We’re wrapping up the year with some of everyone’s top Vancouver and SW Washington photos of 2021! Looking forward to future visits and new memories in 2022 on the north shore of the Columbia!
January kicked off with a reminder that we’re the OG Vancouver, celebrating 164 years! Vancouver USA was incorporated in 1857, 29 years before Vancouver B.C. To make things even more interesting, Captain Meriwether Lewis stated in 1806 that what’s now Vancouver is “the only desired situation for settlement west of the Rocky Mountains.” A lot has changed since that time, as seen in this January post, but Vancouver is still our favorite place to be!
February brought a chilly forecast serving up some PNW winter magic! It was hard to get over how serene the county looked bundled in a blanket of snowfall. Though, to be fair, we always think this view is delightful.
March came and evenings were spent at the waterfront during breaks in the rain. From beautiful scenery to the flourishing wine scene, there’s a lot to love about the Couve. Forbes even named Vancouver, WA the number two place in the country to visit during the pandemic!
April arrived, and flower season was upon us! From tulips and lilacs to wildflowers and cherry blossoms, there's no shortage of blooms waiting to be explored during this season.
May entered the conversation before we knew it, marking 41 years since the infamous eruption of Mount St. Helens. With miles of trails to explore (including underground lava caves!), there are plenty of activities year-round. A great SW Washington adventure not too far from the Couve!
June peaked with record-breaking heat waves across the PNW. Luckily, we had the inside scoop on the best spots to cool down with a swim and the perfect chilly treats—along with fresh morning walks at the Historic Reserve and over the Vancouver Land Bridge.
July came and went in a flash, but not before we welcomed the waterfront’s newest sensation, The Yard Milkshake Bar—including a Vancouver exclusive menu item, the 𝐉𝐚𝐯𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐯a!
August brought a lot of excitement as the Vancouver community welcomed 2020 Olympic silver medalist Jordan Chiles back to her hometown! The event included a parade through downtown Vancouver, a meet and greet, and a key to the city presented by Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. Many came out to show their love and celebrate Chiles’ amazing accomplishments.
September seemed more like fall than summer with the beginning of amazing foliage at the Cedar Creek Grist Mill and sunset views along the Waterfront Renaissance Trail. There were plenty of magical moments captured between those beautiful blue and golden hours.
October officially kicked off spooky season in the Couve. In fitting fashion, it was discovered that Vancouver, WA ranked 5 out of 200 of the Best Cities for a Surviving a Zombie Apocalypse!
November was busy as SW Washington celebrated 50 years since D.B. Cooper jumped into the night on Nov. 24, 1971, never to be seen again. The Columbia River Gorge landed a spot in National Geographic Travel’s ‘Best of the World 2022’ list for its scenic beauty and experiences. And the cooler temperatures brought a flurry (or drizzle) of winter spirit to kick off the holiday season!
December emerged from fall with frosty temperatures and amazing sunsets as the days got shorter and the nights longer.
We can’t wait to welcome back visitors to Vancouver, WA in 2022. Cheers to a new year of safe travels and awe-inspiring exploration!