A Complete Port Day Guide to Visiting Vancouver Canada

Having visited Vancouver multiple times via multiple Alaska cruises, it become one of our favorite port cities in Canada. With plenty of things to do, delicious places to eat, and an easy way to get around the city - even if you're just visiting before or after a cruise I recommend staying in Vancouver for a few extra days if you're able to. From the famous suspension bridges, to all the market foods at Granville, there's something for everyone in Vancouver.

Our Essential Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

For flights, we recommend Hopper to compare the cheapest travel dates.
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Car rentals comparisons are best through Discover Cars - just make sure to bring your international driver's permit with you!

We always use Expedia's easy to use platform for hotels.

To keep cell service while traveling internationally, we always use Airalo’s easy eSIM’s (no installation required), and NordVPN to stay safe while connecting to different wifi.

For fun things to do, we always recommend Viator to find the best tours in the area, otherwise Get Your Guide also does the trick.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance.

Lastly, my packing list for any international or domestic travels.

Getting to Vancouver & Where to Stay

Getting to Vancouver is very easy, and the best way to get there is via a flight. The airport is a bit spread out and might require a bit of walking, but it's clean and has plenty of Ubers and Taxis to help you get closer to the port (every time we've ported, we've been at the Vancouver Fraser Port - but there's a chance you could be ported somewhere else). If you do end up extending your stay beforehand or after your cruise, I recommend staying at one of the following stays - they're the best in Vancouver and close enough to the Port to walk.

• The Burrard - centrally located in downtown Vancouver, a few blocks from the Cruise port
• ​​Pan Pacific Vancouver - the closest you can get to the cruise port, with stunning waterfront views
• Hilton Vancouver Downtown - next to the Yaletown neighborhood with close proximity to many bars, boutiques, and restaurants, and a few blocks from the port
• Loden Hotel - a luxury boutique hotel within walking distance of Robson Street shopping, and about 3 blocks from the port area
• Fairmont Waterfront - a luxury hotel on the waterfront with stunning views from their outdoor pool, located right across from the port
• Paradox Hotel Vancouver - a boutique hotel with a pool and patio jacuzzi, about 2 blocks from the port

Our Favorite Tours in Vancouver : 
- Suspension Bridge Tour
- Half Day Whale Watching
- Vancouver Hop On Hop Off Tour

10 Best Things to Do in Vancouver

1. Olympic Village
Once where the 2010 Olympic Athletes stayed, this area of Vancouver is now filled with residential buildings and parks. Try walking the 2.9 km False Creek Walking Route that takes you around the waterway and to sites like the opening ceremony site. 

2. Rent a Bike and Explore
Bike rentals are included with many hotel stays that are close to the port, and this is a great way to get around the city! Just be sure to grab a helmet and bike lock as it can be very busy on the streets of downtown Vancouver. If you're up for it, you can even bike over to Granville Island.

3. Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
We always think Hop On Hop Off Buses are great way to see a new city and explore with ease. Tickets are good for 24 hours so you can spend 2 days with free transportation around the city seeing the top sights around Vancouver.

4. Take a Sightseeing Boat Cruise
Another great way to get to know Vancouver and do some sightseeing is by taking a local sightseeing boat cruise! It's a great way to see the city from the river, and in case you don't want to spend money on a narrated tour you can also try taking the $3 SeaBus to get to and from North Vancouver to Downtown Vancouver across the river ($6 round trip).

5. Granville Island
Granville Island is our favorite spot in Vancouver, with all of the best food of course! Head here for a few hours or the whole day for some shopping, drinks, great food and stunning views of the city skyline. Our favorites things to eat at Granville were the The Lobster Man's Connecticut Lobster Roll, A La Mode's Clam Chowder Pot Pie, The Lemon Square's Lemon Square, Kaisereck Delicatessen's Cheese and Potato Perogies. If you're not sure where to start, I would join this guided food walking tour.

6. Lynn Canyon Park & Suspension Bridge
If you're wanting to visit the "nature" side of Vancouver I recommend visiting Lynn Canyon Park to enjoy the beautiful canyons and hiking trails, just be prepared for lots of crowds! While you're there I'd be sure to also check out Twin Falls and 30 Foot Pool. We've also heard great things about the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, but it was a bit spendier and more out of town compared to the Lynn Canyon Park.

7. Robson Street
This street is known for some of the best shopping in Vancouver, from high end stores to local boutique shops. If you head further down the street towards the West End you can explore Vancouver's Korea Town!

8. Skyride at Grouse Mountain
If you're wanting the best views of Vancouver and the Gulf Islands, then Grouse Mountain is your best bet. At the top peak you can enjoy a bite at Altitudes Bistro, and if you're really up for an adventure, you can ride the tram down "surf style" on their open air upper deck.

​9. Gastown Steam Clock
A small stop, but one that draws crowds. This steam powered clock is one of only a few in the world, and goes off every 15 minutes. I'll be honest the area didn't seem like the nicest, and we didn't get the hype of the steam clock, but the Hop On Hop Off Bus has a stop right next to it making it an easy stop.

10. Grab a Bite to Eat
​Vancouver has an incredible selection of amazing places to eat, and no matter where you stay I guarantee you'll be able to find a new favorite place to eat. Some of our personal favorites are :

• Steamworks Brewpub - their Poutine and Quinoa Power Salad were great
• Nero Waffle Bar - with a few locations around town, our favorites here were the Lavender  London Fog, Brussels Benny, and Banella Brûlée
• ​Tap & Barrel - we loved the Green Goddess Bowl and Margarita Pizza

Watch our Vancouver Adventures here!

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Other Canada Blog Posts :
-> 7 Best Things to Do in Banff National Park
-> Where to Stay in Banff National Park
-> 7 Best Hot Springs in Canada

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