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Vancouver Cruise Port Terminal Information

Last updated on January 23rd, 2024 at 04:53 pm

Vancouver's cruise terminal, situated in the bustling Canada Place complex, provides a stunning departure point for cruises to Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Immerse yourself in the city's natural beauty, diverse neighborhoods, and vibrant culinary scene before embarking on your cruise adventure.

Cruises From Vancouver

Vancouver is visited by 19 cruise lines that depart for Alaska, Hawaii, and the Pacific, mostly during April to October.

Some of the cruise lines that depart from the port are:

• Holland America
• Celebrity Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• Disney Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Viking Ocean Cruises

Vancouver Cruise Port – Embarking

Embarkation typically begins at 1pm and passengers should allow for a minimum of 1 hour for examination of travel documents  and luggage screening in addition to going through U.S. Customs. Luggage handlers, however, start receiving luggage as early as 10:30am.

If you are being dropped off for your cruise, your driver would enter the Canada Place vehicle ramp (parking garage) located at the end of Howe Street (at Canada Place Way) and a traffic attendant will direct you to the drop-off and luggage unloading location.

Short term luggage storage is available at the terminal through Westcoast Sightseeing.

Wheelchair and Scooter rentals are also available.

Vancouver Cruise Parking

Canada Place Cruise Terminal – Disembarking

Passengers disembarking in Vancouver will be required to clear Canadian customs.

For those passengers being picked up by a private car, they would still enter at the Canada Place parking ramp and receive instructions from the attendant. Short term parking is free for the first 15 minutes on levels P1 or P2 of the garage.

Sightseeing in Vancouver

In addition to booking pre- and post-cruise excursions through your cruise line, West Coast Sightseeing offers daily tours of Vancouver, Whistler, Victoria and North Vancouver as well as hop-on, hop-off city tours. The kiosk is located at the ground transportation desk within the cruise terminal.

Weather in Vancouver

There are four temperate seasons in Vancouver, in which the weather stays fairly constant. Summer is a great time to visit, with much less rain than the rest of the year and plenty of outdoor activities. Cooler temperatures accompany the coming of autumn, and spring is especially pleasant. It is usually mild and a bit wet during winter, but cruises are usually cheaper, with fewer crowds.

Hotels in Vancouver Near Cruise Port

See Excursions in Vancouver

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• Holland America Line

How does Embarkation time work for Vancouver?

By Trcr2 , February 17, 2023 in Holland America Line

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I am trying to figure out when I will have to be onboard for the cruise. It leaves from Canada Place and the info I have from Holland America is that the sailing time is 4 p.m. From reading various posts I think what happens is that closer to the sail date (don't know when) I can sign on to the app and get a time. Do I get to pick my time? what kind of window would I have to pick from? I want to go out and do something in Vancouver (I am staying in a hotel the night before)  and just want to plan how much time I may have.

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CruiserBruce

You will be assigned a time, you don't get to pick it.

Thanks CruiserBruce. How far ahead of time do you get that? 

1 hour ago, Trcr2 said: I am trying to figure out when I will have to be onboard for the cruise. It leaves from Canada Place and the info I have from Holland America is that the sailing time is 4 p.m. From reading various posts I think what happens is that closer to the sail date (don't know when) I can sign on to the app and get a time. Do I get to pick my time? what kind of window would I have to pick from? I want to go out and do something in Vancouver (I am staying in a hotel the night before)  and just want to plan how much time I may have.

Welcome to Cruise Critic!  I would plan to arrive for check-in no later than 2:00pm for a 4:00pm sailing.  If you get an earlier boarding time you aren’t required to adhere to it.   These Posts  will give you an idea of the procedure.  It takes quite a bit of time to be processed at this port as you need to do US CBP Pre-clearance.  Have a wonderful time!

Tennessee Titan

1 minute ago, *Miss G* said:   Welcome to Cruise Critic!  I would plan to arrive for check-in no later than 2:00pm for a 4:00pm sailing.  If you get an earlier boarding time you aren’t required to adhere to it.   These Posts  will give you an idea of the procedure.  It takes quite a bit of time to be processed at this port as you need to do US CBP Pre-clearance.  Have a wonderful time!

Last spring, US CBP took 2 1/2 hours....

31 minutes ago, Trcr2 said: Thanks CruiserBruce. How far ahead of time do you get that? 

The final boarding time could be issued as close as 2 weeks to sailing. You may see boarding times prior to that, but the time may not be finalized until two weeks out. Discussed here frequently.

SilvertoGold

Arriving later than 1:30 pm usually gets you on board quite quickly.  Going early, even if that is your check-in time, can be horrendous.  The number of ships in port  has a lot to do with this.  Canada Place has always funnelled pax for ALL ships boarding into ONE long line to go through Xray first.  Then you separate up to the individual ship check-ins.

