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

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

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

Regal City Center

You can take time to visit Regal City Center during your travels to Vancouver. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Regal City Center

Activities

Half-Day Multnomah Falls & Gorge Waterfalls Tour

Half-Day Multnomah Falls & Gorge Waterfalls Tour

NZ$142
per traveller
96% of travellers recommend
Half-Day Multnomah Falls & Gorge Waterfalls Tour
Full-Day Guided Oregon Coast Tour from Portland

Full-Day Guided Oregon Coast Tour from Portland

NZ$232
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Full-Day Guided Oregon Coast Tour from Portland
Portland: 2-hour Lunch Cruise on the Willamette River

Portland: 2-Hour Lunch Cruise Through Downtown

NZ$145
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Portland: 2-Hour Lunch Cruise Through Downtown
Picture 11 for Activity Portland: Champagne Brunch Cruise on Willamette River

Portland: Brunch Cruise on Willamette River

NZ$173
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Portland: Brunch Cruise on Willamette River
Portland: Willamette River 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise

Portland: Dinner Cruise on the Willamette River

NZ$212
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Portland: Dinner Cruise on the Willamette River
Portland: Ghosts, Poltergeists, and Psychopaths Walking Tour

Portland: Phantoms, Penance, and Poltergeists Ghost Tour

NZ$54
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Portland: Phantoms, Penance, and Poltergeists Ghost 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 NZ$158 per night from 25 Feb to 26 Feb
NZ$158
per night
25 Feb - 26 Feb
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,144 reviews)
It was nice. Having the Black Angus Steak House right next door made a New Years Eve out on the road ok.

Reviewed on 5 Feb 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 NZ$334 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
NZ$334
per night
1 Mar - 2 Mar
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! (343 reviews)
Clean room. Great location.

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

AC Hotel Vancouver Waterfront
Park Lane Suites and Inn

Park Lane Suites and Inn

2.5 out of 5
809 SW King Avenue Portland OR
The price is NZ$165 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
NZ$165
per night
22 Feb - 23 Feb
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. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,629 reviews)
The front desk attendant was very welcoming and super sweet and friendly. Gave us very clear instructions about parking, amenities, and our room.

Reviewed on 15 Feb 2026

Park Lane Suites and Inn
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
808 SW Taylor St Portland OR
The price is NZ$177 per night from 18 Feb to 19 Feb
NZ$177
per night
18 Feb - 19 Feb
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! (3,195 reviews)
Staff was awesome, room was good, no complaints

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

The Paramount Hotel
Radisson Hotel Portland Airport

Radisson Hotel Portland Airport

3.5 out of 5
6233 NE 78th Court Portland OR
The price is NZ$194 per night from 27 Feb to 28 Feb
NZ$194
per night
27 Feb - 28 Feb
Stay at this golf hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,981 reviews)
good place

Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026

Radisson Hotel Portland Airport
Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown

Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown

4 out of 5
319 SW Pine St Portland OR
The price is NZ$232 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
NZ$232
per night
1 Mar - 2 Mar
Stay at this luxury hotel in Portland. Enjoy free breakfast, 2 restaurants and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,415 reviews)
Nice hotel

Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown
See all 2,803 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 Moda Center and Heron Lakes Golf Club.

North Portland
Portland_InternationalRaceway_6078401-1

Kenton

While you're in Kenton, take in top sights like Portland International Raceway or Heron Lakes Golf Club, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Kenton-North Denver Avenue Station or Delta Park-Vanport Station.

Kenton
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
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Irvington

While Irvington may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Moda Center and Lloyd Center.

Irvington
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 Moda Center or Colwood National Golf Course, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Parkrose-Sumner Transit Center or NE 82nd Avenue Station.

Northeast Portland

Downtown Vancouver Travel Guide

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