Vancouver is a rare urban destination where you can spend the morning on a snowy mountain, the afternoon on a sandy beach, and the evening in a world-class restaurant. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, this British Columbia metropolis consistently ranks among the most livable cities on Earth. For visitors from the United States, it offers a compelling mix of cosmopolitan energy and rugged, accessible nature that is difficult to find anywhere else.
The city’s geography dictates its character. Water surrounds the downtown core on three sides, while evergreen forests blanket the steep slopes to the north. This unique layout means that outdoor adventure is never more than a short drive, bike ride, or even a transit trip away from the city center. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, the city reveals new layers with every trip.
Vancouver’s cultural diversity is another major draw. More than half of its residents speak a language other than English at home, which has created one of the most dynamic food scenes in North America. From authentic dim sum in Richmond to fresh sushi on Robson Street, the dining options are as varied as the landscape. You can easily build an entire itinerary around eating your way through the city’s distinct neighborhoods.
For travelers who enjoy walking, Vancouver is a dream. The seawall, the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path, stretches for more than 17 miles and connects many of the city’s top sights. You can rent a bike, lace up your walking shoes, or simply find a bench and watch the floatplanes take off from Coal Harbour. The pace here is active but relaxed, a reflection of the West Coast lifestyle.
Planning your visit requires some thought, as the weather can change quickly and popular attractions fill up fast in summer. The peak season runs from June through September, when sunny days and mild temperatures bring crowds to the beaches and parks. Spring and fall offer fewer tourists and often surprisingly pleasant weather, making them ideal for a more low-key experience.
With so much to see, it helps to prioritize. Below is a curated list of the city’s most rewarding attractions, ranging from iconic landmarks to local favorites. These stops will give you a well-rounded view of what makes Vancouver such a special place to visit.
Fort Vancouver Visitor Center
| Address | 1501 E Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (360) 816-6230 |
This park is well thought out. Interests for history seekers, interests for picnickers, places to walk for exercise, dog friendly, and photography friendly.
It was a nice place to walk around and check out, but you have to buy passes to get into different sections of the fort. It was nice but not the coolest fort i have been to. I really liked the museum with the planes but I would have enjoyed to see the buildings, but it was closed when I was there so keep an eye on timing because it closes early on the weekend.
I've got to adventure two weekends in a row. One with events and one with one. I think it's mainly ran with volunteers with the National Park. They work very hard to preserve historical artifacts and are all very educated! It's so fun to explore, talk and learn from them!
Easy parking and access. Restrooms. Has movie for intro to Fort and Hudson Bay Company. Nice art display; some Native American. Nice souvenir selection. Can walk or drive to separate parking lot for actual Fort stockade, barracks. Had the Fort to myself...a National Park to myself. Nice. Interesting buildings. Had a reenactor shop keeper in Indian Tradind Post. Very informative. Learned a lot. You could spend a couple of hours here if all buildings are open. Lots of open space to walk or run around in. Dog friendly.
September 2025 - This is a fort used by the Hudson Bay company for dealing with natives and others that brought animal pelts to it for processing and bailing, then shipping on the Columbia River to other locations.
The 'fort' is part of the National Park Service (NPS) and you can use your NPS pass for entry. The visitor center has very helpful employees and should be the first place you stop.
The fort itself is a goodly walk from the visitor center, and if you do not want to do the walk, there is parking at the fort itself. After parking there, you will find a path that leads through a garden area to the main entry where you purchase or show your entry tickets.
Once in, you can walk to several buildings and peek in, some are open, some not. The far wall area has the fur bailing area and someone may be there to show you how it was done.
Plan on about 2 hours to see each area, and then go to the air museum on the left side of the field, there is a path.
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
| Address | 1001 E 5th St #1501, Vancouver, WA 98661 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (360) 816-6230 |
An interesting trip in the Time Machine! The Fort itself is small but the grounds are reasonably large. I only had time to visit the fort where we are whisked back to the past. Robert was the volunteer in the kitchen and he was charming and a wealth of knowledge. My America the beautiful pass waived the nominal fee for this historic site.
