Vancouver Pre / Post Cruise Itinerary

Vancouver is much more than a gateway to Alaska, it's a destination all on its own. If you have a couple of days to spare before (or after) your cruise, this itinerary will guide you around the bustling neighbourhoods and beautiful natural setting that make this city so special.

Day One

TAKE IT ALL IN

Whether you are arriving in Vancouver before or after your cruise, Landsea Tours & Adventures and Westcoast Sightseeing offer a variety of options to fit in with your schedule. If you have time before you board, the Pre-Cruise Peak & Canyon Tour is a great way to get out and enjoy the stunning scenery that surrounds Vancouver.

After arranging your pick up (and managing logistics from your luggage to departure times), your tour guide will take you on the short trip over the iconic Lions Gate Bridge to North Vancouver. Here the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park awaits you. Cross the suspension bridge and walk among the treetops of old growth rainforest before taking the Gondola up to Grouse Mountain to visit the mountain's resident rescued grizzly bears, Grinder and Coola.

THE CITY AT YOUR FEET

Vancouver is one of North America's most walkable cities, so why not spend your afternoon on foot, exploring everything it has to offer? Start your journey in Gastown, the historic heart of Vancouver, before making your way to nearby Chinatown to experience the sights and stories of this 100-year-old neighbourhood.

Just a short stroll away is Yaletown, a former warehouse district that's been transformed into a bustling hub filled with fashionable boutiques, bars and some of the city's best restaurants.

EAT LIKE A LOCAL

After wandering the neighbourhood, and perhaps doing some people watching over a perfect cup of coffee, sit down to a superb seafood feast at Blue Water Café before enjoying a post-dinner craft beer at Yaletown Brewing Co.
 

Day Two

VISIT THE LOCALS

What better way to start your Vancouver adventure than by spending time with some of our best known inhabitants? Companies including Prince of Whales, Wild Whales Vancouver, Vancouver Whale Watch, and Steveston Seabreeze Adventures offer intimate tours whisking you out onto the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Georgia where you might see orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, gray whales, porpoises, seals, sea lions, eagles, and a variety of seabirds.

EXPLORE DOWNTOWN

Once you're back on dry land, take some time to freshen up before heading out to explore Vancouver's bustling downtown peninsula. Stroll over to the high-end shopping hub around Robson and Burrard streets. There you'll find flagship luxury stores, upscale department store Nordstrom, and Pacific Centre, a downtown mall filled with world-renowned brands.

If you have time, venture a few blocks over to browse the upscale boutiques that line Alberni Street, or jump on a bus and head to Park Royal in West Vancouver, a semi-outdoor shopping centre full of exciting outlets and great brands.

DINE IN STYLE

This evening you'll enjoy dinner in the heart of Downtown Vancouver. The city centre bustles with vibrant energy and an upscale after-work crowd. Whether your evening calls for fresh fare at an Instagram-worthy lux patio at GLOWBAL, or perfect steaks in a traditional setting at Hy's Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar, there's something for every taste and occasion.
 

Day Three

DISCOVER VANCOUVER

This morning, you'll get a snapshot of our city with Discover Canada's Vancouver Favourites Tour. This ultimate city experience will guide you around both highlights and the hidden gems with the help of an expert tour guide. The tour begins at one of the city's must-see attractions, Stanley Park, an urban oasis that's home to 1,000-acres of natural beauty. You'll then take in the culinary and cultural delights of Granville Island and soak in the stunning natural vistas at Kitsilano Beach.

The tour will then take you through to Queen Elizabeth Park, where you'll enjoy incredible views overlooking the city and the North Shore mountains before finishing in Chinatown, a historical neighbourhood filled with Asian stores and restaurants. Finally, you'll end your experience on the cobblestone streets of Gastown, where you'll see the famous Steam Clock strike a note every quarter hour.

UP, UP AND AWAY

After seeing the city from ground level this afternoon you'll take to the air aboard a Harbour Air floatplane for a panoramic sightseeing tour of the city. This quintessential Vancouver experience offers spectacular aerial views of the city's bustling downtown skyline as well as iconic landmarks including English Bay, the Lions Gate Bridge and the North Shore Mountains.

After landing back at the floatplane terminal, take some time to stroll around the seawall at Coal Harbour. Located on the eastern edge of the downtown peninsula, the area offers stunning views of Stanley Park and the North Shore mountains, alongside a host of independent stores and cafes.

DINNER WITH A VIEW

You'll stay in the area for dinner at Lift Bar Grill View, a sleek spot that serves up upscale Pacific Northwest fare from its stylish restaurant. For the best experience, grab a table on the rooftop bar where you can huddle around a firepit and enjoy al fresco dining with a side of stunning sunset views.
 

Day Four

EXPERIENCE NATURE

Even if you don't have long to spend in Vancouver, there's still time to soak in its stunning natural setting before you depart. Your day begins after breakfast, when Rockwood Adventures will pick you (and your luggage) up for their Lighthouse Park Rainforest Trek.

Walking among the millenia-old canopies that criss-cross the city's North Shore, your expert guide will help you discover the area's fascinating ecology.

A SCENIC SNACK

After working up an appetite on your morning hike, there's plenty of time to stop for a bite at the park's edge. Perched on the rocky granite outcrops that fringe the park, you'll experience a unique perspective of the city and the glistening waters of the Pacific Ocean that will soon carry you off on your next adventure.

ONE FINAL ADVENTURE

After lunch you'll be dropped at the terminal, but there's still one more adventure before you depart. Start by storing your bags with CDS Priority Baggage, then head upstairs to Canada Place where you'll take to the air, before you set sail on the seas.

Here amidst the iconic architectural sails you'll find FlyOver Canada, a 4D simulation that soars across the country, filling your senses with sights, sounds and smells from coast-to-coast. After the show, head downstairs to the cruise terminal to board your ship and wave farewell to Vancouver.

❐ INSIDER TIPS:

• Don't let your luggage weigh you down. Store your stuff with CDS Priority Baggage, which has locations at both Canada Place and the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). For an additional fee they also provide transfer services.
   
• The Skytrain's Canada Line connects YVR right to the cruise terminal at Waterfront Station. It's a quick and scenic way to bring you from the airport to your cruise (or vice-versa) in only 26 minutes.
   
• Because Vancouver's downtown was built on a peninsula, it's very compact and walkable. Your hotel might be within walking distance - or even across the street - from Canada Place.

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