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a cruise ship leaving the vancouver cruise ship terminal

Cruising from Vancouver: Essential 2024 Vancouver Cruise Terminal Info

The Vancouver Cruise Terminal at Canada Place is the largest cruise ship port on Canada’s West Coast.

With its iconic setting under the five 90-foot sails of Canada Place, you’re just minutes away from the cruise of a lifetime – and some of the top Vancouver attractions.

Whether you’re a leaving local or a visitor looking to juice Vancouver for all it’s got in little time, this is my guide for Vancouver cruisers.

Full disclosure: I’ve included some booking links that get us a small commission for each sale. It covers our costs and time spent creating this free resource. We give free custom advice to any Vancouver cruiser who asks – try us if you can’t find what you’re looking for in our Vancouver cruise guide!

  1. Vancouver Cruise Terminal
  2. Map
  3. How to Get There
  4. Luggage Storage
  5. Shore Tours
  6. Hotels
  7. Restaurants
  8. Things to Do Nearby
  9. FAQs

Vancouver Cruise Terminal Info

The Vancouver Cruise Terminal (aka the Canada Place Cruise Terminal) is located at Canada Place in the heart of downtown Vancouver.

It’s near two of the biggest tourist hot spots in Vancouver: Gastown and Chinatown.

It’s also striking distance from many of the top things to do in Vancouver, like Stanley Park (and the best Stanley Park tours), Robson Street, and the Stadium District.

In Vancouver in summer, the cruise ships dock at the three berths at Canada Place which is also where you will find the check-in desks, security screening, and baggage claim.

There are plenty of things to do around the Vancouver cruise ship terminal, so as this guide unfolds, I recommend keeping the following map handy:

Vancouver Cruise Ship Terminal Map

✈️ Heading in from YVR? Check out our guide on shuttles from the cruise port to Vancouver airport.

How to Get to the Vancouver Cruise Terminal

Again, the Canada Place Cruise Terminal is located in the heart of downtown Vancouver at the iconic Canada Place convention centre.

The address is 999 Canada Place.

If you’re coming from your Vancouver hotel, it’s best to take a Vancouver taxi or either Uber or Lyft.

For those driving to the cruise port from other locations in the city, I’ll be getting into the parking shortly.

Related: How to Spend One Day in Vancouver

Getting to the Cruise Terminal from Vancouver International Airport

Of the best ways to get from Vancouver Airport to the cruise terminal, the Skytrain is quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive.

The Canada Line is the Skytrain route that goes from YVR to downtown Vancouver, and it only takes about 25 minutes.

You can purchase tickets at the Skytrain station at the airport, and the fare is $9.35.

That said, if you’re in a group of 3 or more and not looking to get jammed into a commuter train with a hundred other people and their luggage – we suggest a private transfer (info below).

Looking to save a ton of time? Book a Vancouver Pre-Cruise Tour with Port Drop Off

Related: How Far is Vancouver Cruise Port from YVR?

Private Transfer to Vancouver Cruise Port

There’s no need for extra stress. That’s why booking a private transfer to the Vancouver cruise terminal from your hotel or Vancouver International Airport is always something to consider.

All packages include your own chauffeurs coming directly to the hotel or airport, luggage handling, private transfer, bottled water, and port/airport taxes.

Canada Place Cruise Terminal Parking

If you’re driving to the cruise terminal, there is underground parking available at Canada Place. The rates are $30/day for regular vehicles.

Bookings are not permitted online, and you’ll have to pay by cash or credit card on-site.

There is also street parking available in the area, but it can be difficult to find a spot, and you could end up paying up to $8.00 an hour.

The cheapest parking near the Vancouver cruise ship terminal is Indigo Lot 247 at the Fairmont Pacific Rim. You can book online for as little as $23.48 a day.

Vancouver Cruise Terminal Luggage Storage

Luggage storage is available at the Canada Place Cruise Terminal if you have any bags that you don’t want to lug around the city.

The luggage storage that’s reserved only for cruise passengers is located right outside Canada Place.

This daytime luggage storage is between 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

You can book your Vancouver cruise port luggage storage in advance using the button below for just $15.00 a day:

Vancouver Cruise Port Luggage Storage

vancouver hop on hop off tour bus in front of the lions gate bridge

Vancouver Shore Excursions for Cruise Ship Passengers

If you’re looking for the best Vancouver sightseeing tours, there are a few companies that offer short Vancouver city tours for cruise passengers.