Fort Vancouver is a historic site that the Hudson Bay Trading Company worked out of in the 1800s. This site is especially good to visit on special events when they have most of the stations filled by in-costume people. They usually have one of these events around the Christmas season. It does cost $10 per adult to visit, unless you have a pass that covers the cost (i.e. America The Beautiful pass). This is not the kind of place that I would pay to go back to frequently, but was interesting for a one time visit. Definitely more worthwhile at one of their special events. On a typical Friday afternoon, they had two people in costumes in two of the different buildings. One was doing some blacksmithing and the other was in the shop. Both seemed knowledgeable and engaging.
This venue, which Google Maps calls the "Fort Vancouver National Historic Site," is one of several historic sites under the Fort Vancouver umbrella. It is a reconstruction of the British fur trading post (circa 1830) that the Hudson Bay Company used as headquarters for its operations in the Pacific Northwest. It consists of several buildings within a stockade where costumed interpreters explain and demonstrate life in the fort. For us, it was the interpreters that really made the visit worthwhile. We learned the operation of the fur trade, the diversity of people involved and their social hierarchies. Admission is by fee or a National Park Service pass. There is a large flower and vegetable garden outside the fort walls that you can peruse for free.
We love visiting this 191 acre site! There's so much to see...Officer's Row, barracks, gazebo, the Fort, gardens, land bridge trail, and the Pearson Air Museum.
We've been to almost everything this historical site has to offer. Our favorite part is just walking around any time of year and seeing what's in bloom.
In the spring they have gorgeous cherry blossoms and tulip trees. In summer there's tons of hydrangeas around the historic buildings along Officer's Row. The Fort Vancouver gardens are gorgeous in summer with a wide variety of plants and flowers. There's a lot of vegetables too!
Overall a great place to explore. I feel so lucky to have such a gem so close to home! Would highly recommend.
An excellent outdoor reconstruction museum. The fort and all the buildings look very authentic. Most of them are open to visitors. There is a bakery, workshop, fur storehouse, barracks, jail, main house, and even a tower with cannons.
There are plenty of free parking spaces around the museum.
Clark County Historical Museum and Vancouver Visitor Center
| Address | 1511 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (360) 993-5679 |
I can't believe I never visited here before, despite catching the bus from in front of the building for years! A lot of wonderful displays and information for those interested in local history. The Lucky Beer display alone is worth it.
Local history in an iconic setting. The former Carnegie library makes a fitting home for this local history museum.
The museum presents exhibits context of native people and people of color. That gives a richer and more complete telling of the past.
They have a small gift shop with great Vancouver post cards, books and other items.
There is a research library on the lower level.
Well worth the visit.
This is a delightful display of local history that focuses on (at the time of this review) Brewing, Maritime history, the history of the Indigenous people, and the timeline of the settlement of Ft. Vancouver onward. Lots of fun to visit. Recommended!
It only gets 4 stars because while staff was very friendly, it is the second smallest museum I've ever been to. One of the interactive exhibits is cool enough to give it the 4th star because otherwise I would have been disappointed to pay admission (if it hadn't been a free day) just with the size of it. The geocache in there is neat though.
This is a small, compact historical museum with four areas. The signage and descriptions are well done. The desk volunteers are congenial, approachable.
Grant Street Pier
| Address | Vancouver, WA 98660 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Sunset understands the assignment here.
Grant Street Pier offers amazing riverfront views and is an awesome place to watch the sun go down.
The bridges create a striking silhouette while the changing colors reflect across the water. Every few minutes, the scene seems to transform completely.
It is a peaceful spot for an evening walk, photography, or simply slowing down and enjoying the Columbia River.
Golden hour is strong here. Sunset, even stronger.
A return visit near dusk, this deserves.
It is so beautiful here. The area was very lively with kids and people enjoying the restaurants and water.
First time visiting. The area is very nice, clean, and well maintained. The pier itself was really cool and gave great views up and down the Columbia River. The walkway along the shore was great. We had 3 children under 5 in our group the playgrounds at the west end of the walkway were great along with the water feature for kids to play in.
Beautiful place, peaceful and stunning view. Great for all ages, the space counts with a playground for the kids, nice bars and restaurants and if you just want to relax and enjoy the view, there are a lot of seatings available. Some independent artists may be playing around which brings a more intimate atmosphere. Great place for relaxing.
Wonderful waterfront with plenty of restaurants, bars, cafes, and a few shops, among residential condos and hotels.
