Waterfront

The Vancouver Waterfront may have just upped the game for typical before-and-after scenarios. The restoration project begun in 2008 to connect downtown Vancouver to the waterline involved vision and capital funding to the tune of $1.5 billion to transform a historic waterfront eyesore to Cinderella on the Columbia.

Today there are residential condominiums, hotels, brand-name restaurants, retailers, wineries, breweries, a beautiful park, an outdoor amphitheater, and a half mile of waterfront walkway along the Columbia River. While the Waterfront project is still a work in progress, there is plenty to see, do, and of course eat, drink, and be merry in some of the country’s most top-rated restaurants. The 7-acre Waterfront Park and pier are open to the public from 5am to 10pm.

Limited metered parking is available on weekdays between 7am and 6pm, with additional paid parking lots available and some free street parking nearby. 695 Waterfront Way visitvancouverwa.com 360-750-1533

It’s a constant scene of pleasant folks young and old, local enthusiasts, and first-time guests out to enjoy the day strolling along the river or attending free outdoor summer concerts and entertainment of sun, river and music.