Northwest Vancouver

Vancouver

The creek runs through a greenway one and one-half miles long, flanking a checkerboard of agrarian, residential and utility company property.
The creek runs through a greenway one and one-half miles long, flanking a checkerboard of agrarian, residential and utility company property.
Those of us who trek the wilderness in the Great Northwest have some very peculiar people to thank. A little more than a century ago, as the burgeoning industrial revolution began to trammel its way across the country, the owners of railroads, municipal water holdings, the telegraph, and those new-fangled monstrosities known as electric power companies, all found themselves in a pickle. To ply their trade they needed space; more to the point, they needed specific routes through the space that other people had, or could have, just by parking their wagons and calling it home. More critically, they didn't want to have to pay for it, at least not at the going rate. They were able to convince the local, county, state and even the federal government (none of which needed much convincing), that it would be in the nation's best interest to grant a set of low-to-no cost easements ceding to these entities the rights-of-way through any obstacle which might come into their path. And while this over-simplification of events would not earn even a solid "D" in an intro to contract law course, it brings to light an undeniable reality: a lot of the wilderness we get to enjoy in this part of the country is there because someone took it and never gave it back. This became abundantly clear to me this Summer and Fall when I hiked no fewer than five major wilderness areas whose sole purpose, were they not wilderness, would be to provide a conduit for some sort of consumer service. In Washington: Dog Mountain, Hamilton Mountain, Table Mountain and the complex of trails at Coyote Wall are all criss-crossed with power lines. They don't overwhelm the landscape, but there they are. In Oregon, Mount Defiance is essentially the state's tallest communication tower; Forest Park combines water, electricity, and phone routes that are hidden so well in places, you'd never know they were there. The Burnt Bridge Creek Greenway, here in Vancouver, would simply not exist today, save for its designation as a right-of-way for Bonneville Power and the local railway. Homes were built right up to its rim, and a residential (essentially rural road) was grandfathered in before it was declared a wetland refuge, but the area itself remains blissfully exempt from development. It is home to at least a dozen species of waterfowl, herons, eagles, peregrine falcons, beavers, otters, coyote, deer, and all the usual characters thriving in an urban wildlife setting. As far as the animals are concerned, the place is more or less the way they found it. Did all this open territory come down to us by accident? Was it the by-product of both greed and a none-too-coincidental "cooperative understanding" between the private sector and those charged with protecting the public's interests? Well, kinda. But ironically enough, without that century-old landgrab, we might no longer be able to enjoy some of the Nothwest's most beautiful places. It will make me shake my head and smile every time I think about it. But I, for one, am grateful.
Here in the Northwest, we don't get to see blue sky very often in the winter time. But when we do, we tend to make it count.
Here in the Northwest, we don't get to see blue sky very often in the winter time. But when we do, we tend to make it count.

Popular places to visit

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Stride around a 19th-century fort, watch live craft demonstrations and learn about Washington’s trading and military history.

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Esther Short Park featuring a garden

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
Vancouver Lake Park

Vancouver Lake Park

After visiting Vancouver Lake Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Vancouver. Discover the beautiful waterfalls in this walkable area or enjoy its cycling trails.

Vancouver Lake Park
Pearson Air Museum featuring interior views and aircraft

Pearson Air Museum

Trace the story of flight in a fascinating Vancouver museum housing vintage plane models from the earliest days of aviation.

Pearson Air Museum
Interstate Bridge

Interstate Bridge

You can learn about the history of Vancouver when you stop by Interstate Bridge. Stroll along the area's riverfront or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.

Interstate Bridge

Vancouver Mall

During your trip to Vancouver, you can do some window-shopping at Vancouver Mall. Amble around the area's riverfront or seek out the cycling trails.

