Vancouver, on Canada’s west coast, provides a great starting point for Alaska cruises. We recommend exploring the city for at least a day or two before embarking. We call Vancouver our home and share the top things to do before your cruise.
Surprisingly, Vancouver isn’t the capital of British Columbia. However, the sprawling city offers visitors a mix of urban attractions and an abundance of natural landscapes.
Stanley Park, home to scenic views and totem poles, has been voted one of the best urban parks globally. The downtown park’s lush forests and winding paths provide a serene retreat from the city’s everyday hustle and bustle.
Beyond the city’s attractions, food enthusiasts can savor a multitude of global culinary flavors at the best local restaurants. For those on a budget, the food truck scene offers diverse cuisines from around the world.
Standout trucks like La Taqueria serve some of the city’s best tacos, while The Rice Box delivers delicious Chinese-inspired street food. However, Japadog, Vancouver’s most iconic food truck, offers a Japanese take on the popular dogs.
Shopping in Vancouver is not to be missed. In downtown, Robson Street offers top brands like Armani, Gucci, and Tiffany, nestled amongst the souvenir shops.
Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or gastronomic adventures, Vancouver has plenty to offer before your cruise journey.
Exploring Vancouver’s Iconic Attractions
We recommend staying downtown, which provides a central location to popular sites. There are many hotels near the port of Vancouver, and there’s one for every budget.
Transportation in Vancouver is decent, with buses, Skytrain (rapid transit), taxis, and rideshare. Use a complimentary shuttle from downtown to access two iconic destinations in North Vancouver, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain (Peak of Vancouver).
Capilano Suspension Bridge
The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is the city’s number one attraction, and for good reasons. The venue provides an exhilarating adventure in nature. Its thrilling 140-meter-long bridge spans the Capilano River, offering stunning views of the surrounding temperate rainforest.
Beyond the swaying bridge, the Cliffwalk and Treetops Adventure provides fun for all ages. The Treetops Adventure features a series of smaller suspension bridges high in the treetops.
In the summer, birds of prey with their handlers are on hand to give insight into hawk, owl, and falcon species. The park has a kids’ program, which allows children to seek out banana slugs and other items and learn about their habitats.
In one area, kids (and adults can stretch their arms to measure their wing span. Do you have the wing span of a raven, great horned owl, or Canada Goose? I’m a great horned owl!
Summer is the busiest time to visit the park, so arriving early in the day or visiting at dusk provides a reprieve from the crowds.
Since the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain tram sit on the same stretch of road, we suggest planning to visit both on the same day. The return complimentary shuttle stops at Canada Place (cruise port) and several downtown hotels.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is Vancouver’s crown jewel, covering 1,000 acres of urban green space. We consider it a must-visit destination, with many ways to explore.
The park boasts a 10-kilometer seawall path perfect for walking, cycling, or rollerblading. Nearby, cycle shops offer inexpensive standard rentals, as well as electric bicycles.
Visitors can explore lush forests, pristine beaches, and scenic viewpoints within the park. The Vancouver Aquarium, situated within the park, features marine life from the Pacific Northwest and other regions. For non-walkers, Stanley Park’s horse-drawn trolleys provide a fun way to see the park.
The key attractions include:
- Prospect Point Lookout: This northernmost point offers spectacular views of Lionsgate Bridge and Burrard Inlet.
- Lost Lagoon: A restful spot, home to numerous ducks and geese.
- Brockton Point: Its totem poles are carved by Indigenous artists.
- Second Beach: This spot features a heated pool ideal for families.
- Vancouver Aquarium: Displays include an Amazon gallery, frog exhibits, and amazing jellyfish.
We recommend getting a rental bike to cover more ground and genuinely appreciate the park’s beauty. Once, we chose a bicycle for two, which added a romantic element.
Granville Island
Granville Island is a vibrant hub of art, culture, and cuisine. To reach this bustling venue just south of downtown, we recommend taking the Aquabus or False Creek Ferries. Multiple ferry docks exist at Plaza of Nations, David Lam Park, Yaletown, and Hornby Street.
The ferries are inexpensive and provide a scenic approach from the water. The Aquabus offers an all-day ticket for a small fee. Consider riding the 45-minute route for a waterfront cruise of False Creek.
At Granville Island, the Public Market is its centerpiece. Browsing is a must, and grazing is optional. Its fresh produce, gourmet foods, and ready-to-eat foods will entice you to eat. We suggest sampling local specialties and picking up unique souvenirs.
In addition to the market, the island is home to various art galleries, theaters, and studios. You’ll often find crafts like loom weaving, pottery making, and silk dyeing being practiced. For beer lovers, the Granville Island Brewing Company offers tours and tastings.
Stop by Heidelberg Materials (formerly Ocean Concrete) when browsing the island. Their colorful concrete silos, painted by the Osgemeos brothers, are Instagram-worthy.
