Vancouver City Guide

Local food features seafood and craft beer with good international options like Mexican, Asian, and Italian. Many places accommodate vegans and vegetarians. Late-night food is limited but you can find some fast food and diners.

Nightlife centers on breweries and casual bars downtown and near the waterfront. It’s more relaxed compared to Portland.

Strong coffee culture influenced by Portland with many specialty shops and local roasters.

Tipping is expected in restaurants, taxis, and personal services, usually 15-20%. Bartenders typically get $1-2 per drink or 15-20%. Housekeeping tips run $2-5 per night.

You can buy SIM cards from AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Best Buy. Coverage is good. ID is usually needed for post-paid plans. eSIMs are becoming common.

Clean streets, good waste and recycling services. No major sanitation issues.

Limited 24/7 options. Some pharmacies have 24-hour drive-thrus. Convenience stores stay open late but rarely all night. Emergency rooms handle medical after-hours.

Supermarkets like Fred Meyer, Safeway, QFC, and WinCo Foods offer mainly American and some international products. Farmers Markets run seasonally. Most stores open early to late evening, including Sundays with some reduced hours.

Most businesses accept major credit and debit cards. You don't usually need cash for daily purchases.

ATMs are common at banks, credit unions, and many stores. Out-of-network ATM fees can range from $2.50 to $5 plus your bank's fees.

Local public schools include Vancouver and Evergreen districts. Mostly English instruction. International schools are rare locally but available in the Portland area.

The nomad community is growing, connected with Portland's scene. Meetups exist but less formal. Co-living is rare. Many cafes have Wi-Fi.

Excellent parks and trails like Esther Short Park and Burnt Bridge Creek Trail provide green space for walking and running.

Running routes include the Waterfront Renaissance Trail and Burnt Bridge Creek Trail. Running groups exist and conditions are generally safe.

Multiple gyms and studios are available offering general fitness and specialized classes.

Public and private tennis courts are available with some coaching. Courts are mostly hard surfaces with first-come booking for public ones.

Padel courts are not common in Vancouver.

Many yoga studios offer various styles and drop-in classes with English-speaking instructors.

Gyms offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, Taekwondo, and Karate with English-speaking instructors and active communities.

Mount Hood resorts are 1.5–2 hours away with good snow from November through April. Both beginner and advanced slopes are available with rentals on site.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are popular on the Columbia River and nearby lakes with gear rentals and guided tours.

Surf spots on the Oregon and Washington coasts are around 1.5–2 hours away. Water is cold, so wetsuits are needed year-round. Fall and winter have bigger waves; summer is better for beginners.

Diving near Vancouver is limited due to cold, murky water. Better dive spots are farther on the coast or in Puget Sound.

Hospitals like PeaceHealth Southwest and Legacy Salmon Creek have English-speaking staff. Healthcare quality is high but can be costly without insurance. Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS carry common meds and some are open 24/7.

Tap water meets state and federal standards and is safe to drink.

Lots of parks and kid-friendly spots. Baby supplies are easy to find. Attractions include the Vancouver Waterfront Park and Fort Vancouver site.

Generally safe and accepting with annual pride events and legal protections. Scene is smaller than Portland but inclusive.

Pet-friendly with many dog parks and vets. Pet supplies and accommodations are common. Follows U.S. pet import rules.