The walking paths are paved and wide, ideal for wheelchairs and walkers, along with many benches/walls (for lack of a better word) to sit on for those who can't/don't want to stand for long. There is a splash area for kids, some cool sculptures to enjoy, and signs about local history. Very neat and great for people watching.
I recommend either using public transit or getting dropped off (carpooling at the least) because there is little street parking, and the nearby lots are not big enough for the demand. Hopefully they are planning on allowing public parking the parking garages of the buildings they are currently building.
Pearson Air Museum
| Address | 1115 E 5th St, Vancouver, WA 98661 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (360) 816-6232 |
A great little museum. With a lot to share. Worth the stop and really enjoyed it all, but especially the Spruce Railroad Division matetials!
Such a neat little museum. Great opportunity to get the family out on a walk and learn a little bit about the history of vancouver. The planes are really neat to read about and the museum offers more information than just the airport. Worth checking out.. plus its free!
A quiet nice little museum, which show the history of the american aviation history. It's realy interessting so see, how the US Flying Corps preperared for the war and how they managed to build so much airplanes in a short time.
This place is a blast from the past and also a prerequisite for all Subaru owners. YKIYK
The volunteers are quite knowledgeable and if you have a wee bit of patience, you can learn a thing or three as well as hearing a first or second direct experience. I particularly loved also the detail to the mural that graces the back wall. Amazing to see that so little regarding safety was the norm back then.
Nice family outing. Do note the museum is not open during the Veteran's Day open house - that is primarily to get resources all in one place.
I do believe they rent out the hangar for events. The museum itself has free admission days to see all the old planes and learn about aviation history. Will have to come back for that.
Vancouver Lake Regional Park
| Address | 6801 NW Lower River Rd, Vancouver, WA 98660 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | (564) 397-2285 |
5 stars! We had such a wonderful time at the lake with my wife and baby. The place was peaceful, clean, and perfect for a relaxing family day. The scenery was beautiful, and it was a great spot to make special memories together. We also enjoyed cooking BBQ while spending quality time together as a family. The fresh air and calm atmosphere made the experience even better. Definitely a place we would love to visit again!
We come here for a few rowing regattas every late-winter thru spring and it is always beautiful. Peaceful spot to enjoy nature, birds, and views.
Love this park but honestly on the weekend there is always so many people here. However if you keep walking the trail and you take little turns and go on a mini side quest, somehow you will end up at a bridge over a little river/stream. It is so so green and if you go a little behind the bridge, you can find a little train that leads down to the body of water. Definitely a longer walk and took an hour to get to the spot but it was so worth it.
Great park. Beach grassy areas volleyball woodsy areas kayaking fishing watch the crew teams saw 3 bald eagles paddled to Felida Moorage and back
Expansive grassy areas that are clean and maintained... Spacious covered areas with sink and large grill, great for large parties or gatherings, that can be reserved. Nice volleyball nets setup and available to jump onto and play or they can be reserved also, plus a large playground area with play structure 🌞
Esther Short Park and Playground
| Address | 605 Esther St, Vancouver, WA 98660 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (360) 487-8311 |
I definitely love this park!!! It’s definitely really fun in here!!! There is some buildings that I am interested is the brick bell tower that does have waterfalls in it!!! Which is really cool!!!!! It’s really nice in here located in downtown!!!! It’s really fun out there!!! It does have playground!!! Which is fun!!!! It does have water fountain so that I am thirsty!!! But the problem is somebody put the ice in the fountain, although I am thirsty but that’s ok for me honestly lol, I can still drink it carefully, it’s really nice and fun park out there!!!!!
I came to join a group for a walk around town and to the waterfront. This Park served as the meeting spot as well as for the Scopped Ice Cream Event going on today, July 19 and an entryway to the Street Market. So I'd say it's a great park with beautiful trees for shade and plenty of grassy areas as well as a nice kids play area.
The park is not very big but there is a playground in it and also a lot of seatings. You can find a couple of toilets right by the playgrounds. And also there is a very big tower clock here. Very fancy and classic. There are some coffee and chops on the north side of the playground where you can buy stuff and have a drink. The park location is very close to downtown Vancouver so you can literally walk there with your family and children so they can have some fun after touring the downtown.