Granville Island has several top restaurants, some with patio and waterfront views. Head to the Sandbar Seafood Restaurant for Dungeness crab, Bridges for West Coast cuisine, and Dockside Restaurant for steak. The latter also has its own microbrewery.
Gastown
Gastown, the oldest neighborhood in Vancouver, is brimming with charm and character, making it one of the city’s most fascinating destinations.
Its cobblestone streets, Victorian architecture, and old lampposts provide lots of appeal. While this tourist area features patio restaurants and souvenir shops, most travelers visit to see its clock.
Though Gastown is known for its vibrant mix of patio restaurants, quirky souvenir shops, and lively street scenes, the main attraction for most travelers is its iconic Steam Clock.
The famous Steam Clock, which whistles every quarter-hour, is a popular photo spot. While the steam clock looks old, it was constructed in 1977 and is one of the last of its kind globally. Along with its steamy display, the clock plays the familiar Westminster Chimes.
We suggest exploring the area’s boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants in the Gastown district. At night, this area comes alive with its trendy bars and eateries.
Nearby, head to the Vancouver Lookout for the best aerial views of the city, Burrard Inlet, and the bustling cruise port.
Vancouver Lookout
The Vancouver Lookout graces the downtown area with its iconic circular observation platform. The Lookout, inside Harbour Centre, provides 360-degree vistas of Vancouver’s beautiful skyline.
The observation deck sits 168 meters (550 feet) above street level, including detailed write-ups of iconic buildings. The best part about visiting is that tickets last all day. So, visit in the day for lovely views, and return in the evening when the city is illuminated.
For a romantic meal, consider dining at the Vancouver Revolving Restaurant. The deck rotates slowly, providing ever-changing perspectives.
From the Vancouver Lookout, walk to the waterfront. Here, the FlyOver Canada ride at Canada Place provides views of Niagara Falls and the Canadian Rockies on a virtual reality ride. Nearby, you can also see the Vancouver Cauldron, a 10-meter glass structure used for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
For those concerned about navigating Vancouver’s attractions, the Hop-on Hop-off bus is a good solution. The Westcoast Sightseeing bus stops at almost all the destinations above.
Should you be disembarking in Vancouver with a late flight, there’s an option to purchase the bus tour with luggage storage.
Outdoor Adventures
With a backdrop of mountains, Vancouver offers many outdoor experiences catering to most interests. The north shore, just minutes from the city center, offers lovely views from the Peak of Vancouver.
Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain, or the Peak of Vancouver, provides year-round adventure mere minutes from downtown Vancouver. We recommend taking the Skyride aerial tram for stunning vistas of the mountains, city, and ocean.
For fitness enthusiasts, there’s an alternative to reaching the mountain peak. The Grouse Grind, a challenging 2.9 km uphill trail, is popular with locals and gym rats.
Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, wildlife demonstrations, and scenic lookouts at the summit. Don’t miss the Eye of the Wind, a glass viewing pod atop a wind turbine with 360-degree views.
In summer, the mountain offers ziplining for all ages, paragliding, birds of prey demonstration, and guided eco-walks.
One of our favorite attractions on Grouse Mountain is the grizzly bear enclosure. Grinder and Coola are two orphaned bears who have called Vancouver their home for over two decades. Like all bears, they hibernate in winter. We can view them in their den through a bear cam.
Grinder and Coola emerge from their den in mid-April. Their emergence coincides with Alaska cruise season and the arrival of summer tourists.
Whale Watching
In Alaska, whale-watching tours are popular in ports like Juneau, Icy Strait Point, and Seward. While humpback whales are the main species spotted, in Vancouver, the predominant species is Orca.
Booking a half-day excursion is recommended to maximize the chances of spotting marine life. Tours typically depart from Steveston Village or Granville Island. The latter is closer to downtown for easier access.
Expert guides help locate and identify various whale species, including orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales. Some tours use covered vessels with outdoor viewing decks, ensuring comfort in all weather conditions.
For a more intimate experience, consider a zodiac tour that gets you closer to the action. This one usually requires a waterproof suit provided by the operator. Don’t forget to bring your camera, warm layers, and a sense of adventure.
Pre-Cruise Preparations
Before embarking on your Vancouver cruise adventure, arriving in the city early is recommended. Flight delays are common, so early arrivals provide some cushion of time before embarkation day.
Taking the time to explore Vancouver before your cruise not only ensures a stress-free start to your journey but also allows you to experience the city’s incredible culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. If you’re pressed for time, a tour that combines multiple sights gives a good overview of our beautiful city.
Whether you’re strolling through Stanley Park, enjoying fresh seafood at Granville Island, or admiring the views from Capilano Suspension Bridge, your pre- or post-cruise stay will add even more unforgettable memories to your adventure.
