Vancouver Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Officers Row featuring heritage architecture and a house
Esther Short Park showing a garden as well as a small group of people
Esther Short Park featuring a garden
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site showing 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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Walnut Grove

Walnut Grove might not have many top sights, but Vancouver Mall and Orchards Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Walnut Grove
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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 Cascades Amphitheater and Clark County Fairgrounds.

Pleasant Valley
Heathman Lodge
Heathman Lodge
3.5 out of 5
7801 NE Greenwood Dr, Vancouver, WA
The price is £228 per night from 16 Jul to 17 Jul
£228
16 Jul - 17 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,353 reviews)
"It was a nice hotel, the bed was comfortable. The front desk people were very nice. The downsides were, it was really hard to find the front door. We walked the entire building before realizing you basically have to go through the restaurant to get to the front desk. We had to ask for our VIP bottle ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 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 £83 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£83
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Very convenient to I-5. Very short walk (8 blocks) to downtown. Pleasurable stay."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown City Center
Quality Inn & Suites Vancouver - Hazel Dell
Quality Inn & Suites Vancouver - Hazel Dell
2.5 out of 5
7001 N.E. Highway 99, Vancouver, WA
The price is £66 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
£66
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
Great spot to stay the night
"It was a great stay friendly, clean, quiet, and felt safe to be there"

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Quality Inn & Suites Vancouver - Hazel Dell
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.
A Grand House
A Grand House
Vancouver, WA
Stay at this holiday home in Vancouver. Enjoy a sauna, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Jantzen Beach Center and Vancouver Mall are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
Great place
"It was amazing"

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2025

A Grand House
8-guest Spacious 4-bedroom house with WiFi, AC in fabulous Vancouver
8-guest Spacious 4-bedroom house with WiFi, AC in fabulous Vancouver
Vancouver, WA
Stay at this holiday home in Vancouver. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Vancouver Mall and Jantzen Beach Center are located ...
Great House!
"Was great for a group of us to stay after a concert at Ridgefield. Parking was a bit of a nightmare and I swear the GPS took us a different route each time!Fully stocked pantry of spices. Beds were super comfy too!"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

8-guest Spacious 4-bedroom house with WiFi, AC in fabulous Vancouver
Serenity Floating Home
Serenity Floating Home
Vancouver, WA
Stay at this holiday home in Vancouver. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Vancouver Lake Park and Reeder Beach are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (16 reviews)
"Great stay and accommodating host!"

Reviewed on 1 Jun 2025

Serenity Floating Home
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