Vancouver
Welcome to Vancouver, the perfect blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty—a gateway to adventure. With up to 8 direct flights a day to the UK from its world-class international airport, Vancouver makes arriving a breeze. As you step off your ship, the city’s stunning backdrop of mountains and ocean welcomes you to explore. Catch a seaplane from the waterfront or wander through Stanley Park, a sprawling green oasis on the edge of downtown. Known as the gateway to Alaska, Vancouver is also just a short trip from the world-renowned slopes of Whistler. Whether you're here to explore the vibrant city or embark on a wilderness adventure, Vancouver offers the perfect launchpad for your next journey.
Which Cruise?
We boarded and disembarked our Alaskan inside passage adventure with Holland America Line onboard Koningsdam
Embarkation Port -Southampton
Pacific place is in the heart of the downtown city area and is easily reachable by car, uber, taxi or other forms of public transport. Its on of the most accessible ports we've ever been to. The cruise terminal doubles as an exhibition centre in the winter months, so it has all the amenities to go with it, and if you can find it inside you'll find it near by. If you're lucky enough to stay in the Pan Pacific hotel above, your bags will be delivered straight to your ships cabin!
The port used to be known for a confusing and slow baggage drop off process. It couldn't easier now and we're happy to report it was simple and we were on the ship in no time!
Airports
Vancouver - 7 Miles / 20 Min Drive
Abbotsford - 43 Miles. 1 Hour 15 Mins Drive
Bellingham - 55Miles / 1 Hour 45 Mins Drive
Seattle - 143 Miles / 2 Hour 45 Mins Drive
Must do's
Things we did and we think you should too...
Walk, Run, Cycle
explore the great outdoors right on the cities doorstep. follow the trails, running routes, cycle tracks. Visit the aquarium, take a dip at the second beach pool or gaze at
the totem poles
Captain Birds Eye
Get a Birds Eye view of the city aboard one of Vancouver's iconic sea planes. A 20 min round trip from the seaplane pontoons is available from Harbour Air
Join the Club
Our favourite waterfront eatery; The Cactus Club Cafe.
head her for lust a drink. a bite at the bar or a tul meal.
Grab a table by the window and gaze across the bay at seaplanes taking off.
Go Dutch
if you're joining a Holland America ship (or any other for that matter) start your day as you mean to go on at De Dutch, the Dutch pancake house.
Grab the (Aqua) bus
Grab the Aquabus and explore false creek. the hop-on-hop-off mini ferry boats can drop you off at spots like
Granville Island, BC Place and Science world. We grabbed a bite to eat at Tap & Barrel in the Olympic Village overlooking the creek.
Island Life
Grab that aqua bus and jump off at Granville Island and explore the food markets, shops, bars and restaurants.
Further afield
if you've got more time to spare drive or jump on a coach to Whistler, a great spot for outdoor activities any time of
the year.
Top Tips
Tips to help you have a great time on shore.
Uber?
Yes! Local taxi's are also available
Currency?
Canadian Dollar - ATMs can be found in some cruise terminals. Banks and ATMs can be found in the city.
Dock Side?
As the cruise terminal doubles as an exhibition space, you'll find most amenities here. If not you're right on the cities door step.
Got a Port Question?
Ask us...