Vancouver, the coastal seaport of British Columbia, is the third largest city in Canada with more than 640,000 residents. Besides forestry, tourism is its number one industry. It's also a center for software development, biotechnology, aerospace, video game development, animation studios as well as being the third largest film production location. Vancouver is also consistently recognized as one of the world's most livable cities.

Vancouver is the main cruise port for Alaska cruises. Cruises out of Vancouver primarily visit Alaska by way of the Inside Passage that's runs along the west coast of British Columbia. All major cruise lines have cruises originating in Vancouver, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess and Disney Cruise Line. Due to harsh winter conditions, cruises departing Vancouver only operate from late Spring through early Fall.

Facts

Where is the cruise port?

Cruise ships dock at one of two Port Metro Vancouver cruise terminals: Canada Place Cruise Terminal located at 999 Canada Place and Ballantyne Cruise Terminal located at 851 Centennial Road (see map).

What language is spoken in Vancouver? Do they speak English?

English is the official language and French is the second official language. Mandarin, Cantonese, German, Italian, Chinese and Punjabi are also commonly spoken throughout Canada.

What is the time zone in Vancouver?

Vancouver is on Pacific Standard Time (UTC-8).

Current Time - Vancouver, BC, Canada

Money & Currency

What is the national currency?

The Canadian Dollar (CD).

Where can I get or exchange money?

If you are exchanging international currency, such as Euros or U.S Dollars, Vancouver International Airport (YVA), located a little over 10 miles south of Vancouver's cruise terminals, and some downtown hotels are the most accessible to Vancouver's port. Vancouver Bullion and Currency Exchange at 800 West Pender, open from 9AM-5PM Monday through Friday, stocks 100 different types of currency on hand and doesn't charge a transaction fee. Although VBCE welcomes cash and debit cards, personal checks and credit cards are not accepted. For more information on their services call 604-685-1008.

Another option is Money Mart at 715 West Pender Street. They offer services Monday through Friday from 8am-8pm and Saturday from 10am-6pm. For daily rates call 604-606-9700.

• Banks closest to Vancouver cruise port: 

  There are a variety of banks located within a couple of miles of the port, below are a few:

  • MoneyStream Inc. located at 355 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC is walking distance from the Canada Place Terminal or less than 2 miles west from the Ballantyne Terminal (see map).
  • Bank of Canada at 200 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC is about a quarter of a mile south east from the Canada Place Cruise Terminal and less than 2 miles west of the Ballantyne Terminal (see map).
  • The National Bank of Canada, 555 Burrard, Vancouver, BC (See Map), is walking distance south of the Canada Place Cruise Terminal and 2 miles west of Ballantyne. (see map.)
• ATMs closest to Vancouver cruise port: 

  There are many ATMs located throughout the city, at the banks mentioned above and in the cruise terminal.

Stay in Touch

How can I stay in touch with home? (Ex. Email, phone, etc.)

Most US cellular carriers provide international roaming in Canada, while most US pre-paid phones will not work in Canada. Contact your cell phone provider for information regarding international roaming rates in Canada. You can also purchase calling cards at most any gas station or convenience store to make international calls affordably.

Where are the Internet cafes?

Free WiFi is available at all Starbucks and most McDonald's locations in the area. There are also several hotels in Vancouver that offer a small business center or couple of computers with Internet access for hotel guests in case you did not bring your own computer.

What are the cell phone rates?

Most cell phone plans in the US offer international roaming rates for $0.59 - $0.79/min in Canada. Contact your cell phone provider for information regarding international roaming rates in Canada.

Weather

Vancouver's climate is temperate compared to the rest of Canada. It is one of Canada's warmest cities with dry summers and rain from fall through winter. It is said and generally true, that in Spring you can ski in the morning and golf in the afternoon.

Current Temperature

Average Monthly Temperatures and Rainfall in Vancouver

Getting Around Vancouver

Walking

Making pedestrians one of their highest priorities, Vancouver was recognized as the 2008 Best Walking City in Canada by the Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine (CFPM). And since many of the city's tourist attractions are located downtown, they're easily assessable from the subway.

