Vancouver, Portland's sister city across the Columbia, offers visitors all the options of a big city while retaining its small town charm. Newcomers to Washington's fourth largest city will find a wide selection of first class restaurants, boutique stores and shopping centers as well as fine art galleries nestled amongst a mixture of historic architecture and modern buildings. The budget traveler or the year-round resident with an itch for exploration will easily stay busy in this gem of the Pacific Northwest.
Get to Know the Real Vancouver
Become acquainted with the local artisans and artists that inhabit the area north of the Columbia River. From April to October, head to Ester Short Park and visit one of the 150 vendors selling their produce, plants and crafts. Get a bite to eat while catching some free local entertainment. Any time of the year, a walk to Main Street will get you a closer look at Vancouver's art scene. Be sure not to miss Firehouse Glass, which showcases one of a kind glass pieces in a unique setting, the historic 1906 National Bank Building. Other galleries on this street include Angst Gallery, Aurora Gallery, North Bank Artists Gallery, and Art on the Boulevard, all featuring local artists in a variety of mediums.
History and Culture
Capture a piece of history at one of Vancouver's two historical museums. On Main Street, step into the Clark County Historical Museum and wander through a turn-of-the-century country store or doctor's office. Take a peek at one of their other rotating exhibits, elegantly displayed within the walls of the old Carnegie Library. Admission is free every Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m., or visit Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for only $4. If vintage airplanes pique your interest, head to 5th Street to view the Pearson Air Museum's impressive collection of pre-World War II aircraft, displayed on the oldest operating airfield in the U.S. Doors are open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are reasonably priced, at $7 for adults and $5 for youth under 17.
A More Hands-On Look at the Past
Relive Vancouver's historic past by visiting Fort Vancouver. As the former headquarters for the British Hudson Bay Company, the economic hub of the Pacific Northwest, Fort Vancouver transforms history into living realty for hundreds of visitors daily. Interpreters wearing period clothing reenact daily life in the 1800s. Admission is free for children under 15 and only $3 for adults. Jump into the 1920s at Pomeroy Living History Farm, where you will get the chance to help grind grain, wash clothes or make rope with one of the interpreters. Open the first full weekend of every month from June to September and admission is $6 for adults over the age of 11.
Learn about Wine
Check out Vancouver's local wineries to learn about the fine art of wine making from the wine makers themselves. English Estate Winery, at 17908 First Street, offers free tastings every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. during April through December. Sample their award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon. On Washington Street, in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Gary Gouger of Gouger Cellars invites visitors to sample his selection every weekend, or weekdays by appointment.
Go For a Walk
After checking out the shops downtown, take a stroll along the Waterfront Renaissance Trail. The leisurely 4-mile boardwalk hugs Columbia River Drive, and takes you past the 7-foot tall statue of Ilchee, the daughter of 19th century Chinook chieftan, Comcomly. The trail connects to the Columbia River waterfront for more shopping, or head into one of the numerous restaurants for quick bite. For a shorter walk, start on East Evergreen and take the 2.3 mile Discovery Trail Loop and discover Fort Vancouver along the way. With a pleasant climate year-round, you will have plenty of opportunities to explore the 40 miles of urban trails that wind through downtown Vancouver.
Head to the Woods
If you're tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, unwind under a canopy of fir trees on a hike beneath the shadow of Mount Saint Helens, southwest Washington's active volcano. Trace the footsteps of legendary explorers Lewis and Clark, whether on foot or on mountain bike, along the many hiking trails just outside city limits. If you don't feel like walking, pick a nice spot to relax on banks of the Columbia River. You might just catch a glimpse of windsurfers riding swells up to eight feet high.
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