Four stars for Vancouver Waterfront Park, a place so pleasant it almost convinces you humanity isn't a total bust. You've got the river doing its best impersonation of tranquility, bridges stretching like lazy cats across the sky, and the whole area smelling faintly of wood-fired pizza and expensive hair product. It's beautiful. Truly. You can sit on a bench and pretend you're in a beer commercial. Salt and Straw serves up ice cream so good it makes you wonder why you ever bothered with hope. The winery pours wine so delicious that it feels like it has a grudge against sobriety. There are restaurants with menus full of things your grandmother never heard of. And there's a Hotel Indigo, which sounds like a place a jazz musician would live if he ever got his act together. The problem, of course, is the "look at me" young adults. There are flocks of them in cars they can't quite afford, all of them addicted to the sound of their own engines on their Instragram. They circle like moths who think the park is a particularly sexy porch light. They rev and honk and idle in a way that says, "Pay attention! I am loud and without purpose." It's like a car show had a baby with a midlife crisis, only sold tickets to participants who find the 20th century to be ancient history and dropped the whole thing off right next to your outdoor table. Still, beauty is beauty. The water doesn't care who's making noise. Neither do the bridges. They've seen worse. So have I. Four stars. read more

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Vancouver is really doing the right thing with the way they're developing this area! It has gorgeous views of the river and bridges. Notable locations are the cable-stayed pier and the "headwaters wall" water feature in summer. There is a lovely walking path and plenty of shops, restaurants, breweries, and wineries to stop in for a sit and sip. read more

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Soak up the sun.... I've been very lucky on this trip to get sunny days. This place is very nice to walk and eat on a sunny day. Lots of parking nearby either meter or passport parking. Tip: Download the Passport Parking app to avoid standing in line to pay to park. I can imagine how busy it must get here at nights or on the weekends. Today everyone was soaking up the sun. read more

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We love coming here! There is a good selection of restaurants/wine bars, ice cream, and even a cute local vendor shop. It's also a lovely place to just walk around or sit and admire the view. Parking can be a pain when it's nice out because everyone wants to be down at the Waterfront, but still worth it (They just opened a new parking garage so I think that'll help). Some sections seem to be for sale so I can't wait to see what else opens up in the coming months/years! read more

Vancouver Waterfront Park - Parks Near Me - Vancouver, Washington

I absolutely love this place! It's such an awesome addition to Vancouver! There's something for everyone down here. It's a great place to walk/jog. There's a play structure for kids, water splash area, and plenty of restaurants with indoor and outdoor seating options. They have placed plenty of seating options for people just perusing the waterfront and enjoying the views. There are many restaurant options, from seafood to pasta to pizza to burgers to taprooms to wineries to milkshakes. Enough options to please everyone. The prices are a little high at some restaurants because of the gorgeous views. Definitely read reviews to find the best options. There is street and lot parking available. Parking is $2/hr. Definitely recommend. read more

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What a lovely place! We visited on a beautifully sunny Saturday in February, so the waterfront was lively, full of people enjoying the weather, out with friends and family, walking their dogs and exercising (walking, running and biking) along the trails. There was live music playing in two spots , I think by independent local musicians and we also witnessed a couple getting engaged. I'd been wanting to check this place out for a while because I always see it shown on the local news and I'm so glad we did. I'd happily return to enjoy the local dining options, beautiful walking trails and amazing view of the river. read more

Vancouver Waterfront Park - Waterfront Park - Parks Near Me - Vancouver, Washington

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Absolutely LOVE coming here. One of my favorite spots to decompress and enjoy the water. It's beautiful! The only downside is there are lots and lots of people here on the weekends, and during the evenings on weekdays, so if you prefer less of a crowd, i'd avoid going during those times. read more

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I needed to drop in here for a happening and I have been wanting to check out the area. I lived in Vancouver for several years and am happy they are embracing and enhancing downtown. The waterfront space is such a great start and I can see that it will just continue to evolve as time goes by. There is a lot of street parking and garages for people as well. I have to say that I was sad one of the shops I was interested in seeing is closed on Mondays but after taking a look at all the shop fronts, I now cannot wait to go back. I already have a bit of a plan to go to a restaurant, a bit of shopping and then dessert. In Vancouver there is not a lot of lingering ships and so the view is really just river. I was not expecting such a serene view. read more

