Vancouver Travel Guide

Vancouver is on the north bank of the Columbia River and has plenty of fun activities for families, friends and couples. Visit this gorgeous city for historical buildings, amazing landmarks and nature explorations as well.

Great Vancouver WA was named after the brave sea captain George Vancouver. The interesting city shares a name with its northern sibling, Vancouver (in British Columbia), however the American city is much older. Vancouver is also known for its famous apple tree, which was planted in 1826 and is still standing! This is the oldest living apple tree in Washington and is considered to be the grandfather of the apple industry in the state.

Things to Do in Vancouver

The Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is a great place to visit for the whole family, where visitors can discover the region's history and interesting facts about Vancouver and Washington state. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is wonderful for hiking and exploring the beauties of nature.

The Esther Short Park is a great area to enjoy the city and have a coffee while sitting outside. It also houses a farmers market on certain days for visitors to sample fresh goodies and artisan products. One of the most wonderful and historical landmarks is the Waterfront Renaissance Trail, right next to the Vancouver Lake Park. For more historic buildings, the Officers’ Row is like taking a step back in time and is ideal for the history buffs of your group.

If you are traveling with children, a great educational spot is the Water Resources Education Center, where visitors can learn about water energy and how water is reused in different fields. The center is a fun place to visit for both children and adults. For more acitivities for the little ones, check out the Kids Club Fun, where children can run around and expend lots of energy for the day!

Best Places to Stay in Vancouver

The best places to stay in Vancouver are Fishers Creek, Shumway, and the downtown area where shops and cafes are only a few steps away. There are plenty of vacation rentals in all three regions. One of the hippest areas of town is Arnada which is also one of the oldest neighborhoods in Vancouver. Whatever your needs, you're sure to find a vacation rental suited to your party size and budget.

Best Time to Visit Vancouver

The best time to visit Vancouver is August and September when the weather is warm and there's less rain. The average temperature during this period is around 75 degree.

From November to March the weather is much colder with a maximum of 50 degrees and a high snowfall. Fall months are perfect for hiking and nature adventures, as the scenery is most picturesque in these months. If you're planning a skiing trip, January is best.