What a great park!
Plenty of grass and trees. Fun play areas for kids and walking space for a nice stroll.
The Saturday farmer's market is wonderful. Arts, good food, and plenty of produce from salad fixings to delicious fruits and berries.
All right in the Middle is a revitalized downtown Vancouver.
Go! You're gonna love it.
When I first started working in Vancouver near Esther Short Park in the late 90's, Vancouver's oldest park had become a home for vagrant. George Propstra, Burgerville founder, donated $3.2 million which would be about $6.68 million today. The city raised another $5 million. The bell tower, salmon sculptures, stream water feature, basalt columns, playground, plazas, benches, covered stage... probably would cost $25 million today. For years after the revitalization of the park it was a clean and well maintained park that brought kids and families. Now it has once again become a place where drug addicts and vagrants sleep. There are empty liqueur bottles in the water feature, puke on the rocks and benches, and you feel like you need to spray down the play equipment with bleach. It is still a beautiful park, but it is also gross and disgusting because the homeless piss, puke, and sometimes crap in the park. It is frustrating that the City’s policies enable this. City leadership is spitting on the legacy that George and Carolyn Propstra left to our community and the hard work that former Mayor Royce Pollard put into beautifying Vancouver. It is a shame...
Vancouver Waterfront
| Address | 695 Waterfront Wy, Vancouver, WA 98660 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
I haven't been down to the river front since it's been renovated...WOW! I didn't recognize the place!! Nice walking path with great views and plenty of places to stop in and check out.
We go here year round, especially on the nice weather months. When the Farmers market is open, it's a bonus. The splash pad is a great place for the kids to cool off, and there's ice-cream close by. Great scenic views of the Columbia River, with boats and airplanes adding to the panorama 😁
We needed a quick stop on our long drive to Seattle. What a wonderful place to stretch our legs. We walked around and had a snack. There are many different restaurants and shops. I need to come back and spend some more time.
Beautiful area. Quiet and not crowded. Lots of food right across the street. Paid street parking was very difficult but I did find a paid parking garage very close by and found it very easy to navigate.
Wonderful, relaxing area. Plenty of room to walk along the riverfront, have a picnic or dine at one of the riverfront restaurants. The nearby parking garage is conveniently located close to the area as street parking is limited
Vancouver Waterfront & Pier Vista
| Address | Vancouver, WA 98660 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Vancouver Waterfront and Pier Vista is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Vancouver, Washington. The area is clean, modern, and perfect for a relaxing walk along the Columbia River.
We enjoyed walking by the waterfront, watching the boats, and taking in the beautiful river views. There are plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and open spaces to sit and enjoy the scenery. The atmosphere is peaceful, especially during sunset when the sky reflects on the water.
Whether you want to go for a walk, enjoy a meal, or simply spend some quiet time by the river, this is a wonderful place to visit. Highly recommended for both locals and tourists.
Hit ❤️ The Vancouver waterfront is a better place to visit than downtown Portland. It’s a lot more clean and modern looking. Parking is a bit harder to find during busy hours but there’s about 3 public paid parking lots. There’s a dock on the east end where you can touch the water. Lots of benches and ledges along the way to sit down. There’s always people playing music and singing here, giving it a lively experience. In the middle of the walkway there is two public restrooms. Sometimes those are busy; so you can try your get to a restaurant nearby or a hotel. There’s a water fountain for kids to play in, and the west end has swings and a jungle gym. People riding jet skis and boats regularly pass by here and sometimes stop at the docks for a visit. Plenty of restaurants nearby such as dosalas and twigs bistro. Fancy looking buildings nearby, that are brand new and good for photography. You can see the 205 and i5 bridge from here, looks grand. Interesting plants are planted all along the boardwalk. Lots of good places her for a picnic, and to come with a group of people. There’s a few signs here that explain the history of this area. Dog friendly area, many people bring theirs
The waterfront and pier area is an amazing spot for a short walk, dining, and hanging out. The views, especially at night, are simply breathtaking. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to explore, and the area is impressively clean and modern. The paved roads make for an easy stroll, and there are some great wineries nearby to enjoy as well.
