1. Get Used To Hearing “Overcast” On The Weather Report
It’s not that there are a ton of heavy downpours. It’s more of a constant drizzle… for several months at a time.
2. But When The Sun Does Come Out, Everyone Goes Wild
And everyone suddenly uses up all of their sick days at work. Every sunny moment is spent in Vancouver’s beautiful outdoors. They take the old make hay while the sun shines cliché seriously.
3. And The Gorgeous Views Always Make Up For The Rain
All those cloudy days are worth it though. It’s why Vancouver is so green year round. Pine trees, moss, ferns—oh my.
4. It’s Not BC, And It’s Not DC
No… not the Vancouver in Canada. The one in Washington. No… not Washington, DC. The state of Washington.
5. Comparing Vancouver To New Jersey Is An Easy Way To Make Enemies
Some Portlanders like to compare their city to New York and Vancouver to New Jersey. But if that were true, there would probably be a light rail between the two.
6. To Folks From Vancouver, Portlandia Is Basically A Documentary
It’s not unusual to hear folks from Vancouver utter the phrase, “Bunch of freakin’ hippies.” Hippies may be substituted for hipsters depending on the age of the Vancouver resident.
7. Summer Means It’s Time For The Clark County Fair
Sometimes you just need to tap into your inner ten-year-old. What better way than with fireworks, rides that make you feel kind of sick, and tons of funnel cake?
8. There’s No Better Way To Beat The August Heat Than Brewfest
Who said only Portlanders could be beer snobs? Vancouver’s Brewfest attracts the best local breweries and their biggest fans from across the Pacific Northwest.
9. But If You’re Not A Beer Fan, Vancouver’s Wine & Jazz Fest Has You Covered
If wine snobbery is more your thing, fear not. And can you think of a better pairing than wine and jazz?
10. Spotted Owls Are Not Polite Dinner Conversation
Do not let the topic come up when your logger cousin Mikey and your environmentalist cousin Janice are eating Thanksgiving dinner together. Seriously. Redirect the conversation.
11. People From Vancouver Know All The Tax Tricks
There’s no income tax in Vancouver, and no sales tax in neighboring Portland. Smart Vancouver residents figured out the art of the bulk grocery trip in Portland a long time ago.
12. There’s Nothing Worse Than Rush Hour Traffic On The I-205
Except maybe rush hour traffic on the I-5. Just pray that bridge doesn’t go up.
13. Cars Rule The Roads
Sorry, cyclists. Vancouver residents won’t be giving up their limited visibility SUVs any time soon.
14. Everyone Drives Five Miles Under The Speed Limit
You know that stereotype about older folks driving slowly? That’s probably not as true as the one about people from Vancouver driving slowly. Seriously, don’t try to go over 45 MPH on the highway. Come to think of it…that might be why rush hour is so bad.
15. And Merging Takes A Little Longer Here
Why are they matching your speed when you have your turn signal on? No idea. But good luck merging before your lane runs out. You’ll need it.
16. Yes, The Concerts In Esther Short Park Are Free
You can jam to music from the best artists in the Northwest all summer long without breaking the bank. Excellent!
17. Portlanders Only Come For One Reason
Oregon is working on their own recreational marijuana bill, but in the meantime Portlanders without a medical card are only making the trip to Vancouver for one thing.
18. The Proposed Light Rail Is Kind Of A Touchy Subject
A light rail from Vancouver to Portland is another one of those things like the spotted owl. People have very different but equally passionate opinions, and the discussion is better left until after you’ve finished dessert.
19. Burgerville Is The Best Fast Food Restaurant Ever
Founded in Vancouver, WA, the chain focuses on turning fresh local ingredients into greasy delicious goodness. But seriously, have you had their fries?
20. Vancouver Residents Live For Fresh, Local Food
You can’t always eat Burgerville. Vancouver Farmers Market is home to over 200 vendors, and it’s a pretty great way to spend a Saturday or Sunday morning.
21. The Library Is Seriously Amazing
Because it’s gigantic, it looks like it was built in the future, and it actually has tons of books (you know, those things you read).
22. Vancouver Is Home To Many Real Life Ron Swansons
They like their government small. Like, really small.
23. It’s Worth The Trip To Silver Star Mountain
Have you ever wanted to climb Everest, but you didn’t want to do that much work and potentially have to cut your arm off or something?
Silver Star Mountain is the answer. Fantastic view. Attainable climb.
24. Brewed Is The Best Hang Out Spot For A Saturday Afternoon
For coffee, beer, wine, and delicious food, Brewed is the place to be. The laid back atmosphere makes it the perfect place to relax on your day off.
25. Don’t Worry About That Weird Smell—It’s Just Camas
What is that? Burning rubber? Rotting eggs? A thousand wet dogs? Nope, it’s just the smoke from the Camas paper mill.
26. If Children Are The Future, Then Vancouver’s Future Is Bright
Vancouver’s public schools are fantastic. It’s the reason so many families with young children live in the area. Just ask anyone about it. They’ll be happy to brag.
27. Source Climbing Center Is Not Just A Gym
Because gyms aren’t fun, and Source totally is. Locally owned and operated, Source is the perfect place for an adventure on one of Vancouver’s many rainy days.
Plus, who doesn’t love a little friendly competition?
28. It’s The Kind Of Place Where You Know Your Neighbors
Vancouver has all the bigger city amenities residents need, but maintains a small town vibe. You run into your friends at the grocery. Your neighbor’s kids play with your kids at the park. And that’s what people from Vancouver love most.
What do you have to explain to out-of-towners about Vancouver? Tell us in the comments below!
