
The Vancouver BC Canada Cruise Ship Terminal is located in the heart of the city, within walking distance of many popular attractions.
It's a busy terminal, hosting over 250 cruise ships per year, with a capacity to accommodate up to 12,000 passengers.
Getting to the terminal is easy, with several transportation options available, including taxis, ride-hailing services, and public transit.
You can also take a scenic drive or walk to the terminal from various nearby neighborhoods, such as Coal Harbour and Gastown.
Getting to the Ship
The Vancouver Cruise Ship Terminal is surprisingly easy to reach, especially if you're starting from the airport. You can take the Skytrain (Canada Line) from YVR, which will get you to Vancouver Waterfront station in under 30 minutes.
The Skytrain runs every 5-10 minutes, making it a convenient option. It's also worth noting that all 3 Skytrain lines end at the waterfront station, where the Cruise Ship terminal is located.
If you prefer not to take public transportation, a taxi from the airport will cost around CAD 35.00 and take about 30-60 minutes to reach the terminal, depending on rush hour.
Getting to the Ship Port

If you're flying into Vancouver, you can take the Skytrain from the airport to the Vancouver Waterfront station in under 30 minutes.
The Skytrain runs every 5-10 minutes, making it a convenient option. You can also take a taxi from the airport, but be prepared for a 30-60 minute ride during rush hour.
Parking at the cruise port is costly, so consider skipping the car and using public transportation or a shuttle. Alternatively, you can rent a car from one of the nearby hotels.
The Vancouver Cruise Ship Terminal is located just two blocks away from the seaplane airport, which is a great way to reach Victoria, Nanaimo, and other towns on Vancouver Island.
North Vancouver is conveniently reached by sea bus in about 15 minutes.
Embarkation Procedure
The embarkation procedure can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you're not familiar with the process. You'll want to arrive early, especially during peak season when 2-3 ships are in port at the same time.

The port can be incredibly busy, so it's essential to plan ahead. You'll drop off your bags in a designated area before proceeding to check-in with the cruise line.
You'll be directed to the first floor to check in and get your cruise card, which will have a unique number assigned to it.
Once you've checked in, you'll sit in a waiting room until your number is called. This is a clever way to avoid long lines at security and immigration.
When your number is called, you'll head downstairs to pass through security and U.S. Customs & Immigration. This is a necessary step to ensure a smooth boarding process.
After clearing immigration, you'll be free to board your ship.
Accommodation in Canada
You can stay within walking distance of the cruise terminal at some motels and hotels.
Many properties are located around Vancouver's international airport, offering a free airport shuttle service and free car parking.
Some hotels provide a free shuttle service to and from the airport, available 24 hours a day.
Hotel prices are generally cheaper in the Richmond area than in downtown Vancouver.
It takes about 10 minutes to get to the Ballantyne cruise terminal from downtown Vancouver by car.
Next morning, you can take a taxi or shuttle to the cruise port terminal, or use the Sky-Train (subway) to get to downtown.
Exploring Vancouver
Vancouver is a port city with a lot to offer, especially for cruise ship passengers. For over 30 years, Vancouver has served as a homeport for various cruise lines exploring Canada's Inside Passage.
You'll want to take in the stunning views as the ship pulls into port. The Vancouver cruise port is impressive, with a bridge that all cruise ships pass underneath, making for great photos. The beautiful mountains in the distance are a sight to behold, even in the spring time.
Be sure to explore the city, and one of the best places to start is Gastown, a quiet and charming area with a rich history. You can also head to the Harbour Center Tower for a panoramic view of the city from its 581 ft roof.
City Tours and Excursions

