
Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal is a popular destination in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Located on the waterfront, it's easily accessible by car, bus, or on foot.
The terminal has three cruise ship berths, accommodating ships up to 2,500 passengers. This allows for smooth and efficient embarkation and disembarkation.
Canada Place is a convenient location for exploring Vancouver, with many attractions within walking distance.
Getting There
Getting to Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal can be a breeze. There are several options to get you from Vancouver Airport to the cruise ship.
If you need a taxi, expect to pay around CAN$35 for the 9-mile journey, which takes about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can use Uber, which might work out slightly cheaper.
Canada Line Rapid Transit connects the airport with downtown Vancouver, making it a convenient option for those who don't have a lot of luggage.
If you're driving, you can follow the directions from the USA: take the I-5, which becomes the BC-99 highway after crossing the border, and then follow the signs to Canada Place.
Long-term cruise parking is available for those who drive to the terminal.
Driving to

Driving to Vancouver is a straightforward process, especially with the right directions. From the USA, take the I-5 which becomes the BC-99 highway after crossing the US/Canada border.
If you're driving from the USA, you'll want to keep an eye out for the Oak Street Bridge, where you'll turn left onto 49 Ave. Then, take a right onto Granville St.
The Seymour Street exit is your next turn, followed by a continuation on West Cordova Street. Finally, take a right on Howe Street and you'll arrive at Canada Place.
Getting to the
Getting to the Vancouver Cruise Terminal can be a breeze, especially if you know your options. The easiest way to get to the cruise ship from Vancouver Airport (YVR) is by taxi, which costs CAN$35 for a 9-mile journey that takes about 30 minutes.
Canada Line Rapid Transit connects the airport with downtown Vancouver, but it's not the most convenient option for getting to the cruise terminal. If you need to drop off a car rental, Avis, Alamo, and National have onsite offices at the cruise terminal.

Shuttles run between the airport and cruise terminal by WestCoast Sightseeing in conjunction with Gray Line buses, but it's not the cheapest option. Cruise transfers are also available, but they need to be pre-booked and can cost around US $27.99 per passenger each way.
If you're driving to the cruise terminal, the I-5 becomes the BC-99 highway after crossing the US/Canada border, and you'll need to follow the signs to Canada Place. Long-term cruise parking is available for those driving to Vancouver cruise terminal.
Having a NEXUS or Trusted Traveler Card can make a big difference if you have an early flight, as it provides quicker access through security.
How Check-In Differs
If you're departing from Vancouver, British Columbia, you'll need to go through US Customs and security first, which can be a slow process at the start of the season as new staff learn procedures.
Having all the correct documentation will speed up processing time, so make sure to have everything ready to go.
Checking the port schedule is a good idea to get a heads-up on how many vessels are in port on embarkation or disembarkation days, which can affect processing time.
I've experienced street to ship in just 20 minutes, but other times it's taken 90 minutes, so be prepared for a range of wait times.
With 10,000 or more guests boarding, it's not uncommon for there to be a large crowd, so choosing an early or late embarkation time can help you avoid the rush.
Pre-Stay Duration
Planning a pre-cruise stay in Vancouver can make a big difference in your vacation. Arriving two or three days early allows you to enjoy the city's best attractions and get a good overview.
Vancouver is a pricey destination, so it's worth considering the extra cost of a pre-cruise stay. However, the benefits of seeing more of the city make it a worthwhile investment.
Staying for two or three days gives you time to explore the city without feeling rushed. You can take your time to visit popular spots and experience the local culture.
Find Departing

