Vanderhoof, BC

Vanderhoof was first established in the early 1900s with the hope that it would become a retreat for artists and writers. Although ranching and forestry quickly took over as the town's main industries, it is easy to see why this area was considered a prime retreat location. Located on the Nechako River, Vanderhoof is an excellent outdoor escape for hunters, fishers, canoeists, cross-country skiers, and photographers.

Birdwatchers, too, delight in the Vanderhoof area. Pick up a bird watching guide from the Visitor Centre, grab a trusty pair of binoculars, and climb up the lookout tower at the Migratory Bird Sanctuary to enjoy the many species of migrating birds that pass through Vanderhoof. Keep an eye out for the thousands of Canada Geese that stop over each spring and fall, or head further down the road to Fraser Lake, the Swan Capital of the World, where over 1,000 trumpeter swans make their temporary home during migration season. Indoors, be sure to visit the Vanderhoof Heritage Museum. Learn about the town’s local history and pick up a map for a walking tour of the several sites restored from the early 1900s. Look through log homes, a one-room schoolhouse, and Vanderhoof’s first jail before sitting down to a home-cooked meal and a slice of hot apple pie at the historic O.K. Café.

Vanderhoof is located on Highway 16, 95 km (57 mi.) west of Prince George. Train and bus access are available, with charter air access available. Those visitors arriving on commercial airlines should fly into Prince George, east of Vanderhoof, or Smithers, 274 km (170 mi.) to the northwest. Ferries also sail from Alaska, Vancouver Island, and the Queen Charlotte Islands to Prince Rupert, 629km (390 mi.) southwest of Vanderhoof on Highway 16. Population: 4,777 Elevation: 668 m (2,225 ft.) Average July Temperature: 22ºC (72ºF) Average January Temperature: –13.5ºC (9ºF) Annual Rainfall: Annual Snowfall: 177 cm (70 in.)

5 Day Weather Forecast for Vanderhoof

Date	Weather	High	Low
March 18, 2010	Snow Shower	6	-3
March 19, 2010	Partly Cloudy	7	-2
March 20, 2010	Mostly Cloudy	9	-1
March 21, 2010	Showers	7	-1
March 22, 2010	Rain / Snow Showers	4	-4