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A medium size moth (forewing length about 33 mm) with light and dark reddish brown forewings. The subterminal area in particular is usually lighter brown, and is crossed by poorly defined jagged light and dark lines. The orbicular and reniform spots are well defined, with the area before and between them blackish. The basal dash-claviform spot is prominent and filled with black scales. Hidwings brown. Very similar to and often confused with A. obliqua, which is slightly larger, darker, and less streaky appearing. Specimens of vancouverensis and obliqua are difficult to separate, and are frequently found misidentified in collections.

Agrotis vancouverensis is single brooded, with adults in late spring and early summer, with the main flight in June. They are nocturnal and come to light. The larva is described by both Crumb (1956) and Lafontaine (2004).

Agrotis vancouverensis has a western distribution, and is absent from most of the Great Plains and Great Basin regions. In Alberta is has been collected widely in the parklands, foothills and mountains, and in wooded parts of the grasslands region.