Downtown Vancouver Travel Guide

Portland

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 which includes 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

Airfield Estates Winery

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Airfield Estates Winery during your travels to Vancouver. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Airfield Estates Winery

Things to do

Portland: 2-hour Lunch Cruise on the Willamette River

Portland: 2-hour Lunch Cruise on the Willamette River

฿2,737
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Portland: 2-hour Lunch Cruise on the Willamette River
Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings

Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings

฿1,510
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings
Portland: Willamette River 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise

Portland: Willamette River 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise

฿3,995
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Portland: Willamette River 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise
Picture 11 for Activity Portland: Champagne Brunch Cruise on Willamette River

Portland: Brunch Cruise on Willamette River

฿3,272
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Portland: Brunch Cruise on Willamette River
Portland: Ghosts, Poltergeists, and Psychopaths Walking Tour

Portland: Phantoms, Penance, and Poltergeists Ghost Tour

฿1,007
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Portland: Phantoms, Penance, and Poltergeists Ghost Tour
Portland: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

Portland: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

฿944
per adult
Portland: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
See all activities in Portland

Top hotels in Downtown Vancouver

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 ฿2,611 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
฿2,611
฿2,955 total
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,127 reviews)
Polite staff, good location

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

Comfort Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown City Center
Hotel Indigo Vancouver Dwtn – Portland Area by IHG

Hotel Indigo Vancouver Dwtn – Portland Area by IHG

3.5 out of 5
550 Waterfront Way Vancouver WA
The price is ฿5,491 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
฿5,491
฿7,046 total
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy 5 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (442 reviews)
The hotel was excellent as well as the hospitality. The beds were very comfortable

Reviewed on 8 Jan 2026

Hotel Indigo Vancouver Dwtn – Portland Area by IHG
The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel

The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel

4.5 out of 5
545 SW Taylor St Portland OR
The price is ฿4,530 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
฿4,530
฿5,254 total
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Portland. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, a 24-hour fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Amazing room and service.

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
808 SW Taylor St Portland OR
The price is ฿3,027 per night from 26 Jan to 27 Jan
฿3,027
฿3,528 total
26 Jan - 27 Jan
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! (3,138 reviews)
Clean hotel and great staff

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

The Paramount Hotel
Mark Spencer Hotel

Mark Spencer Hotel

3 out of 5
409 Sw 11th Ave Portland OR
The price is ฿2,604 per night from 26 Jan to 27 Jan
฿2,604
฿3,021 total
26 Jan - 27 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,954 reviews)
Room size was perfect, the bathroom was very impressive - with the separate vanity space and the robes! Soooo luxourious!

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

Mark Spencer Hotel
Radisson Hotel Portland Airport

Radisson Hotel Portland Airport

3.5 out of 5
6233 NE 78th Court Portland OR
The price is ฿3,006 per night from 28 Jan to 29 Jan
฿3,006
฿3,642 total
28 Jan - 29 Jan
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,947 reviews)
Excellent stay.

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

Radisson Hotel Portland Airport
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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 Portland International Raceway.

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
Beautiful dahlia fest in oregon; Shutterstock ID 110841185; Purchase Order: -

Overlook

While you're in Overlook, take in top sights like Swan Island or Willamette River, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at North Killingsworth Station or North Prescott Station.

Overlook
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
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
Moda Center which includes signage

Lloyd District

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Lloyd District. Moda 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

Downtown Vancouver Travel Guide