Cruise Diva Goes Ashore in ALASKA
Sights to see & things to do 
Vancouver, Canada
The main southern embarkation and disembarkation point for seven-day Gulf of Alaska cruises and round-trip Inside Passage cruises, Vancouver is sometimes a port of call for longer cruises sailing from United States ports of embarkation. Located in the southwestern corner of British Columbia, Vancouver is surrounded by mountains and the sea.
Diversions
For passengers arriving at Vancouver International Airport (eight miles from downtown), transportation is available by taxi, bus, and limo. Most cruise ships dock at Canada Place, but with the growth of Alaska cruising it may be necessary to embark at Ballantyne Cruise Terminal, about a five-minute ride away.
Water and Alexander Streets from Richard Street east to Columbus Street border Gastown, named for saloonkeeper “Gassy” Jack Deighton. It’s a charming historic district filled with shops and other touristy things located on cobblestone streets lit by gaslights. It’s also close to Canada Place and considered a must-see by many.
Also within walking distance of the pier is Granville Island, a shopper’s Mecca. Robson Street (a portion of Pacific Centre Mall) is crammed with boutiques, souvenir shops, art studios, and coffee houses.
Vancouver's Chinatown is one of North America’s largest. Bordered by East Pender and Keefer Streets from Carrall Street to Gore Avenue, like Gastown, it’s a historic district notable for Chinese architecture and the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Garden.
Stanley Park’s 1,000 acres in downtown Vancouver contain totem poles, rose gardens, a children’s water park, hiking trails, and a yacht club. A rented bicycle is a great way to explore the park and its vantage points for views of Lions Gate Bridge.
If you find yourself with limited time, a city tour offers the advantage of seeing the major sights listed above and usually includes a stop at Queen Elizabeth Park. Located at the highest southern vantage point in the city, the park offers breathtaking views as well as an enclosed tropical rain forest and aviary.
Cool Cruising-- Spring! It's in the air and cruisers' fancies turn north. North to Alaska, with thoughts of majestic scenery, frontiers to explore, and what to pack.
Return to Alaska Ports of Call
More from CruiseDiva.com:
Articles & Advice
Cruise Reviews
Cruise Line Profiles
