Vancouver, WA City Guide

Vancouver, Washington is one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest and sits right on the edge of the Columbia River. It is across the river from the northern edge of Portland, Oregon and often is confused for Vancouver, BC. – both named after explorer George Vancouver. Some cruises on the Columbia River will have you board in Vancouver, some in Portland. Vancouver’s hotels are located within steps of the river. If you’re wanting some ideas of where to eat and what to see, you’re in luck, this Vancouver native has some recommendations!

The most suggested landmark in Vancouver is the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, which is worth visiting but not open on Sundays or Mondays. Even when closed, it is worth a visit to explore the grounds around the fort, with plenty of great walks past Officer’s Row – a series of historical old houses once housing military officers and dating back to the 1860s.  There is a lovely kitchen garden and orchard displaying the types of foods the residents of the fort required. Nearby Pearson Airfield offers a museum filled with aircraft to view, and a land-bridge built to reconnect the fort with the river, designed by architect Maya Lin and carries walkers over the highway which forms a modern barrier between what was once open fields.

Downtown’s Esther Short Park is a bustling park in the summer with music festivals and home to the lively weekend Vancouver Farmers Market. The market is a favorite of those living in the area, with 250 vendors offering produce, art, accessories, and lunch options. For 2018, the market is open from March 17 through October 28, on Saturdays from 9 AM to 3 PM and Sundays from 10 AM to 3 PM.

The Vancouver waterfront has recently undergone a major transformation, and is home to multiple winery tasting rooms, restaurants, and shops. Walk out onto the Grant Street Pier – a ship-shaped point taking you onto the water, explore the native history designed into the water features, choose your spot to sit and enjoy a sunset on one of the variety of seating areas. it is an enjoyable place to wander.

• If you’re looking to take a walk around town, I have 3 routes picked out. A walk along the river with the option of dinner at a variety of restaurants. Headed south from the Hilton, you’ll find the Waterfront Renaissance Trail that leads you under the I-5 bridge and along the Columbia. I do recommend a slight detour before reaching the trail, at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Plaza, a long wall covered in memorial murals. Find a great cup of coffee at Terrain Coffee Project on 6th St. or one of the nearby options (there are several!)  The Waterfront Renaissance Trail wraps under the I-5 bridge and offers a beautiful walk on the Columbia. After working up an appetite from 1.5 mile (30 minute) walk from the Hilton, you’ll arrive at 2 classic waterfront restaurants- Beaches and McMenamins. Both restaurants have a great view of the sparkling river and offer outdoor seating. Beaches has a fantastic happy hour menu with great prices and a wide variety of food. McMenamins is a family-owned chain of brewpubs in the Pacific Northwest,  with a cult following. They have a full lunch and dinner menu  as well as handcrafted spirits and wines from their famous Edgefield location in Troutdale, Oregon. After you’ve had your fill, take in the views on your stroll back to the hotel.

• If you’re looking to see historical sites in Vancouver, then they 1 mile walk (21 minutes) to Officers Row would make an excellent choice. Travel from downtown, across the bridge over the interstate, and on to Officers Row. Officers Row is named for the row of 22 restored Victorian homes that house the officers from the Vancouver Barracks. A few of the houses are open to the public and offer tours, and the Ulysses S. Grant House currently operates as a winery, open Wednesdays-Sundays.

• For an overview of Downtown Vancouver, wander up Main Street and then head back one or two streets up, on Washington or Columbia Street, to get a general sense of the city that Vancouver is. There are a variety of restaurants on this route that I’d recommend, including Vancouver Pizza Company, a 20 minute walk from the Hilton, and the nearby dessert heaven, Ice Cream Renaissance. This specialty ice cream parlor offers fabulous sundaes made from their own delicious ice cream. Other establishments near Main, Washington and Columbia Street:

1. Kiggins Theater – built in 1936 and plays an interesting selection of films.
2. The French Door Home & Garden store is a European lover’s delight now located in the historic old Academy Building
3. Pop-Local – filled with locally produced products, foods, and just a fun place to shop on the waterfront!
4. Heathen Brewing Feral Public House – A local brewpub with a great website showing what’s on tap, the pricing, and the keg level.
5. Mon Ami– a quaint coffeehouse serving excellent crepes.
6. Brickhouse Bar – Variety of food and local craft beer, multiple rooms throughout the restaurant, and a pool table.
7. Thai Orchid – a well-reviewed restaurant serving Thai and sushi.
8. Amaro’s Table – a local favorite for cocktails, fine dining without being too stuffy.
9. LaBottega Italian Cafe  – a welcoming Italian bistro with great lunches and dinners.

If you have any other questions about your stay in Vancouver, please call one of our friendly agents  at (800) 578-1479. We hope you enjoy your time in Vancouver!