My family’s one of favorite places to go in Vancouver, WA. Love it 🫶
Vancouver has really put some thought into their waterfront, and everything just looks phenomenally beautiful, and well thought out
Life of Vancouver Bridge
| Address | 187 Columbia St, Vancouver, WA 98660 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Waterfront Renaissance Trail
| Address | 115 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (360) 487-8311 |
Great waterfront path with access to the river beach...this is a rocky beach with plenty of room for a blanket if you want to enjoy the scenery. The actual paved path has areas that could use some maintenance and litter cleanup but it was still an enjoyable family Walk.
Excellent place to view the Columbia River & the calming effect of the water. Parked in one of the free small parking lots in the "older" part of park along the river. Then walked west to the new part of the park, which is in the downtown area. There's many places to dine. Ate at the 13 Coins.(yes, they opened one there) There's a pay for parking garage downtown which is close to everything. The waterfront park is spacious, lots of grassy areas to sit. Benches & yes a restroom area.
Any trail, park, or historic site along the Columbia River, in my opinion, is absolutely stunning year-round! There is seriously no bad time to go.
The Waterfront Renaissance Trail is off the north bank of the Columbia River and is truly picturesque! It is a 5 mile one way paved trail, so it is excellent for walking, jogging, biking, and so much more! You can vere off the main trail, like I always do, and hike along the sandy beaches of the river, which are lined with driftwood and colorful river rocks. As you walk this trail, you will come across several restaurants and shopping areas, too, because it is close proximity to downtown Vancouver. In fact, some of the most fascinating eateries in Vancouver can be found here. The options are endless.
Ducks and geese can be seen in abundance, as you will be able to see from my photos/videos. Planes fly overhead consistently; getting ready to land at Portland International Airport, so they will be flying both low and slow. There is also a train track across the street from the Renaissance Trail, so if you have young children, they will just love this!
And the sunsets...
The sunsets here are seriously a photographers dream! The sun setting over the river is a sight to behold! It's actually my favorite spot to watch the sun set. If that were not enough to peak your interests, on a clear day, you will get the most magnificent views of Mt. Hood!
I consider this area a slice of heaven, so I highly recommend checking it out for yourself. It is not crowded, so if you are in need of some serenity, you will find it here. There are benches throughout the trail that allow you to soak in the scenery. There truly is something for all ages. I would give more than 5 stars if I could.
Beautiful park with 5 miles of walking trails. Lots of shade, picnic benches & a playground for the kiddos. Very well maintained park. I love that it's right by the water too..the walkway is big enough for bikes also. Definitely recommend this beautiful park.
Discovered this trail by the Strava suggestions as I am new here. Lovely trail which for most parts runs along the Columbia River. If you are lucky you can spot ships crossing beneath the bridge. Some parts of the trail is near the road well shaded. Near the harbour loading area you cannot go near the river. It’s along the road then joins the Maritime Park. The trail is 4.5 miles and there is ample free parking. If you want to extend the run then take the road across the Marriott then join the newly developed Vancouver waterfront which is another beautiful place.
Sundial
| Address | Vancouver, WA 98661 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Working sun dial, we'll when the sun is out, so cool
Hey everybody, let's see if we can give this thing a comically low rating for no reason.
I checked this against an atomic clock and it was way off!
Amazing piece of art with fine details and precise position for showing the time on sunny days, in a great location, a nice and quiet neighborhood within Clark College Park, a nice place to check the technology of the past, but with a real utility today, if the sky is unclouded
Doesn't work at night
Vancouver Land Bridge
| Address | WA-14, Vancouver, WA 98661 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Nice place to walk with the family, or go for a jog with a nice view of the mount hood mountain and the Columbia River. There’s a gazebo to sit and enjoy the view.
Lucked out for a beautiful Sunny morning, Seagulls, Mallard Ducks, and a few Canadian Geese all grouped together along the River Shore. Not too many folks out and easy parking. Enjoyed the updates and History posts along the pathway. Surprised there was still Poppies blooming in Winter! Pretty 😍
Very Historical, unique, beautiful, interesting and inspiring Bridge. You can see freeway, train trails, small airplanes and a lot of cars. People love to walk and jog this Bridge. So many rest places. You can sit and rest. Even rainy day if you wear the rain jacket you can walk and jog.
Sunshine day is perfect for me. I feel like meditation myself.
