Cruise Port Guide · Departure port
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is one of the most popular departure ports for Alaska cruises, with ships leaving from Canada Place right downtown. With the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other, it’s well worth arriving a day or two early to explore.
Vancouver at a glance
Our consultants who’ve been here
DeeAnn, Patty & Susan
“Always arrive the day before your cruise. No stress, no rushing, and we started our vacation with a good breakfast.” – Susan
Our top picks in Vancouver
Our recommendations on what to see and do, based on our own experience in port.
A pre-cruise hotel package
Before her Emerald Princess cruise, Susan stayed at the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront in Vancouver, and it was so convenient! She booked their cruise package, which included breakfast and a taxi voucher to get to the cruise terminal. No stress, no rushing, and she started her vacation with a good breakfast.
- Where Susan stayed
- Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
- Package included
- Breakfast and a taxi to the ship
- Arrive
- The day before your cruise
- Book
- Ask us to add it to your cruise
Stanley Park
DeeAnn explored Stanley Park, Vancouver’s huge waterfront park right next to downtown. She saw the totem poles at Brockton Point, the Girl in a Wetsuit statue off the seawall, and the view from Prospect Point over to the Lions Gate Bridge, the bridge Alaska cruise ships sail under as they leave port. She even took a horse-drawn carriage tour!
- Cost
- Free to explore
- Don’t miss
- The totem poles at Brockton Point
- Views
- Lions Gate Bridge from Prospect Point
- Getting around
- Walk, bike or a carriage tour
Capilano Suspension Bridge
DeeAnn crossed the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, which sways high above a rainforest canyon in North Vancouver. The park also has carved totem poles along the paths and treetop walkways, and it’s a great taste of the Pacific Northwest rainforest before you head north to Alaska.
- Where
- North Vancouver
- Type
- Ticketed park
- Also see
- Totem poles and treetop walks
- Good for
- A half-day outing
Granville Island
Patty’s group explored Granville Island and enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Tap & Barrel Bridges, and DeeAnn loved the busy Public Market, full of food stalls, local treats and colourful displays. It’s a fun place to wander, shop and eat your way through an afternoon.
- Patty ate at
- Tap & Barrel Bridges
- Don’t miss
- The Public Market
- Good for
- Lunch, snacks and shopping
- Who went
- Patty and DeeAnn
The Gastown Steam Clock
Patty’s group headed downtown to see the Gastown Steam Clock, built in 1977. It runs on steam from the city’s underground heating system, which powers a musical whistle that plays the Westminster Quarters every quarter hour and blows steam on the hour. Gastown’s cobblestone streets are full of shops and restaurants too.
- Cost
- Free
- Built
- 1977
- Plays
- Every quarter hour
- Best time
- On the hour, for the steam
Read our consultants’ full Alaska cruise stories, all sailing from Vancouver: Patty’s Radiance of the Seas group cruise, Susan’s Emerald Princess sailing to Glacier Bay, and Karie’s Serenade of the Seas anniversary cruise.
More ideas for your day in Vancouver
Popular things to do that we book for clients.
Walk the seawallThe Stanley Park seawall wraps around the park with views across Burrard Inlet to the North Shore mountains. Walk or bike a section of it for fresh air and amazing views, a perfect way to stretch your legs before boarding.
Visit ChinatownVancouver’s historic Chinatown is an easy stop from downtown, with the colourful Millennium Gate, shops, bakeries and restaurants. DeeAnn stopped by on her visit, and it pairs nicely with a stroll through nearby Gastown.
Store your luggage and exploreArriving early on embarkation day? Patty’s tip: many Vancouver hotels, like the Sandman, will hold your luggage so you can explore the city before or after your cruise, without dragging your bags around.
Know before you go
- Arrive a day early: flights can be delayed, and a pre-cruise night in Vancouver means no stress on embarkation day.
- Bring your passport: Canadians must travel with a valid passport, and we recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Alaska cruises visit U.S. ports.
- Ask about hotel packages: many hotels near Canada Place offer cruise packages with breakfast and transfers to the ship.
- Watch the sail-away: Patty’s ship sailed under the Lions Gate Bridge leaving Vancouver. Be out on deck for it!
Vancouver FAQs
Quick answers for your day in port
Where do Alaska cruises leave from in Vancouver?
Most leave from Canada Place, right on the waterfront in downtown Vancouver, within walking distance of Gastown.
Should I arrive in Vancouver the day before my cruise?
Yes. We always recommend arriving at least the day before, so a flight delay doesn’t make you miss the ship. Susan stayed at the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront on a cruise package with breakfast and a taxi to the terminal.
What can I do in Vancouver before my cruise?
Explore Stanley Park, cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge, eat your way through Granville Island, see the Gastown Steam Clock and visit Chinatown.
Can I store my luggage before my cruise?
Many Vancouver hotels, like the Sandman where Patty’s group stayed, will hold your luggage so you can explore the city.
Do I need a passport for an Alaska cruise from Vancouver?
Alaska cruises visit U.S. ports, and Canadians must travel with a valid passport. We recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Some destinations only require three months, but six months is the safest rule of thumb.
Does it cost more to book an Alaska cruise with a travel agent?
No, there’s no fee to book a cruise with Travitude Travel Group. You get a travel consultant who has actually been to Alaska and can help you choose the right ship, itinerary and shore excursions.
Start planning
Ready for an Alaska cruise from Vancouver?
Tell us how you like to travel, and we’ll help you plan your pre-cruise stay, ship and itinerary.