Planning an Alaska cruise from Vancouver, British Columbia? Vancouver makes a great cruise departure port as it’s closer to Alaska, ships sail the Inside Passage, and offers a smoother voyage.
Finding the perfect hotel near the cruise port can make a pre-cruise (or post-cruise) stay much easier. We live in Vancouver and while the city has many hotels, we carefully selected our top picks for every budget.
So, whether you’re flying in the night before or staying for a few days, we have the best options for travelers. With a few days in the city, staying downtown is a smart choice. A central location makes seeing Vancouver pre-cuise easier with convenient access to popular attractions.
Budget-friendly hotels are available but require taxi rides to Canada Place or the Vancouver cruise terminal. The choice often comes down to budget, convenience, and sometimes availability.
Where Is The Vancouver Cruise Terminal?
Travelers flying into Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on Sea Island, must travel north to downtown to reach the port. Depending on traffic, the trip usually takes 30 minutes. Unless you’re flying in late, staying downtown near the port provides convenience.
Hotels Within Walking Distance Of The Port
Several hotels offer convenient access to the port of Vancouver, but one, the Pan Pacific, is literally in the port.
Pan Pacific Vancouver
The Pan Pacific Vancouver sits directly above the cruise terminal at Canada Place, which shares the same address. Canada Place, with its iconic white sails, is a waterfront hub that houses a convention center, cruise port, hotel, restaurants, and a FlyOver Canada ride.
We love its unbeatable location, which allows guests to simply take the elevator down to check in for their cruise. Hotel staff collect luggage and transport it to the port on the embarkation day.
This hotel offers city and harbor view rooms. Choosing the latter provides lovely views of the North Shore Mountains and ships in port. The rooms are spacious and with elegant furnishings, providing a relaxing pre-cruise stay.
Luxurious amenities include an outdoor pool, fitness center, and spa. Dining ranges from casual fare to upscale dining choices, with menus featuring local Pacific Northwest cuisine. There are also many dining options outside the hotel itself.
It’s an easy walk from the Pan Pacific to the Olympic Cauldron, Gastown Steam Clock, and Vancouver Lookout. The Vancouver Lookout has a revolving restaurant offering fantastic city and harbor views.
When cruising to Alaska from Vancouver, this pre-cruise hotel ranks number one for convenience – it’s above the port.
Fairmont Waterfront
The Fairmont Waterfront is another top choice if Pan Pacific is fully booked. It’s across the street from Canada Place. It offers the same conveniences as its neighbor and will deliver one piece of luggage per person to the port.
Fairmont is a trusted luxury brand that’s favored by many travelers. One block to the west is another location in the chain, the Fairmont Pacific Rim. We’ve stayed at many Fairmonts and value their hospitality.
The Fairmont Waterfront features an outdoor heated pool with views of the harbor and mountains. Rooms are what we expect of the Fairmont brand; they are luxurious, with lovely furnishings and comfortable bedding.
The on-site restaurant ARC serves farm-to-table cuisine using local ingredients, with many vegetarian and gluten-free options. The Cactus Club Café, Miku Vancouver (Japanese), and many great choices in Gastown are within walking distance.
If planning to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge on the North Shore, a complimentary shuttle offers pick up at Canada Place.
Hotels With A Short Taxi Ride
Many upscale hotels in downtown Vancouver offer quick and convenient taxi access to the cruise port. These properties combine luxury amenities with a prime location just minutes from the terminal.
Fairmont Pacific Rim
The Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel is under 300 meters from the port, so it’s possible to walk if you can handle your luggage. We find the walk easy and should take under five minutes. Depending on traffic, it may be quicker to walk than take a taxi due to Vancouver’s one-way roadways.
This 5-star hotel boasts stunning Coal Harbor and Stanley Park views, multiple restaurants, and a rooftop pool. Rooms feature pillowtop beds, Nespresso machines, and marble bathrooms with soaker tubs.
We like this hotel and the option to check out rental bikes by the lobby. Since Stanley Park and its aquarium is a must-visit in the city, a bicycle provides a quicker and fun way to explore it.
This hotel is a top pick for wealthy Vancouver locals. It’s not unusual to see a lineup of luxury cars in its parking lot. We’ve seen Lamborghini, Ferrari, Bugatti, and McLaren models there.
Days Inn By Wyndham
Days Inn by Wyndham on West Pender Street is three blocks south of the cruise terminal. The port is about a 10-minute walk or 3-minute drive away.
The rooms are basic and dated but comfortable. They feature standard amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and coffee makers. Some rooms include mini-fridges and microwaves.
Some hotel rooms include a complimentary continental breakfast, helping guests save on meal costs. There’s a fitness center, but this hotel lacks a swimming pool.
Auberge Vancouver Hotel
The Auberge Vancouver Hotel, in the Terminal City Tower, is a short taxi ride from the cruise port. It’s also possible to walk, reaching the port in about 6 to 7 minutes.
This all-suite property offers spacious accommodation if you’re looking for more than just a bed. Their King Harbor View Suites are charming, with North Shore Mountain and Burrard Inlet views. We suggest requesting a high floor for the best vistas.