This was my first time walking across the Vancouver Land Bridge. I found it to be quite interesting, to say the least!
The Vancouver Land Bridge connects the Columbia River Waterfront to the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. The native history along the bridge is not only beautiful, but it is also fascinating. It is part of the Confluence Project.
I wish I had taken more photos/videos, but there is next time. I will be more prepared to do so, especially knowing what I do now.
Do come check out this rich piece of art and history! The architecture and design of this bridge are just stunning, making it a must-see!
Where nature, history, and place are the medium, this art you can walk through will fill up your senses. The sounds of city life, highways and trains, juxtaposed with native plant life and gentle curves mixed with historic stories of a long-lost city before colonization, field and fort, and modern city industry provide much to reflect on. In short, take this walk.
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Sign
| Address | 1501 E Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Very nice spot to see what it's like to live off the land. Nothing special though; could be skipped. Not worth an entrance fee, but worth a stop if you have the National Parks Pass and need to kill some time. Perfect hour stop in the morning while waiting for Portland traffic to die down
I have only visited virtually online but the stockade look of the sign gives homage to the past and a welcome to enter, explore and learn in the now.
Hudson Bay Company
Captain George Vancouver Monument
| Address | 178-188 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98660 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
This monument was erected in 1992 in honor of Captain George Vancouver of the British Navy who did a 4 & 1/2 year voyage (1791-1795) of the Pacific Northwest with this reviews emphasis on the beautiful Columbia River area which took place in the year of 1792.
Unfortunately I did not get a photo of the life size bronze statue of Captain George Vancouver himself which is located on the north side of City Hall, but I will be back in the area again very soon so I will be sure to add that update to this review.
I found it interesting that Captain George Vancouver also discovered 3 very loved mountains here in the Pacific Northwest: Mt. Rainier, Mt. Saint Helens, and Mt Hood.
The entire Vancouver Waterfront Columbia River area is absolutely breathtaking and is rich in history. There is so much to see. If you have not been here, you are in for a treat!
Nice statue. Great downtown area all around with a park and many shops within walking distance from here.
Nice little historic area. Great to always come down here to explore whenever I get into town.
I only rated okay because I didn't have much time to explore. But it looks like it could be a nice adventure with more time.
Great bench to sit on while cooling down after a hard run!
Devil-ish Little Things Museum
| Address | 3409 L St, Vancouver, WA 98663 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (503) 841-4232 |
We had a great time. Surprised my lady with this trip for her bday. The owner is: 1) opening her home to you. Be super considerate 2) Passionate about her Collections and setup. 3) Has a fun resume that is outstanding to hear about. Treat her with kindness because she is sharing something vulnerable about herself. I hope you love this little museum like we did. I have so many years friends to send here...
This place is fantastical, literally. A genuinely entertaining take on the folkloric and fairy tails surrounding Such things as The Devil, Old Scratch, Krampus etc. I loved the "Magic Room" featuring a lot of advertising artwork from the late 1800s to early 1900s, from famous stage magicians of the time. The proprietor and owner of the museum is an artist in her own right, making unique ceramics and beadwork art pieces. I highly recommend. Don't visit looking for Satan, but keep your mind open to the whimsical.
A wonderful collection and museum. This is going to be one of the MUST DO things for us when we have friends and family visit. You might wonder how the tour will take 2 hours when you first walk in, but dont worry because there is more to see than you will be able to view in 2 hours. The collection is wonderful, full of truly rare antiques and handcrafted art from across the globe. Keep in mind you are entering someones home and prepare to act respectfully.
Such a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. The hostess (Marion) was a delight. Great stories and a history lesson that was a devilishly good time!!
Will go back again because there is no way to see it all at once.
I came here with a girlfriend, and our tour was combined with another small group of 3 people, which ended up being a really fun addition to our experience. Our host was a lot of fun, the collection was amazing, and Max (the papillon) was our additional tour guide. We had the “Death in the afternoon” absinthe tour, which was great! I don’t want to give too much away, but the first drink was absolutely fabulous.
There are a couple of things I think it would be helpful for you to know when you go there. The tour is in her private home so be respectful and mindful of that fact. Show up on time for your appointment, but not too early or you could run into the tail end of the last tour. We showed up about 15 minutes early, I recommend just being on time.