Vancouver Mall

Things to do

Half-Day Multnomah Falls & Gorge Waterfalls Tour

Half-Day Multnomah Falls & Gorge Waterfalls Tour

S$109
per traveller
96% of travellers recommend
Half-Day Multnomah Falls & Gorge Waterfalls Tour
Portland: 2-hour Lunch Cruise on the Willamette River

Portland: 2-hour Lunch Cruise on the Willamette River

S$112
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Portland: 2-hour Lunch Cruise on the Willamette River
Picture 11 for Activity Portland: Champagne Brunch Cruise on Willamette River

Portland: Brunch Cruise on Willamette River

S$134
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Portland: Brunch Cruise on Willamette River
Aerial view of the Oregon Coast

Full-Day Northern Oregon Coast Tour

S$183
per traveller
94% of travellers recommend
Full-Day Northern Oregon Coast Tour
Exclusive Mount Hood & Columbia River Gorge Air Tour

Mt. Hood & Multnomah Falls Air Tour by Envi Adventures

S$358
per adult
Mt. Hood & Multnomah Falls Air Tour by Envi Adventures
Portland: Willamette River 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise

Portland: Willamette River 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise

S$163
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Portland: Willamette River 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise
See all activities in Vancouver

Top hotels in Northwest Vancouver

The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
808 SW Taylor St Portland OR
The price is S$146 per night from 18 Jan to 19 Jan
S$146
18 Jan - 19 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,138 reviews)
Room cleaned. Staff nice and professional

Reviewed on 12 Jan, 2026

The Paramount Hotel
Holiday Inn Airport - Portland by IHG

Holiday Inn Airport - Portland by IHG

3 out of 5
8439 Ne Columbia Blvd Portland OR
The price is S$94 per night from 2 Feb to 3 Feb
S$94
2 Feb - 3 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,880 reviews)
Nice job

Reviewed on 13 Jan, 2026

Holiday Inn Airport - Portland by IHG
The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel

The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel

4.5 out of 5
545 SW Taylor St Portland OR
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$217 per night from 19 Jan to 20 Jan
S$217
19 Jan - 20 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Portland. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, a 24-hour fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Amazing room and service.

Reviewed on 13 Jan, 2026

The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel
Mark Spencer Hotel

Mark Spencer Hotel

3 out of 5
409 Sw 11th Ave Portland OR
The price is S$148 per night from 18 Jan to 19 Jan
S$148
18 Jan - 19 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,950 reviews)
Room size was perfect, the bathroom was very impressive - with the separate vanity space and the robes! Soooo luxourious!

Reviewed on 12 Jan, 2026

Mark Spencer Hotel
Radisson Hotel Portland Airport

Radisson Hotel Portland Airport

3.5 out of 5
6233 NE 78th Court Portland OR
The price is S$149 per night from 21 Jan to 22 Jan
S$149
21 Jan - 22 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,949 reviews)
All was good but they said the breakfast was free and we had to pay for the breakfast at property

Reviewed on 12 Jan, 2026

Radisson Hotel Portland Airport
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland

4 out of 5
1000 NE Multnomah Street Portland OR
The price is S$178 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
S$178
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,034 reviews)
The room was very nice, clean and the bed was comfortable. The bathroom was also nice and clean.

Reviewed on 14 Jan, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland
See all 2,741 properties in Northwest Vancouver
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Northwest Vancouver

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Hazel Dell South

Hazel Dell South might not have many top sights, but Regal Cinema 99 and Vancouver Farmers Market are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Hazel Dell South
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Lincoln

While Lincoln may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Vancouver Farmers Market and Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.

Lincoln
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West Minnehaha

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in West Minnehaha and surrounding area, you can visit Regal Cinema 99 and Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.

West Minnehaha
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Hazel Dell

Hazel Dell is well liked for its restaurants. You can also take some time to explore sights in the surrounding area like Regal Cinema 99 and Vancouver Mall.

Hazel Dell
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Rose Village

Though Rose Village may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and Pearson Air Museum.

Rose Village
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Starcrest

While there might not be top attractions in Starcrest, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Cascades Amphitheater and Clark County Fairgrounds.

Starcrest

Northwest Vancouver