Vancouver Travel Tips: Where to Stay, How to Get Around & What to See

Vancouver is one of those cities that seems to have it all—a vibrant downtown, beautiful architecture, incredible food, and easy access to some of the most spectacular scenery in Canada. It’s a unique blend of big-city energy and outdoor adventure, where you can spend the morning exploring the city, ski or hike in the mountains, sail along the coast, and still have time to enjoy a great dinner and nightlife.

With more than 25,000 guest rooms throughout the Vancouver region—including approximately 13,000 in the downtown area—there are accommodations to fit nearly every budget and travel style. From budget-friendly hotels to stylish boutique properties and luxury stays, finding a place to stay is part of the fun.

What makes Vancouver especially appealing is its location. Mountains, ocean, islands, parks, and even farmland are all within easy reach of the city, making it possible to experience a surprising variety of landscapes in a single trip. Vancouver is a relatively young city that continues to grow and evolve, offering something new to discover whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure.

Whether Vancouver is your final destination, a stop before an Alaska cruise, or the beginning of a Canadian getaway, this guide will help you make the most of your time in the city.

Arrive in Vancouver Before Your Cruise

I strongly recommend arriving in Vancouver at least one day before your cruise. Not only does this give you some breathing room after a long day of travel, but it also gives you time to relax, adjust to the time change, and explore the city before heading to the ship.

And trust me, you won’t want to rush through Vancouver. With beautiful waterfront views, incredible food, neighborhoods to explore, parks, museums, and easy access to the mountains, there are plenty of things to see and do.

Give yourself an extra day—or even two if your schedule allows—and turn your cruise departure into part of the vacation rather than simply a travel day.

Hotels Near the Vancouver Cruise Port

If you’re cruising from Vancouver, staying near the cruise port can make your embarkation day much easier. Fortunately, there are several excellent hotels within easy walking distance of Canada Place.

Some popular options include the Pan Pacific Vancouver, which is located directly at the cruise terminal, the Fairmont Waterfront, located just across the street, and the Fairmont Pacific Rim, which is also within an easy walk of the port.

Vancouver has a wide variety of hotels, from budget-friendly properties to luxury accommodations. However, keep in mind that hotel prices—especially downtown and during the busy Alaska cruise season—can be quite high. If staying directly downtown isn’t in your budget, consider looking at hotels farther from the city center. Vancouver’s public transportation system makes it relatively easy to get around without staying right next to the cruise terminal.

Getting Around Vancouver

Traffic in Vancouver can get very busy, particularly during peak travel times and the summer cruise season. We’ve taken a taxi from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in the past, but these days, we prefer the SkyTrain. It’s a fully automated, driverless rapid transit system that connects Vancouver International Airport with downtown and other areas throughout Metro Vancouver.

If you’re cruising from Vancouver, the Waterfront Station is especially convenient. It’s just a short walk from Canada Place and the cruise terminal, making the SkyTrain a great option for travelers who want to avoid traffic and the cost of a taxi.

Taxis are also readily available at the airport and throughout the city. If you prefer public transportation, you can find current fares, routes, schedules, and ticket information through TransLink.

Flying Into Seattle

Another option is to fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and continue on to Vancouver by train or bus. Depending on airfare, this can sometimes be a less expensive option, although it will take considerably more time and requires crossing the U.S.-Canada border.

When we fly into or out of Seattle, we have used Quick Coach for the journey between Seattle and Vancouver. It can be a convenient option for travelers who want to combine a Seattle flight with a Vancouver trip or cruise.

Driving and Parking in Vancouver

If you’re driving to Vancouver for your cruise, you have several parking options. Canada Place, where many Vancouver cruise ships depart, has secure on-site parking within the terminal. The parkade offers approximately 750 spaces across two levels, with elevator access to the cruise terminal level. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with security and on-site staff available around the clock.

Because cruise parking can fill up, reservations are recommended. You can find current parking information and make a reservation through Indigo Neo cruise parking.

Another option is to look for a park-and-cruise hotel package. Some Vancouver-area hotels allow guests to leave their vehicle parked at the hotel while they cruise, although policies and fees vary. Be sure to ask about cruise parking when making your hotel reservation.

You can also consider parking at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and taking the Canada Line SkyTrain into downtown. This can be a convenient alternative if you’re comfortable leaving your vehicle at the airport while you cruise. Check current parking rates and options through Vancouver International Airport parking.

Vancouver Sightseeing: Things to See & DoMust-See Attractions & Things to Do in Van

Vancouver offers an incredible mix of city sights, outdoor adventures, beautiful waterfront views, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you have a few hours or several days, there’s plenty to see and do. Here are some of the best things to do in Vancouver to help you make the most of your visit.

See Vancouver by Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

If you’re short on time, a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour is a convenient way to see many of Vancouver’s highlights without having to navigate the city yourself.

Big Bus Tours offers sightseeing tours with multiple stops throughout the city, allowing you to get off and explore an attraction or neighborhood before hopping back on the next bus.

It’s a particularly good option if you’re visiting Vancouver for just a day before or after your cruise and want to see as much of the city as possible in a limited amount of time.

