Location: Vancouver
Top Things to do in Vancouver
Countries
10 Nature & Parks in Vancouver That You Shouldn't Miss
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. 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.
2. Salmon Creek Park
3. Water Resources Education Center
4. Kids Club Fun & Fitness
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
5. 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!
6. Columbia Springs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Located on 100 acres of urban natural area within the city of Vancouver, Washington, Columbia Springs offers easy to navigate hiking trails, picnic areas, historical displays, Compost Demo Site, Sustainability Demo Site, Fish-Rearing ponds, Fish-Feeding pond, and nature viewing decks. In addition, Columbia Springs offers a number of annual environmental education events for children and adults.
7. Frenchmans Bar Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By tmirvine - Vancouver, United States
We took a walk along the beach, in September 2019 my friend caught a 20 lb King Salmon. Lots of toys for the kids to play on and picnic tables if you want to have a family picnic or you can put a blanket down and picnic on the ground. $3.00 entry fee - good for 24 hours.
8. Pacific Community Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By for_fun_mofun - Jacksonville, United States
Great family park. Enclosed large dog walk park. Cement skaters area with ramps and even a over under bridge. Basketball park, Baseball field. Large open areas for picnic and running around. Trails thru the woods. Amazing idea gardening plots, as well as the community garden.
9. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Lei6584 - Vancouver, United States
This is a huge park in an urban area. Close to downtown. A beautiful little garden with vegetables growing. Wide open spaces for picnics. Plenty of parking.
10. Vancouver Waterfront
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By TravelSinceRetired - Vancouver, United States
The Vancouver Waterfront is wonderful (at least on a nice day). This area has really come alive with multiple restaurants & wine tasting rooms. Views are lovely. Lots of open space with grass to relax on.
