Vancouver sits on the bank of the Columbia River, right along the border between Washington and Oregon. With a population of 160,000, it's the largest suburb of Portland and the fourth-largest city in Washington.

The city grew around a fur-trading post called Fort Vancouver in the 1800s. In 1857, it became a city. Now, it's the county seat of Clark County. WalletHub named Vancouver in its list of the top 100 places for families to live in the U.S. in 2016.

Vancouver has plenty of parks to enjoy. Vancouver Lake Park is a common destination for kayaking, canoeing, and other watersports. Salmon Creek Park is a great summer destination for families. It has walking trails, swimming areas, fishing spots, playgrounds, and a splash pad. Wintler Community Park is a beach park on the bank of the Columbia River. Many of Vancouver's parks Vancouver sits on the bank of the Columbia River, right along the border between Washington and Oregon. With a population of about 160,000, it is the largest suburb of Portland and the fourth-largest city in Washington. The city originally grew around a fur-trading post called Fort Vancouver in the 1800s. In 1857, it became a city. Now, it is the county seat of Clark County. WalletHub named Vancouver in its list of the top 100 places for families to live in the U.S. in 2016. Even though it's usually raining in the city, Vancouver has plenty of parks for locals to enjoy on the rare sunny day. Vancouver Lake Park is a common destination for kayaking, canoeing, and other watersports. Salmon Creek Park is a great summer destination for families. It has walking trails, swimming areas, fishing spots, playgrounds, and a splash pad. Wintler Community Park is a beach park on the bank of the Columbia River. Mount Hood, Mount Saint Helens, Mount Jefferson, and Mount Adams offer scenic views of the nearby Cascade Range.

Vancouver is also home to several historic sites. The most well-known is the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Here, you can explore the lands and buildings that were once the hub of the nation's fur trade. The site hosts living history events and features walking trails along the river. The Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Garden is also there. It has acres of vegetables, fruit trees,.

Take a drive throught Officer's Row, lined with Victorian-era homes built for military officers. The neighborhood includes the Ulysses S. Grant House, where the former president lived. You can take a tour of the home and grounds.

The restaurant scene in Vancouver is strong and diverse. It includes the Italian deli and restaurant, La Bottega. Willem's On Main is another interesting option, offering American dishes with a European twist. The family-owned and operated Jorge's Tequila Factory has authentic Mexican food and a selection of 140 different types of tequila. From the other side of the globe, Petra House has Mediterranean-style meals and kebabs. For a casual dining experience with appealing scenery, try Beaches Restaurant and Bar on the Columbia River.

Vancouver is a great place to live, but its wet climate can cause a lot of problems for locals. Maintaining a good-looking landscape can be difficult for an amateur gardener. That's why LawnStarter is here to match you with the best landscaping professionals in your area. Whether your flowerbeds need tending or you want a whole new outdoor living space installed, LawnStarter can help. All you have to do is download our app, enter your ZIP code, and choose a top-notch pro from our list. With your schedule and mind free of landscaping worries, you can go back to having fun with your loved ones in Vancouver.