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Vancouver is a city of about 195,000 people on the north bank of the Columbia River, directly across from Portland, Oregon. It is one of the oldest European settlements in the Pacific Northwest: the Hudson's Bay Company built Fort Vancouver here in 1825 as its regional headquarters for the fur trade, and the US Army later established Vancouver Barracks beside it. The two sites now form Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
Officers' Row, a line of grand 1800s houses where Ulysses S. Grant and George C. Marshall once lived, faces the parade ground, and Pearson Field is one of the oldest operating airfields in the country. Downtown Vancouver has been transformed by its new Waterfront Vancouver district, with a cable-stayed pier jutting over the river, restaurants, wine tasting rooms and parks.
The city keeps a smaller, quieter feel than Portland, with Esther Short Park hosting a farmers market and summer concerts, and the restored Kiggins Theatre showing films on Main Street. The Columbia River Renaissance Trail follows the riverbank east, and Mount St. Helens and the Columbia River Gorge are both within an easy drive.
A reconstructed Hudson's Bay Company fur trading post from the 1820s to 1840s with a stockade, chief factor's house, blacksmith shop and kitchen garden. Rangers and volunteers give demonstrations. The visitor center is on a hill above; allow two hours and check fees and hours.
A tree-lined street of 21 restored Victorian homes built for Army officers of Vancouver Barracks, including the Grant House and the Marshall House, which is open for free tours. Most homes are offices or private. It is a pleasant walk between downtown and the fort.
A small park by the Columbia River protecting what is believed to be the oldest apple tree in Washington, planted around 1826 at Fort Vancouver. The tree still bears fruit, and an Old Apple Tree Festival is held each October. It is next to the Land Bridge and Waterfront Trail.
A landscaped pedestrian bridge designed by artist Maya Lin as part of the Confluence Project, crossing Highway 14 to link Fort Vancouver with the Columbia River. Native plants and Native American art line the path. It is free and offers views of the river and Mount Hood.
An aviation museum at Pearson Field, one of the oldest operating airfields in the country, with historic aircraft and exhibits on the 1937 Soviet transpolar flight that landed here. It is part of the Fort Vancouver site. Kids enjoy the hands-on flight exhibits; admission is low.
A local history museum in a 1909 Carnegie library building downtown, with exhibits on Chinook peoples, pioneer life, Kaiser shipyards and the city's growth. Admission is low and the building itself is attractive. Allow about an hour and check limited open days.
A newer riverfront district on the Columbia River with restaurants, wine tasting rooms, apartments and a waterfront park, centered on the cable-stayed Grant Street Pier that extends over the river. It is lovely at sunset. Parking is paid; the Renaissance Trail starts nearby.
A large open-air market next to Esther Short Park with local farmers, bakers, food stalls and crafts, open weekends from spring to fall. It is one of the biggest markets in the Pacific Northwest. Go early on Saturday for the best produce, and expect crowds by midday.
The oldest public square in Washington, a downtown park with a playground, rose garden, a Victorian-style bell tower with a glockenspiel, and a large stage for summer concerts and festivals. It is lively on market weekends. Street and garage parking are available nearby.
A five-mile paved trail along the Columbia River from the Waterfront to Wintler Park, with river views, benches and public art, and Mount Hood visible on clear days. It is ideal for walking, running and cycling. Start at the Waterfront and turn back whenever you like.
A large county park on the shore of Vancouver Lake west of the city with a sandy beach, picnic shelters, trails and views of Mount St. Helens and Mount Hood. It is popular for rowing, windsurfing, kayaking and birdwatching. Swimming conditions vary, so check advisories.
A restored 1936 Art Deco movie theater on Main Street downtown showing independent films, classic movies and special events, with a bar serving local beer and wine. Its neon sign is a downtown landmark. Tickets are affordable; check the website for the week's schedule.
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Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Photo: cascadevideoproductions, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Visitor7, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Visitor7, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Steve Morgan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Visitor7, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Visitor7, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Visitor7, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Visitor7, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Steve Morgan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Steve Morgan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Visitor7, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ian Poellet (User:Werewombat), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Visitor7, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Visitor7, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Visitor7, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Visitor7, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Visitor7, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Visitor7, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Visitor7, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Kingofthedead, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Visitor7, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
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Photo: Another Believer, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Another Believer, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Another Believer, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Another Believer, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Another Believer, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Visitor7, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