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Calling all city planners and urban designers and engineers: if you want to see, first-hand, how to best revitalize a city, come and check out Vancouver's waterfront area, here on the north side of the Columbia River. Honestly, my opinion of Vancouver, WA was not that great, prior to visiting this area. All I knew of the city is what I saw driving through it on my way to Portland. It seemed gritty, dirty, kinda seedy. Not really worth stopping over for anything. And then I was introduced to this waterfront area and, all I can say is, WOW. What an amazing, beautiful area, both in natural beauty and man-made. The vistas from the water's edge are stunning, with views of multiple bridges straddling and joining Oregon to Washington state, and mountains in the distance. And the actual walkways and paved footpaths are ultra modern, with a main lookout on the primary pier, suspended by cables, and lots of room and seating to accommodate even large crowds. There's a play area for the kiddies, complete with water features, and when I visited, there were tons of families and couples strolling the paths with their dogs. (There are grassy areas adjacent to the walkways). I also noted how flat and well-maintained the paved trails were, so people with mobility issues or in wheelchairs could also enjoy this glorious area. There are some excellent restaurants in walking distance, just across from the park (we ate at a burger and whiskey joint -and man, it was GOOD!), all with outdoor patio seating and spectacular views of the waterfront. And there are luxury condo buildings and modern office towers in the area, too. In other words, there's really something here to see, no matter what direction you look in. And apparently there's often something to do, too, as many fairs and festivals and gatherings are held here. There is a large parking lot just a block behind the restaurant row (paid parking, but it's very reasonable) and some street parking in the area. (Note: check out all the 5-star ratings for this park! That should tell you something!). read more

Talk about spectacular view of Washington/Oregon. My last stop in Vancouver before cousins dropped me off at Mt Hood for 50k ultra race was just breath taking views as race day. I never been to either Vancouver or Portland before this trip. I always heard literally Vancouver and Portland only separated by river. Vancouver Waterfront Park without doubt most scenic spot to check it out. Not only have they revitalized that area along the river. It all high end condos to luxury apartments. Also bunch of new restaurants none had time check out. The area love the vibe and they done. It goes miles right along river. All landscapes sweet (kids playground area) all kinds of stuff, the path see people running, walking, cycling, and more along paces path. All along way look across river or bridges (two or three but one famous oldest) boats or train track runs across river. So much going on. It amazing spot just chill take in life. One that would recommend check out if ever in the area!!! read more

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On the north bank of the Columbia River, is Vancouver's waterfront development that brings the downtown to the river's edge. The focal point of this area is the cable-stayed pier and magnificent water feature. The park incorporates areas for picnics, biking, riverfront access, walking trails, a water feature and an expansive greenspace. Its scattered with beautiful restaurants and apartments and provides a very modern yet scenic appeal . To say I absolutely love seeing the sunsets here would be an understatement . No matter what time of the day , the waterfront is always lively -there is live music , kids playing , lots of people hanging out in the area , I have even seen a proposal or two on the pier. It is open to the public from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m and there are no fees. There is a huge parking lot right across the street and also metered street parking. read more

(Stolen from my Vancouver Waterfront review, as these two entries are virtually identical): As a (former) lifelong resident of Vancouver, I was pretty skeptical of the waterfront project when they first announced it. Before I knew it, buildings began to spring up and to life all down the renovated strip of riverfront real estate, and I had to check it out. Downtown Vancouver had been struggling for decades, and several prominent local businesses and enterprises (The Holland restaurant, Lucky Brewery, etc) had faded away into memory, and urban decay had begun to set in. The area around Esther Short gentrified, but it seemed as if that momentum was lost, since nothing else of significance had happened for quite some time. Then the Waterfront project happened, and for once, there's hope of true transformation to modernity in Vancouver, and that is a welcome change! There are some truly fabulous restaurants, wine tasting rooms, parks, walks and trails here. I've reviewed several individually, so I won't expand on them here, but as a communal and commercial space as a whole, the Vancouver Waterfront is exactly what this town needed. Modernity. Relevancy. Sophistication. Fun. Worth a visit just to see what's new, what's going on, and what's yet to come, as things continue to grow and expand. The gateway to Washington State on the I-5 corridor (and one of the few border crossings of significance in the state) has needed this for quite some time. Finally, we have something to show off! read more

