The cruise list is here. Take a look at our top 7 must-see list when you visit Vancouver, Canada.
Whether Vancouver, Canada is the start of your cruise adventure, a port of call, or the last stop, here are the things to see in Vancouver for an unforgettable day or two (or more) in Canada’s rainforest city on the Pacific. Vancouver’s cruise ship terminal puts you right on the downtown waterfront with easy access to all the Vancouver things to do, including shopping and dining. Plus, there’s plenty to do right by the plaza where you can hop a free shuttle to many local attractions.
Vancouver’s Cruise Ship Terminal is probably one of the easiest to get to in the world, located right in the heart of downtown’s beautiful waterfront district. It’s incredibly easy to reach with a direct train from YVR to the terminal via the Canada Line. Just swipe a credit card at the entry kiosks (it’s a $12 CA one-way trip) and you’re there in 20 minutes. The same goes for the return trip.
First, lock in the time you’ll have to spend. Plan to be back here at least 90 minutes before your ship sails. Confirm your check-in time at the cruise terminal, check your bags, and head out to the Vancouver sights. We’ve given you a rough idea of the hours needed for any attraction.
If you’re flying out on the same day, plan to be at the YVR 1 hour ahead of your flight to domestic destinations or 2-3 hours prior to US and international flights. Grey Line offers reasonably priced baggage storage from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily at the cruise terminal. If you’re heading to a hotel for the night, drop your bags there and check with the concierge for free shuttles to local attractions that stop at the hotel or nearby.
On to the fun stuff…
It’s a local favourite for good reason. The market is a great fresh experience with lots of sampling and local treats. Hungry? You really can’t go wrong with everything from fresh food kiosks, a huge brew pub, artisan shops, artists studios and waterfront strolls. Uber, transit or taxi gets you here. Give yourself about 2 hours.
Of all the Vancouver tourist attractions, there’s probably no better way to get thrilling heights, indigenous culture, history and a deep dive into that rainforest in one place than Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The single ticket gets you the suspension bridge, a treetop canopy walk called Treetops Adventure, the Cliffwalk and all the park activities. Souvenir hunting? The gift shop is massive. A free shuttle runs from Canada Place all day.
It’s North America’s biggest city park by far with beaches, Aquarium, a seawall that runs all the way around it, and a day’s worth of scenery. Prospect Point, at the northwest tip of the park gets you closeup views of Lions Gate Bridge, the outer harbour, and the North Shore Mountains. There’s fresh caught fish and chips at Fresh on the Point or award-winning burgers at Stanley’s. One of the best ways to get there is on a bike from one of the rental shops located just outside the park.
Head to Grouse Mountain for outdoor fun like zip-lining and hiking and on a clear day one of the best views of Vancouver and beyond that you’ll find anywhere. During the summer months you can visit the bears of the Grizzly Bear Habitat. Drive up or catch a free shuttle at Canada Place for breathtaking mountain views.
Perched on the Pacific Rim, Vancouver and its suburbs have a well-deserved reputation for some of the finest Asian foods in the world. Of all the places to go in Vancouver, this one’s in Richmond, located just south of the city and the area’s hub of Asian culture. You can add a little trip to Asia into your Canadian cruise stop with a drive or Canada line ride to this local institution.
Ask a local where to go for the one of the world’s foremost collections or Indigenous art and culture and they’ll send you to the University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology. Get there by transit or a scenic drive to UBC.
Okay, you might have taken a cruise to do less walking, hiking and general exercise and more sitting back and taking it all in. So go virtual in Vancouver with Flyover Canada and get a tour of scenes that are local, Canadian and beyond without breaking a sweat. Located right on the Canada Place Plaza, it’s just a short stroll from the terminal.
There’s much to do and a little time to do it. Here’s how to make the most of Vancouver.
Bonus tip, if you’re staying in a hotel ask about the free shuttle to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, it’s a free ride there and back from Canada Place and most downtown hotels.
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