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 showing a park

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 when you stop by The Academy. Wander around the area's picturesque gardens or experience its acclaimed art scene.

The Academy

Vancouver Farmers Market

During your trip to Vancouver, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs 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 like biking in Vancouver. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its acclaimed art scene.

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 savor the top-notch restaurants.

Regal City Center

Things to do

Half-Day Multnomah Falls & Gorge Waterfalls Tour

Half-Day Multnomah Falls & Gorge Waterfalls Tour

P5,024
per traveler
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

P2,837
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings
Portland: 2-hour Lunch Cruise on the Willamette River

Portland: 2-Hour Lunch Cruise Through Downtown

P5,142
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Portland: 2-Hour Lunch Cruise Through Downtown
Portland: Willamette River 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise

Portland: Dinner Cruise on the Willamette River

P7,506
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Portland: Dinner Cruise on the Willamette River
Picture 11 for Activity Portland: Champagne Brunch Cruise on Willamette River

Portland: Brunch Cruise on Willamette River

P6,147
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Portland: Brunch Cruise on Willamette River
Aerial view of the Oregon Coast

Full-Day Northern Oregon Coast Tour

P8,287
per traveler
94% of travellers recommend
Full-Day Northern Oregon Coast 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 P4,890 per night from Feb 23 to Feb 24
P4,890
P5,534 total
Feb 23 - Feb 24
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,149 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 Feb 5, 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 P10,459 per night from Mar 13 to Mar 14
P10,459
P11,705 total
Mar 13 - Mar 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (339 reviews)
The location is really great. Right on the boardwalk with access to restaurants, treats and wineries. My partner and I often stay in local hotels and to check them out for referrals to business associates and guests from out of town. I would have given this hotel a 5 star review, but some room conditions ...

Reviewed on Feb 4, 2026

AC Hotel Vancouver Waterfront
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
808 SW Taylor St Portland OR
The price is P5,334 per night from Feb 18 to Feb 19
P5,334
P6,217 total
Feb 18 - Feb 19
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,190 reviews)
Staff and location were great!

Reviewed on Feb 7, 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 P6,918 per night from Feb 15 to Feb 16
P6,918
P8,064 total
Feb 15 - Feb 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,019 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 Feb 8, 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 P5,456 per night from Feb 16 to Feb 17
P5,456
P6,621 total
Feb 16 - Feb 17
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,969 reviews)
Room was clean, spacious, and had a wonderful view of the pond. We had a great dinner in the restaurant down stairs. Everyone treated us friendly. Thank you Radisson Portland!!!

Reviewed on Feb 7, 2026

Radisson Hotel Portland Airport
Heathman Lodge

Heathman Lodge

3.5 out of 5
7801 NE Greenwood Dr Vancouver WA
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,633 reviews)
clean quiet room we will stay there again

Reviewed on Feb 3, 2026

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Heathman Lodge
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Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Vancouver

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North Portland

North Portland is highly notable for its stunning river views, and you might want to visit top sights like Moda Center and Heron Lakes Golf Club. See more of Portland by jumping on the metro at Delta Park-Vanport Station or Expo Center Station.

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 the city at Kenton-North Denver Avenue Station or Delta Park-Vanport Station.

Kenton
China town, Portland Oregon..

Northwest Portland

If you're spending time in Northwest Portland, check out sights like Leif Erickson Trail or Pittock Mansion and hop on the metro to see more 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

Though Irvington might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions 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

If you're spending time in Northeast Portland, check out sights like Moda Center or Colwood National Golf Course and hop on the metro to see more the city at Parkrose-Sumner Transit Center or NE 82nd Avenue Station.

Northeast Portland

Downtown Vancouver