# Vanderhoof, British Columbia

Vanderhoof is a district municipality near the geographical centre of British Columbia, Canada. Covering 2.92 square kilometers, it has a population of about 4,500 within town limits, and offers services to nearly 10,000 people in nearby rural communities. Its main industries are forestry, agriculture, and related businesses. Tourism is also growing, and mining operations are being developed in the area. It has many elementary schools, and one major secondary school, Nechako Valley Secondary School (NVSS), comprising School District 91 Nechako Lakes. The College of New Caledonia has a regional campus there.
Via Rail's Jasper–Prince Rupert train serves the Vanderhoof railway station.

## History

The municipality is named after Herbert Vanderhoof of Chicago, one of its founders. He was an employee of the Grand Trunk Pacific Development Company, a subsidiary of Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. The municipality's population rapidly expanded until World War II, when many of the town's men left to fight overseas. After the war, an increase in lumber prices and the construction of the Kenney Dam lead to increases in population again. Today Vanderhoof is a service centre in the eastern Bulkley-Nechako for surrounding communities, and the second-largest municipality in the regional district.

## Demographics

In 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, a change of -2% from its 2016 population of 4,434. With a land area of 53.93 km$^2$ (20.82 sq mi), it had a population density of 80.6/km$^2$ (208.7/sq mi) in 2021.

### Ethnicity

Panethnic groups in the District of Vanderhoof (1981−2021) :
| Panethnic group | 2021 | 2021 | 2016 | 2016 | 2011 | 2011 | 2006 | 2006 | 2001 | 2001 | 1996 | 1996 | 1991 | 1991 | 1986$^{:111}$ | 1986$^{:111}$ | 1981 | 1981 |
| Panethnic group | Pop. | % | Pop. | % | Pop. | % | Pop. | % | Pop. | % | Pop. | % | Pop. | % | Pop. | % | Pop. | % |
| European | 3,500 | 81.68% | 3,665 | 85.13% | 3,740 | 85.58% | 3,550 | 87.44% | 3,915 | 90.52% | 4,050 | 92.89% | 3,510 | 88.08% | 3,055 | 88.55% | 2,300 | 87.45% |
| Indigenous | 480 | 11.2% | 460 | 10.69% | 485 | 11.1% | 280 | 6.9% | 230 | 5.32% | 160 | 3.67% | 325 | 8.16% | 290 | 8.41% | 170 | 6.46% |
| Southeast Asian | 115 | 2.68% | 90 | 2.09% | 35 | 0.8% | 75 | 1.85% | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | 5 | 0.14% | — | — |
| South Asian | 70 | 1.63% | 50 | 1.16% | 75 | 1.72% | 35 | 0.86% | 130 | 3.01% | 95 | 2.18% | 120 | 3.01% | 70 | 2.03% | 110 | 4.18% |
| African | 40 | 0.93% | 15 | 0.35% | 15 | 0.34% | 65 | 1.6% | 0 | 0% | 30 | 0.69% | 15 | 0.38% | 0 | 0% | — | — |
| Latin American | 25 | 0.58% | 10 | 0.23% | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | 10 | 0.23% | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% |
| East Asian | 15 | 0.35% | 20 | 0.46% | 10 | 0.23% | 30 | 0.74% | 45 | 1.04% | 15 | 0.34% | 15 | 0.38% | 30 | 0.87% | 50 | 1.9% |
| Middle Eastern | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | 20 | 0.49% | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% |
| Other/Multiracial | 25 | 0.58% | 10 | 0.23% | 0 | 0% | 10 | 0.25% | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Total responses | 4,285 | 98.6% | 4,305 | 97.09% | 4,370 | 97.54% | 4,060 | 99.9% | 4,325 | 98.52% | 4,360 | 99.07% | 3,985 | 99.06% | 3,450 | 98.43% | 2,630 | 113.22% |
| Total population | 4,346 | 100% | 4,434 | 100% | 4,480 | 100% | 4,064 | 100% | 4,390 | 100% | 4,401 | 100% | 4,023 | 100% | 3,505 | 100% | 2,323 | 100% |
| Note: Totals greater than 100% due to multiple origin responses |||||||||||||||||||

