Location: Vancouver
Top Things to do in Vancouver
What to do and see in Vancouver, Washington (WA): The Best Things to do Good for Kids
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. NW Escape Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 61 reviews
NW Escape Experience is Vancouver, Washington's most immersive physical adventure game in which players are locked in a room and must use elements of the room to solve a series of puzzles and escape within a set time limit.
Reviewed By Axelant
We took our granddaughters (ages 17, 12, 11) to the Kill Room. As the murder character, Tim was an amazing actor. His scary voice added to the whole experience although we never felt threatened or unsafe. Only the 12-year old was a little nervous but she was game for solving clues. The girls were very clever whereas the adults were of no help at all. This might not be the best room for your first escape experience (it wasn't the first for the girls). We needed a bit of help to open the first lock in order to get to the room with the next locked items which contained clues for release from the room. We knew we were being observed by Tim in the next room, so he was on hand the entire time to either ramp up the fright or provide clues (all in his gravely, scary voice). This room is rated as "difficult" and we all agreed that this is the case. But we also agreed it was a very good experience. It is helpful if you are a local as there is some map reading that goes faster if you understand where streets/avenues are located. So....if you think you are very smart at solving puzzles in order to open locks, and you don't mind the frightening overtones (not quite as bad as a haunted house at Halloween), this is absolutely a well-planned escape room.
2. paradigmQ
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 53 reviews
Get ready to escape your day to day and have an unforgettable adventure with paradigmQ Escape Games! Tons of unique puzzles, great room themes, and a little bit of whimsy to add surprise and delight to your experience.
Reviewed By denkrisgill
This is our new favorite date night activity! It’s so more fun than just going out to eat or to a movie. The rooms at Paradigm Q are very well done. This place is a local gem!
3. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 748 reviews
Explore the lands and structures at the center of fur trade and military history in the Pacific Northwest. Learn about the diverse cultures who lived and worked here. Enjoy relaxing trails along the Columbia River and Village. Experience costumed programs, hands-on education activities, engaging living history events, creative media and a world-class archaeology collection. Connect to the past.
Reviewed By DeCaye2
Great historical site! Loved how well the buildings were rebuilt! THis is an awesome historic landmark!
4. 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,
5. Vancouver National Historic Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Serving as the main supply depot for the Hudson's Bay Companys fur trading business in the 19th century, this 366-acre reserve features many important historical sites including the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Vancouver Barracks, Officers' Row and Pearson Field.
6. 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.
7. Salmon Creek Park
8. Water Resources Education Center
9. 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!
10. Pearson Field and Pearson Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By davebD1385JT - Vancouver, United States
The Pearson Air Museum is a "must-see" for anyone interested in aviation history generally or its local history, which is extensive. Do you know who Valery Chkalov is, or that the first trans-polar flight was from Moscow, Russia to Vancouver, WA? Chkalov achieved several milestones in aviation. In 1936 and 1937, he participated in several ultra long flights, including a 63-hour flight from Moscow, Soviet Union to Vancouver, Washington, United States via the North Pole in a Tupolev ANT-25 airplane (18–20 June 1937), a non-stop distance of 8,811 kilometres (5,475 mi). The flight pioneered the polar air route from Europe to the American Pacific Coast. The displays are well done, interestingly arranged and easy to see. It turns the history of the Fort Vancouver area into a bustling, thriving point of interest in your mind. Well worth a stop to check it out.
