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 Safari Mini Golf are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Walnut Grove
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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 ₹18,103 per night from 11 Jul to 12 Jul
₹18,103
₹21,622 total
11 Jul - 12 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! (2,348 reviews)
"Nice choice for Vancouver area, good value"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 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 ₹8,986 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹8,986
₹10,127 total
20 Jul - 21 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! (1,003 reviews)
"Liked location, cleanliness Didn't like noise"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown City Center
Red Lion Inn & Suites Vancouver
Red Lion Inn & Suites Vancouver
2.5 out of 5
13206 Highway 99, Vancouver, WA
The price is ₹10,152 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
₹10,152
₹11,390 total
8 Jul - 9 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 ...
6.4/10 (1,002 reviews)
"I like the hotel because it’s not that expensive."

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2025

Red Lion Inn & Suites 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.
Larkspur Landing Extended Stay Suites Renton
Larkspur Landing Extended Stay Suites Renton
3 out of 5
1701 E Valley Rd, Renton, WA
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Renton. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (4,284 reviews)
"I liked that it had a kitchen area in the room. Soundproofing between rooms could be better. I would stay here again, though."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Larkspur Landing Extended Stay Suites Renton
Larkspur Landing Extended Stay Suites Bellevue
Larkspur Landing Extended Stay Suites Bellevue
3 out of 5
15805 SE 37th St, Bellevue, WA
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Bellevue. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,495 reviews)
"I love this hotel it's my absolute fave in bellevue"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Larkspur Landing Extended Stay Suites Bellevue
Medallion Inn & Suites
Medallion Inn & Suites
3.5 out of 5
16710 Smokey Point Blvd, Arlington, WA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Arlington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,168 reviews)
Nice room
"Property is being updated. The public areas are being kept clean during the process. Room was fantastic."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Medallion Inn & Suites
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