On-site amenities include a steam room, fitness center, and indoor pool. The fitness center, part of the Terminal City Fitness Club, is well-equipped with machines, weights, and four squash courts. This feature makes this hotel a favorite among individuals who want to maintain their fitness regimen.
The hotel’s proximity to Gastown, Robson Street, and Granville Island makes it easy to explore Vancouver before embarking.
EXchange Hotel Vancouver
This hotel occupies a restored historic structure in the heart of downtown. Once the Vancouver Stock Exchange, it now houses an elegant hotel with a name that reminisces on its history.
This boutique property features stylish rooms with contemporary decor and luxe bathrooms. EXchange Hotel dining options include a trendy cafe, and an upscale restaurant called the Hydra Vancouver. The latter features Mediterranean dishes with handcrafted cocktails.
We like that this hotel offers specials and packages to suit every traveler. Sometimes, guests can get a night for free when booking a three-day stay. Their “Cruise into Comfort” includes breakfast, a stay, and a dining credit.
We recommend checking often for their stay packages that have extra perks. The EXchange’s central location puts guests steps from world-renowned shopping brands on Robson Street. Armani Exchange, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co. are all available nearby.
Budget Stays In Downtown Vancouver
While Vancouver and budget-friendly aren’t usually words that go together, several affordable options exist. We suggest booking as soon as possible to save money on a pre-or post-cruise stay, even if it’s a year ahead.
We’ve selected three budget-friendly hotels that provide comfortable stays without breaking the bank.
YWCA Hotel Vancouver
The YWCA Hotel Vancouver offers a cost-effective stay in a central location. While it isn’t within walking distance from the port, it is downtown, and the taxi cost to Canada Place is minimal.
Located on Beatty Street, the YWCA Hotel features clean, simple rooms, some with private bathrooms. Guests can choose from single, double, or rooms with five single beds. This hotel is a favorite with families looking to save money on their stay. It fills up quickly, so book early for best availability.
A shared kitchen is available for those looking to save on dining costs. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi and access to the YWCA Health + Fitness Center, although not so convenient at a location 15 minutes away.
Guests can access Science World, Chinatown, and the Aquabus. Aquabus, or False Creek Ferries, provides convenient travel across False Creek, a waterway in the city.
Granville Island, its most popular stop, is a must-visit. For a minimal fee, you can ride the Aquabus around False Creek for waterfront sightseeing.
Sylvia Hotel
The Sylvia Hotel is a historic gem located on English Bay Beach. While slightly farther from the cruise port, it offers charm at a reasonable price.
Built in 1912, the hotel maintains its vintage appeal with updated amenities. Many rooms offer stunning bay and mountain vistas. The restaurant on the premises serves meals throughout the day, from breakfast to dinner.
This hotel offers a quieter location to those nearer the port. Across the street, the A-maze-ing Laughter bronze statues can’t help but make us smile. This location provides English Bay Seawall, Stanley Park, and beach access.
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
The Sutton Place Hotel, on Burrard Street, sits 8 minutes by taxi from Canada Place. This elegant property offers newly renovated rooms with marble bathrooms and crisp white linens.
Many rooms offer city or mountain views. We suggest booking a one-bedroom suite for extra relaxing space before embarkation. The hotel’s central location provides access to Robson Street, the Vancouver Art Gallery, and Robson Square.
On-site amenities include a spa, indoor pool, lounge, and fine-dining restaurant. Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar offers daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch on weekends.
Arriving Late Before A Cruise
When arriving late in a new city, we prefer to get to our hotel quickly. That’s why staying by the airport makes sense. A quick-to-bed option provides a restful night before transferring to the cruise port the next day.
Luckily, Vancouver offers a luxury hotel owned by the Fairmont brand within the Vancouver International Airport terminal.
Fairmont Vancouver Airport
Fairmont Vancouver Airport is ideal for late arrivals or very early departures. It offers a luxurious and stress-free pre-cruise stay.
We love the soundproofed rooms that ensure a quiet night’s sleep despite the airport location. Their rooms are enormous, with king-size beds and walk-through bathrooms.
Guests who enjoy plane spotting can do so from a comfy armchair with a plane spotting guide. Although their stay may be short, the hotel features 24-hour room service, dining, and a health club with an indoor pool.
There are several transportation options to reach the cruise port in the morning. Taxis and ride-shares are readily available or opt for Skytrain, our rapid transit system. We prefer Skytrain for its ease of use and cost of under CAD 10 pp. During rush hour, Skytrain is quicker than a taxi.
Another Option Outside Of Downtown
If you’ve booked a last-minute cruise and hotels near the Vancouver cruise port are sold out, there’s another option. Take the SeaBus to North Vancouver and stay across the water from downtown.
The Lonsdale Quay Hotel is a short walk from the SeaBus terminal and offers picturesque views of downtown. In downtown Vancouver, the Skytrain Waterfront Station connects to the SeaBus terminal, making the transition between the two effortless.
Lastly, enjoy your stay in our city before or after your cruise. While we chose to live here, it makes a great home away from home for world travelers.
