The largest city on Canada’s west coast, Vancouver, lies surrounded by snow-capped peaks and miles of sandy beaches. Known as ‘Hollywood North’ for its booming entertainment industry, this metropolitan centre impresses with its diverse cultural scene and impeccable culinary experiences. The hidden gems in downtown Vancouver are a treasure for those looking for sustainably sourced gourmet dining, be it sipping cocktails on a rooftop garden or digging into a delicious dish made with local ingredients. The modern atmosphere of the city ends where breath-taking mountains seamlessly merge with urban parks, offering a plethora of scenic hikes.
When is the best time to cruise from Vancouver?
The Summer months are the best for cruising from Vancouver – May to September have the balmiest temperatures and virtually no rain. Summer is also the most suitable season to visit Alaska during your cruise, as the long days and warm temperatures bring its icy landscape back to life.
Which cruise lines sail from Vancouver?
Cruise ships of all shapes and sizes sail from Vancouver’s award-winning seaport. Its spectacular vistas are popular among the largest cruise operators such as Holland America, Princess Cruises, NCL, and Royal Caribbean. The cruise terminal is also favoured by cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises or luxury operators with small passenger capacities such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea.
Where do cruises from Vancouver go to?
Cruises sailing from Vancouver tend to voyage along the Pacific Rim and Alaska’s coastal fjords. The actively calving glaciers in North America’s final frontier cut through rugged mountain ranges and Arctic tundra to create a lush habitat for Alaska’s endemic species. Sighting humpback whales is possible even if you venture south towards Hawaii and America’s West Coast. A longer journey may take you all the way to the flourishing shores of Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Panama Canal.
What should you do whilst you’re in Vancouver?
From kayaking around Granville Island to dining in Vancouver’s state of the art revolving restaurant, the experiences you can have in this communicative metropolis are limitless. Frequently ranked as North America’s most liveable city, Vancouver pampers its guests with international cuisine, beautiful nature, and an array of cultural events.
Get a taste of the awe-inspiring natural scenery bordering the ultra-modern cityscape by paying a visit to Indian Arm Provincial Park and the famous Sendero Diez Vistas trail that goes around Buntzen Lake. This 15km hike offers ten stunning views of the surrounding lakes and mountains, including Belcarra Regional Park and Mount Seymour. Going for a dip in Buntzen Lake afterwards is the perfect way to complete your outdoor adventure.
Going for a wander in Vancouver’s Chinatown is a must as the cultural neighbourhood has more than a few sights to see. You can marvel at traditional lattice doors, koi ponds, and native Chinese plants while walking through the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Gardens — the first garden of its kind to be built outside of China. Apart from Chinese cuisine, you will also find Japanese, Taiwanese, Cambodian, and Vietnamese eateries in the district. After filling up on fresh seafood and steaming Dim Sum, stop by The Chinese Tea Shop for a fragrant cuppa.
Vancouver is home to a thriving community of artists and musicians. A whimsical night at the Opera or one of the many theatre houses will only make you come back for more. The buoyant music locales will let you catch a live gig in your favourite genre — jazz, indie, rock and roll, and many more. Eccentricity and high-energy performances are on the menu of The Fox Cabaret, an adults-only venue that hosts parties featuring well-known and rising artists.
Extend your stay?
Once you’ve dipped your toes in the West Coast ambience of Vancouver, you might get an appetite for more adventures in its mountainous backdrop. Why not board the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer train that snakes through the Canadian Rockies, giving you the ultimate panoramic experience? Castle Mountain and Lake Louise are only a few of the epic views you’ll see on your way to Banff. Nestled within a National Park of the same name, Banff is just an hour away from the cosmopolitan city of Calgary. Combine your cruise with an unforgettable stay in the heart of Canada! Our travel packages are flexible and can be tailored to your preferences — you just need to speak to one of our cruise experts before you embark on the journey.
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