Top Vancouver Attractions for Cruisers

Surrounded by lush green mountains and the brilliant blue waters of the Pacific, visitors will be astonished upon docking at Vancouver’s award-winning Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal, celebrated as one of the most picturesque in the world. Centrally located in the city’s downtown core and within walking distance or a short drive away to a variety of major attractions, cruisers can easily fit in an array of exciting sightseeing adventures no matter how brief or lengthy their stay in Vancouver.

 

Image of 4D theatre experience
Photo courtesy of FlyOver Canada

FlyOver Canada. Canada Place’s premier attraction, FlyOver Canada, is situated just a few steps off of the ship and serves as a great start to a day of exploring. Offering the nation’s only 4D flight simulation, prepare to be wowed by a virtual journey across the country that comes complete with breathtaking sights, smells and sounds.

Children watching jellyfish at Vancouver Aquarium
Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver | Vancouver Aquarium

Vancouver Aquarium. A hop, jump and skip away from Canada Place, the stunning Stanley Park and its renowned Aquarium are must-see attractions during a visit to Vancouver. Providing a fun and educational experience suitable for the whole family, the Vancouver Aquarium contains incredible aquatic life, interactive and educational displays, and Ocean Wise conversation experts who work tirelessly to protect oceans worldwide.

Image of Granville Island Public Market exterior
Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver

Granville Island. Next, make your way to Hornby Street in False Creek and hop aboard the AquaBus to travel by boat to Granville Island. Enjoy getting lost for hours in the world-famous Public Market, and explore the hundreds of local vendors distributing delicious food, colourful produce, handcrafted products and artisanal gifts. After, take a walk along the stunning seawall, and breathe in the fresh ocean air.

Overhead image of Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Capilano River
Photo courtesy of Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Hail a cab or hop on a free shuttle to North Vancouver for some true outdoor adventure. A short 20-minute drive from downtown, the Capilano Suspension Bridge stretches 450 feet across and 230 feet above Capilano River, promising both a thrilling and scenic excursion. In addition to the bridge, visitors can also enjoy Treetops Adventure (a series of suspension bridges throughout the rainforest) and Cliffwalk (a cantilevered walkway jutting out from a granite cliff face).

Image of Grouse Mountain's resident grizzly bears
Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver

Grouse Mountain. Explore North Vancouver deeper by taking a quick five-minute drive from Capilano Suspension Bridge up to Grouse Mountain, the Peak of Vancouver. One of the city’s premier attractions, Grouse features sweeping views of downtown Vancouver and an array of memorable summer activities that range from hiking, mountain biking, grizzly bear-watching, dining and more.

Book your pre- or-post cruise stay with us at www.stayvancouverhotels.com – we provide the best rates, special offers and packages on downtown Vancouver hotels. Click here to learn more.

 

 

Family-friendly Vancouver

Families visiting Vancouver with young children can rest easy. With hundreds of year-round events, popular and lesser-known attractions, interactive museums and fun-filled parks to choose from, there’s no shortage of things to do to entertain kids and parents alike. So let’s take a look at some of our favourite family-friendly experiences, and start planning your itinerary:

 

Image of False Creek and Science World

 

Science World. Located in False Creek, the Telus World of Science’s silver geodesic dome has been attracting families since it first opened for Expo ‘86. Families can take advantage of a wide-range of offerings, including interactive displays (like playing a life-size piano with your feet), rotating exhibits and live science demonstrations. And don’t forget to catch a show at the larger-than-life OMNIMAX Theatre. At five storeys high and 27 metres in diameter, the theatre boasts a sensational wrap-around sound system – leaving movie-goers feeling like they’re right in the middle of the action.

 

Bloedel Conservatory. This huge glass bubble is is one of the best kept secrets for escaping from a rainy Vancouver day, and it’s also one of the largest domed greenhouses in the world to boot. The indoor attraction is located at Queen Elizabeth Park, and is home to 120 exotic birds, 500-plus tropical plants, and a beautiful network of fountains, gardens and sculptures. Afterward, take a walk through the 52-hectare park and soak up the gorgeously landscaped gardens, or stop for a bite to eat at Seasons in the Park.

 

 

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. A quick 25-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, Capilano Suspension Bridge boasts a number of attractions throughout the park, including the iconic suspension bridge (towering 230-feet high and 450-feet long above the Capilano River), Treetops Adventure (a network of suspension bridges amidst the coastal rainforest), and Cliffwalk (a cantilevered walkway jutting out from a granite cliff face). History, culture and nature are presented in unique and thrilling ways throughout the park, making it a must-see stop for family members of all ages.

 

Brittania Mine Museum. Take off with the kids for a trip along Highway 99, and soak up the Sea to Sky Highway’s majestic mountain and waterfront views. Along the way, you’ll pass by Shannon Falls and a number of top visitor attractions, including the Brittania Mine Museum. Here, kids and wannabe kids of all ages can hop aboard the underground train and uncover authentic mining tunnels, explore 10-acres of historic buildings, or take a fun and interactive guided tour to learn about mining and the history of Britannia. While you’re at it, roll up your sleeves and head to the gold panning station – you never know what you’ll find! For those who want to continue their Sea-to-Sky journey, don’t miss the scenic Sea to Sky Gondola for panoramic views and a network of hiking trails before making your way back to Vancouver.

 

Visitors who book through Stay Vancouver Hotels between now and May 15th will receive a $50 VanPass voucher for a single night booking, or $75 for a multi-night booking – gaining access to 20 of Vancouver’s top attractions and sightseeing tours. To book a stay with us, or view the full list of featured attractions, click here.