Downtown Vancouver Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Those of us who live in a certain neighborhood of the Lincoln district know that for one month every year we won't have to worry about turning on our porch lights. If the street lamps should fail, well, that's not really of any concern. Say the moon itself were to pop out of the sky and go flying into space. No big deal. Because for a glorious 30 days every winter, we're able to bask in the glow of a house lit bright enough to make artificial sunshine. A sight so startling, it causes commuters to back up traffic as they sit in their cars and gape. It wasn't always that way. A few years back, the charming old couple who lives in the place started to put out a few lights to decorate their home. The next year they added a few more, and the year after that -- again -- some more. At some point, however, they seem to have developed a kind of high tolerance for luminescence. And when that happened, the floodgates were open. What you see in these photos is the early December version of what, by Christmas day, will be a kind of multi-colored solar flare emanating from the front yard of their home. It can really be a beautiful thing to behold, as anyone who sees it for the first time can tell you. And those of us who live here have accepted with pride this red and gold meteor which appears in our midst during every gloomy Northwest December. Can you blame us? We may be the only block on earth entirely visible from space. #localgem
Those of us who live in a certain neighborhood of the Lincoln district know that for one month every year we won't have to worry about turning on our porch lights. If the street lamps should fail, well, that's not really of any concern. Say the moon itself were to pop out of the sky and go flying into space. No big deal. Because for a glorious 30 days every winter, we're able to bask in the glow of a house lit bright enough to make artificial sunshine. A sight so startling, it causes commuters to back up traffic as they sit in their cars and gape. It wasn't always that way. A few years back, the charming old couple who lives in the place started to put out a few lights to decorate their home. The next year they added a few more, and the year after that -- again -- some more. At some point, however, they seem to have developed a kind of high tolerance for luminescence. And when that happened, the floodgates were open. What you see in these photos is the early December version of what, by Christmas day, will be a kind of multi-colored solar flare emanating from the front yard of their home. It can really be a beautiful thing to behold, as anyone who sees it for the first time can tell you. And those of us who live here have accepted with pride this red and gold meteor which appears in our midst during every gloomy Northwest December. Can you blame us? We may be the only block on earth entirely visible from space. #localgem
A miserably wet day to have an alternator die out on the freeway, but the subsequent journey to the closest open mechanic deposited me next to this beautiful structure. Originally a First Christian Church, it was built in 1925 to house a thriving congregation which had outgrown its most recent house of worship. The building is now home to the unaffiliated Compass Church. Even on a horribly grey day, the austere beauty of the place shines through. http://ncbible.org/nwh/WaClark.html And, yes, I love the #Architecture of the place.
No longer a theater, this is now a gallery and the offices of Vancouver's Farmers Market. But it has a storied past, and in 2017 will be 150 years old. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slocum_House_%28Vancouver,_Washington%29
The talking clocktower with the dancing salmon at Esther Short Park. The cylindrical building in the background is a local landmark -- a set of apartments known as the "Smith Tower," (officially Mid-Columbia Manor). But that's a subject for another day. http://blog.oregonlive.com/terryrichard/2007/11/esther_short_park.html

Popular places to visit

Esther Short Park featuring a garden

Esther Short Park

Relax by fountains, shop in bustling markets and listen to concerts in a scenic park that has become the city of Vancouver’s premier outdoor public space.

Esther Short Park
Some pieces are contemporary, and decidedly on the whimsical side. This one is entitled "If Gucci Were a Straight Dancer from Oklahoma" by Angela Swedberg

Clark County Historical Museum

You can study the exhibits at Clark County Historical Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Vancouver. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the shops in the area.

Clark County Historical Museum

The Academy

You can find out about the history of Vancouver with a stop at The Academy. Wander around the area's picturesque gardens or experience its acclaimed art galleries.

The Academy

Vancouver Farmers Market

During your trip to Vancouver, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Vancouver Farmers Market. Wander the riverfront and picturesque gardens in the area.

Vancouver Farmers Market

The Source Climbing Center

Enjoy a trip to The Source Climbing Center and popular activities such as cycling in Vancouver. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its acclaimed art galleries.

