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Vancouver From Stanley Park
(Your can see Canada Place on the very left)

Downtown Vancouver

Vancouver is one of the World's most sophisticated cities. It has everything going for it, yet it still has the charm of a small town. Stanley Park, which adjoins the city is a fabulous park enjoyed by everyone. Vancouver enjoys excellent weather year around and can be downright hot in the summer months. However, you should be prepared for inclement weather just in case.

Cruise Port Location and Information

Docked at Canada Place

Ships dock at Canada Place right in downtown Vancouver.

Entrance to Ballantyne Cruise Terminal

Some ships dock at Ballantyne Pier, which is about a fifteen minute taxi ride from Canada Place to the east.

Vancouver's New Convention Center

Canada Place is also the site of the brand new convention center and is at the epicenter of Vancouver's wonderful shopping, dining and entertainment districts.

Ships Docked at Canada Place

Be aware that you must clear customs and immigration as you enter Vancouver airport and then once again as you depart on your cruise to Alaska. For this reason, I would strongly advise arriving in Vancouver at least a day before your cruise, not only to make sure that you and your luggage makes it, but so that you can enjoy just how wonderful Vancouver is. Also, if you are flying Alaska Airlines into Seattle connecting to Horizon Air, be advised that they are notorious for having luggage issues and your luggage may not be on the flight with you. Many times it arrives the following day making spending at least one night in Vancouver necessary just to make sure that you cruise with your luggage. I guarantee you that there will be people on your cruise who's luggage did not make it with them because of this situation.

Ballantyne Luggage Chaos

Whether you are cruising into or out of Canada Place or Ballantyne your luggage is critical to your having a successful cruise. If at all possible, try to arrange a non-stop flight from into Vancouver and do plan to arrive at least one day before cruising, just in cas. If your luggage does not make it for the cruise, it will generally catch up with you in Juneau.

Exploring On Your Own

Looking Back at Vancouver From Georgia Street as it Enters Stanley Park

Vancouver is easily explored on your own. In fact, this is the best way to do it.

Vancouver HoHo Bus

There is a hop on / hop off bus, several tours of both the city and Stanley Park. Everything in Vancouver is within easy walking distance. One simply needs to make the decision of what they want to do and then do it.

Shopping Tips

Canada Place and Downtown Vancouver

Downtown Vancouver has robust shopping opportunities.

Shopping on Robson Street

Most head for Robson Street and it is full of unique shops and boutiques, not to mention Starbucks Coffee Shops. Simply exit Canada Place and walk up Burrard Street to Robson and turn right. If you want to visit the Pacific Center shopping center, walk up Howe Street from Canada Place to Robson and you will find entrances to the center on both streets. Pacific Center has over 200 stores in its three levels. Robson Street is approximately 5 blocks from Canada Place. The Royal Center shopping mall is located on Burrard Street a block before you reach Robson Street and houses another 50 stores. Finally, right across the street from Canada Place is the the Harbor Center which offers shops and a huge food court with reasonable prices.

Vancouver's Gastown

Another wonderful area that has many unique shops and boutiques is Gastown. This historic area of the city is said to be where the city of Vancouver was founded.

Gastown Shopping Street

Gastown's buildings have all been preserved and the shopping is excellent for tourist items here  Gastown has lots of character and shouldn't be missed.

Port Highlights

Stanley Park with Vancouver in the Background

Besides shopping on Robson Street, everyone should visit Stanley Park. Adjoining Vancouver, Stanley Park is just over 1,000 acres of lush vegetation, gardens, flowers, lakes, ponds and lagoons. Stanley Park is considered by many as one of the world's finest parks.

Stanley Park's "Girl in a Wetsuit" Sculpture

Stanley Park is easy to get to. It is a wonderful walk through the city on either Robson Street or on Georgia Street, which delivers you right to the entrance to the park.

Stanley Park's Beaver Pond

A great way to explore the park is to rent a bicycle and ride to and through the park.

Stanley Park Tour

Once you are in the park, there are tours that will take you all the way through the park that are well worth doing if it is your first visit.

A Beluga Whale in the Stanley Park Aquarium

The aquarium that is located within Stanley Park is well worth a visit. They showcase Canada's wildlife and the exhibits are stunning. We watched the Beluga Whales for almost an hour. They are unbelievable creatures.