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Great place to go for a walk, or ride a bike. Lots to see and do in the area. Quiet in the afternoon read more

Vancouver Waterfront Park - Parks Near Me - Vancouver, Washington

Love the restaurant and wineries. The new parking structure is a disaster. Twenty minutes to park. Bad design. It is taking 30 minutes to get out. They close all the surface lots. A void at all costs read more

Such a beautiful place. I think we have been to Portland a number of times and never came here. It is like a hidden gem. There are many restaurants and pubs nearby. You can take a leisurely walk here and enjoy the view and the nice ambiance. During the summer, they have a splash area where the kids can play with water. Parking can be difficult if you come during dinner time. read more

Beautiful waterfront park along the Columbia River. Wide, paved and boardwalk paths that are easy for young, old and everyone in between to meander along and take in the lovely scenery. There are several areas with benches and casual seating with one section of the walkway going out over the water a bit. Some seating is tiered for better viewing when they have public musical performances and such. Grassy areas along the walkway with nice landscaping and natural stone accents mixed in along with some sculptural/artistic elements. They also have a small jungle gym & sand play area (with a water spout to clean sand off your feet) for the kiddos at the far end of the park. There are a few nicer restaurants right along this area as well and at least one casual fish & chips type to-go/counter place if you care to have a nosh before or after your stroll. There is a bit of construction going on in the area as they are building up this section of downtown with some other buildings and luxury condos to go along with the stunning view. read more

Vancouver did it right! This is exactly what prime waterfront space should be used for! Large spacious walking path all along the water with benches everywhere to sit and chill. Huge fountains and architectural features. Expansive views east and west which means perfect sunrise or sunset viewing. Several restaurants that take advantage of these gorgeous views with large windows that let in the light and let customers see the river. Plus they have outdoor seating, including fire pits and outdoor bars. Wildfin Grill has a walk up Taco bar on the walkway side if you want to grab food quickly without having to sit in the restaurant. They even sell that soft serve ice cream, perfect on a hot day. On a sunny day, there is no where better to be! My first time here was in June on a glorious blue sky day. Everyone had the same idea so there were lots of people everywhere but it never felt crowded or that people were in your space. Returned last night to meet a friend who was here from CA on a business trip. Figured it would be crowded so we arrived at 4:30 for Happy Hour. The traffic on I-5 in both directions was horrendous, but once we got to the Waterfront, it was peaceful and serene. There is a huge parking lot in front of Wildfin, Twiggs and Mayhill Tasting Room. You have to pay all hours. If you find street parking, which is easy on a weeknight, you only pay until 6:00pm. It's only $1.20 an hour, a bargain. Portland, wake-up! Stop building more and more apartments that no one needs. Create spaces that increase the quality of life, that give people a reason to visit and a reason to love living in the PNW. Vancouver, thank you! Looking forward to seeing how the Waterfront evolves and for spending more of my time and money here! read more

Vancouver Waterfront Park - Parks Near Me - Vancouver, Washington

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Love stopping by here to catch a breath of fresh air! The pier is a great place to watch boats go by in the summer time, spacious, clean wide paths for walking or taking your pets out for a stroll. This is a grand up and coming urban development and a popular place for locals and even tourists to come and explore. The ice cream shop gets poppin on a hot day and I'm sure the water fountain would be fun for the kiddos. We look forward to seeing the future expansion of the waterfront and checking out the restaurants and shops next time! read more

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A 7 acre park developed on what used to be the Boise Cascade paper mill. Still under heavy development, this place is on the verge of greatness. Sometime in the near future, when the condominium buildings are complete and the shop/restaurant tenant spaces are full, the Vancouver Waterfront will be a force to be reckoned with. Even now the walk along side the Columbia River is easy, cool, beautiful, and breathtaking. The WildFin and Twigs restaurants are already making a name for themselves, and Kafiex Roasters will give any self respecting Portland coffee shop a run for the crown. Parking is plentiful and close, and the whole site is within walking distance of Esther Short Park as well as the Vancouver Farmer's Market. Stop by and you will be pleasantly surprised. read more