The Source Climbing Center

Burnt Bridge Cellars

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Burnt Bridge Cellars during your travels to Vancouver. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Burnt Bridge Cellars

Activities

Half-Day Multnomah Falls & Gorge Waterfalls Tour

Half-Day Multnomah Falls & Gorge Waterfalls Tour

AU$120
per traveller
96% of travellers recommend
Half-Day Multnomah Falls & Gorge Waterfalls Tour
Portland: 2-hour Lunch Cruise on the Willamette River

Portland: 2-Hour Lunch Cruise Through Downtown

AU$125
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Portland: 2-Hour Lunch Cruise Through Downtown
Full-Day Guided Oregon Coast Tour from Portland

Full-Day Guided Oregon Coast Tour from Portland

AU$197
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Full-Day Guided Oregon Coast Tour from Portland
Portland: Willamette River 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise

Portland: Dinner Cruise on the Willamette River

AU$183
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Portland: Dinner Cruise on the Willamette River
Picture 11 for Activity Portland: Champagne Brunch Cruise on Willamette River

Portland: Brunch Cruise on Willamette River

AU$147
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Portland: Brunch Cruise on Willamette River
Aerial view of the Oregon Coast

Full-Day Northern Oregon Coast Tour

AU$198
per traveller
94% of travellers recommend
Full-Day Northern Oregon Coast Tour
See all activities in Portland

Our pick of the best Downtown Vancouver Hotel Deals

Comfort Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown City Center

Comfort Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown City Center

2.5 out of 5
401 E 13th Street Vancouver WA
The price is AU$139 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$139
31 Mar - 1 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,164 reviews)
The pool was closed for the season which was disappointing and there was no hot tub but the hotel was great.

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

Comfort Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown City Center
AC Hotel Vancouver Waterfront

AC Hotel Vancouver Waterfront

3.5 out of 5
333 W COLUMBIA WAY Vancouver WA
The price is AU$282 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
AU$282
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (355 reviews)
Bed was nice, view was very good. Room was average.

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

AC Hotel Vancouver Waterfront
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
808 SW Taylor St Portland OR
The price is AU$155 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
AU$155
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,252 reviews)
Convenient to Portland MAX and street car

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

The Paramount Hotel
Park Lane Suites and Inn

Park Lane Suites and Inn

2.5 out of 5
809 SW King Avenue Portland OR
The price is AU$160 per night from 12 Mar to 13 Mar
AU$160
12 Mar - 13 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,664 reviews)
Very clean and quiet. Free parking outside the room which is why I chose this Portland property. Others charge up to $30.

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

Park Lane Suites and Inn
Cambria Hotel Portland - Pearl District

Cambria Hotel Portland - Pearl District

3 out of 5
165 NW Park Ave Portland OR
The price is AU$187 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$187
31 Mar - 1 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Moda Center and Oregon Zoo are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (317 reviews)
Amazing staff, hotels restaurant/bar was great! Overall just great. The room was very well designed and cozy. Definitively coming back!

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

Cambria Hotel Portland - Pearl District
Holiday Inn Airport - Portland by IHG

Holiday Inn Airport - Portland by IHG

3 out of 5
8439 Ne Columbia Blvd Portland OR
The price is AU$109 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
AU$109
30 Mar - 31 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,922 reviews)
There were ants all over, and I even woke up to finding them in my bed. I checked out as early as I could because I was so uncomfortable. Shuttle driver was great though and the van was the cleanest part of my stay…

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Holiday Inn Airport - Portland by IHG
See all 2,793 properties in Downtown Vancouver
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Vancouver

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North Portland

Travellers love North Portland for its stunning river views, and you can see more of Portland by jumping on the metro at Delta Park-Vanport Station or Expo Center Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Portland International Raceway and Chiles Center.

North Portland
China town, Portland Oregon..

Northwest Portland

While you're in Northwest Portland, take in top sights like Leif Erickson Trail or Pittock Mansion, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at NW 23rd & Marshall Stop or NW Northrup & 22nd Stop.

Northwest Portland
Portland_WonderBallroom_6325924-3

Eliot

While you're in Eliot, take in top sights like Wonder Ballroom and jump on the metro at Albina-Mississippi Station to see more of the city.

Eliot
The Portland skyline on a crisp clear winter night. The Eastbank Esplanade is an ideal stroll the see this beautiful city at any hour of the day. #Oregon #Portland #skyline #night #Eastbankesplanade

Northeast Portland

While you're in Northeast Portland, take in top sights like Colwood National Golf Course or The Grotto, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Parkrose-Sumner Transit Center or NE 82nd Avenue Station.

Northeast Portland
Moda Center which includes signage

Lloyd District

4/5(1 area review)

Enjoy the popular shops in Lloyd District. Lloyd Center is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at NE Grand & Multnomah Stop or NE 7th & Holladay Stop to see more of Portland.

Lloyd District
Pearl District which includes outdoor art

Pearl District

4/5(4 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Pearl District. Spend some time visiting top spots like Broadway Bridge, and catch the metro at NW 10th & Johnson Stop or NW 11th & Johnson Stop to see more of the area.

Pearl District

Downtown Vancouver Travel Guide

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