Vanderhoof is situated in British Columbia Canada’s most westerly province, at latitude 54 1’ N and longitude 124 1’ W at 638 metres (2,275 feet) above sea level. Though the true geographic center of the province, it is considered to be part of the Northern British Columbia, one of the last great wilderness and resource industry frontiers in the world. This spectacular part of Canada is sparsely populated yet accessible, rural and wild, yet well serviced and close to big city amenities.
Vanderhoof Municipality has an area of 5,763 hectares and is located at the junction of Highway 16 and 27. To the north on highway 27 is the District of Fort St James, and 51 km to our west is the Village of Fraser Lake. Together the three communities form what is known locally as the “tri-cities of the Stuart Nechako”. Prince George is the closest, largest city (pop. 75,150) with daily air connections to Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta and British Columbia cities that include Fort St. John, Kelowna, Smithers and Vancouver, as well as the recent ability to handle trans-border and international flights.
The Canadian National Rail line runs through the centre of the District, parallel to Highway 16. Vanderhoof is the second largest and most easterly member of the Buckley-Nechako Regional District. The Regional District encompasses a total land area of approximately 78,000 square kilometers, and with a population of only 40,856 (inclusive of rural and reserve estimates ~ 2001) you can be guaranteed wide-open spaces and friendly people that take pride in their historic connections to the land.
Vanderhoof is surrounded by the Northern Interior Plateau’s low rolling and upland terrain that is forested with sub-boreal spruce and pine. This landscape is the foundation of the forestry and agricultural industries that have dominated the economy since Vanderhoof’s origin in 1926. True to its roots, the Nechako Valley is home to communities that offer a strong work ethic and a hardy, pioneering spirit for developing businesses. The Region has many lakes and contains the headwaters of the Fraser, Stikine and Mackenzie River systems.
Riverside Park and Campground
3100 Burrard Avenue
Vanderhoof, BC
ph: 250-567-4710
From the intersection of Highway 16 and Burrard Avenue, turn north, follow Burrard Avenue through town and turn left just before the Nechako River Bridge. Riverside Park Campground is located directly beside the Nechako River overlooking the beautiful Nechako River Bird Sanctuary. The Park boasts nature trails, a large day use/picnic area, a covered picnic shelter and playgrounds with lots of room for family activities. The 1.3 km walking track around the Park is ideal for jogging, bike riding or taking a leisurely stroll. The campground is only a few short minutes drive or walk to downtown Vanderhoof where you can visit our various shops and restaurants as well as the Heritage Museum. The Omineca Golf Course is only minutes away as are the baseball diamonds.
The Park offers 38 campsites, including 9 with full hook-ups, and day use with playground. Pets are welcome (must be leashed), showers are free for our guests ($3 charge for non-campers). There are fire pits with firewood available. A sani-station, payphone and pop machine are available for use outside the office. An attendant is available 24 hours a day.
Being the 'Geographical Center of British Columbia', Vanderhoof is the perfect place to make your home base as you begin your exploration of central BC and the beautiful Nechako Valley. We are surrounded by dozens of small lakes just right for fishing, camping and other recreational activities.
Dates open: mid-May to mid-September
Hours of operation: the main gate is closed from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am
Daily rates:$15 per site, $16.50 with water, $18 with water & electricity
$3 fee for showers for non-campers (campers free)
$2 for use of sani-dump
$3 for firewood bundle
Weekly and monthly rates are available upon request and reservations are recommended.