Taxis

Taxis are available throughout the city and will take you pretty much anywhere you want to go. Taxis also serve the cruise terminal during ship calls and public transportation is easily accessible as well. Typically taxi services charge a $2.44 initial fee and have a $1.41 rate per kilometer. You can plan your trip ahead of time and calculate taxi fare.

Public Transportation

Vancouver's public transportation system, TransLink, provides a number of commuter options in and around the metro area. Single fares let you travel by bus, Seabus and SkyTrain for up to 90 minutes around the lower mainland in zones one, two or three. Keep in mind when buying your tickets that SkyTrain and Seabus ticketing machines take all coins except pennies, bills up to $20 as well as credit cards. However buses require that you have exact change when using cash.

Although it may not be the fastest mode of travel Buses, trolleys and community shuttles - operating on a grid system - can get you to many tourist destinations; and are conveniently accessible with ramps and lift systems to accommodate people with special needs.

SkyTrain happens to be the longest running automated rapid transportation systems in the world. The Expo and Millennium Lines connect Downtown Vancouver with Burnaby, New Westminster and Surrey while the Canadian Line runs from downtown Vancouver to the Vancouver International Airport (YVA) and Richmond.

With the capacity to seat up to 400 passengers, the Seabus sails from Burrard Inlet between Vancouver and the North Shore. Departure is every 15 minutes during rush hours and every 30 minutes in the evening.

Car Rentals

Car rentals are available, but not necessary if you're willing to use public transportation. However, if you do choose to drive try avoiding the morning and evening rush hour in the downtown area. Hertz is conveniently located inside the Canada Place terminal and offers rentals with unlimited mileage for about $50/day. TransLink also keeps you up to date on road and traffic conditions.

VancouverCruise Port to/from Airport

What is the best way to travel between the Vancouver cruise port and the airport?

Vancouver International Airport (YVA) is about 30 minutes away from both the Canada Place and Ballantyne Cruise Terminals (see map). If you don't have too much luggage, you can take SkyTrain's Canada Line from the airport to both cruise terminals. Your trip will take roughly 25-35 minutes and will cost you $8.75. Tickets may be purchased with cash or credit/debit cards from the vending machines adjacent to the train platform. But if you don't think you can wrangle all your bags, a taxi will get you to either cruise terminal for roughly $25-$30.

Hotels

Which hotels are convenient to get to/from the Vancouver cruise port?

There are plenty of hotels within reach of the Downtown Vancouver area, Vancouver International Airport and surrounding areas. Here are just a few options depending on your needs:

• If you are driving from out of town to Vancouver for your cruise:

  Holiday Inn Vancouver Downtown is just 1 mile south west from Canada Place Terminal and less than 2.5 miles west of the Ballantyne Cruise Terminal. Besides being close to many of downtown Vancouver’s attractions, guests can enjoy amenities such as Medley's Restaurant & Bistro Bar, 24 hr room service, complimentary high speed internet, pay for services business centre, concierge services, 24 hr indoor pool, health center & sauna, coin operated laundry, ATM/cash machine on site, Foreign Currency Exchange and much more. Call (800)663-9151 to make reservations.

• If you are flying to Vancouver for your cruise:

  

  The Vancouver Airport Marriott Hotel is conveniently located less than 5 miles south east of the Vancouver International Airport. Besides the American Grille Restaurant, Lotus Land Lounge, fitness center, pool and inviting accommodations guests have a chance to explore some of what Richmond has to offer such as the Richmond Olympic Oval, Steveston Village and the Richmond Summer Night Market. To book a room, contact their service desk at (604)276-2112 or dial toll-free at (877)323-8888.

• For a hotel close to the cruise facility:

  The Fairmont Waterfront Hotel is just across the street from the Canada Place Cruise Terminal. The 900 Canada Place location has a long standing commitment to providing a superior guest experience, which includes high speed internet, a health club, a Sunday morning yoga run, concierge team and Herons West Cost Kitchen & Bar. Not to mention, Gastown, Robson Street, Pacific Center shopping mall and the Vancouver Art Gallery are just a short walk away. For more information or to book your stay call (866)540-4509 or (604)691-1991.

