If you’re treating the days in Vancouver before your cruise as a “waiting period”, you’re missing out. With gorgeous views of mountain ranges and the Pacific, the city is much more walkable than most other destinations.
So, if you’ve got two days before your ship leaves, you can build an amazing mini itinerary that turns what could have been wasted hours into a genuinely memorable start to your trip.
Quick Planning Essentials
A little pre-planning can make your layover feel like a standalone trip rather than just a prelude to the main event.
Where to stay
Try to book a hotel in Coal Harbour or the downtown core. That way, you’ll be within walking distance of Canada Place and Stanley Park. It’s also across from the Canada Place cruise ship terminal, so you don’t have to rush to board your ship.
Getting around
The Canada Line SkyTrain runs directly from Vancouver International Airport to downtown in a little less than 30 minutes. Once you’re in the city center, most of the things you do on your first day will be walkable. And, if you want to get around easier, you can always opt for an affordable bike rental.
Luggage
When you book your hotel, request an early check-in. That way, if your room isn’t ready, the hotel will be more likely to store your bags for you while you explore the city. Of course, you can also take them with you if you pack smart and carry one piece of luggage.
On the day you depart, some cruise lines offer port valet luggage transfers, which means your bag goes straight to the ship while you enjoy your last morning in Vancouver.
Day 1: Arriving in Vancouver
When you first arrive in Vancouver, you don’t want to overload yourself with things to do. So, rather than expecting peak productivity, take it slow and just enjoy your time getting familiar with your surroundings.
You can walk or rent a bike and follow the Seawall from Canada Place into Stanley Park. The route is totally flat and wraps around the peninsula, with amazing views of the North Shore mountains. Prospect Point will also give you the best view of the Lions Gate Bridge.
Gastown has the best dining options that are close to the waterfront. It’s especially known for fresh and delicious seafood. Yaletown is better for a quieter evening, with some of the city’s most incredible wines and less foot traffic. Both of these areas are just a short walk or cab ride from the hotels in Coal Harbour.
Day 2: Seeing the Sites
Day 2 has a lot more structure and gives you plenty of time to experience a taste of what Vancouver has to offer.
Granville Island Public Market opens at 9 a.m. and is just a quick ferry ride away from the downtown area. It’s less tourist-focused and has great coffee and a ton of local producers.
If markets aren’t your thing, you can always spend some time at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain are less than 30 minutes away from the downtown area.
Capilano requires a little less time to enjoy (and it’s family-friendly!), so if you want an itinerary that doesn’t take up the whole day, this is a great pick. However, if you want an afternoon filled with adventure, Grouse Mountain is the way to go.
And if you’re not quite ready to call it a day, take a short walk along the Seawall with a good flat white for a relaxed way to end your day without trying to squeeze in another attraction.
Cruise Day
Boarding for your Alaska cruise usually begins in the early afternoon, so arriving sometime between noon and 2 p.m. helps you to avoid the longest queues without leaving you waiting around onboard for the cabins to open.
If you have any extra time, the cafe at the Vancouver Convention Centre overlooks the harbour and is far less crowded than anything else on Granville Street.
Smart Swaps If Your Schedule Changes
Rain doesn’t have to be an obstacle in Vancouver. The Polygon Gallery in North Vancouver and the Vancouver Art Gallery downtime can fill up a wet morning.
If a late arrival on day one shortens your itinerary, you can always skip the Stanley Park loop and go straight to dinner. The city is great for last-minute itinerary changes since most of the attractions are close together.
As long as you have some backup plans, you can have an incredible time during your layover in Vancouver.
