako
Valley is the second largest forage producing region in the province and beef production plays an important role in the area.
The Nechako riverflats are a stopping place for migrating waterfowl in the spring and fall. A bird sanctuary is locted upstream from the bridge.
History
The Carrier Indians inhabited this land long before the first white man arrived.
The ancient Indian village known as Chinlac lies just a few miles east of what is now know as Vanderhoof at the junction of the Nechako and Stuart Rivers. The world famous explorer, Simon Fraser's diary relates that he was the first white man to trade with the people of Chinlac.
After the fur traders came the packers, miners, telegraph operators, surveyors and finally, settlers looking for the freedom that the frontier offers.
In 1906 the village of Vanderhoof was only a survey line in the wilderness
that marked the location of the planned transcontinental railway. When the last spike was driven on April 7, 1914, it started a race for the fertile land of the area. The Grand Trunk Pacific Development Company offered the land for sale and one of their employees, Mr. Herbert Vanderhoof, a Chicago publisher, laid out the town-site. Vanderhoof is dutch for "of the farm".
The natural marshes along the Nechako River are perfect nesting grounds for thousands of birds. Migrating Canada Geese stop here on their annual migration south.
Accommodations Finger Lake Wilderness Resort is one hour south of Vanderhoof. We offer four rustic, lakeside, log cabins and one large cottage as well as camping and RV sites. Each cabin has an airtight wood stove, propane fridge and propane stove. These housekeeping cabins are supplied with pots, pans, dishes and all kitchenware. The two larger cabins sleep six people and the smaller cabins accommodate three people perfect for a family vacation.
Glen's Motor Hotel PO Box 938, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0. 250-567-2218. Modern rooms with color TV, kitchenettes available. Coffee shop.
Siesta Inn on Hwy 16; 1-800-914-3388.
Kitchenettes, cable TV, data compatible phones.
Camping Finger Lake Wilderness Resort is one hour south of Vanderhoof. Choose from twelve RV sites within the campground suitable for RVs, trailers, campers and tents. You can choose a pull throughs for long 5th wheels and motor homes. All campsites have access to free firewood and a hot shower is provided at no extra charge.
Dave's RV Park 2 miles East of Vanderhoof;
250-567-3161. Pull-throughs, hook-ups and sani-dump. Laundry.
Riverside Campsite overlooking the Nechako River. 3100 Burrard Ave.; 250-567-4710. Some hook-ups and sani-dump.
Things To Do
Greer Creek Waterfall, 45 min. drive
south on the Kluskus Forest Service road. 15 min. hike in to secluded
waterfalls.
Hiking Trails check at the Visitor
Center for information.
Vanderhoof Golf Course, nine hole,
par 35 is located 3.2 km/2 miles north of Vanderhoof.
Vanderhoof Heritage Village Museum. The Pioneer Village, located on the west side of town just
off Highway 16, takes you back through the history of the
Nechako Valley.
Vanderhoof Travel Info Center located 1 block off Highway 16. Box 126, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0, 567-2124.