Food & Drink

What are the best eats in Vancouver?

Poutine is a widely popular dish across Canada. Basically french fries and cheese curds covered in gravy or sauce, poutine is such a staple that fast food chains like Burger King, McDonalds and KFC feature it on their menu. Additionally, some restaurants may include additional ingredients like lobster, rabbit, caviar or truffles in their recipe. But if that doesn’t sound quite like your cuisine of choice, falafel and pizza are also pretty common in Vancouver.

What are the must-drinks in Vancouver?

Sortilege, a maple liquor that combines Canadian whiskey and maple syrup is a distinctly Canadian beverage. Caribou is another uniquely Canadian beverage usually served during the holidays. It combines red wine, maple syrup and Canadian whiskey. So basically, take any liquid; add maple syrup and Canadian whiskey and you have yourself a Canadian beverage. Alright, maybe not any liquid.

Souvenirs

Which are the best souvenirs to buy in Vancouver? Where can I get them?

Under $25:

In a country where they not only name one of their hockey teams after the maple (Toronto Maple Leafs), but even have a maple leaf on their flag; a bottle of maple syrup is an obvious take home souvenir or gift. The Bistro & Shoppe, located less than half a mile from Canada Place, carries varieties of Canadian Maple Delights maple syrup and many maple inspired treats.

$25-$75

Yukon Jack, known as "The Black Sheep of Canadian Liquors", is a distinctive whiskey-based Canadian liqueur. Similar to Southern Comfort, except bourbon based instead of rye, Yukon Jack is a popular winter beverage among Canadians looking to warm up with a little nip.

Over $75

Before you leave the Museum of Anthropology you might want to check out the gift shop and bring home your very own piece of art. Original pieces start at $90 and include a verity of works such as textiles, figurines, carvings and sculptures.

Attractions

What are the top attractions and must-sees in Vancouver? How long will it take me to get there and to explore?

Attractions

There’s no shortage of things to do in Vancouver. Admission to the city’s various attractions can add up fast, so to avoid spending an arm and a leg you might want to purchase an attraction pass like See Vancouver Smartvisit Card or the Vancouver Five in One Card.

• Since it’s opening in 1889, Stanley Park situated about 3 miles north west from the Ballantyne Cruise Terminal and a little over a mile northwest of the Canada Place Cruise Terminal with its 1,000 acres has been a go to place to joggers, bikers and anyone wanting to enjoy a shady afternoon under the trees. The park’s Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Center is also a favorite where quests can enjoy its many inhabitants including sea lions, seals and otters. The park’s other attraction include Kids Water Park, a miniature train, a children's farmyard, totem pole carving demonstrations.
• 

  For art lovers, the Vancouver Art Gallery, located about 2 miles west of both ports, is a must visit. Formally used as a courthouse, the Gallery currently houses some of the most sought after collections by local and regional artists like of Emily Carr, as well as, European artists. Their photographic collection, covering more than 450 works, is considered one of the most impressive in North America.

• 

  The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia located less than roughly 9 miles south west from each cruise terminal is a great place to learn about the history and people of the Northwest cost.

• Spanning 450 feet across a canyon and 230 feet above the Capilano River, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, located less than 20 minutes north from either cruise terminal (see map), attracts thrill seekers year round who dare the heights of a treetop adventure.
• 

  Staying on the theme of outdoor fun, less than 10 miles north of both the Canada Place Cruise Terminal and the Ballantyne Cruise Terminal, is the Sky Ride at Grouse Mountain. You and 99 other passengers will reach a height of 3,700 feet in eight minutes and once up there you’ll see some of the best views in Canada. The Refuge for Endangered Wildlife is also nearby for those who want to sneak a peek at grizzly bears. And since it can easily become an all day trip make sure to stop for lunch at the Observatory or Altitudes at Bistro.