Thank you so much everyone for your responses. I would like to get to the dock around 1:30, but I really did not know how they did the times. 

Thanks again.

6 minutes ago, Trcr2 said: Thank you so much everyone for your responses. I would like to get to the dock around 1:30, but I really did not know how they did the times.  Thanks again.

You can always show up later that when you are assigned.  Usually 2 hours before scheduled departure is best.

Thank you for your response I will be there by 2 hours before but I was not sure how it all worked. 

In 2019 we flew in the day of departure and going through customs at the airport and again at the cruise terminal was a nightmare, it took almost 2 hours of being in lines and getting through customs at Canada Place. That was the last time we ever will fly in the day of departure.

Is ArriveCan required for flying into Vancouver and/or the pier?

47 minutes ago, Susanmaz said: Is ArriveCan required for flying into Vancouver and/or the pier?

That went away Oct. 1 of last year.  

My experience with Canada Place is that it's a madhouse.  They act like they've never processed passengers thru there before.  Can't seem to handle debarking and embarking passengers at the same time.

26 minutes ago, Roz said: My experience with Canada Place is that it's a madhouse.  They act like they've never processed passengers thru there before.  Can't seem to handle debarking and embarking passengers at the same time.

This is true.  From what I can see, having cruised out of Canada Place for many years:  they keep changing everything.  Where the line(s) start, where the Xray is, where the check-ins are for each cruise line, where the lines for US Immigration are, even the area where each cruise line seats pax before they board their ship. It is like starting from scratch each day!

They do the same with intransit pax: they keep changing how and where it is done, what you have to do one time is not what happens the next time.  We did this last year 5 times and it was unbelievable. Everyone is the boss, no one is the boss. I would swear they have a whole new set of works each day with no training.

@SilvertoGold , you described it perfectly!  That's also been my experience.  

6 hours ago, Susanmaz said: Is ArriveCan required for flying into Vancouver and/or the pier?

Flying in = optional, but worthwhile as it saves time. The only way to pre-declare your Customs statement is to use ArriveCAN! The pier or land crossings, it's no longer even optional - you can only select Air arrival, and even then only at the major airports.

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Port of Vancouver bc Hotels

Hotel or Motel in Vancouver, BC

Most Cruise ships dock in Vancouver at the Canada Place Terminal, which is the primary port facility. Other vessels tie up at the Ballantyne Pier.

The main facility is located in the downtown area, next to the convention center. Most ships anchor here, and mostly likely you will embark and/or disembark at Canada Place. Waterfront Station is less than 10 minutes’ walk away.

Downtown Vancouver is quite compact so you will not be far from the cruise ship terminal. Some hotels are located within easy walking distance, other properties are located a short cab ride away.

Cheap Deals for Cruise Hotels

Destination, check-in date, check-out date.

Closest Hotels to Canada Place

Very handy for boarding is the Pan Pacific Hotel , located on Vancouver’s waterfront and adjacent to Canada Place cruise ship terminal. It’s a beautiful property, boasting amazing views. From the hotel you can see ships sail in. There is also the Fairmont Waterfront hotel across the street. These are the closest hotels from the terminal , both located within easy walking distance (no shuttle required).

There are quite a few first class hotels that are within four or five blocks , within walking distance, or a short inexpensive taxi ride away from the cruise docks. Most downtown hotels are only a $10 to $15 ride to the cruise port, accommodation so close to the pier that you can consider a more budget friendly hotel without a free shuttle service and pay a small fee for the cab.

# Read also: What are the Best Hotels near Vancouver Cruise Port?

4 Hotels in Vancouver with Free Shuttle Service (Walking Distance) to Cruise Port

1. auberge vancouver hotel ★★★★.

Distance from Cruise Port : 4 minutes walk Walking Distance (No Shuttle Needed)

2. Atrium Inn Vancouver ★★★

Distance from Cruise Port : 8 minutes Free Shuttle (Affordable Hotel)

3. Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel ★★★★★

Distance from Cruise Port : 1 minute Walking Distance (No Shuttle Needed)

4. Fairmont Waterfront ★★★★★

• Canada Place Cruise Terminal
• Ballantyne Cruise Terminal
• Port for Alaska Cruises
• City of Vancouver

Nearest Airports

Car parking.

• Seward Alaska Hotels
• Anchorage Alaska Hotels

Vancouver waterfront hotel adjacent to Canada Place cruise ship terminal. Top Location !

Very popular and highly recommended downtown Vancouver BC hotel.

Excellent 4 star hotel within walking distance of Canada Place Cruise Passenger Terminal.

Cruise ships dock in either Canada Place or Ballantyne passenger terminals

Port Metro Vancouver in Canada – Where to Stay ?

