Vancouver Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Quintin Soloviev (CC BY 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Mr Zanyar, antonio lopez, David Phipps, Julio FERNANDEZ CASANOVA, Raffaele Imbroinise · via Google Maps
- Country:
- Canada
- Region:
- Alaska
- Coordinates:
- 49.2608° N, 123.1139° W
About Vancouver
Families and curious travellers will find plenty to explore in Vancouver, a major city in Western Canada's Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. The port puts you within reach of world-class museums, gardens and outdoor spaces that consistently earn high visitor ratings.
Start close to the terminal with Science World, just 1.6 km away, or head to Canada Place at 3.1 km. Nature lovers can visit Queen Elizabeth Park (2.1 km) or the VanDusen Botanical Garden (2.7 km), both offering peaceful green spaces. The Vancouver Aquarium sits 4.6 km from port, while the iconic Stanley Park is 5.3 km away with extensive walking trails and waterfront views.
Beyond Vancouver
If you're exploring a wider Alaska cruise itinerary, Vancouver connects to nearby ports including Seattle, Juneau, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point. The Greater Vancouver area had a population of 2.6 million in 2021, making it the third-largest metropolitan area in Canada, so there's no shortage of dining, shopping and cultural options to explore during your visit.
Vancouver is a major city in Western Canada, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. As the most populous city in the province, the 2021 Canadian census recorded 662,248 people in the city, up from 631,486 in 2016. The Greater Vancouver area had a population of 2.6 million in 2021, making it the third-largest metropolitan area in Canada after Toronto and Montreal. The region, together with the Fraser Valley, makes up the Lower Mainland, which has a total population of over 3 million. Vancouver has the highest population density in Canada, with over 5,700 inhabitants per square kilometre (15,000/sq mi), and the fourth highest in North America.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Vancouver on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Prathamesh Vaidya · via Google Maps Park and Garden
Stanley Park
4.8 (49,014) 5.3 km from port
Vancouver's largest urban park has beaches, trails & family attractions, plus a picturesque seawall.
Near: Beaver Lake (373 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Saturday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Sunday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- 5 · “Stanley Park’s Inner Loop Hike is an essential experience for anyone visiting or living in Vancouver. As you step onto…” — Honestly Reviewed
- 5 · “Stanley park provides you with the stunning and mesmerizing views. The park is so big that one day is not…” — Salim Khoso
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Photo: aryan Verma · via Google Maps Tourist attraction
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
4.6 (38,496) 9.1 km from port
Built in 1889, this 137m-long treetop bridge offers scenic views of the forest below.
Near: Capilano Trading Post (60 m) · Capilano Group Of Companies (79 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- 5 · “I was very impressed. It has been years since I lasted visited as the cost to visit raised. I was…” — Linda Clement
- 5 · “I loved this place! I thought it would be a cheesy, touristy place. I was surprised that the tickets were…” — Elizabeth Slocomb
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Photo: Derek Crager · via Google Maps Convention centre
Canada Place
4.6 (28,326) 3.1 km from port
Built to look like a ship, this iconic complex houses a convention centre, hotel & ferry terminal.
Near: Port of Vancouver | Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (27 m) · Flyover (82 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “Clean & Near place. Also safe. Pleasant view of sea, sea plane, helicopters and cruiser ship. Harbour on one side…” — Gangadharan Ruppa
- 5 · “Canada Place was one of my favorite spots to visit in Vancouver. The waterfront views are absolutely stunning, especially with…” — Olivia
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Photo: Ryan Rinsma · via Google Maps Museum
Science World
4.5 (16,494) 1.6 km from port
Interactive science displays & films for kids from toddlers to early teens, inside a geodesic dome.
Near: The Science Store at Science World (3 m) · OMNIMAX Theatre at Science World (60 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “This museum perfect for kids who is curious about science and wondering with a lot of things. The experience is…” — nina wynn solitario
- 5 · “Always a great time. The summer volunteers were incredible. There is a restaurant located inside as well as a gift…” — Laura
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Park and Garden
Queen Elizabeth Park
4.7 (15,369) 2.1 km from port
Urban landmark on a hill featuring manicured gardens, a conservatory, sculptures & sports courts.
Near: The Photo Session (45 m) · Seasons in the Park (62 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Saturday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Sunday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- 5 · “Absolutely stunning park with plenty of walkways offering different views, all of which are breath taking. The grounds and everything…” — Clare B
- 5 · “Come here and experience an amazing park. There are plenty of great reviews and the vast majority are glowing and…” — Kirk Dewhurst
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Botanical garden
VanDusen Botanical Garden
4.7 (13,912) 2.7 km from port
Space with ever-changing greenery, flowers & art installations plus fine dining & a casual cafe.
Near: Waterfall (196 m) · Meditation Garden (199 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “First time going, went with a group of 4 people, beginning of Sept. I would imagine that going late spring…” — Roseanne Elliott
- 5 · “Such an amazing place with so many different varieties of flowers! The hedge maze was so fun to explore. We…” — Valentina
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Aquarium
Vancouver Aquarium
4.5 (13,006) 4.6 km from port
Popular kid-friendly attraction showcases local & exotic aquatic life with a focus on conservation.
Near: Vancouver Aquarium Café (110 m) · Chief of the Undersea World sculpture (126 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “This place is genuinely so magical! I had never been to an aquarium before, so I was quite skeptical on…” — Winter Clinton
- 5 · “The Aquarium was the highlight of my daughter’s summer vacation! We had such a great time exploring everything. The place…” — MsTeeM
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Tourist attraction
Flyover
4.5 (8,986) 3.2 km from port
Immersive flight simulator featuring sensory-rich aerial tours of various landscapes.
Near: Princess Cruises Vancouver (67 m) · Canada Place (82 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
- 5 · “EXCELLENT VIRTUAL RIDE!! Canada is a beautiful place n we all love it! I hv more places on my bucket…” — Bonnie Leung
- 5 · “This was such a fun experience highly highly recommend. It takes you on a flight all over Canada and it’s…” — Kiran Toor
Map of Vancouver and nearby attractions
Best time to visit Vancouver
Cruises to Alaska mostly sail may to September.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Cruises calling at Vancouver
Deals update daily — see all Alaska cruises.
