Canada (British Columbia) Alaska Vancouver
Ships berth at Canada Place, on the downtown waterfront, next to Waterfront station and 16 km by road from Vancouver airport.
The Canada Line runs from the airport to Waterfront station, next to the terminal, in about 25 minutes. Gastown is a 10-minute walk.
Vancouver is the main Canadian departure port for Alaska cruises, most of them along the Inside Passage. Ships berth at Canada Place, the terminal with the white sail-shaped roof on the downtown waterfront, next to the Vancouver Convention Centre. Passengers sailing to Alaska go through United States border controls (US preclearance) at the terminal before boarding, so it is advisable to arrive with time to spare. Vancouver International Airport is about 15 km (9 miles) away. The Canada Line of the SkyTrain runs to Waterfront station, across the street from the terminal, in about 25 minutes.
Downtown Vancouver can be explored on foot from the terminal. Gastown, the oldest part of the city, with its steam clock and cobbled streets, is a few minutes' walk to the east. To the west, the seawall leads around Coal Harbour to Stanley Park, a park of about 400 hectares with totem poles at Brockton Point and views of the Lions Gate Bridge. Granville Island and its public market can be reached by bus or by the small ferries on False Creek. Further away, the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain, in North Vancouver, are around 30 minutes by road, and the SeaBus crosses the harbour from Waterfront station to Lonsdale Quay.
From the ship to the centre
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SkyTrain Canada Line from Vancouver airport (YVR)From YVR-Airport station to Waterfront, the end of the line, next to Canada Place. Pay by contactless card or Compass ticket; trips from the airport include a CAD 6.50 AddFare.About 25 minCAD 10-12
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Taxi from YVRTaxi stands on arrivals level 2. Flat zone fare to Canada Place and downtown, set by the Passenger Transportation Board.25-30 minCAD 42-46 flat
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Cruise line transfers from YVRCoaches sold by the cruise line, with luggage taken to the ship. Check where to meet them at the airport.30-45 minSet by the line
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Taxis and app rides at Canada PlaceFlat fare from the terminal to downtown hotels and Pacific Central Station, and CAD 42 to YVR on cruise days. Uber and Lyft pick up only at street level.5-30 minCAD 16 downtown
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On foot to Gastown and Stanley ParkGastown and the steam clock are 800 m east. The seawall runs west round Coal Harbour to Stanley Park; Brockton Point is about 4 km.10-55 minFree
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SeaBus to North VancouverFrom Waterfront station across the harbour to Lonsdale Quay, with its market and views of the city. 1-zone fare in the evening and at weekends.12 minCAD 3.50-5.10
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Free shuttle to Capilano Suspension BridgeFrom Canada Place Way, between the two convention centres, to the park in North Vancouver, for park visitors only. Same-day luggage storage at the park.About 20 minFree (park ticket)
Map of Vancouver
Climate
Average daily temperatureMild summers: average temperatures of about 18 °C in July and August and 4 °C in January. Summer is the driest season; most rain falls from October to March. May to September are the best months.
Cruises from Vancouver
Seattle· at sea ·KetchikanJuneauSkagwayIcy Strait Point (Hoonah)Sitka· at sea ·· at sea ·· at sea ·VancouverNo cruises match these filters. Try another month or clear the filters.
News about Vancouver
Tips for your call
- US border at Canada PlaceShips to Alaska call at US ports, so passengers clear US pre-inspection (CBP) at the terminal before boarding, with a facial photo. Bring your passport and, if you need one, an ESTA or US visa.
- Flying into CanadaVisa-exempt travellers flying to Canada need an eTA (CAD 7, apply online). US citizens do not. Arriving or leaving by ship needs no eTA, only a valid passport.
- Busy hoursMost passengers board and leave between 7:00 and 17:00, when traffic, taxi queues and the SkyTrain are busiest. On peak weekends up to 50,000 people use the terminal.
- Drop-off and pick-upCars and taxis use the ramp at the foot of Howe Street. App rides drop off on parking level P2 but pick up only at street level. The Canada Place parkade is run by Indigo.
- Luggage on the last dayCapilano Suspension Bridge Park stores bags for the day for free for guests who take its shuttle from Canada Place. Ask your line about left-luggage at the terminal.
- SeasonIn 2026 ships sailed from late February to mid-October, with the peak from May to September. Some cruises are one way, between Vancouver and Alaska (Seward or Whittier).
Accessibility
Cars and taxis drop passengers inside the terminal's parkade, under cover, close to check-in. SkyTrain stations, including Waterfront and YVR-Airport, have lifts, and the seawall to Stanley Park is level and paved. Ask your cruise line about boarding assistance.
In pictures
