Cruising from Vancouver

For over 30 years, Vancouver has served as the world’s only home port offering one-way and round-trip itineraries through the picturesque Inside Passage, a coastal route that winds along the west coast of British Columbia, to Alaska. The closest port to Alaskan waters, Vancouver invites cruise passengers to spend leisurely days and nights exploring Skagway, Ketchikan, Juneau and Glacier Bay, with plenty of time in-between to experience a myriad of shipboard activities. Between April and October, most cruises departing from Vancouver head to Alaska; throughout the rest of the year, there are also sailings to California, Hawaii and points further afield. Global cruise lines consistently choose Vancouver as their home port, which means visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to luxury ships and indulgent amenities.

Extend your cruise holiday with a memorable stay in Vancouver

Consistently ranked among the most beautiful and livable cities in the world, Vancouver is an exciting destination to explore pre- and post-cruise. Hallmarked by pristine natural surroundings, cosmopolitan charm, personality-filled neighborhoods and world-class attractions, Vancouver is the perfect city to linger and explore at your leisure.

Cruises arrive and depart from Canada Place, located in the heart of downtown within easy walking distance of top-rated hotels, buzzy restaurants, and must-see attractions. You can marvel at local and international art exhibits, sample multicultural cuisine, embark on thrilling outdoor adventures, relax at tranquil spas, scoop up souvenirs in a dazzling array of shopping districts, and enjoy the exceptional hospitality of the city’s welcoming tourism industry.

Down the street from the cruise terminal is Gastown, the historic district where the city was founded. Stroll along the neighbourhood’s cobblestoned streets, past old-fashioned lampposts and the iconic Steam Clock, one of the only functioning steam-powered clocks in the world and among the city’s most photographed attractions. Further into the city, hop aboard a rainbow-coloured Aquabus mini-ferry and cruise across False Creek to Granville Island, an artisanal and culinary hub where organic coffee and straight-from-the-oven treats await (there’s a distillery, brewery and sake-maker too). Across the harbour in North Vancouver, ascend the thigh-melting Grouse Grind, a 2.4-kilometre trek straight up Grouse Mountain – or, take a gondola to the summit and clamber onto a barstool instead.

Whether you’re an arts lover, culinary fan, outdoor enthusiast or manic shopper, you’ll soon discover how easy it is to follow your passions in this enthralling city. And, with endless views of the glittering skyline, snowcapped mountain and sparkling ocean, you’ll have plenty of eye candy, too.

Planning your stay in Vancouver is easy. With plenty of hotels close to the cruise ship terminal, and convenient transportation to the attractions, you'll be able to make the most of your time in Vancouver.

Where to stay: atmospheric accommodations in Vancouver

Upgrade your cruise holiday into the trip of a lifetime by adding a few nights in the city before or after you sail. There are 25,000 rooms across Metro Vancouver, including 13,000 in the downtown core – so, whether you prefer luxury duvets and rain showers, Indigenous art and a socially conscious sleep, or majestic surroundings inspired by materials from the West Coast, you’re guaranteed to find accommodations that match your vibe (and budget).

What to do: Vancouver Sightseeing

Vancouver is home to endless activities and attractions – in fact, you might find it difficult to pack everything on your bucket list into one visit (don’t fret: you're welcome to come back for another trip!).

Streamline trip planning – and cut costs – by booking a sightseeing tour. From culinary tasting journeys to whale watching excursions, to day trips to nearby Whistler and Victoria, guided adventures are a great way to sit back, relax and let the experts do the planning.

In Stanley Park, our 404-hectare (1,000-acre) rainforest sitting pretty in the middle of the city, see the trees through the eyes of an Indigenous storyteller on a guided interpretive tour. If you want a comprehensive lay of the land, board a tour bus and travel to the must-sees, disembarking according to your whims. Join a culinary tour of Granville Island, tasting your way through the enticing Public Market and meeting producers who forage, fish and grow fresh, seasonal fare. Or, hop aboard a high-speed zodiac and tool around the harbour while your guide shares insights about our culture and heritage as you see the city from a new perspective.