Featured image: A historical reenactment during a lantern tour at Fort Vancouver, Washington (photo credit National Parks Service)

Experience Fort Vancouver in a different light with a 90-minute Saturday evening stroll through the reconstructed fort buildings or the barracks. Visitors ages 10 and older carry lighted candle lanterns for the walks led by National Parks Service rangers and learn about nineteenth century night life here, when the Hudson’s Bay Company’s administrative headquarters and supply depot for its fur-trading operations thrived.

Two tours are offered this year.

“An Evening at the Fort” explores the reconstructed Hudson’s Bay Company’s buildings, where costumed historical interpreters share stories and answer questions. You’ll tour the Counting House, Fur Store, Chief Factor’s House, Kitchen, and Bake House.

The remaining 2019 dates for “An Evening at the Fort” tours are on these Saturdays: February 16, February 23, and March 23.

“Walking Vancouver Barracks” guides you through the barracks as a ranger talks about the fort’s military history. The next tour is on Saturday, March 30.

All tours run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and meet at the entrance gate to the reconstructed Fort Vancouver at 1001 E. Fifth Street. The parking lot at the gate opens at 6:30 p.m. Arrive by 6:45 p.m. to allow time to park and check in at the contact station inside the main gate.

The tours cost $25 for adults and $10 ages 15 and younger. Reservations and payment in advance are required. To make a reservation, call the bookstore at the fort’s visitor center at (360) 816-6216. Spots fill quickly, so call as soon as possible.

For more information, visit the fort’s Lantern Tour Series page.