Downtown Vancouver

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

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

Things to do

Half-Day Multnomah Falls & Gorge Waterfalls Tour

Half-Day Multnomah Falls & Gorge Waterfalls Tour

RM341
per traveller
96% of travellers recommend
Half-Day Multnomah Falls & Gorge Waterfalls Tour
Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings

Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings

RM192
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings
Portland: Willamette River 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise

Portland: Dinner Cruise on the Willamette River

RM509
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Portland: Dinner Cruise on the Willamette River
get into the photo at our favorite waterfalls!

Silver Falls Waterfall Hiking Tour from Portland

RM397
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Silver Falls Waterfall Hiking Tour from Portland
Columbia River Gorge Air Torus

Stunning Air Tour of the Columbia River Gorge by Envi Adventures

RM437
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Stunning Air Tour of the Columbia River Gorge by Envi Adventures
All-Inclusive Downtown Portland Food Tour

All-Inclusive Downtown Portland Food Tour

RM513
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
All-Inclusive Downtown Portland Food Tour
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 RM331 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
RM331
RM374 total
22 Feb - 23 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! (1,148 reviews)
Breakfast was great. The staff were awesome, especially Ariel. My bed was not comfortable and my room was very noisy. I didn't feel safe in my room as the locks appeared flimsy and the door didn't stay in place when anyone walked by. There was at least an inch and half of space at the bottom of the ...

Reviewed on 9 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 RM707 per night from 20 Feb to 21 Feb
RM707
RM791 total
20 Feb - 21 Feb
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! (342 reviews)
Clean room. Great location.

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

AC Hotel Vancouver Waterfront
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
808 SW Taylor St Portland OR
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM361 per night from 18 Feb to 19 Feb
RM361
RM420 total
18 Feb - 19 Feb
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! (3,190 reviews)
Staff was awesome, room was good, no complaints

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

The Paramount Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland

4 out of 5
1000 NE Multnomah Street Portland OR
The price is RM466 per night from 15 Feb to 16 Feb
RM466
RM543 total
15 Feb - 16 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,021 reviews)
The staff is courteous and helpful. The breakfast Buffett had a nice selection of options. Many hot food choices such as Potatoes, sausage, eggs and oatmeal. There were baked goods, bagels and toast. The beds were comfortable .

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland
Radisson Hotel Portland Airport

Radisson Hotel Portland Airport

3.5 out of 5
6233 NE 78th Court Portland OR
The price is RM364 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
RM364
RM442 total
23 Feb - 24 Feb
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! (2,977 reviews)
It was fair- it looks like they have been trying to upgrade the hotel.

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026

Radisson Hotel Portland Airport
Heathman Lodge

Heathman Lodge

3.5 out of 5
7801 NE Greenwood Dr Vancouver WA
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,649 reviews)
My room had an overwhelming paint smell. I kept the window open the entire time I was there but the smell was nauseating.

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

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Heathman Lodge
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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
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 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