Again, we had a wonderful time and highly recommend this tour if you can make it especially when the Krampus tree is on display!
Old Apple Tree Park
| Address | SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (360) 487-8311 |
Nice place to walk with the family. Benches near by to have a picnic. Dog friendly.
Learning the history of the Old Apple Tree was interesting and sad at the same time.
Unfortunately, this 194 year old tree was declared dead on June 25th, 2020. It is a special part of the Fort Vancouver area considering it has been there since 1826. In fact, it was one of the oldest apple trees in all of the United States!
You can get to the old apple tree by crossing the street at Who Song and Larry's. If you are intrigued with historical facts, you want to come check out this park, and the entire Fort Vancouver area. And I must say, the Pacific Northwest has the best apples I have eaten so far! 😋
Old Apple Tree Park....a shadow of its former self. Nonetheless, saved and nourished and cared for by Vancouverites and Vancouver city officials. CITY OFFICIALS TAKE NOTE:--there should be an ATTRACTIVE sign or info placard located at this site to let viewers know a bit about the Old Apple Tree and its importance to Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest.
Vancouver's Old Apple Tree was planted in 1826 on Fort n land and is thought to be the oldest apple tree in the Northwest. It is also considered the matriarch of Washington State's apple industry. The Old Apple Tree Park intersects with the Discovery Historic Loop Trail.
Recommended
Final take ...Go and visit the tree and pay homage to an icon of Clark County.Then , if time and energy permit, walk , run, skateboard or bike ride, the Landbridge trail and the Discovery trail loop👌👍 .
Amazing how old this apple tree is. It's a neat place to visit. When we were there there was a ton of aircraft overhead otherwise an interesting hidden piece of history.
Awesome, beautiful place to come for a walk with the kids and dogs!!! The path is concrete and wood. It's a bit of uphill walking, but not bad. There are benches and places to sit an rest through the path. The path goes right across Highway 14 towards Vancouver Fort. There are lots of beautiful artworks and informative information about the history of the area!!! At the top it's a really amazing view's!!!! Most of the time, it's not that busy, and you are by yourself.
Tips for Visiting Vancouver’s Top Attractions
To make the most of your time, it is worth planning a few logistics before you arrive. Vancouver is a compact city, but distances between attractions can be deceiving when you factor in bridges, water crossings, and mountain roads. The following tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and save both time and money while exploring the city.
First, invest in a Compass Card for public transit. The SkyTrain and bus network is clean, safe, and efficient, and it connects downtown to major hubs like Richmond, Burnaby, and the North Shore. A reloadable card saves you from fumbling for exact change and automatically caps your daily fare, making it cheaper than paying per ride.
Second, dress in layers regardless of the season. Even on a warm summer day, the temperature can drop noticeably when you head up Grouse Mountain or walk along the waterfront in the evening. A lightweight waterproof shell is also a smart addition to your daypack, as coastal showers can roll in without much warning.
Third, book timed-entry tickets in advance for popular attractions like the Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Vancouver Aquarium. During summer and school breaks, walk-up lines can exceed an hour. Reserving a specific arrival slot ensures you spend your time enjoying the experience rather than waiting in a queue.
Fourth, consider staying downtown or in a neighborhood near a SkyTrain station. This reduces your reliance on rental cars and expensive downtown parking, which can easily add $30 to $50 per day to your budget. Most major attractions are reachable by transit, shuttle, or a short rideshare trip.
Finally, start your days early. Vancouver’s outdoor attractions are quietest before 10 a.m., and the soft morning light makes parks like Stanley Park and Queen Elizabeth Park especially beautiful. An early start also leaves your afternoons free for spontaneous detours, which are often the most memorable part of any trip.
Vancouver rewards travelers who are willing to slow down and explore beyond the obvious photo stops. A single visit rarely feels like enough, and many people find themselves planning a return trip before they have even left the city. The mix of ocean air, mountain views, and friendly, multicultural energy leaves a lasting impression that is hard to shake.
Whether you come for the food, the scenery, or the outdoor adventure, this city delivers on every front. Use the list above as a starting point, but leave room in your schedule for the unexpected. In Vancouver, the best moments often happen when you wander off the main path and simply follow the water.
