Outdoor activities and experiences are everywhere in Vancouver, with abundant parks and easy access to everything from a living history farm to a national wildlife refuge; sandy swimming holes to expansive lake and river waterfront areas. There is also a smorgasbord of indoor activities including a rock climbing gym, an ice arena and a tricked out bowling alley.

 If you’re looking for bigger-city activities, Vancouver is just fifteen minutes from Portland, Oregon. Here you’ll find the 64-acre Oregon Zoo, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, the Portland Art Museum and two pro sports teams – MLS’s wildly popular Portland Timbers and the Portland Trail Blazers, a beloved NBA franchise since 1970.

 But it’s not all just fun and games. Washington is one of the top 10 states in which to make a living and boasts some of the highest average wages in the nation. Work environments also receive high praise. Top employers in Vancouver include PeaceHealth, Fred Meyer, and Hewlett-Packard.