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My family and I wandered here after the Hawaiian festival and I felt instantly at peace. It was very clean and quiet. Due to the ridiculous amounts of delicious food we ate at the festival we needed a spot to just relax and chat amongst ourselves. We sat for almost an hour talking. I don't go to Vancouver at all but after this weekend I plan to come back to this park. read more

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It was a sunny day and as a Portlander it was pretty fantastic to go and not be shoulder to shoulder with everyone. Stopped for a nice rest at the park to watch the Columbia and kids playing. Bench seating a plenty. Clean and open with great plantings. The restaurants are friendly although the huge signs at the Maryhill tasting room saying VIP only put me off to even considering the wine tasting. I actually was down there because of their commercial on the radio. The soft serve was wonderful and the lemonade refreshing. read more

Vancouver Waterfront Park - Park - Parks Near Me - Vancouver, Washington

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Went again today loved it and so did my pup. The water feature is great it's like a running stream and fountain. Kids and dogs all in it together having fun. read more

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Beautiful space to gather, enjoy the views and to stroll. The new fountain is equally beautiful--anticipating its opening! Picnic areas or lots of dining choices, this is a place for the masses, and another reason to embrace the Couv. read more

Gorgeous views of the river, and a great spot to stroll around (hunt: watch the sunset). I was pleasantly surprised with my experience here, given that Vancouver, WA can seem lackluster at times. I'd highly recommend checking this park out though! Parking can be tough so be prepared to walk or wait a bit if it's a busy time. read more

Nice area with up and coming businesses. Not five stars because I had wished to see more restaurants, cafes and bars open earlier (like around 11am) with heated outdoor seating that allows pets. read more

This rating only reflects my opinion of this new waterfront park as a dog friendly destination. I would say it is really a waterside piazza. Lovely broad walkways dotted with patches of green spaces. There is no shade to sit under if you or the dog needs to cool off. There are restaurants with outdoor seating but none of them are dog friendly. The developers were thoughtful in providing a dog height drink at every water fountain. Bottom line: It is a lovely stroll but don't plan on making a day of it. read more

We love the waterfront now and try to come down often! Great restaurant options around and a walk up fish and chips bar! Fun with our three boys. We moved North in 2013 when all this development was beginning and returned last month home to Vancouver to this!! read more

After crossing the mighty Columbia into Vancouver for a late lunch date, we had some time to kill. We pulled up the Oracle (yelp app) and located this particular as an option to check out. We rolled through an industrial area as we followed Siri's directions and upon our arrival came across an area bustling with construction. We found a pay-to-park lot, and stepped out into the rain being pushed into the area by the Pineapple Express. We located the Grant Street Pier. It is a wonderful piece of architectural eye candy seeming to defy gravity as it jets out over the river. With all the big plans slatted for this area, I am curious to return and enjoy more what it will have to offer! read more

Absolutely gorgeous view of the Columbia. I've been wanting to come and visit for a very long time since I heard it's grand opening - a nice stroll and Sunday's farmers market not too far from a distance. The park is still incomplete and they're in the process of an interactive water feature coming soon near the pier. Definitely looking forward to coming back when construction is complete in this area read more

This is amazing what they have done to bring life back into the area. Hopefully it will work out to make Vancouver even better. I'm slowly exploring Vancouver and finding my new favorite spots ..... even over Portland. Keep it Vancouver I may jump over the river to live read more

We really like this area, but avoid the private parking lots if you can. We had a lovely dinner at Stack 571 and walk along the water, but came back to find a ticket on our car because we didn't put a receipt on the dash. We had paid using the app instructions at the lot, and that doesn't result in a receipt. Hopefully the various screenshots and photos proving payment we submitted will make it go away, but it was frustrating and put a damper on an otherwise lovely evening. Opt for City parking if you can, we've had no issues with those spots. If you do have to park in one of the lots, don't use the app and make sure you have a parking receipt to put on your dash. read more