### Religion

According to the 2021 census, religious groups in Vanderhoof included:
* Irreligion (2,080 persons or 48.5%)
* Christianity (2,065 persons or 48.2%)
* Sikhism (40 persons or 0.9%)
* Judaism (25 persons or 0.6%)
* Buddhism (15 persons or 0.4%)
* Hinduism (15 persons or 0.4%)
* Islam (15 persons or 0.4%)
* Indigenous Spirituality (10 persons or 0.2%)

## Wildlife

Vanderhoof is known for its bird sanctuary along the Nechako River. Many Canada geese, swans, and other migratory birds pass through Vanderhoof during their annual migrations. The Nechako is home to a number of fish species, including salmon and the endangered Nechako white sturgeon. Many hunters come to Vanderhoof in search of bear, moose, deer, cougar and elk.

## Schools

Elementary: Evelyn Dickson W.L. McLeod
Sinkutview
Mapes
Secondary: Nechako Valley Secondary School (NVSS Northside Christian School Valhalla High Virtual School: EBUS Academy

## Culture and recreation

* Nechako Valley Exhibition Grounds- home of the Fall Fair (August), 2 riding arenas, and agricultural show facilities
* Vanderhoof Heritage Museum
* Vanderhoof Airport – 5,018-foot paved runway and two grass runways (5,200 feet and 3,200 feet)
* Vanderhoof Aquatic Centre – 6-lane 25m lap pool, climbing wall, 30-person hot tub, sauna, and 1500 sq. foot leisure pool
* Vanderhoof Skateboard Park
* Grand Reo Theatre – a restored 175-seat movie theatre
* Omineca Golf Course – par 72, 18 holes
* Disc Golf Course
* Vanderhoof Arena – indoor skating rink in the winter, home to Figure Skating Club, Speed Skating Club, Minor Hockey Club, other adult hockey recreation leagues, and a community centre hosting various events in the summer
* Vanderhoof Curling Club
* Riverside Park & Campground – birdwatching tower, playground, beach volleyball, picnic shelter, walking trails
* Ferland Park - playground, waterpark
* Bradley Park, Leiding Park, Vanderview Park –playgrounds
* Community Garden – greenhouse, raised beds, in-ground plots, public washroom
* Rip n' The North Bike Park – mountain bike trails
* Moore's Motocross Track – dirt bike track
* Community trail system
* Nechako White Sturgeon Conservation Centre – identifying, maintaining and potentially restoring critical sturgeon habitat in the Nechako River
* Nechako Valley Sporting Association – archery, hand gun range, fishing and hunting, cross-country skiing, trap shooting, Wilderness Watch
* Omineca Express – local weekly newspaper published Thursdays
* CIAM FM, "The Light 98.5 FM" – community radio station, also a rebroadcaster for CIAM radio network
* CBC Radio 1, 91.5 FM
* Real Country, 910 AM
* Vanderhoof Public Library
* Community Bus – free community transportation service (12-passenger capacity with 2 wheelchair positions)

### Telegraph Trail

A telegraph line, set up in the 1890s for communication with the Klondike Gold Rush gold fields, was abandoned in the 1930s and later converted into a series of walking trails. A 10 km trail connects Hogsback Lake (near Vanderhoof) to Blackwater Road.

### Community events

* Wild Goose Chase: held the first Sunday in May, this community 8 km, 5 km, and 3.5 km Fun Run brings out hundreds of participants and volunteers.
* Vanderhoof Chamber of Commerce Biennial Trade Show, scheduled in May on the "odd numbered" years.
* BC Rodeo - held in April
* Stoney Creek Elders Fishing Derby - May
* Hooterville Hoot: an annual classic car show, held in early June.
* Concert In The Park: July - Local talent performs for an afternoon and evening filled with great entertainment.
* Canada Day Celebration: - July 1
* Vanderhoof Farmers' Market: fresh locally grown produce, organic meat products, preserves, crafted goods and much more. Markets run Thursdays from June to September.
* Vanderhoof International Air show: Taking place biennially in August - showcasing many skilled pilots and their aircraft, as well as several static displays.
* Nechako Valley Exhibition: held the third weekend in August. A true country fair that is fun for the whole family.
* Recreation/Leisure Fair: held in early September to introduce clubs and recreational opportunities to the community.
* The Great Pumpkin Walk: Held annually, October 31 - With hand-carved pumpkins and "trick-or-treating" in the park, attended by thousands of residents—a safe and convenient place for families to spend Halloween night. Followed by a fireworks display that lights up the entire Nechako River Valley.
* Parade of Lights and Midnight Madness: Held the first Saturday in December, this kicks off the Christmas time retail season with the light parade and crazy sales at many retail stores.

