Ranked as one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world, Vancouver welcomes approximately 900,000 cruise passengers in a year.
Vancouver experiences all four seasons with mild winters and summers thanks to the mountains that protect the city from cold Arctic air and the Pacific Ocean that keeps temperatures from getting too extreme.
Vancouver, however, is a rainy city – particularly during the winter months.
Cruisers who visit Vancouver during May to September can expect temperatures around mid to high 70s F (high teens to low 20s C).
Even though summer months tend to be drier than the rest of the year, make sure you pack a light rain jacket when cruising from Vancouver.
The Vancouver port is the leading home port for Alaska cruises and cruisers get to enjoy views of the coastal mountains, wildlife, and British Columbia’s stunning coastline.
Most cruise ships follow an Alaskan itinerary although there are several cruise ships that go to Hawaii, California, the Panama Canal, Asia, and the South Pacific from the Canada Place cruise terminal in Vancouver.
Families on an Alaskan cruise will enjoy the beautiful landscape, wildlife, and scenery that Canada’s Inside Passage offers.
Closest Airport: Vancouver International Airport (YVR) – 11 miles
Contents & Quick Navigation
Vancouver Cruise Port Overview
The Vancouver cruise port (also known as Port Metro Vancouver and Port of Vancouver) is located in downtown Vancouver at Canada Place. This facility is home to the cruise ship terminal, Pan Pacific Hotel and the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre.
You’ll recognize Canada Place by the large white sails mounted at the top of the building.
Canada Place is 11 miles north of the Vancouver International Airport – about a 30 to 40 minute drive.
Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal – 999 Canada Place
- Restaurants, hotels and shopping centers are all walking distance from Canada Place
- Cruise terminal amenities: wheelchair and scooter rentals, short term luggage storage
- Cruise lines that depart from Port of Vancouver: Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Oceania and Crystal Cruises
Ships dock around 7 to 8 AM and depart around 4 to 5 PM. Most cruise lines begin embarkation at 1 PM however luggage handlers will start collecting and sorting luggage as early as 11 AM.
How to Get to Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal
Port of Vancouver at Canada Place is located 11 miles from the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and there are several ways you can get there.
Car Rental – Several car rental companies like Budget and Avis have kiosks at both the airport terminal and cruise terminal. Passengers can rent a car, drive to the cruise terminal and park there for the duration of the cruise trip. It is recommended that cruisers make arrangements for pick up or drop off at the terminal in advance.
Vancouver Taxis – Taxis in Vancouver operate on a Zone Fare system. The flat rate for getting to the pier at Canada Place is $35.
SkyTrain – Vancouver’s public rapid transit system is the quickest and cheapest way to get to Canada Place. The Canada Line connects the airport and downtown Vancouver and will cost less than $10. It runs every 4-7 minutes from the airport and takes less than 30 minutes to get there.
Cruise Line Transfers – All cruise lines offer transport services from YVR airport to Port Vancouver. Ask your cruise line for current rates.
Private Transfer – Many limousine and town car companies offer a pre-arranged meet-and-greet service where they’ll pick your family up at the airport and take you to the cruise port. Another option is to take YVR’s official licensed limousine company (Aerocar) after you land – advance booking isn’t required.
Vancouver Cruise Port Parking Options
Due to the cruise port’s downtown location, there are very limited parking options for cruisers. You can park onsite at Canada Place or find a hotel with a Park & Cruise package that includes leaving your vehicle at the hotel for the duration of your cruise.
Port of Vancouver Cruise Terminal – Onsite Parking
Website • Directions
WestPark manages the parking facility at Canada Place. This parking lot accommodates normal height vehicles only.
They may be able to offer parking options at nearby off-site locations for over-height vehicles. It’s best to make reservations in advance as parking spots are limited. The current rate is $26/day.
Downtown Vancouver Hotels with Long Term Parking or Park & Cruise Packages
Parking in downtown Vancouver is costly and only a handful of hotels offer long term parking for cruisers.
Below are 4 family-friendly hotels within 1 mile of Canada Place that offer Park & Cruise packages or paid parking for the duration of your cruise.