The Stanley Park Seawall and Marina

One can't help but walk the seawall that surrounds Stanley Park. The walkway has lanes set aside for those on bikes, skateboards and roller blades. If you are a roller bladder, by all means bring them with you.

Vancouver Bridge Seen from Stanley Park

One of the wonderful sights is Vancouver Bridge. This is the same bridge that you will cruise under when departing for Alaska As you can see, Stanley Park is well worth a day's exploration. You will see lots of wildlife and beautiful gardens, not to mention unbelievable views.

A Stream in Stanley Park

The thing that impresses everyone is how pristine Stanley Park is. Once inside the park you would think you are i a wilderness setting, until you look up and see the skyline of Vancouver.

The Stanley Park Pavilian

Near the center f the park one finds the Stanley Park Pavilion. This is home to the Stanley Park Bar and Grill, which serve reasonable food in a wonderful environment.

Gastown's Famous Steam Clock

Also, be sure to put some time aside to explore Gastown's wonderful buildings and historic sections. Even if you are not a shopper, you will enjoy Gastown and its character.

Vancouver Harbor Cruise

There are daily harbor cruises that you can enjoy that explore Vancouver Harbor in detail, as well as hop on / hop off buses that circle Vancouver's tourist areas. You can catch the hoho bus directly in front of Canada Place. Also, if like Chinese food, don't miss Vancouver's China Town. It is the second largest China Town in North America (behind San Francisco).

The Stanley Park Seawall

One of my favorite things to do in Vancouver is walk. Walking and exercise is a mainstay for Vancouber residents and the place to do it is the Stanley Park Seawall.

The Stairs By the Convention Center

For a completely enjoyable walk, turn right towards the convention center from Canada Place and walk towards Stanley Park. Just pass the convention center you will see stairs leading down to the harbor's edge.

The Harbor Walk

The Harbor Walk will take you along Coal Bay through the city of Vancouver, past marinas, shops and hotels. There is also an area to ride bikes, roller blade or ride a skateboard.

The Rowing Club Near the Entrance to the Stanley Park Seawall

As the Harbor Walk continues you will eventually transfer from the Harbor Walk to the Stanley Park Seawall. There is no admission to walk the seawall (or to visit Stanley Park). The seawall itself continues around Stanley Park for about 5 and one half miles.

Canada Place as Seen From the Staley Park Seawall

It is quite possible to ride a bicycle from Canada Place all the way around Stanly park and then through its many trails and roads. Be sure to get a map, however, as Stanly Park is surrounded about 270 degrees by water. You may be able to simply cut across the park and save yourself miles of walking if you get tired.

Off the Beaten Path

A Vancouver Based Float Plane Taking Off in Vancouver Harbor

Once you have seen all of Vancouver, why not grab a float plane to Victoria for the day? While there is a ferry that serves Victoria, a float plane is the way to do it right.

The Float Plane Terminal

It runs around $250.00 per person, but is a very memorable experience. The float plane airport is just on the other side of the new convention center next to Canada Place.

Checking In For Your Flight

There are actually many different tours that are offered to a variety of places. Dinner at Horseshoe Bay, a day trip to Buchart Gardens, fishing adventures Orca Whale spotting from the air and so on are all available by float plane from Vancouver's harbor.

Dining & Drinking Suggestions

Joe Fortes Seafood and Chop House

Joanie and I always make it a point to dine at Joe Fortes Restaurant at least once. Joe's is a classic restaurant patronized by locals in great numbers. If you visit their website (www.JoeFortes.ca) and check out the awards that this restaurant has won, you will start to get an idea of just how good it really is. I always get the fresh salmon cooked on a plank and at least a half dozen oysters. It has been a Vancouver landmark forever and will continue to be for a long, long time. Don't miss it for a fancy dinner out.

The Pan Pacific Hotel

Vancouver has so many excellent eateries that it is hard to recommend anything else. You are almost guaranteed a quality meal anywhere that you go. One thing to look for when you are visiting is Copper River Salmon. If it is being offered, don't pass up the opportunity to enjoy this high quality fish. Vancouver is a very international city and as such, offers restaurants for every taste and budget. There are two places that have wonderful bars and if you are looking for a meeting place for friends before the cruise, go no further than the bar in the Pan Pacific Hotel right at Canada Place. Great bar with a view of the ships.

The Hotel Vancouver

Also, the bar in the Hotel Vancouver (on Burrard Street) is classic. This landmark hotel has a bar that is to die for.

“Must Do” List

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