Go Whale Watching

Whale watching is one of the most popular experiences in Vancouver, particularly from April through October, when conditions are generally ideal for getting out on the water. Depending on the season and location, you may have the opportunity to spot transient and resident orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, and gray whales.

Several experienced whale-watching operators depart from locations around downtown Vancouver, making it an easy excursion to add to your itinerary before or after your cruise. Bring your camera—and a jacket, because it can be considerably cooler on the water!

Explore Gastown

Just north of downtown, Gastown is Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood and one of the city’s most atmospheric areas to explore on foot. The neighborhood traces its history back to 1867, when John “Gassy Jack” Deighton opened a tavern that helped establish the area.

Today, Gastown blends its Victorian-era architecture with stylish boutiques, home décor shops, galleries, restaurants, and cafés. It’s an easy neighborhood to wander, with plenty of interesting shops and historic buildings along the way.

Be sure to look for the iconic Gastown Steam Clock and the neighborhood’s distinctive vintage-style lampposts. At the end of Water Street, you’ll also find a statue of Gassy Jack Deighton, the man credited with founding Gastown.

If you enjoy history and architecture, consider joining a guided walking tour to learn more about the neighborhood’s fascinating—and sometimes complicated—past while exploring its historic streets.

Take a Seaplane Tour

Seaplanes are a familiar sight in British Columbia and an important part of regional transportation. In Vancouver, you can watch floatplanes take off and land in the harbor at the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre, conveniently located in the heart of downtown.

For a truly memorable experience, consider taking a seaplane sightseeing tour. Flying above Vancouver gives you a completely different perspective of the city, with incredible views of the harbor, coastline, downtown skyline, and surrounding mountain peaks.

It’s a fantastic way to see Vancouver from above—and an experience you’re unlikely to forget!

Explore Vancouver by Bike

One of the most enjoyable ways to explore Vancouver is by bicycle. The city has an extensive network of bike routes, and several rental companies make it easy to pick up a bike and start exploring.

Bike rentals are available from companies throughout the city, including English Bay Bike Rentals and other local operators. Rental prices vary by company, bike type, and rental length, so check current rates when planning your visit. Check with your hotels also, some provide free bike usage.

Many of Vancouver’s popular attractions are easily accessible by bike, making cycling a great way to cover more ground while enjoying the city’s waterfront, parks, and neighborhoods at your own pace. Stanley Park and the Seawall, in particular, are popular areas for exploring by bike.

Explore Stanley Park

Stanley Park is Vancouver’s first, largest, and one of its most beloved urban parks. This spectacular 400-hectare green space is a peaceful oasis surrounded by the city, offering visitors a chance to experience towering trees, lush West Coast rainforest, scenic waterfront views, and the mountains beyond.

One of the best ways to experience the park is along the Stanley Park Seawall, a popular route for walking and cycling with beautiful views of Vancouver Harbour, English Bay, and the surrounding landscape.

There’s plenty to see and do throughout the park, making it a great stop for travelers of all ages. One of its most popular attractions is the Vancouver Aquarium, which features thousands of marine animals and exhibits highlighting the incredible aquatic life found in British Columbia and around the world.

Because Vancouver Aquarium can be a popular attraction, checking current hours and booking tickets in advance is a good idea, particularly during busy travel periods.

Visit Queen Elizabeth Park

If you enjoy beautiful gardens and green spaces, Queen Elizabeth Park deserves a spot on your Vancouver itinerary. Located just south of downtown, this 52-hectare park is known for its beautifully landscaped gardens, impressive views, and peaceful walking paths.

One of the highlights is the Bloedel Conservatory, a domed indoor garden filled with tropical plants, colorful flowers, and exotic birds. Outside, the former quarry has been transformed into a stunning Quarry Garden, while the park’s arboretum features an impressive collection of native and exotic trees.

Art lovers will also find sculptures throughout the park, including works by internationally recognized artists such as Henry Moore.

If you’ve visited Victoria’s famous Butchart Gardens, parts of Queen Elizabeth Park may look familiar. While smaller in scale, it offers the same combination of beautifully landscaped gardens and peaceful spaces to explore.

Explore Granville Island

Just across False Creek from downtown Vancouver, beneath the south end of the Granville Street Bridge, you’ll find Granville Island. Once an industrial manufacturing district, the area has been transformed into one of Vancouver’s most popular destinations for food, shopping, entertainment, and sightseeing.

Granville Island is best known for its Public Market, where you’ll find fresh produce, seafood, baked goods, prepared foods, local specialties, and artisan products. The market also features a rotating selection of local vendors and artists offering handmade crafts and other unique finds.

There’s much more to explore beyond the market. Granville Island is home to a marina, boutique shops, art galleries, performing arts venues, restaurants, and a hotel. It’s a fun place to spend several hours wandering, shopping, grabbing a bite to eat, and enjoying the waterfront.

Several Vancouver sightseeing and tour companies include Granville Island on their itineraries, making it an easy addition to a city tour.