Vancouver’s cruise ship terminal Canada Place resembles a ship with its motif of five large sails. Located in the heart of the city, the terminal is right beside downtown hotels, restaurants and shops. Ballantyne cruise terminal , mainly used by Norwegian Cruise Line, is located east of downtown Vancouver (10 minutes). Many accommodation is located within close distance of the cruise terminal.

Hotel prices are somewhat cheaper around the airport, Richmond area than in downtown. Many discounted hotels or cheap motels are located close to Vancouver’s international airport, most properties offer a free airport shuttle service too, and free car parking. Next morning take a taxi or shuttle to the cruise port terminal. Alternatively you can take the Sky-Train (subway) to downtown.

See Also # Best Hotels in Vancouver Canada Place ( Cruise Terminal ) # Cruise, Hotel & Airport Transfers

Canada Place and Ballantyne Cruise Ship Terminals

Vancouver Canada Place Cruise Terminal — most ocean liners tie up right at the waterfront in downtown Vancouver, at the Canada Place cruise terminal. Canada Place consists out of the five-star Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel and the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Vancouver Float Plane (Seaplane) terminal is 2 blocks away.

The facility is owned and operated by Port Metro Vancouver and can service up to 4 luxury cruise ships. Plenty of affordable and more luxurious hotels can be found within close distance. The terminal is directly across the street from the Fairmont Waterfront hotel and one block from the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel.

The facility is located in the heart of downtown, right by Waterfront station. The Waterfront station is frequently served by buses, the SeaBus (to North Vancouver), the West Coast Express commuter train and the SkyTrain.

Address : 999 Canada Place

Taxi Rates to Canada Place Terminal

From Vancouver International Airport (YVR) – $30-$35

From Downtown Hotels – $5-$8

From Stanley Park/Vancouver Aquarium – $13-$15

From Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal – $65-$70

From Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal – $40-$45

From the Bus Depot – $11-$13

Ballantyne Pier Cruise Terminal — the cruise pier at Ballantyne is located east of the city centre, not far from Canada Place. The Ballantyne pier is frequently used by NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line).

The pier is about 10 minutes by taxi from most downtown Vancouver BC hotels. Ballantyne is about 40 minutes from Vancouver YVR international airport (approximate driving time 45 minutes).

Berths : 2 (East Berth and West Berth)

Address : 851 Centennial Road

How to get to Ballantyne cruise facility from downtown

Driving : from downtown proceed east on Hastings Street to Clark Drive. Turn left on Clark to the foot of Clark and turn right on Stewart Street. Proceed to Ballantyne which is almost 1KM west of the foot of Clark. Ballantyne pier is on your right-hand side.

Taxi Rates to Ballantyne Pier

From Vancouver International Airport (YVR) – $40

From Downtown Hotels – $15

From Stanley Park/Vancouver Aquarium – $20

From Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal – $75

From Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal – $50

From the Bus Depot – $12

phone: 604.665.9000

fax: 1.866.284.4271

web : portmetrovancouver.com

Leading homeport for Alaska Cruises

Ships leaving the harbor of Vancouver sail pass the massive green of Stanley Park, beneath the iconic Lions Gate Bridge to the natural wonders of the Inside Passage and Alaska. For many years the port of Vancouver is a leading homeport for Alaska cruises.

Several cruise companies such as Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean (RCL), and Princess Cruises offer roundtrip or one-way cruises to Alaska ( Anchorage Whittier , Seward Alaska ). Vessels berth at either Canada Place or Ballantyne passenger piers. Amenities for cruiseship passengers include individual baggage carts, food and drink concessions, full wheelchair access, full customs service, car and bus parking and taxis.

Some motels and hotels or located within walking distance, many properties are only a short cab ride away.

Guests staying downtown can visit a variety of city centre attractions, shopping on Robson Street is within easy reach. The Vancouver Art Gallery and Queen Elizabeth Theater are within walking distance of many establishments.

Western Canada’s largest City, located in British Columbia

Vancouver is Western Canada’s largest city. The city, located in British Columbia, is sheltered by Vancouver Island and the Pacific Range mountains. Vancouver boasts superb outdoor activities and great shopping opportunities, fine dining and lively nightlife. From affordable place to stay, to luxury 4 and 5 star hotels, to comfortable b&b’s, to self-catered apartments, we can offer you great value accommodations before or after your cruise vacation out of Vancouver in BC Canada.

Nearby the Canada Place passenger terminal is Gastown , the oldest part of the city. A must see is the steam powered clock standing at the corner of Cambie and Water Street.

Vancouver is a multicultural city with a rich ethnic mix of Canadians and foreign immigrants. Immerse yourself in Chinese culture in North America’s second largest Chinatown, after San Francisco. It’s centred on Pender Street near Gastown in downtown Vancouver BC, a few blocks east of the cruise terminal.

