Vancouver

Travel Guide
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site featuring heritage architecture
Enjoy important historic sites, a thriving arts scene and outdoor adventures in Vancouver, a city nestled under Washington’s stunning mountains.

Vancouver, in Southwest Washington, is often unfairly overlooked, overshadowed by Portland to the south and by the more famous Canadian metropolis of the same name. The lively and historic city is, however, worthy of attention. Discover old forts, public parks and a thriving arts scene and head out into the volcanic landscape that surrounds the city.

Learn about the history of this city, which was established in 1825 by the Hudson’s Bay Company. Explore Fort Vancouver National Historic Site to learn about the city’s origins as a fur trading outpost. The site includes a reconstructed fort, gardens and working trade houses.

The fort is located in Vancouver National Historic Reserve, a scenic swath of parkland that includes other museums and attractions. Trace the history of aviation in the Pearson Air Museum, which houses a wide selection of vintage planes. Step inside 19th-century homes in Officers’ Row, a collection of buildings that once served as residences for military personnel.

Relax at an open-air concert in Esther Short Park. This historic city square, established in 1853, contains water features and flowerbeds and is a quiet place to unwind. Admire a bronze statue known as the Pioneer Mother and let the children have fun in the playground.

Taste local produce at the farmers markets and microbreweries across the city. Head outside of downtown Vancouver to reach the wineries of Clark County.

On the first Friday of each month, the city of Vancouver hosts an art walk. Join locals as they stroll around some of the city’s galleries and public artworks.

Drive out of the city to see Southwest Washington’s spectacular scenery. Energetic visitors can hike up the dormant volcano of Mount St. Helens or canoe along the Columbia River.

Take a flight to Portland International Airport, which is just across the river from Vancouver. C-Tran buses run throughout downtown Vancouver and also offer services into the rest of Clark County. Summer here promises the driest weather, as well as lively county fairs and free concerts in the park.

Where to stay in Vancouver

Vancouver featuring heritage architecture

Downtown Vancouver

Downtown Vancouver is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Vancouver Farmers Market and Esther Short Park while you're in town.

Downtown Vancouver
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Salmon Creek

Salmon Creek is popular for its abundant dining options, and you can check out Salmon Creek Regional Park, a top attraction in the neighbourhood.

Salmon Creek
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Hazel Dell

Hazel Dell is well liked for its restaurants. You can also take some time to explore sights in the surrounding area like Salmon Creek Regional Park and Vancouver Mall.

Hazel Dell
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Central Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Central Park and surrounding area, you can visit Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and Pearson Air Museum.

Central Park
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Pleasant Valley

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Pleasant Valley and surrounding area, you can visit Salmon Creek Regional Park and RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater.

Pleasant Valley
Pearson Air Museum which includes interior views

Vancouver National Historic Reserve

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Vancouver National Historic Reserve. You might want to make time for a stop at Pearson Air Museum or Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.

Vancouver National Historic Reserve
Quality Inn & Suites Vancouver North
Quality Inn & Suites Vancouver North
2.5 out of 5
13207 North East 20th Ave., Vancouver, WA
The price is HK$696 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
HK$696
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (850 reviews)
Breakfast Room
"The nice lady, maybe Olga, that serviced the breakfast room was absolutely amazing. She was efficient, kind, funny, friendly, and all around awesome!"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Quality Inn & Suites Vancouver North
Heathman Lodge
Heathman Lodge
3.5 out of 5
7801 NE Greenwood Dr, Vancouver, WA
The price is HK$958 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
HK$958
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,603 reviews)
"Awesome stay!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Heathman Lodge
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Vancouver
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Vancouver
2.5 out of 5
1500 Northeast 134th St, Vancouver, WA
The price is HK$697 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
HK$697
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,013 reviews)
"Rooms were clean and beds were comfortable!"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Vancouver
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cozy home with Private Forest/Park on 1.5 acres, Outdoor lounge area and Hot Tub
Cozy home with Private Forest/Park on 1.5 acres, Outdoor lounge area and Hot Tub
Vancouver
Stay at this business-friendly vacation home in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Vancouver Mall and Harmony Sports ...
10/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
A Little Zen Heaven
"You most likely couldn’t find a more accurate description of a property in the area. Communication was Phenomenal. The house was extremely clean. And we truly appreciated the peace and serenity the property offered. One recommendation for potential renters……..Pay very close attention to the address. ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Cozy home with Private Forest/Park on 1.5 acres, Outdoor lounge area and Hot Tub
Incredible Central Downtown Vancouver Location, New Décor and Furnishing, Two Miles to Waterfront
Incredible Central Downtown Vancouver Location, New Décor and Furnishing, Two Miles to Waterfront
Vancouver
Stay at this vacation home in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, fenced yards, and a patio. Popular attractions Vancouver Farmers Market and Esther Short Park are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
Very cute, but a couple hiccups
"Very nicely redone house in a great location in the Vancouver area. Just a couple things that prompted me to give 4/5 stars. 1) Fixes needed - smoke detector low battery alarm woke me up the first night; property manager was able to send someone later that day to change it, but the second night another ..."

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

Incredible Central Downtown Vancouver Location, New Décor and Furnishing, Two Miles to Waterfront
Beverly Heights Retreat
Beverly Heights Retreat
Vancouver
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Jantzen Beach Center and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Vancouver Home
"Overall this property was very nice. The lower level was pretty cold, so we were not able to use it. We did visit during an ice storm, so I believe it would be easily utilized in the spring, summer and fall. The property has a slight grade down to the entrance from the driveway because of the ice ..."

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2024

Beverly Heights Retreat
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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