Location: Vancouver
Top Things to do in Vancouver
Countries
Top 10 Free Things to do in Vancouver, Washington (WA)
Steeped in history, Vancouver is the oldest city in Washington. Once the largest western outpost of the British Hudson's Bay Company, where supplies and food were bartered in the 1800s, it was closed in 1860 as Americans took over commerce. The outpost was later recreated as the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. For more history, check out the Pearson Air Field, the oldest operating airfield in the West, where vintage aircraft are displayed at the Pearson Air Museum. If adventure is your bag, Vancouver is the perfect base for day trips to the Columbia River Gorge, the breathtakingly beautiful 70-mile river stretch that cuts through the Cascade Mountains, or Mount St. Helens, the site of the famous volcano, both of which offer a slew of outdoor activities. For calmer pastimes, cruise the picturesque river in the Columbia Gorge riverboat, or visit Beacon Rock, the world's second largest monolith, where a walking trail leads to spectacular panoramic views.
Restaurants in Vancouver
1. Officers' Row
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 233 reviews
This historic drive is lined with 21 restored Victorian homes built for military officers of the Vancouver Barracks, including Ulysses S. Grant, General O.O. Howard House and George C. Marshall. Two of the homes are open for tours.
Reviewed By ByronR_12
Officers Row, Fort Vancouver and the Pearson Air Museum are all located within the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in Vancouver. Officers Row visits should include the Marshall House (Gen. George C. Marshall) and the Grant House (Ulysses S. Grant) restaurant. Then on to the Pearson Air Museum for a wonderful exhibit (small) of historical airplanes and the details of the first trans-polar flight which landed at Pearson Field in Vancouver. Then on to visit the historic Fort Vancouver which was recreated in full scale and includes tours and shows the history of one of the first permanent settlements in the Northwest. A wonderful visit which are all within walking distance,
2. George C. Marshall House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
This Queen Anne Victorian was once the residence of George C. Marshall, the architect of the plan for European recovery after World War II. Marshall occupied the home, one of two Officers' Row houses currently open to the public, when he was the commander of the Vancouver barracks.
Reviewed By 4nay
I love the walking and admiring the homes on Officers Row. There are so many beautiful homes to look at. The Grant house is here too. Wear comfortable shoes and remember to visit Fort Vancouver too!
3. Esther Short Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 665 reviews
A 5-acre park in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Esther Short is the oldest public square in the state of Washington. Today the park contains a clock tower, gazebo, large picnic shelter/stage, playground, rose garden, walking paths and seasonal water feature. You will find the Vancouver Farmer's Market here on weekends mid-March through October.
Reviewed By 3Islanders
What a lovely gem in the midst of downtown Vancouver! From the stunning salmon sculptures to the welcoming benches, this park is an absolute pleasure. My husband and I were lucky enough to be in Vancouver during sunny weather; we would pick up sandwiches at the nearby Subway and go this park to enjoy them. Judging by the numbers of dog walkers and kids of all ages who passed by, the locals love it here too.
4. Salmon Creek Park
5. Water Resources Education Center
6. Vancouver Land Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By 402sandrag
We parked in a lot on the river and walked across the Land Bridge to the Fort and Officers Row. There are interesting historical graphics along the way and signs to tell you what the different flora are. Right at the entrance to the bridge is the state’s oldest apple tree with a graphic about how old it is, which I can’t remember, but it IS old! By the Fort is a great vegetable and flower garden you can stroll through taken care of by volunteers. Officers Row has some beautifully maintained historic homes that are residential, business and The Eatery at Grant’s House Restaurant. Well worth a walk from river to fort!
7. English Estate Winery
8. Waterfront Renaissance Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By casabear - Burney, United States
We walked along this trail for about an hour and it began to rain. We had our dogs with us and it was so beautiful. There is so much to enjoy and lots of things for the dogs to snif. There are no restrooms that I could see, however, and that would have been nice. I would go again!
9. Vancouver Farmers Market - Downtown Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By Robinx1974 - Vancouver, United States
Family-friendly fun at the park, Vancouver farmers market i a place to pick up local fruits and vegetables, flowers, and work from local artisans, get something to eat and let the kids play in the park