## Climate

Vanderhoof has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb) with mild summers and cold winters.
Climate data for Vanderhoof, 1981–2010 normals, extremes 1916–present :
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 13.0 (55.4) | 16.7 (62.1) | 20.0 (68.0) | 28.9 (84.0) | 36.0 (96.8) | 33.9 (93.0) | 35.0 (95.0) | 35.5 (95.9) | 33.0 (91.4) | 28.0 (82.4) | 17.5 (63.5) | 12.5 (54.5) | 36.0 (96.8) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | −4.5 (23.9) | −0.1 (31.8) | 5.9 (42.6) | 12.4 (54.3) | 17.8 (64.0) | 21.3 (70.3) | 23.5 (74.3) | 23.3 (73.9) | 17.9 (64.2) | 10.3 (50.5) | 0.9 (33.6) | −4.1 (24.6) | 10.4 (50.7) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | −9.0 (15.8) | −5.5 (22.1) | −0.2 (31.6) | 5.6 (42.1) | 10.7 (51.3) | 14.4 (57.9) | 16.3 (61.3) | 15.9 (60.6) | 11.0 (51.8) | 5.0 (41.0) | −2.8 (27.0) | −8.1 (17.4) | 4.4 (39.9) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | −13.3 (8.1) | −10.9 (12.4) | −6.3 (20.7) | −1.3 (29.7) | 3.5 (38.3) | 7.4 (45.3) | 9.1 (48.4) | 8.3 (46.9) | 4.1 (39.4) | −0.3 (31.5) | −6.5 (20.3) | −12.1 (10.2) | −1.5 (29.3) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −51.7 (−61.1) | −51.1 (−60.0) | −42.8 (−45.0) | −29.4 (−20.9) | −9.4 (15.1) | −6.7 (19.9) | −3.3 (26.1) | −5.0 (23.0) | −16.7 (1.9) | −28.0 (−18.4) | −42.2 (−44.0) | −50.6 (−59.1) | −51.7 (−61.1) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 44.4 (1.75) | 26.6 (1.05) | 24.4 (0.96) | 25.4 (1.00) | 34.7 (1.37) | 57.0 (2.24) | 52.4 (2.06) | 43.1 (1.70) | 44.3 (1.74) | 50.8 (2.00) | 45.1 (1.78) | 41.3 (1.63) | 489.2 (19.26) |
| Average rainfall mm (inches) | 6.6 (0.26) | 5.4 (0.21) | 7.1 (0.28) | 19.4 (0.76) | 34.2 (1.35) | 56.8 (2.24) | 52.3 (2.06) | 43.1 (1.70) | 44.0 (1.73) | 43.3 (1.70) | 16.1 (0.63) | 3.8 (0.15) | 332.0 (13.07) |
| Average snowfall cm (inches) | 37.8 (14.9) | 21.3 (8.4) | 17.3 (6.8) | 6.0 (2.4) | 0.5 (0.2) | 0.2 (0.1) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.2 (0.1) | 7.5 (3.0) | 29.0 (11.4) | 37.5 (14.8) | 157.2 (61.9) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) | 14.1 | 9.5 | 10.0 | 9.7 | 12.6 | 14.1 | 13.8 | 12.5 | 13.0 | 16.3 | 14.5 | 11.8 | 152.1 |
| Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) | 2.9 | 2.8 | 5.0 | 8.0 | 12.5 | 14.1 | 13.8 | 12.5 | 12.9 | 14.7 | 6.4 | 2.0 | 107.7 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) | 12.1 | 7.2 | 6.0 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 2.7 | 10.1 | 10.3 | 51.4 |
| Source: Environment Canada ||||||||||||||