Finding your way to the departure gate can be a challenge, especially in a busy airport.
Take note of the airport's layout, which is usually marked on a map or displayed on digital screens.
The departure gate is usually indicated by a sign above the gate or on a screen displaying flight information.
Be sure to check the gate number and the flight's departure time to ensure you arrive on time.
Plan to arrive at the gate at least 30 minutes before your flight's scheduled departure time.
If you're unsure about the gate location, you can ask airport staff for assistance or check your boarding pass for the gate number.
Auberge Hotel
The Auberge Vancouver Hotel is a great option for those looking to stay in the area. It's an excellent 4-star hotel.
Located within walking distance of Canada Place Cruise Passenger Terminal, it's an ideal choice for cruise passengers. This convenience makes it easy to get to and from the terminal.
The hotel offers a comfortable stay, making it a great choice for travelers.
Port Information
Canada Place is a major cruise ship terminal in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Located on the waterfront, it's easily accessible by car or public transportation.
The terminal has a large parking lot with over 1,000 parking spaces, making it convenient for visitors to park and drop off passengers.
Canada Place is also close to many popular attractions, including Stanley Park, Granville Island, and the Vancouver Aquarium.
Where Is Port?
Vancouver's cruise port is located at Canada Place, which handles all cruise vessels.
The port is accessible by passing under the Lionsgate Bridge, which has a clearance of 61 meters (200 ft).
Larger vessels like the Norwegian Bliss and Quantum of the Seas can visit Vancouver at the start or end of the season, but they must arrive and leave at low tide.
These vessels have been known to visit Vancouver, even in the middle of the night, to accommodate their size.
Canada Place
Canada Place is one of Vancouver's two cruise ship terminals. The terminal was inaugurated on April 28, 1986, and features five distinctive sail-shaped roofs.
The facility offers various amenities, including restrooms, baggage trolleys, and a snack shop. You can also access ship berths North, East, and West directly from the terminal.
In May 2015, Canada Place became the world's first cruise terminal to introduce 10 Automated Passport Control kiosks, known as BorderXpress APCs. This technology significantly improved the passenger processing rates, increasing them by four times compared to the traditional clearance process.
Here are some key benefits of using BorderXpress APCs at Canada Place:
- Increased efficiency and reduced congestion
- Faster customs processing and shorter wait times
- Available at no cost to the user, with no pre-registration required
- Eligible for BorderXpress APCs are American and Canadian passport holders, as well as US Permanent Residents
Canada Place is a convenient and efficient terminal for cruise passengers, making it an excellent choice for your next Vancouver cruise.
On Shore
Located in the heart of Vancouver, the Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal is easily accessible by land. It's just a short walk from the city's famous waterfront.
You can also take a taxi or ride-share from anywhere in the city, or use public transportation by taking the SkyTrain to the Waterfront Station and then walking to the terminal. The journey takes around 20-30 minutes.
The terminal is situated near many popular attractions, including the Vancouver Aquarium, Stanley Park, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
Attractions

If you're looking to explore the city, Vancouver has plenty of must-see attractions within walking distance of Canada Place.
The Vancouver Lookout and FlyOver Canada are two popular spots that are easily accessible on foot.
You can also take a short walk to the Olympic Cauldron and Gastown, both of which are within a few blocks of Canada Place.
For a more adventurous experience, hop on the complimentary shuttle at the cruise port to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain.
Stanley Park and Granville Island are also top attractions that are worth visiting during your stay.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions can be a highlight of your cruise experience, offering a chance to explore new ports and cultures.
Many cruise lines offer a variety of shore excursions, from snorkeling and scuba diving to guided tours and cultural experiences.
Some shore excursions are designed for adventure-seekers, like the zip-lining tour in Cozumel, Mexico, which takes you soaring above the jungle canopy.
Others focus on cultural immersion, such as the cooking class in Santorini, Greece, where you can learn to prepare traditional Greek dishes.
Shore excursions can also be a great way to experience the local wildlife, like the whale-watching tour in Alaska, where you can see humpback whales in their natural habitat.
In some ports, shore excursions may require a tender boat ride to reach the shore, as is the case in the port of Naples, Italy.
Shore excursions can range in price from under $50 to over $200 per person, depending on the activity and duration.
It's a good idea to research and book your shore excursions in advance to ensure availability and to get the best prices.
Help
Need help planning your visit to Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal? The terminal's address is "Canada Place Pier, 99 Canada Place Vancouver, BC, Canada".
Port Metro Vancouver, where the terminal is located, is ranked North America's fourth-largest and Canada's largest by annually handled tonnage.
The cruise schedule lists voyages from spring through fall, with vessels departing from Canada Place Ship Terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canada Place Vancouver worth visiting?
Yes, Canada Place is a must-visit attraction in Vancouver, offering stunning views of the city and its surroundings. Its iconic waterfront location makes it a great spot to take in the sights and sounds of downtown Vancouver.
How far is it from the cruise Port in Vancouver, British Columbia to the airport?
The driving distance from Vancouver Cruise Ship Terminal to Vancouver Airport (YVR) is 15 km, taking approximately 18 minutes to drive.
Where do you park when you go on a cruise from Vancouver BC?
Park at Canada Place, a secure 750-spot parking facility just steps from cruise ships in Vancouver BC, with discounted rates available for advance payment.
Do I need a passport to get off a cruise ship in Vancouver?
To disembark at the port in Vancouver, Canada, a passport is required. However, you can disembark at US ports of call without one, as demonstrated by a recent Carnival Alaska cruise experience.
Sources
- https://www.cruisehive.com/must-know-things-about-the-vancouver-cruise-terminal/39111
- https://www.cruisemapper.com/ports/vancouver-port-4
- https://allcruisehotels.com/port/usa-canada/vancouver/
- https://www.celebritycruises.com/ports/vancouver
- https://placesthatmatter.ca/location/canada-place/
- https://alaskatrippers.com/vancouver-cruise-port/
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