vancouver wa walking tours

• Get Involved
• Member Portal

Tickets on Sale Now!

Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Vancouver, WA

Pivotal Buildings in the Core Downtown Area

Although Fort Vancouver has a Euro-American history dating back to the early 19th century, the city dates most it’s historic buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

On this architectural walking tour we’ll explore the history of the city through stories about a number of pivotal buildings in the core downtown area including the historic Sisters of Providence Academy and Kiggins Theater (both pictured above and below.)

Esther Short Park 605 Esther St Vancouver, WA 98660

© 2024 Positively PNW Walking Tours. Website by Triple Play Studio | Privacy Policy

• VIRTUAL TOURS

Walk and Talk Tours

Historic tours.

Our tours are an opportunity to dive into local history by visiting buildings and a curated site that have been with us for more than a century. Explore the Marshall House and Providence Academy guided by expert docents, or take a leisurely stroll through The Historic Reserve and explore the landscape with our Self-Guided Botanical Tour map. For questions or large group inquiries please contact 360-992-1800.

Providence Academy Tours

Providence Academy was built by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1873 and served as a school, orphanage, and governance offices for the Sisters of Providence. Mother Joseph, along with four other Montreal nuns, traveled to Vancouver to serve the social and religious needs of locals. Providence Academy has four stories and is constructed in brick in a neo-Georgian style. It operated as a school until 1966. The Academy is open for tours on Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by reservation or for small walk-in groups, and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on select Friday evenings in March, April, and May of 2024.

Marshall House Tours

The Marshall House is named in honor of General George C. Marshall, who lived there from 1936 to 1938, serving as Commander of the Barracks and the regional Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This home’s Queen Anne architecture serves a striking example of late 19 th  century American architecture, with ornate features including stained glass, decorative woodwork, and a round turret. The museum-like setting features period furnishings, military memorabilia, and an interpretation of Marshall’s study. Walk-in tours are available Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on select Saturdays in 2024.

Self-Guided Botanical Tour

Trees and other botanical features are signature landscape elements contributing to the experience of visiting and living and working at the 366-acre Vancouver National Historic Reserve (VNHR), created by an act of Congress in 1996. The Botanical Tour Map was produced in part with funding from the City of Vancouver Lodging Tax Grant Program and with the assistance of the City of Vancouver Urban Forestry Program. The Historic Trust thanks them for their support for the project. The Historic Reserve grounds are open for self-guided tours, and you may print our botanical tour map.

The Historic Trust and the City of Vancouver are grateful for grant funding from the Heritage Capital Projects program managed by the Washington State Historical Society. This support has contributed significantly towards the preservation, public usage, and community enjoyment of these buildings which help tell the story of our state.

Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Events Calendar
• Become a Sponsor
• Celebrate Freedom Events

Type your email address in the box below to receive monthly updates on the latest events, promotions, trip ideas, and more!

Type your search here...

Walking Tour: Murals & Public Art of Downtown

Discover the charm of Vancouver's downtown through its impressive array of murals and public art. From restaurant walls to shop facades and even filling the cracks, these vibrant works of art tell unique stories, each contributing to the city's culture. Take a stroll, snap a photo, and share the colorful creativity of Vancouver!

Use the map and background info below to guide your next stroll through downtown. If you know of a mural we still need, please reach out to [email protected] so we can add it. 

Exploring Vancouver’s Art District

Since 2004, the City of Vancouver and the Clark County Mural Society have been working together to transform public spaces by creating over 40 murals and nearly 20 displays of public art. Vancouver's Downtown Association also collaborates with groups like the Great River Arts Festival to keep the downtown area alive and beautiful. In 2022 and 2023, they added over 15 new murals. The  "Welcome to Vancouver"  mural greets visitors at 6th & Broadway, while the Art District Mural Lot (pictured) showcases a variety of creativity and celebrates the diversity of the community. Visitors can find a cluster of murals along Washington and Main Street, and the alleyway behind Kindred Homestead Supply off Main Street has been transformed into an outdoor gallery.

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Visit Vancouver WA (@vancouver_wa)

Self-Guided Tours

Step out on a self-guided tour around downtown, with something unique around each corner. Start at the vibrant "Groovin' and 'Couvin"  mural by Esther Short Park and follow the mural map mentioned above to explore a kaleidoscope of paintings. As you stroll through the area, you'll come across eye-catching works like the "Columbia Food Park" and “Nch'i-Wana” (pictured). Keep an eye out for intriguing public art installations like "The Visitor," which features a tentacle emerging from a manhole, and "Volunteer Corner," showcasing a miniature Vancouver city sculpture. Don't forget to explore the nearby galleries and museums , adding layers of cultural richness to your walk.

Inspired by Vancouver

Vancouver’s artistic community is inspired by the city's natural beauty and vibrant colors . The landscape between the curves of the Columbia River and the lush forests and mountains provides the perfect canvas for creativity to flourish. One mural that captures the essence of our city is “Vancouver WA” (pictured), a mural by artist Christian Barrios. Commissioned in partnership with Visit Vancouver WA, and the VDA, this piece welcomes visitors into the heart of downtown, celebrating our rich history and waterfront wonders. As you explore, look for other murals that pay homage to Vancouver's heritage and charm, such as "Lucky to be Living in Vancouver,"   "Welcome to Vancouver," "Brewer's History," and "Leupke History." Each mural adds another layer to our city's narrative, inviting you to delve deeper into its history and culture through art.

Artists of Vancouver

Let's shine a spotlight on the artists who contribute to Vancouver's vibrant art scene, each leaving their mark on the city's landscape. From Ana the Artist's iconic Evergreen Bridge, Heart Mural, and Flower Door to the collaborative efforts showcased at the Great River Arts Festival , including the work of artists like Local Boy Tatau , our city is teeming with creative talent. While the Clark County Mural Society's legacy endures through their commissioned murals, local organizations like The City of Vancouver's Culture, Arts & Heritage Commission , and The Historic Trust continue to support and promote artistic expression. Find information about more local artists ( here ). 

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Vancouver's Downtown Assn. (@vdausa)

Public Art Beyond Walls

Vancouver boasts a vibrant public art scene that goes beyond murals. Visitors and residents can enjoy the city's artistic legacy through sculptures and installations that add a three-dimensional dimension to the experience. Some noteworthy pieces to check out include "Flying Umbrellas" in the downtown area, the Salmon Run Bell Tower in Esther Short Park , and the  Ilchee Statue & Plaza on the east waterfront. These pieces are located throughout Vancouver and serve as focal points that showcase the artistic expression within our community.

The creativity doesn’t stop downtown. Find even more murals and art in Vancouver on Fourth Plain and explore the city's artistic offerings on our dedicated art page .

Shara Howard

Communications Manager at Visit Vancouver WA

• Around the Region (17)
• Arts + Entertainment (16)
• Attractions (23)
• Beer + Wine + Cocktails (36)
• COVID-19 (5)
• Events (21)
• Family Fun (37)
• Recreation (24)
• Seasonal: Fall (13)
• Seasonal: Spring (14)
• Seasonal: Summer (28)
• Seasonal: Winter (14)
• Shopping (11)
• Waterfront (17)