Auberge Vancouver Hotel • Reviews • 0.5 miles to port • Hotel phone: (604) 678-8899
Best Western Plus Chateau Granville Hotel & Suites • Reviews • 1 mile to port • Hotel phone: (604) 669-7070
Days Inn Vancouver Downtown • Reviews • 0.2 miles to port • Hotel phone: (604) 681-4335
Hampton Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown • Reviews • 1 mile to port • Hotel phone: (604) 602-1077
Top 5 Family-Friendly Hotels Near the Vancouver Cruise Port
There’s no shortage of hotels in the downtown Vancouver area for a pre or post cruise stay. During the cruise season (May to September), hotels fill up quickly and it’s recommended to book months in advance if you have your heart set on a specific one.
Below are 5 family-friendly hotels within walking distance of the Port of Vancouver.
You’ll find that almost all hotels near the Vancouver cruise terminal – including the 5 listed below – can arrange inexpensive shuttle transport to Canada Place if required.
Blue Horizon Hotel • Reviews • Hotel phone: (604) 670-3331
Mid-range hotel 10 blocks (10-minute walk) from Canada Place cruise terminal. Play yards and cribs available upon request. One-way taxi ride is $10 CDN.
Days Inn Vancouver Downtown • Reviews • Hotel phone: (604) 681-4335
Budget hotel that is 5 minutes walking from the cruise terminal. Also offers parking for duration of your cruise.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Vancouver Suites • Reviews • Hotel phone: (604) 689-8188
Mid-range all-suites hotel located 3 blocks from Canada Place.
Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver • Reviews • Hotel phone: 1 (844) 505-2679
A luxury hotel directly across the street from Port of Vancouver and Pan Pacific Vancouver hotel.
Pan Pacific Vancouver • Reviews • Hotel phone: (604) 662-8111
A luxury hotel attached to the Canada Place cruise terminal. There’s no need for shuttle service here as you can just walk directly to the terminal.
What to Do in Vancouver with Kids Near the Cruise Port
Vancouver is more than just a popular cruise port. A dynamic city right on the edge of nature, Vancouver is home to some of the best attractions and activities in the Pacific Northwest.
There are so many family-friendly things to do in and around Vancouver that it really requires multiple days to see and do everything.
However, if you’ve got limited time in Vancouver, here are the best things to do with the kids near the cruise port:
1. Vancouver Lookout
One of the best ways to enjoy the view of this vibrant city is from Vancouver Lookout – an observation deck at Harbor Centre. A 40-second glass elevator ride takes you over 550 feet (168 meters) above Vancouver. Admission includes all-day in and out privileges so you can see the city during the day, at sunset and at night.
Website • Reviews • Directions
2. Stanley Park
A visit to Stanley Park is a must-do when in Vancouver. This 1000 acre park (it’s larger than New York’s Central Park!) is home to the Vancouver Aquarium, kid-friendly beaches, cultural and historical landmarks, a 5.5 mile seawall, horse-drawn carriage tours, and stroller, bike and wheelchair friendly trails.
Website • Reviews • Directions
3. Vancouver Aquarium
Located in Stanley Park – east of Pipeline Road – is Canada’s largest aquarium. Visitors can easily spend 2 to 3 hours learning about 50,000 creatures including jellyfish, sea otters, penguins and the ever popular beluga whales. For a more interactive animal experience, families can book an animal encounter where they can participate in a feeding or training session.
Website • Reviews • Directions
4. Grouse Mountain
Escape the city and spend a few hours in North Vancouver at Grouse Mountain. This all-season outdoor playground gives families a chance to observe endangered animals, spend some time hiking on the trails, and ride one of North America’s longest aerial trams. Complimentary shuttle service is available on a first-come-first-serve basis from Canada Place.
Website • Reviews • Directions
5. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
For the thrill seeking families, we recommend visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vancouver. Enjoy walking in the rainforest as you cross bridges 230 feet above the Capilano river. Most of the trails and bridges are stroller-friendly, however, there are parts where you’ll have to fold up the stroller and carry it across along with your child. It’s about a 15-minute drive from Canada Place but families can take the free shuttle bus that runs multiple times a day just outside of the cruise terminal.
Website • Reviews • Directions
Read More About Cruising from Vancouver with Kids
- Why Cruise to Alaska with Kids
- Cruise Port Guide – Juneau, Alaska with Kids
- Cruise Port Guide – Ketchikan, Alaska with Kids
- Cruise Port Guide – Skagway, Alaska with Kids
- 7 Things to Know about Disney Alaska Cruises