Do not miss a visit to Stanley Park with its totem poles, miles of walking trails and spectacular views of the city and the bay. Definitely worth is renting a bike to see everything in this huge park. Situated right on the waterfront on Vancouver’s west side is Granville island. It’s a fun place to visit, shop and to grab a quick bite. You can get there by aqua seabus or false creek ferry. The view from the boat is worth the trip.

Take the free shuttle from Canada Place to get to the top of Grouse Mountain by gondola. Reachable by cable car, Grouse Mountain is a favourite spot for skiing, paragliding and hiking. By the end of the day take a harbour cruise along the coast of Vancouver. Admire the wonderful skyline of the city and see seaplanes taking off and landing. During the cruise you will get also a great insight into Vancouver’s port and other maritime industries.

Whistler — 80 miles north of Vancouver, British Columbia, lies the resort municipality of Whistler . This world renowned town offers world class ski and mountain bike facilities. Take a ride with the Whistler Gondola to admire the spectacular scenery. Whistler boasts also a wide variety of first class restaurants, shops and luxury hotels.

Vancouver Intercontinental Airport (YVR) — YVR airport is appoximately 30 minutes away from the cruise terminals. The airport is located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, about 12 km or 7.5 miles from Downtown Vancouver. Shuttles, taxis and limousines are readily available to transport passengers to downtown hotels.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport — 162 miles to pier, approximate driving time 4 hours. See hotels nearby .

Parking — both Canada Place and Ballantyne Pier offer plenty of short-term parking for picking up and dropping off cruise passengers and their luggage.

More than 750 car spaces for long-Term overnight parking near Canada Place are available at the VINCI Park 2 level parking garage, located at the North end of Howe Street at Canada Place Way. It is accessible 24 hours per day.

Reasonable priced lodging with shuttle service transport

Pre or Post cruise accommodation with free shuttle service to the piers — only a few hotels offer a shuttle service to the Canada Place embarkation terminal.

Hotels with free shuttle service to/from the Airport — many places to stay around Vancouver airport provides a free complimentary 24hour shuttle transportation service to and from international airport.

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Alaska Cruises From Vancouver

Get closer to awe-inspiring wildlife, charming coastal towns and magnificent glaciers on Alaska cruises from Vancouver. Find one-way and roundtrip cruises to Alaska with convenient weekend departures from Vancouver’s dazzling waterfront. Explore Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier on our Inside Passage cruises. Take a Glacier Discovery voyage to glide several of Alaska’s most dramatic icescapes. Or go to the seldom-visited Kodiak Island, home of the famous Kodiak bears on our Great Alaskan Explorer. Continue the exploration on ship with local insights and onboard programming. Read on to plan cruises from Vancouver to Alaska and beyond.

Featured Alaska Cruises From Vancouver

See the World From Your Doorstep

Things to do in vancouver.

Find the best things to do before or after your cruise from Vancouver.

Stanley Park

Vancouver Aquarium

More details about cruises from vancouver, vancouver at a glance.

• When was Vancouver founded?  April 6, 1886 
• Where is Vancouver located?  Located in the southwest corner of British Columbia, Canada. 
• What is the population of Vancouver?  631,486 according to the 2016 Canada Census 
• What language is primarily spoken?  English 
• Vancouver, BC, Canada is GMT/UTC - 8h during Standard Time
• Vancouver, BC, Canada is GMT/UTC - 7h during Daylight Saving Time
• What currency is used in Vancouver, BC, Canada?  CAD (Canadian Dollar)

Travel Tips for Vancouver

How do I book a flight to Vancouver?  At Holland America we offer cruise travelers low prices on their flights. Please see more information on our  Flight Ease program here .

Where should I stay when cruising from Vancouver? We offer hotel packages to our already booked guests. For more information, visit our  hotel packages and pre- or post-travel arrangements .

What are some of the top places to see in Vancouver?  Visit our  Vancouver Port page  for more information on our top travel recommendations.

Port Information

What should I expect boarding to like for my cruise departing Vancouver, BC, Canada?   Please visit our  cruise preparation FAQ  for information on how to access or print boarding passes, how to check in online, and to see if you need a passport.

Can I book an airport shuttle to my cruise?   Book an airport transfer from the airport to your ship after you book a cruise with Holland America Line. We make getting to and from your cruise comfortable, convenient and hassle-free. For more information on EXC City Stays & Overland Tours, please visit:  https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/pre-post-travel-cruise.html .

Are you an already booked guest with Holland America Line? For booked guests, please see our  travel planning  details on how to book an airport transfer.

Curious about learning more about cruising or want more information?

Please visit our most  frequently asked questions page  on cruise preparation, transportation, safety and security, and more.

Other Cruises Out Of Vancouver

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