Vancouver Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Officers Row which includes heritage architecture and a house
Esther Short Park featuring a park as well as a small group of people
Esther Short Park featuring a garden
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site which includes heritage architecture
Vancouver

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 SiteOpens in a new window 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 MuseumOpens in a new window, which houses a wide selection of vintage planes. Step inside 19th-century homes in Officers’ RowOpens in a new window, a collection of buildings that once served as residences for military personnel.

Relax at an open-air concert in Esther Short ParkOpens in a new window. 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. HelensOpens in a new window 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 Interstate Bridge 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 Westside Golf Range, 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 Vancouver Mall and Ulysses S. Grant House.

Hazel Dell
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Five Corners

While visiting Five Corners, you might make a stop by sights like Orchards Plaza and Orchard Point.

Five Corners
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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 Ulysses S. Grant House.

Central Park
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Minnehaha

Though Minnehaha may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Vancouver Mall and Vancouver Tennis Center.

Minnehaha
Heathman Lodge

Heathman Lodge

3.5 out of 5
7801 NE Greenwood Dr, Vancouver, WA
The price is AU$225 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
AU$225
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,494 reviews)
There was an opened bottle of sprite left in the fridge from the previous occupant. Made me wonder what else had not been cleaned.

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Heathman Lodge
Comfort Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown City Center

Comfort Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown City Center

2.5 out of 5
401 E 13th Street, Vancouver, WA
The price is AU$150 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
AU$150
17 Nov - 18 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,048 reviews)
Jacob at front desk were being super helpful as I was asking for some tape for me shoes, he went all the way to the back office or maintenance to get it for me. He saved my shoes for the next day!

Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown City Center
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Vancouver

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Vancouver

3.5 out of 5
9107 NE Vancouver Mall Drive, I-205 Exit 30, Vancouver, WA
The price is AU$103 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$103
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
4.2/10 (1,001 reviews)
The rom was clean, staff friendly.

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Days 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.
Peace House

Peace House

2 out of 5
Vancouver
Stay at this vacation home in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Vancouver Mall and Jantzen Beach Center are located ...
6.4/10 (6 reviews)
We had a lovely stay at Peace House. Note that it has 2 1/2 baths (not three).

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

Peace House
Bungalow Guest House

Bungalow Guest House

Vancouver
Stay at this vacation home in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Vancouver Mall and Jantzen Beach Center are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (32 reviews)
Awesome location to explore all the best spots in the Vancouver / Portland area. The Bungalow has every ammenity you would expect in a home, and was a welcomed respite from long days driving. I definitely recommend this stay!!

Reviewed on 15 July 2025

Bungalow Guest House
A Grand House

A Grand House

Vancouver
Stay at this vacation home in Vancouver. Enjoy a sauna, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Jantzen Beach Center and Vancouver Mall are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (36 reviews)
House was great for us and our dogs!

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2025

A Grand House
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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Cities near Vancouver