From gazing at awe at the iconic landmarks along the Pacific Coast to traveling in style among the astonishing icebergs of Alaska, a cruise from Vancouver can take you to some of the most breathtaking destinations in the world.
Surrounded by towering mountains and the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean, the city of Vancouver itself is a wonderful place to explore before you start your sailing adventure.
Nestled among some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world, this cosmopolitan city is a great place to explore before embarking on an Alaskan cruise from Vancouver, one way to Seward.
Since you will be arriving at your embarkation port two nights before any cruise, it is recommended to stay in a hotel because they will store your luggage before you check out and give you freedom to explore the city.
Consider booking your accommodation through your cruise line, even if it may be a bit more expensive, as they will offer better options than you will find on public websites.
Getting Around Vancouver
The waterfront area and downtown Vancouver are both very walkable, which makes for an ideal base to begin your exploration of the city and beyond. The Skytrain and the city bus are two wonderful ways to get around the city.
There are also a plethora of bike rentals, taxis, and rideshare locations which are available from adjacent to Stanley Park.
48 Hours in Vancouver
Due to its strategic location, it is easy to access the outdoors of Vancouver without leaving the city behind. This itinerary is designed for two full days of mountain access, paired with the comfort and ease of being based downtown.
Day One
Start before the city wakes up to watch the sunrise from the Stanley Park Seawall to see Vancouver at its peaceful best, before you begin your main event.
Your experience begins at the Sea to Sky Gondola, which climbs 800 m vertically to the Summit Lodge, from where you get panoramic views of the city from the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge.
For dinner, head back to downtown Vancouver, where there are plenty of options all within a short distance of each other. The cafes at Coal Harbour gets busy at mealtimes but offers nice harbour views.
Day Two
Snow may be rare in the city, but spectacular high altitude skiing and snowboarding are just a short drive from downtown Vancouver.
The premier hills around the city, such as Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain, and Mount Seymour, are unique ski resorts that offer incredible runs and unparalleled evening views of the twinkling cityscape. Close to the ski hills, you can have an invigorating ride during the day and go clubbing at night.
If you are heading for Grouse Mountain, which is just a 15-minute drive from the edge of Stanley Park, try for an evening visit that offers the scintillating views of the illuminated city at night.
Mount Seymour is a quick drive from Commercial Drive street and is popular with the locals. The vibe here is much more relaxed, but the ride is exhilarating and the views equally great.
For more skiing terrain and city views, Cypress Mountain is your best bet. You can access 600 acres of diverse ski terrain set against the backdrop of Howe Sound.
The resort itself is hardly a 30-minute drive from downtown Vancouver and is popular for its cross-country terrain, extensive runs, and up-to-date facilities.
Final Thoughts
If you intend to make your Vancouver exploration short on embarkation day, you can take advantage of the cloak room facilities at Canada Place cruise terminal.
You can explore the city without your bags, reducing the risk of your luggage being lost or missing your cruise.
