Last updated: December 30, 2020
Thing to Do
Visit Fort Vancouver
NPS Photo
It's hard to say that a visit to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site was complete without a trip to, well, Fort Vancouver!
The reconstructed Fort Vancouver at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is built on the archaeological footprint of the Hudson's Bay Company fort that stood here from 1829 to the 1860s. This fort was tremendously important in the history of the Pacific Northwest. From here, a vast network of trading forts throughout the Northwest were managed and supplied.
Learn more about operating hours for Fort Vancouver here. Parking, including ADA parking, is available in a lot on the south side of East 5th Street in front of the fort. Additional street parking is available.
As you walk into Fort Vancouver, be sure to pass through the beautiful historical Garden, which is a smaller example of the garden that fed the fort in the 19th century.
Inside the fort gates, you will pay an entrance fee at the Contact Station. Learn more about fees and passes at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site here.
Inside the fort's stockade wall are many reconstructed buildings connected by pathways.
At the Contact Station, a national park ranger can tell you if any cultural demonstrations are available that day. Cultural demonstrations take place as volunteers are available in the fort's Kitchen, Blacksmith Shop, and Carpenter Shop.
Learn more about the buildings and structures you will see at Fort Vancouver here.
A Junior Ranger Program is available at Fort Vancouver! Learn more here.
The reconstructed Fort Vancouver at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is built on the archaeological footprint of the Hudson's Bay Company fort that stood here from 1829 to the 1860s. This fort was tremendously important in the history of the Pacific Northwest. From here, a vast network of trading forts throughout the Northwest were managed and supplied.
Starting Your Visit
Learn more about operating hours for Fort Vancouver here. Parking, including ADA parking, is available in a lot on the south side of East 5th Street in front of the fort. Additional street parking is available.
As you walk into Fort Vancouver, be sure to pass through the beautiful historical Garden, which is a smaller example of the garden that fed the fort in the 19th century.
Inside the fort gates, you will pay an entrance fee at the Contact Station. Learn more about fees and passes at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site here.
Touring the Fort
Inside the fort's stockade wall are many reconstructed buildings connected by pathways.
At the Contact Station, a national park ranger can tell you if any cultural demonstrations are available that day. Cultural demonstrations take place as volunteers are available in the fort's Kitchen, Blacksmith Shop, and Carpenter Shop.
Learn more about the buildings and structures you will see at Fort Vancouver here.
Junior Ranger Program
A Junior Ranger Program is available at Fort Vancouver! Learn more here.
Details
Duration
30-90 Minutes
Activity
Museum Exhibits
Visit Fort Vancouver to learn more about the history of the 19th century fur trade in the Pacific Northwest.
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are not allowed inside the reconstructed fort. Learn more about bringing pets to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site here.
Activity Fee
Yes
Learn more about fees and passes to enter Fort Vancouver here.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Learn more about operating hours and seasons at Fort Vancouver here.
Time of Day
Day
Learn more about operating hours and seasons at Fort Vancouver here.
Accessibility Information
The trails throughout the reconstructed Fort Vancouver are firm, stable surfaces made of decomposed granite and minimal inclines. Benches are available along the trails that lead between buildings. Wheelchairs are available to borrow at the Contact Station just inside the fort gates. The Chief Factor's House can be accessed by stairs or a wheelchair lift, which can be operated by the national park ranger at the Conact Station upon request. Guides to the fort in Braille are also available at the Contact Station.