Things to Do in Vancouver, Washington

Venerable Vancouver got its start in 1825 and, thanks to its advantageous location on the Columbia River, soon became a center of the Pacific Northwest's fur trade. Just over 200 years later, its industrial riverfront has been given a welcome makeover, providing one more reason to visit the city just north of Portland.

Sights and Events

A quick stroll from Main Street, the seven-acre Waterfront Park—part of a $1.6 billion, 32-acre renewal project—allows public access to the Columbia River from Vancouver for the first time since the 1850s. Held aloft by soaring cables, the V-shaped Grant Street Pier offers spectacular views of the water, the occasional passing stern-wheeler, and the century-old steel-truss Interstate Bridge nearby.

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, where the first explorers from the Hudson’s Bay Company settled in the 1820s, is a lovely place to walk on a brisk sunny day (and offers handy shelters when it rains). Tour former military residences along tree-lined Officers Row, explore a fullscale replica fort, and visit re-creations of the rustic living quarters used by fur trappers and traders.

Where to Eat in Vancouver, Washington

Called “Portland’s best beer ’burb” by Willamette Week, Vancouver is serious about its suds. At Brothers Cascadia, one of the most popular pubs in town, sample cold-fermented specialties such as Mateo Helles Lager and the flagship People’s Pilsner. Sit and sip among the oak barrels in the warehouse.

With the former chef of renowned Ken’s Artisan Pizza at its helm, Rally Pizza dishes up pies that include the Board Meeting, topped with three kinds of salami, mozzarella and red onion. Pair your pizza with a Pond Hopper Hazy Double IPA or Mela’s Roseberry Hard Cider. Insider tip: On Tuesdays, kids 12 and under enjoy a free cheese pizza when you buy a full-size pie.

An airy, modern space on the waterfront, the buzzy local branch of upscale seafood chain WildFin American Grill offers Columbia River steelhead trout grilled with lemon-garlic-vermouth butter or seared on a block of Himalayan salt and coated with a honey-lime glaze. Save room for the butterscotch pudding brûlée.

Outdoor Activities Near Vancouver, Washington

The Discovery Historic Trail Loop encircles Fort Vancouver, crossing busy Highway 14 on the curvaceous Vancouver Land Bridge. Interpretive signs along the bridge's wide paved path provide information about regional history and native plants. Don't miss the beloved Old Apple Tree—dating from when Vancouver was founded—in its own little park on the trail's south end.

Take a walk along the Waterfront Renaissance Trail, which follows the river east from the new redevelopment project, for views of the river. The Columbia bustles with its signature mix of boats buzzing by, PDX-bound planes flying overhead, and cars whizzing along on both banks.

Where to Shop Around Vancouver, Washington

Vancouver's charming downtown is studded with galleries, markets, and shops. For unique artisanal gifts, visit the weekend Vancouver Farmers Market next to downtown’s Esther Short Park. Enjoy live music while picking up seasonal produce, handmade crystal and gemstone jewelry by All The Wishes, alfajores and tres leches cake from Dulce Maria Desserts, and Japanese textile artwork Kazue O Young.  

A bustling market owned by Ukrainian Americans, Sweet Touch (Svitoch) European Market and Bakery features a bakery and café specializing in handmade sweets like honey cake, cannoli, and pavlova. If you’re craving something savory, check out more than 50 types of charcuterie in the deli cases. Locals come for the Russian pickles and imported tea. For Valentine’s Day, treat your sweetie to a dozen heart-shaped French-style raspberry macarons.