• The 50-acre VanDusen Botanical Garden has been welcoming guests since 1975. VanDusen cultivates 11,500 plants representing more than 7,300 plant families in addition to 255,000 plants from South America, South Africa, Himalayas, Mediterranean, Pacific Northwest and just about everywhere in between.
• 

  The town of Whistler, about 2 hours from the cruise terminals, is the biggest and one of the most popular snow destinations in North America. First timers to avid skiers flock to the 8000 acres of snow-covered land that covers the mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb.

Beaches

• English Bay Beach is located along Stanley Park’s seawall system and is a popular sandy getaway for vacationers and locals alike. But we all know it takes a little more than a shoreline to make it a day at the beach. No worries, there’s a fully-equipped bathhouse and washrooms, concession stands, kayak rentals, barbecuing locations and lifeguards are one duty from May until September. English Bay Beach also hosts concerts throughout the year as well as Polar Bear Swim on New Year’s Day and the spectacular Celebration of Light fireworks competition each July/August.
• Spanish Bank Beach is great for family getaways with its BBQ tables, picnic areas and dog friendly atmosphere. There are also concessions and lifeguards on hand from May to Labor Day.
• For the slightly younger crowds, teens to thirties, Kitsilano Beach is a popular destination. Along with the usual amenities is a tennis court, playground, heated outdoor pool and the Boathouse Waterfront Restaurant.

Shopping

• Vancouver is home to the second largest and one of the cleanest Chinatowns in North America, (See Map). Treasure hunters flock in to the city for a taste of Chinese cuisine, browse many authentic shops and explore a cultural hub that hosts a slew of events throughout the year.
• Yaletown offers tourist and residents alike with boutiques, local designers, high-end restaurants, microbreweries, art galleries and a BMW Cooper Mini showroom.
• If you’d prefer a day at the market head on over to Granville Island where you can enjoy everything from local artistry to fresh produce to hand made textiles. There’s even a Kids Market, located at 1496 Cartwright Street, filled with shops as well as an Adventure Zone and water park where kids can play.
• Less than 2 miles west of the cruise facilities is the Robson Street Shopping and Entertainment District, Vancouver’s most famous shopping center. You’ll find shops like international brands like BeBe and Swatch as well as stores ranging from Armani and Ferragamo to new designers. People also frequent the district to partake in many events like parades, festivities and concerts that go on throughout the year.

Golf

Golf enthusiasts rejoice! The session lasts at least eight months in Vancouver, so you can bet there are a lot of courses to choose from. Here are a few we thought would be a hole in one:

• Fraserview Golf Course, located about 7 miles northwest of both the Canada Place and Ballantyne Cruise Terminal, was designed by Canadian architect Thomas McBroom and overlooks the Fraser River. With scenic views, professional lessons and their commitment to practice environmentally sustainable maintenance practices, Fraserview Gold Course has recently been awarded bronze in the "Best Public Course in Canada" category and was voted one of the Most Underrated Golf Courses in Canada by the SCOREGolf Magazine Golfer's Choice Awards. For more details or to make reservations call (604)718-6533.
• The University Golf Club offers an 18 hole championship course, driving range, private teaching area, restaurant, golf & fashion shop, banquet as well as meeting and reception facilities. Book your tee-time online or by calling (604)224-1818.
• Northlands Golf Course located at the base of Mt. Seymour, Northlands provides players with challenging holes and scenic vistas along the mountainside. In fact, in 2006 the North Shore News awarded it the Readers Choice Platinum Winner. To make a reservation, call (604)924-2950. And after you play, head on over to the bar & grill or check out their golf shop for all your tee time gear.

Tours

Onboard the Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour you can see Vancouver however you want. With this pass sightseers have access to unlimited hop-on hop-off service for either 1 or 2 days depending on your purchased ticket. Tickets can be purchased online, from your hotel’s concierge or from the driver when you hop on the bus.

BCPASSPORT’s Vancouver See it All Tour features the best of the North Shore including Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park and Grouse Mountain including the Grouse Moutain Skyride in addition to Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown, English Bay and Yaletown downtown. Contact BCPASSPORT at 1-800-913-9207 to book a reservation or purchase your tickets online.