Before Vancouver, B.C., came to be, there was Vancouver, Washington. Established in 1825 as Fort Vancouver by the Hudson’s Bay Company, this historic settlement officially became a city in 1857 and played a central role in the early Euro-American history of the Pacific Northwest. Today, its legacy lives on through preserved landmarks, cultural stories, and immersive tours. Ready to walk (or ride) through history? Here are six unique ways to explore Vancouver’s storied past.

Museum-Led Walks Through History

Vancouver’s hub for heritage, the Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM), offers two standout walking tours:

Wander Clark County
Held most Saturdays in the summer, each tour highlights a different local neighborhood, like downtown Vancouver, Camas, or Ridgefield. Groups of up to 25 explore a one-mile route, learning about architecture, people, and stories that shaped the region. Rain or shine, dress for the weather and wear good shoes—no restrooms on the route. More details

Haunted Walking Tours
As fall arrives, spooky takes center stage. On Friday and Saturday nights in September and October, explore downtown Vancouver’s darker side with tales from The Darkness Next Door by Pat Jollota. Costumes and flashlights encouraged! Also, look for “Spirit Tales of the Vancouver Barracks,” created by historian Jefferson Davis, a former service member at the site. More details

Providence Academy Tours

Explore Providence Academy, a striking 1873 Georgian Revival landmark designed by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Once home to a school, an orphanage, and headquarters for the Sisters of Providence, it’s one of only two surviving institutions built by Mother Joseph. Tours are available Wednesday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. by reservation or small walk-in groups. The tour includes stairs (elevator available by request). More details

Marshall House & Officer Row 

Step inside the Marshall House, former home of General George C. Marshall during his command of the Vancouver Barracks and CCC from 1936–38. This Queen Anne beauty features a turret, stained glass, and a look into Marshall’s life. Walk-in tours are available Wednesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., and select Saturdays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Bonus: Botanical Tour
Stroll through the Vancouver National Historic Reserve and Officers Row on a self-guided botanical tour. Grab a free map to discover the 366-acre landscape’s trees and plantings. More details

Rollin’ on the Waterfront 

Hop on a Ryde Scooter from the AC Hotel by Marriott and cruise the Columbia River Waterfront Renaissance Trail. This scenic five-mile ride features public art and landmarks like the Vancouver Land Bridge, Ilchee Statue, Wendy Rose Sculpture, the WWII-era Kaiser Shipyards, and more—a fun, flexible way to experience the city’s history at your own pace. Use our public art and mural map to guide you along your way! More details

Find Your Couve Scavenger Hunt

Turn your history walk into an adventure! Download the free, mobile-friendly pass and discover 12 key Vancouver landmarks. Along the way, answer trivia and explore at your own pace. Complete all 12 check-ins to enter a prize drawing for a Vancouver gift bag—winner announced December 30, 2025. Visit our Passes page for info and FAQs.