7 Best Things To Do In Vancouver Cruise Port, Canada

Founded in the late 1800s, Vancouver has grown into one of Canada’s most vibrant and diverse cities, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural scene. Vancouver is located on the west coast and perfectly positioned between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains.

Often nicknamed “Hollywood North” for its vibrant film industry, Vancouver is known for its scenic waterfront location and proximity to top attractions like Stanley Park, Granville Island, and the Vancouver Aquarium.

The Vancouver Cruise Port, situated at Canada Place in the heart of downtown, is a major hub for cruises to Alaska, drawing thousands of visitors each year.

In this article, I’ll provide you with practical details about the Vancouver cruise terminal and highlight the top 7 things to do while visiting the port.

Visit also our cruise port guides to Galveston, Boston, Juneau, Skagway, Halifax

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Vancouver Cruise Port

The Vancouver cruise terminal, also known as Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal, is located at the iconic Canada Place. Its distinctive sail-like design is a highlight of the Vancouver skyline and offers stunning views of the harbor and the majestic North Shore Mountains.

Vancouver Cruise Terminal is located within a 15-minute walk of the city center. You can either walk or take the Canada Line (SkyTrain) at Waterfront Station which will take you right into the heart of downtown.

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is connected to the cruise terminal via Canada Line, and the ride takes 30 minutes. Both long-term and short-term parking (short-term parking is free for under 15 minutes) are available at Canada Place.

The port of Vancouver is best known as the gateway to Alaska cruise itineraries, with stops at the iconic cities of Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Glacier Bay.

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7 Best Things to Do in Vancouver Cruise Port

1. Stanley Park

Stanley Park is one of Vancouver’s most famous landmarks and a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. This massive urban park spans over 1,000 acres and offers a mix of natural beauty and recreational activities.

You can enjoy scenic walks or bike rides along the Seawall, which circles the park and provides stunning views of the city, mountains, and ocean. The park is home to lush forests, beaches, gardens, and cultural attractions like the Vancouver Aquarium and the historic totem poles.

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Stanley Park Vancouver — *Stanley Park. Source: Pixabay.com*

2. Granville Island

Granville Island is a vibrant cultural and shopping hub located only a 10-minute drive from the Vancouver cruise ship terminal. Once an industrial area, it has transformed into a lively destination known for its public market, artisan shops, galleries, and diverse dining options.

The Granville Island Public Market is a highlight, offering fresh local produce, baked goods, and handcrafted items. You can also enjoy live theater, street performances, and art studios.

Whether you’re looking to shop, eat, or simply soak in the atmosphere, Granville Island is a great place to explore Vancouver’s artistic and culinary scene.

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3. Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain is one of Vancouver’s top outdoor destinations, offering year-round adventure just 15 minutes from downtown.

In the winter, it’s a popular spot for skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating, while the summer months offer hiking trails, ziplining, and the famous Grouse Grind, a challenging trail known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster.”

You can also take the Skyride, an aerial tram that provides stunning views of the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains.

The mountainside is home to local wildlife, including grizzly bears at the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Species, where visitors can observe these majestic animals up close.

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Grouse Mountain SkyRide aerial tram — *Grouse Mountain Skyride aerial tram. Source: Pixabay.com*

4. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Surrounded by lush forest, only a 15-minute drive from the port, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is one of Vancouver’s most thrilling attractions, offering breathtaking views and a unique outdoor experience.

The park’s main highlight is the iconic 450-foot-long suspension bridge that stretches across the Capilano River, 230 feet above the canyon floor.

You can walk across the bridge, explore treetop walkways, and enjoy the Cliffwalk, a series of suspended walkways along the cliff’s edge.

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5. Gastown

Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood is located in the heart of Vancouver, less than a 15-minute walk from the port. The Gastown district is packed with trendy boutiques, art galleries, and a wide variety of restaurants and bars.

One of the main attractions is the famous Gastown Steam Clock, a quirky, vintage-style clock that whistles and steams on the hour.

Gastown’s mix of history and modern culture makes it a popular spot for both locals and visitors and is a great place to shop, dine, and explore the city’s heritage.

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6. Museum of Anthropology

The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) in Vancouver is a world-renowned institution, located on the University of British Columbia campus, a 20-minute walk from Vancouver cruise port.

It is best known for its extensive collection of Indigenous art and cultural artifacts, particularly from the First Nations of the Pacific Northwest. The museum’s striking architecture complements its displays of traditional totem poles, sculptures, and carvings.

MOA is a fascinating destination for those interested in anthropology, history, and art and features exhibits from cultures around the globe. You can explore both indoor galleries and the outdoor Haida Houses, gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s indigenous heritage and global cultures.

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7. Science World

Less than a 15-minute drive from the port, you can visit the Science World, a family-friendly science museum easily recognizable by its geodesic dome structure.

It offers hands-on exhibits and interactive displays that make learning about science and technology fun for visitors of all ages.

The museum covers a wide range of topics, from physics and biology to environmental science, with rotating exhibits and live science demonstrations.

Science World also features an OMNIMAX theatre, where you can watch immersive films on a giant dome screen. It’s a great place for both kids and adults to explore and discover the wonders of science in a fun, engaging way.

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