Fun fact: Movie buffs may recognize Granville Island from the 2011 film Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, which featured the area during the movie’s finale.

Take a Day Trip to Whistler

Located about two hours from downtown Vancouver, Whistler makes an excellent day trip or overnight getaway. Best known as one of North America’s premier mountain destinations, Whistler was also one of the host locations for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Whistler Blackcomb offers activities throughout the year, so you don’t have to visit during ski season to enjoy the area. In winter, skiing and snowboarding are the main attractions, while the warmer months offer opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, sightseeing, and exploring Whistler Village.

Even if you’re not an avid outdoor adventurer, it’s worth making the trip simply to experience the spectacular mountain scenery and charming pedestrian-friendly village. If you have more than a day to spend, consider staying overnight to give yourself extra time to explore.

Take a Trip to Victoria

If you have several days to explore the area, consider adding Victoria, British Columbia, to your itinerary. Located on Vancouver Island, Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and is known for its beautiful gardens, waterfront setting, outdoor activities, and charming historic architecture.

The city’s British colonial heritage can be seen throughout the area, including at Craigdarroch Castle, an impressive Victorian-era mansion that offers a glimpse into Victoria’s past.

No visit to Victoria would be complete without a trip to Butchart Gardens. The 55-acre garden features colorful floral displays, beautifully landscaped grounds, fountains, sculptures, and even a classic carousel. It’s one of the area’s most popular attractions and is especially beautiful during the spring and summer months.

If you have time to add Victoria to your Vancouver vacation, be sure to check out our guide to Visiting Victoria, British Columbia for more ideas on what to see and do.

Need a Few Last-Minute Items?

Forgot your toothbrush, sunscreen, medication, or another travel essential? Don’t worry—you can pick up many last-minute necessities right near the Vancouver cruise terminal.

There is a drugstore located underneath the Fairmont Waterfront, making it especially convenient if you’re staying at the hotel or spending time around Canada Place before your cruise. It’s a handy stop for those little items you may have forgotten to pack—or simply don’t want to carry with you from home. This is also where many crew members go to pick up essentials when in Vancouver, so it’s a handy spot to know about whether you’re a passenger or crew member.

Since you’re already in the heart of downtown, there are also plenty of shops and pharmacies within a short walk if you need additional supplies before heading to the ship.

Need Wine Before Your Cruise?

If you want to pick up a bottle of wine before boarding your ship, there are several liquor stores in downtown Vancouver. Two convenient options within walking distance of Canada Place are Coal Harbour Liquor Store and BC Liquor Harbour Centre.

There are other liquor stores throughout downtown, but these two are among the closest to the cruise terminal, making them convenient stops if you’re staying nearby or exploring the area before embarkation.

Cruise tip: Be sure to check your cruise line’s current alcohol policy before purchasing wine to bring onboard, as allowances and procedures can vary by cruise line and itinerary.

Have a Late Flight? Consider a Day Room

If you have a late flight after your cruise, you don’t necessarily have to spend the day dragging your luggage around Vancouver. A day-use hotel room can give you a comfortable place to relax, freshen up, and store your bags while you enjoy a few more hours in the city.

The Hyatt Regency Vancouver has offered day-use rates, with availability typically during daytime hours. This can be a convenient option if you have a late departure and want a place to relax before heading to Vancouver International Airport.

Be sure to check the hotel’s current day-use availability and hours when booking, as rates and policies can change.

Need to Store Your Luggage After Your Cruise?

If you’re arriving in Vancouver at the end of your cruise and have a late flight, luggage storage can make your final day much easier. Instead of spending hours hauling your bags around the city, you can store them and enjoy a few more hours exploring Vancouver.

Gray Line Westcoast Sightseeing offers luggage storage at the cruise terminal on cruise ship days, with service generally available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This can be a convenient option if you only need storage for a few hours.

You may also find luggage storage options at hotels near Canada Place. There have been reports of the Pan Pacific Vancouver, located directly at the cruise terminal, offering luggage storage for approximately $10 per bag. However, I have not personally confirmed this service or the current price, so check directly with the hotel before relying on this option, particularly if you need to retrieve your bags after 5 p.m.

Another option worth considering is PorterGenie. They can meet you at the Vancouver cruise terminal, collect and securely store your luggage, and then deliver it directly to Vancouver International Airport for your flight.

This can be especially convenient if you have several hours between disembarkation and your flight. Rather than returning to the cruise terminal to collect your bags, you can spend your final hours exploring Vancouver and head directly to the airport.

Tip: Always confirm current operating hours, pricing, and airport delivery arrangements with the luggage service before your cruise, as these details can change.

Final Thoughts on Vancouver

No matter where you decide to stay or how you choose to explore, Vancouver is a wonderful city to visit. Every time we return, we seem to discover something new—from another great restaurant or neighborhood to a beautiful park or unforgettable view.

If Vancouver is the starting point for an Alaska cruise, don’t forget to plan your packing carefully. After 10+ Alaska cruises, I’ve learned what I actually use—and what can stay home.

For my tried-and-true Alaska packing recommendations, check out Packing for Alaska…What to Bring before you start packing your bags!

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