These tours typically last around three hours and will take you on a quick, condensed Vancouver itinerary.

Looking for Vancouver shore excursion reviews? You can read reviews and check each tour’s price calendar by clicking the orange button.

Related: Visiting Vancouver in July

Vancouver Hop on Hop Off Bus

Canada Place is the terminus (and beginning) of this all-inclusive Vancouver hop on hop off bus tour that takes the guesswork out of the city.

The tour counts over 15 stops, including Stanley Park, Granville Island, Parq Casino, Science World, Chinatown and Gastown.

This Vancouver cruise port shore excursion covers the most ground, is the most flexible, and has the lowest price.

Vancouver Hop on Hop off Bus

Related: Best Walking Tours in Vancouver

Pre Cruise City Tour

Get a 10:00 am hotel pickup (with your luggage) and drop off at the cruise port after a 3.5-hour Vancouver city tour with a local guide.

Stops include Granville Island, Stanley Park, Chinatown, and one of Vancouver’s best beaches.

This shore excursion is the best value for money as the 3.5 hours really packs it in. Just know that the tours cap at 30, so it could be more packed than others.

Pre Cruise City Tour

Early Beautiful City Tour

Get an early start with free pickup at any Vancouver hotel, most Vancouver suburbs, and major transit stations for this 8:30 am tour with a local guide.

Two-hour tour includes Gastown, Chinatown, Robson Street, Granville Island, and more.

This pre-cruise Vancouver excursion is noted for its pickup service that extends far into the suburbs, hence the more expensive price tag.

Pre Cruise Beautiful City Tour

Related: the Best Vancouver Food Tours

vancouver whale tour banner

Hotels Near Vancouver Cruise Terminal

Most of the best hotels near the Vancouver Cruise Ship Terminal are in some of the most expensive real estate in the city, so expect high prices.

That said, if you’re looking for something a little cheaper, there are also a few Vancouver hostels and some of the best cheap hotels in Vancouver nearby.

I’ll also be listing some spots a little further away but still downtown – these hotels with shuttle service to Vancouver cruise port can be a godsend.

Fairmont Pacific Rim

poolside scene at fairmont pacific rim in vancouver bc canada☆☆☆☆☆ | Area: Cruise ship terminal | 1038 Canada Place | Skytrain: Waterfront

The Fairmont Pacific Rim is a luxury hotel in Vancouver that offers stunning views of the city and the mountains. The hotel is located just a few blocks from the Vancouver cruise terminal, making it a great choice for those with an early departure.

If you’re looking for a place to relax before your cruise, the Fairmont Pacific Rim has an outdoor pool and a high-end spa.

The hotel also has several restaurants, including one of Vancouver’s best restaurants that uses ingredients foraged from the Pacific Northwest: Botanist.

Amenities: fitness centre, cocktail patio, business centre, house BMW car service, restaurants, lounge.

The Pan Pacific Hotel

View from balcony, Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver

☆☆☆☆ | Area: Canada Place | 300-999 Canada Pl | Skytrain: Waterfront

The Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver is located right next to the Vancouver Cruise Terminal and makes for a great place to stay before your cruise.

The hotel has an outdoor pool, spa, and a gourmet restaurant with views of the city and harbour.

If you’re looking for something to do before your cruise, the hotel is also conveniently located close to many of Vancouver’s attractions.

Amenities: ensuite rooms, fitness centre, concierge service.

Hotels near Canada Place Cruise Terminal with Shuttle Service

There are a few hotels located near the Vancouver cruise terminal that offer shuttle service to and from the port.

The Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Vancouver Downtown and the Delta Hotels Vancouver Downtown Suites are both located within a few blocks of the terminal and offer shuttle service.

Related: How Many Days Do I Need to Spend in Vancouver?

Restaurants near the Vancouver Cruise Terminal

There are a few different options for food at the Vancouver cruise terminal.

If you’re looking for a quick, casual bite, the restaurants located near the Canada Place Cruise Terminal include local chains like Cactus Club Cafe and White Spot.