Exploring Vancouver's city tours and excursions is a great way to experience the best of the city. You can start by visiting the Harbour Center Tower, where you can enjoy a stunning city panorama from its 581 ft roof.
Gastown is a charming and quiet neighborhood that's perfect for a coffee break. It's located in the old part of Vancouver, and it's a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Stanley Park is a must-visit attraction, especially if you're interested in nature and wildlife. It's the biggest urban park in North America, and it's home to the Vancouver Aquarium.
The Vancouver Aquarium is a world-class attraction that features a variety of sealife, including dolphins, beluga whales, sea turtles, and sea lions.
A City Awaits
Vancouver is a port city that has served as a homeport for various cruise lines exploring Canada's Inside Passage for over 30 years.
Most cruises from April to October head toward Alaska, while other times of the year explore Hawaii, California, and beyond.
You can enjoy a beautiful city panorama from the 581 ft roof of the Harbour Center Tower.
Stanley Park is the biggest North America urban park, where you can see native American Totem Poles and visit the Vancouver Aquarium.
The Vancouver Aquarium is home to a variety of sealife, including dolphins, beluga whales, sea turtles, and sea lions.
Granville Island offers a lively outdoor market with over 300 craft breweries, restaurants, and galleries.
The iconic 137-meter bridge at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a must-see, offering a thrilling experience among the tree canopy and cliffside paths.
Vancouver's weather varies greatly depending on the season, with wet and cool winters, mild and rainy springs and summers, and warm and dry summers.
Views
As you approach the Vancouver cruise port, you'll have the chance to take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The impressive bridge that cruise ships pass underneath as they enter the port makes for great photos.
The views coming into the city are breathtaking, with the beautiful mountains in the distance glistening with snowy peaks even in the spring time.
Practical Information
The Vancouver BC Canada Cruise Ship Terminal is a bustling hub of activity. Located on the waterfront, it's easily accessible by car or public transportation.
The terminal is open year-round, with cruise ship arrivals and departures happening daily during peak season. You can expect to see a variety of cruise lines and ships, ranging from small luxury vessels to massive mega-ships.
If you're planning to visit the terminal, be aware that parking can be limited, especially during peak season. Consider using public transportation or parking at one of the nearby lots.
Keep in mind that the terminal is a working port, so be respectful of the ships, crew, and passengers.
Live Map, News
If you're planning a cruise to or from Vancouver, Canada, you'll want to stay up-to-date on the latest information.
The Port Vancouver cruise ship schedule is available online, showing the timetable of arrival and departure dates by month. You can find the schedule on a live map, which lists all ships with cruises going to or leaving from Vancouver.

To see the full itineraries, including ports of call dates and arrival/departure times, and to find the lowest rates, just follow the corresponding ship-link.
The Canada Place Cruise Terminal is a major hub for cruise ships in Vancouver, with over 1 million passengers passing through each year.
Here's a snapshot of the terminal's capacity:
Keep in mind that the terminal's capacity is limited, as it was built for older design ships.
Pro Tips for Navigating
If you're flying to Vancouver for your cruise, it's a good idea to arrive the day before your cruise to avoid stress and potential delays.
Always check the port website for your embarkation day to see how many ships are in port, as this can affect the boarding time.
For Vancouver Cruise Ship Terminal, allow at least 1 hour for embarkation if your ship is the only one in port, and at least 2.5-3 hours if there are multiple ships.
Be prepared to walk a little for embarkation, but it's worth it for the beautiful terminal and surrounding city views.
You can walk outside the port and take the Skytrain to the airport in under 30 minutes, a much cheaper and convenient option than the cruise line transfer.
Guests don't need to bring their passports with them when exploring the city, just their stateroom keycard and a photo ID like a driver's license.
Exiting the ship and getting into the city takes around 10 minutes, and you'll be directed through an indoor area and up to the city via escalators.
To get back onto your ship after a day of exploration, head to the main doors of the convention center attached to the cruise terminal, and follow the signs to the staircase and elevator with the words "Cruise Ship Terminal".
WiFi in
WiFi in Vancouver is relatively easy to access, with two main free WiFi networks available around the city, including the port.
You can use the Shaw Open or Telus networks, but you might need to register with them first to get connected.
Starbucks is another option, with a location right in front of the port entrance offering free WiFi.
Sources
- https://www.cruisemapper.com/ports/vancouver-port-4
- https://www.destinationvancouver.com/plan-your-trip/cruise-vancouver
- https://allcruisehotels.com/port/usa-canada/vancouver/
- https://traveladdictslife.com/cruise-ship-terminal-of-vancouver-bc/
- https://cruise.blog/2023/05/guide-vancouver-canada-cruise-port
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