Vancouver, WA, Portland's sister city across the Columbia River, offers visitors all the options of a big city while retaining its small town charm. Newcomers to Washington's fourth largest city will find a wide selection of first class restaurants, boutique stores and shopping centers as well as fine art galleries nestled amongst a mixture of historic architecture and modern buildings. The budget traveler or the year-round resident with an itch for exploration will easily stay busy in this gem of the Pacific Northwest.
Any time of the year, a walk to Main Street will get you a closer look at Vancouver's art scene. Be sure not to miss Firehouse Glass, which showcases one of a kind glass pieces in a unique setting, the historic 1906 National Bank Building. Other galleries on this street include Angst Gallery, Aurora Gallery, North Bank Artists Gallery, and Art on the Boulevard, all featuring local artists in a variety of media.
Go For a Walk
After checking out the shops downtown, take a stroll along the Waterfront Renaissance Trail. The leisurely 4-mile boardwalk hugs Columbia River Drive, and takes you past the 7-foot tall statue of Ilchee, the daughter of 19th century Chinook chieftan, Comcomly. The trail connects to the Columbia River waterfront for more shopping, or head into one of the numerous restaurants for quick bite. For a shorter walk, start on East Evergreen and take the 2.3 mile Discovery Trail Loop and discover Fort Vancouver along the way. With a pleasant climate year-round, you will have plenty of opportunities to explore the 40 miles of urban trails that wind through downtown.
| I/N Flyer
click to enlarge |
