Vancouver, WA

Travel Guide

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

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 showing heritage architecture

Downtown Vancouver

Travelers come to Downtown Vancouver for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Vancouver Farmers Market and Interstate Bridge while you're in town.

Downtown Vancouver
Default Image

Salmon Creek

Salmon Creek is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Westside Golf Range, a top place to visit in the area.

Salmon Creek
Nice little park in the middle of Vancouver, WA. The switchbacks up the hill, surrounded by tall trees will make you feel like you're a lot further from town. It was a nice, quiet place to stretch my dogs legs for a bit and eat my lunch from nearby Panera Bread.

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
Default Image

Five Corners

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

Five Corners
Default Image

Walnut Grove

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

Walnut Grove
Default Image

Minnehaha

When in Minnehaha, you can plan a visit to Vancouver Mall and Vancouver Tennis Center, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Minnehaha
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 ¥13,898 per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
¥13,898
¥15,694 total
Jul 28 - Jul 29
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,015 reviews)
Fantastic
"Great clean rooms. Accessible to all freeways. Great pool! My granddaughter loved it."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown City Center
Heathman Lodge
Heathman Lodge
3.5 out of 5
7801 NE Greenwood Dr, Vancouver, WA
The price is ¥17,255 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
¥17,255
¥21,820 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
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! (2,361 reviews)
"Great people!"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Heathman Lodge
Motel 6 Vancouver, WA
Motel 6 Vancouver, WA
2 out of 5
221 Northeast Chkalov Drive, Vancouver, WA
The price is ¥12,972 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥12,972
¥14,667 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,013 reviews)
"bathroom is old but everything was clean and smelled fresh"

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

Motel 6 Vancouver, WA
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.
Bungalow Guest House
Bungalow Guest House
Vancouver
Stay at this vacation home in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Jantzen Beach Center and Cascade Station are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (30 reviews)
Highly recommend staying at Rosie’s place
"Check-in and check-out were easy and straightforward. Rosie, the host, was very attentive, accommodating, and friendly. She gave us great recommendations for our stay, including beautiful nearby sights. I appreciated the easy access to expressways and the cozy, homey feel of the place. It includes ..."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 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 Fort Vancouver National ...
10/10 Exceptional! (26 reviews)
Cute guest house
"Lovely little guest house north of Portland. Great parking, comfy beds, and very commincative host."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

A Grand House
Vancouver WA Home - Sleeps 6
Vancouver WA Home - Sleeps 6
Vancouver
Stay at this vacation home in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Jantzen Beach Center and Fort Vancouver National Historic ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"Great location clean and the owner is awesome and great communication"

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2025

Vancouver WA Home - Sleeps 6
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Vancouver