When to visit
Before visiting Fort Vancouver, check the official hours and any announcements on the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site website. The National Park Service (NPS) app also provides real-time updates, maps, and notifications. You can bring pets to the exterior grounds, but they are not allowed inside the reconstructed Fort Vancouver. The entrance fee for the fort is $10 for visitors aged 16 and older, with free entry available on specific holidays and during National Park Week. The Pearson Air Museum is free and features rotating exhibits on military and aviation history. Both the fort and the museum are open Tuesday through Saturday.
What to do at Fort Vancouver
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is packed with opportunities to step back in time. From its roots as a fur trading post to its role in military history and early aviation, the site tells the story of the American Pacific Northwest’s beginnings. It’s a place where you can explore the lives, challenges, and communities that shaped this region.
Outdoor Activities
Historic Gardens: Walk through gardens that once fed the Fort’s workers, showcasing a variety of fruits and vegetables from the 1800s.
Dog-Friendly Trails: Enjoy walking trails and participate in the summer Bark Ranger program with your furry friends.
Picnics: Relax and dine in the park’s picnic areas, open from dawn to dusk.
Fort Vancouver Village: Take a scenic walk to learn about the lives of laborers who supported the Fort.
Birdwatching: Spot various bird species in the park’s green spaces, a peaceful retreat in urban Vancouver.
Indoor Activities
Fur Trade History: Dive into the stories and artifacts of the Pacific Northwest’s fur trade era.
Blacksmith Demonstrations: Watch skilled blacksmiths work as they did in the 1800s at the reconstructed Fort.
Historic Cooking: See how meals were prepared in the 1840s in the Fort’s Kitchen.
Pearson Air Museum: Discover Vancouver’s aviation history through engaging exhibits.
Become a Junior Ranger: Earn three Junior Ranger badges at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
Where to Eat
When you're done playing explorer for the day, find Willful Wine located in the historic Grant House on Officers Row for a glass on the veranda alongside charcuterie platters or a seasonal salad. For views of the Columbia River, walk or bike across the Vancouver Land Bridge and along the Waterfront Renaissance Trail to check out McMenamins for pub fare and freshly brewed ales. Heading west from the Fort, Officers Row connects to downtown Vancouver, with Loowit Brewing, Grays Restaurant, and NOM NOM all serving up original cuisine and beer at the south end of downtown. Find even more great local spots here.
Where to stay in Vancouver
The Hilton is less than two miles away from Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and is located by Esther Short Park, offering a contemporary downtown experience. Other nearby options include the Comfort Inn & Suites and Homewood Suites. Hotel Indigo and AC Hotel Marriott offer riverfront views in new luxurious spaces.
Plan Your Visit Today
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is a fascinating destination that combines history, culture, and natural beauty. With so much to see and do, it’s an ideal outing for all ages. Remember to download the National Parks Service App for the latest updates and notifications, and don’t forget to explore downtown Vancouver’s dining and lodging options to round out your visit. Start planning your trip today and step into the rich history of the Pacific Northwest!