But hold it! Know that you’re just a 10-minute walk away from the best restaurant neighbourhood in the city. Making resos to mop up must eat Vancouver food at the best Gastown restaurants is always a good move.

Suggestions: Water Street Cafe, the Flying Pig, or Di Beppe.

Related: Visiting Vancouver in August

A man receives his rental vehicle

Rental Cars Near the Vancouver Cruise Port

If you’re looking to rent a car while you’re in British Columbia, there are a few rental car services located near the cruise port.

Here are a few of the car rental companies near Canada Place Cruise Terminal:

I don’t want to bog you down with too many choices, so you’ll see I’ve only left a link for Enterprise.

This is because I’ve found that whether I’m renting a car to drive the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler or just one to get around Vancouver while mine is in the shop, Enterprise delivers great customer service and typically has the best prices.

Related: Visiting Vancouver in September

Things to Do Near the Vancouver Cruise Terminal

There are plenty of things to do near the Vancouver cruise port before your ship sets sail.

  • Visit Granville Island: this is Vancouver’s artisan paradise and features the ability to gallery hop and find amazing local souvenirs. It’s also home to Vancouver’s most famous food market.
  • Explore Stanley Park: Just a five minute ride from the cruise terminal is arguably the most spectacular urban park in the world. Its old-growth forests, totem poles, and stunning seaside path are a photographer’s dream.
  • Shop on Robson Street: Vancouver’s best shopping street, and arguably its most stylish, is just 15 minutes’ walk from the cruise port.
  • Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge: This 460-foot long simple suspension bridge in North Vancouver is strung over the Capilano River between two chunks of old-growth forest. Watch the sway!
  • Whale Watching: Just minutes from the harbour, you take some of the best whale watching tours in Vancouver to observe orcas, humpback whales, and all sorts of other once-in-a-lifetime Pacific wildlife.
  • Walk through Gastown: Vancouver’s most historic neighbourhood is home to compelling indigenous art galleries, value souvenir shops, amazing happy hours, and the city’s most photographable object: The Gastown Steamclock.

Related: Capilano Suspension Bridge vs. Sea to Sky Gondola: Which is Better?

a cruise ship docked at the vancouver cruise terminal

Vancouver Cruise Port FAQ

Where is the Vancouver Cruise Terminal?

The Vancouver Cruise Terminal is located at 999 Canada Place in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Which cruise lines operate from Vancouver?

There are a few different cruise lines that operate from Vancouver, including Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruises.

These cruises typically sail to Alaska, but you can also find cruises to the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico, and even Asia.

When is cruise season in Vancouver?

The cruise season in Vancouver runs from May to October. The peak months are June, July, and August when most of the Alaska cruises operate.

If you’re looking for a cheaper cruise, sail in May or September/October when there are fewer people sailing.

What to do in Vancouver before your cruise?

Vancouver is a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. If you have a few days before your cruise, I recommend exploring Stanley Park, going for a walk or bike ride along the seawall, visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge, and checking out Granville Island.

Vancouver is also home to some great restaurants and shopping. Robson Street is a great place to do some shopping and Granville Island has a public market with fresh food and local goods.

How early should I arrive at the Vancouver cruise terminal?

The Vancouver cruise terminal is a busy place, especially in the summer months. It’s best to arrive early by at least two hours to allow plenty of time to check in and get through security.

How do I get a taxi at the Vancouver cruise port?

Getting a taxi at the Canada Place Cruise Terminal terminal is easy. When you exit the terminal, there will be a line of taxis waiting to pick up passengers. You can also call a taxi in advance using Black Top & Checker Cabs at (604) 257-3030.

How much is a taxi from Vancouver International Airport to cruise terminal?

The 30-minute taxi from YVR to the Vancouver cruise ship terminal costs $35.00.

What is the Vancouver cruise port address?

The Canada Place Cruise Terminal address is 999 Canada Pl.

Visiting the City Via the Cruise Port Vancouver?

I’ve tried to break down the Canada Place Cruise Terminal in simplistic terms so you can worry more about enjoying yourself than planning.

That said, I’m only human. If I’ve missed something here about cruising from Vancouver and you need a hand, don’t be afraid to get at me in the comments below.

Ash

I've lived in 5 countries and created content for travel websites like eDreams and Amex Essentials, but here I finally get to work my passion project - my hometown, Vancouver!

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