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Western Canada
Road TripsOverviewAt the head of deepwater navigation on the Columbia River, Vancouver is the oldest city in Washington. It was founded in 1824 as Fort Vancouver by the Hudson's Bay Co. During the 1860s the young town prospered from the gold rushes to eastern Washington and Idaho. The Kaiser Co. shipyard, constructed in 1942 after the United States entered World War II, employed approximately 36,000 people in three separate shifts and built about 140 vessels that were used in Pacific warfare.
Within Esther Short Park, at the corner of W. Columbia and 8th streets, is the state's oldest town square. It includes the 1867 Slocum House, a Rhode Island-style home now used as a community theater; an impressively large woodcarving of a Native American; and a bronze monument to pioneer women. A free concert and movie series takes place July through August; for schedule information phone (360) 487-8600 or (360) 487-8311.
The Vancouver Farmers Market is one of Washington's largest, with vendors offering locally grown fruits and vegetables, flowers, plants, baked goods and prepared foods. There's live music, and it's dog-friendly as well. The market sets up at 605 Esther St. between W. 6th and W. 8th streets. It operates Sat. 9-3, Sun. 10-3, mid-March through October.
Old Apple Tree Park, 112 Columbia Way, preserves what is believed to be the Pacific Northwest's oldest apple tree, planted in 1826 by residents of the Hudson's Bay Co. trading post. The paved 5-mile Waterfront Renaissance Trail runs from the southern end of Columbia Street in downtown Vancouver east along the Columbia River and Columbia Way to 12.5-acre Wintler Community Park, 6400 Beach Dr., which offers a beach area and observation decks; phone (360) 487-8311.
Covington Historical House, 4201 Main St., is an 1848 log cabin said to be the first schoolhouse in the Oregon Territory north of the Columbia River; phone (360) 695-5602.
Visitor Centers Fort Vancouver Visitor Center 1501 E. Evergreen Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98661. Phone:(360)816-6230 or (877)224-4214
ShoppingIn addition to JCPenney and Macy's, Westfield Vancouver Mall, just west of I-205 exit 30 on SR 500, offers 120 other retailers and Cinetopia, a state-of-the-art, 23-screen multiplex.
Things to Do Clark County Historical Museum
Vancouver National Historic Reserve
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Vancouver, WA
AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.
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Homewood Suites by Hilton Vancouver/Portland701 SE Columbia Shores Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98661
Book NowSave 5% or more when booking AAA/CAA rates plus earn bonus points with the AAA Preferred™ BWR Program
Best Western Plus Vancouver Mall Drive Hotel & Suites9420 NE Vancouver Mall Dr. Vancouver, WA 98662
Book NowMembers save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Vancouver Columbia Tech Center1421 SE Tech Center Dr. Vancouver, WA 98683
Book NowAs a AAA member, you'll save even more. Your AAA Travel Agent will check to see if AAA Vacations is combinable with other AAA member benefits, plus cruise and tour past passenger discounts and benefits.
