Introduction
Vancouver is counted among the world’s most beautiful cities, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, tall trees, and sandy Pacific beaches. The city lies on the west coast of Canada, sheltered from the rough waters of the Pacific ocean by the vast landmass of Vancouver island.
The huge forests in this part of Canada were a big potential source of timber, and the late nineteenth century saw the founding of a number of lumber enterprises. The small township of Granville was founded beside Burrard Inlet to cater for the needs of the thriving lumber processing businesses. In 1871 British Colombia merged with the newly formed Dominion of Canada after agreement was reached that the railroad system was expanded to the western coast. Granville was picked as the west coast last stop. In 1886, the city was incorporated and given the new name of to Vancouver. Officialdom felt that this name was more widely known (on account of well-liked Vancouver island) and more fitting for the railway’s terminus. In the same year the first ever CPR train arrived. Later the same year the city was almost entirely ruined when the Great Vancouver fire raged through the center.
The city continued to grow through the 20th century, with arrivals of migrants from eastern Canada, Asia and Europe. Today Vancouver has a major commercial harbor, and the center of a prominent business area.
Vancouver’s excellent deep water port has continually played an important role in its growth. Initially lumber and grain were the main goods exported from the docks. Apart from big cargo ships, small boats sailed the route along the coast northwards, servicing resource businesses based on fishing, wood and mining. Accounts of unbelievable coastal landscapes came back with the travelers on these smaller boats. Summer voyages to Alaska were busy even in the early 1900s, with shipping lines running week long cruises. Sadly by the 1950s the Alaska cruise industry had shrunk to only CPR’s Princess Patricia and Canadian National Steamers’ Prince George.
1957 saw the founding of Alaska Cruise Lines, which ran Yukon Star and the Glacier Queen. The company, now named Cruise West, was acquired by Holland America in 1971. Encouraged by the popularity of such small cruises, Holland America brought their new cruise ship ms Prinsendam to Vancouver in 1975. Before long Princess joined HAL, sending two cruise ships, and this in turn attracted other lines to homeport ships in Vancouver for the summer.
The number of cruise passengers continued steady growth from in 1970 to more than 1 million in 2001. But the arrival of Seattle into the Alaskan cruise market in 2000 brought to a close Vancouver’s growth. By 2010 the number of cruisers leaving from Vancouver each year had fallen to around 600,000.
You Choose The Cruise
Vancouver serves as a cruise port only in summertime, due to Alaska’s hard and long winter months. All the cruises which leave out of Vancouver make through the famous Inside Passage route, getting to Queen Charlotte Sound by the legendary Seymore Narrows. The calm nature of this itinerary to Alaska is better than the Pacific itinerary out of Seattle.
The most popular itinerary is the 7 day return cruise with calls at Glacier Bay, Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and Tracy Arm Fjord. You will see mighty glaciers falling into the ocean, spectacular coastal and mountain scenery and characterful port towns.
Another option is to take a one week one way cruise from Vancouver visiting Juneau, Glacier Bay, Skagway and Ketchikan before sailing across the Gulf of Alaska to end up at Seward or Whittier. You can return by taking another cruise, or by plane flying from Anchorage. This choice enables you to make your vacation longer with a tour into the picturesque Alaskan interior.
At the end of the cruising season a number of excellent repositioning cruise itineraries are available: to places such as California, Florida and Hawaii.
For a list of cruise from Vancouver, see cruises from Vancouver.
Vancouver Cruise Terminal
Near the center of the city you'll find Canada Place, Vancouver’s foremost cruise port.
To simplify visits at Alaskan ports, a US Customs desk processes passengers prior to embarkation in Vancouver. As an alternative American citizens transferring from Vancouver airport can follow the US Direct Program, this allows for fast customs clearance.
Canada Place
Canada Place has developed from its beginnings as Canadian Pacific Railway terminus pier B-C, this handled the quick movement of corn from rail to docked ships.
The cruise terminal is housed in the original Canada Pavilion from Expo 86 and has a unique 5 sail shape, echoing the city’s rich seafaring tradition. Beside the cruise terminal, the complex holds Port Metro Vancouver corporate offices, a large VINCI car park, a World Trade Center office and a Pan-Pacific five-star hotel. Facilities available include customs, restrooms, security, luggage trolleys and a snack shop.
The terminal has access to 3 cruise ship berths, named East, North and West.
For the port website see Port Metro Vancouver.
Sightseeing in Vancouver
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is the largest urban park in North America. It’s home to the Vancouver Aquarium and an interesting assortment of native American Totems. Enthusiastic hikers can contour the 6 mile seashore, along a pathway which gives magnificent views across the ocean.
Vancouver Aquarium
Visit Vancouver Aquarium and experience sealife close encounters, with sea lions, dolphins, belugas and sea turtles. Children will adore Clownfish Cove, with its sea stars, sea urchins, clownfish and sea cucumbers.
Harbour Center Tower
Standing 581 feet tall the Harbour Center Tower is the highest skyscraper in British Columbia. Take a short elevator to the top and enjoy a 360-degree view of Burrard Inlet, the city and the North Shore Mountains.
Gastown
The 19th century beginnings of Vancouver lie in the characterful district of Gastown. Though the original timber buildings were totally razed in the 1886 fire. See the statue of ‘Gassy Jack’ in Maple Square and the steam clock hiss then have a quiet break at a friendly café.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
In the heart of the city’s booming Chinatown, you’ll find the stunning Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. The Garden is built to reflect the mixing of the four elements: plants, water, architecture and rock, resulting in perfect balance.
Getting to the Cruise Port
By Car From USA
Cross the Canadian Border on Interstate 5. I-5 becomes Rte 99. Carry on northwards and cross the Oak Street Bridge. Turn left onto 70th Avenue. Then turn right on Granville Street. Carry on driving northwards across the Granville Street Bridge. Follow the Seymour St exit. Carry on northwards along Seymour St to reach West Cordova St. Turn left on West Cordova Street. Next turn right onto Howe Street, and after a block you’ll get to Canada Place. Parking can be found at the Vinci car park.
By Air From Vancouver International Airport
The new Skytrain Canada Line, built for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games offers a fast connection from the airport to Waterfront station taking just of 28 minutes. Departures are every 9 mins. Canada Place is a small walk from the station. Another option is to take a cab from the airport to the required cruise terminal. It takes about 30 minutes.
