Tag: Vancouver

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Vancouver Waterfront Park

I did a quick run over to the new Vancouver Waterfront Park that opened this last weekend. I wanted to get some photos of the new viewing platform for my Fort Vancouver walk. The park is still being worked on but should be complete and looking nice by Spring. For now you can make your way around the construction to get to the view platform and the two new restaurants. When completed this will make a nice extension of Vancouver water front trail.

The viewing platform maybe gives you a little better view of the Columbia River but more of just a nice addition to the park. There is also suppose to be fountain and other element coming. More eateries are to be opening soon and that will be nice.

With progress comes comes other changes. Vancouver is starting to have some of Portland parking problem. They have now added new street parking pay stations like Portland at a rate of $1.25 an hour. Formally one of the fun parts of going to Vancouver was it cost next to nothing to park there. The old coin meters gave you the first 20 minutes for free and I think it was only a quarter for a couple of hours of parking. Times do change and I guess some how they needed to pay for the new park. Right now there is plenty of street parking available but if this place gets popular parking will be a problem. I did not see any plans for parking garages.

The new Vancouver Waterfront Park with viewing platform and restaurants.
They did add a couple new toilets to the park
New outdoor seating at one the new restaurants that have opened.
Room at the end of the viewing platform for a few folks.
Viewing down river to the railroad bridge that crosses the Columbia River.
Viewing from the platform up the Columbia River to the I-5 Bridge.
Looking back at what is holding what I am standing on up.
Looking from the end of the viewing platform to the Vancouver Waterfront Park and the bank of the Columbia River.
Looking back from the end of the viewing platform.
They thought ahead of what folks might do on the platform and so no.
One of the big anchors use to hold up the platform.
Vancouver now has Portland style paid paring. Before this project this spot was free.

 

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Vancouver Walk Exploration

This past Sunday we had some great weather so I thought it would be a good time to do some exploring. I was trying to find the best and most interesting walk to tie in with visiting Fort Vancouver. I also had a few more photos of Fort Vancouver I need and a lot more video. I GPS tracked the whole route. The route I did ended being 8.5 miles. To long for a someone just visiting but I figured some of the route did not off that much bang for the effort and I think I have my recommend end route just about right.

The surprise on my walks was getting into the new waterfront development the city of Vancouver is doing. It is not open yet but someone left the gate open so I did a little sneak preview. This is going to be a game changer and I think in the future a must see for anyone coming to Vancouver. It will tie in nicely with walking from Fort Vancouver and seeing other parts of downtown Vancouver. I need to go back and get a GPS track of the modified route and make a map up to add to my visit Portland website.

The visitor center is staffed with ranger who can answer questions.
This 1800 era anchor was found during dredging operations. There is no record of the ship it came from.
The tree lined boulevard has 22 Victorian style residence on it.
Named after General Marshal.
The Grant House is an Eatery. Open for Lunch and Dinner.
Replica field canon
The post continues to be used on special occasions by the military.
Use for many years by the commander for the Columbia Region.
There once was a long row of this style of barrack. This is the last on and is now use as private residences.
The Post hospital went through several additions and missions.
The Red Cross Building and the Artillery Barracks at Fort Vancouver.
The Bastion was added to the fort out of fear of being over run by american settlers.
Two house build in historic style of the era represent the village once made up of many houses, barns, churches and businesses.
The entry ways on to the historic Fort Vancouver Site have Replica Guard Houses base on old photographs.
The monument commemorates a number of first for white man in Washington.
Many of the barrack buildings have gone through some sprucing up to get them ready for renters. None of them are open to the public.
Pearson Air Museum Mail Box.
I normally park on the street in front of the air museum. I can always find parking here and in the summer my car stays cool in the shade.