Activities to Enjoy in Vancouver: Pre or Post Cruise

Vancouver stands out as one of the most thrilling cities to discover, featuring sparkling skyscrapers, acclaimed restaurants, and cutting-edge art against a stunning mountain backdrop. Serving as a gateway for popular cruises to Alaska and Hawaii, it’s the perfect destination to explore before or after your voyage. Make the most of this vibrant city by indulging in shopping, sightseeing, and dining within Canada’s cultural and culinary heart.

Here’s a glimpse of activities you can enjoy when you embark from Vancouver.

Shopping in Vancouver

As a bustling city, Vancouver offers a shopping experience that will leave you wanting more! With everything from global fashion labels to well-known brands and charming local shops, you’ll discover all you need and stumble upon delightful finds you never knew you wanted.

Granville Island

Granville Island is a lively district nestled under the Granville Bridge. This area serves as a cultural hub, boasting a variety of restaurants, theaters, and excellent shopping options. At the public market, you can sample Canadian delicacies like smoked salmon and local wines. For souvenirs, you’ll find artisan studios with glassblowers, jewelers, potters, and painters, along with gift shops brimming with one-of-a-kind treasures to take home.

Lonsdale Quay Market

For shopping with breathtaking views of the skyline and harbor, visit Lonsdale Quay Market. This indoor marketplace features over 80 specialty shops, including a souvenir store, children’s items, leather goods, beauty products, and clothing boutiques. When hunger calls, you’ll find an international food court with options to satisfy every palate.

Gastown

As Vancouver’s oldest district, Gastown is a delightful mix of Victorian architecture and unique shops. Browse for First Nations art, independent fashion boutiques, quirky home decor, and traditional souvenirs. Along your stroll, you’ll find wine bars offering cheese and delicious charcuterie platters, as well as some of the city’s finest dining establishments.

Sightseeing in Vancouver

Visit Vancouver and you’ll find a city where stunning man-made structures coexist with breathtaking natural beauty. There’s such an abundance of attractions and activities that you might consider extending your travel plans, either before or after your cruise vacation!

360° Lookout

To truly appreciate Vancouver’s splendor, experience it from above. The lookout at Harbour Centre provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of the North Shore Mountains and the city’s skyline. For an added thrill, you’ll ascend to the observation deck via an exterior glass elevator.

Grouse Mountain

For those seeking excitement, Grouse Mountain is the perfect destination. Towering at 4,100 feet above the city, this alpine wonderland is only 15 minutes from Downtown. Take the Skyride for a breathtaking ascent, enjoying remarkable views during the 8-minute journey. Once at the top, explore the Eye of the Wind observation area, visit endangered wildlife at the Wildlife Refuge, zip line between the mountain peaks, and enjoy a scenic chairlift ride that offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

A must-visit for tourists in Vancouver, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park blends history, culture, nature, and adventure. The iconic Suspension Bridge spans towering trees within a vibrant rainforest. Experience the thrill of the CliffWalk, which takes you over narrow bridges and glass platforms that offer breathtaking views from the cliff's edge. To dive deeper into the local history and environment, join a guided tour with costumed staff at the Story Centre.

Stanley Park

As Vancouver’s first urban park, Stanley Park is an ideal location for family-friendly fun. Children will enjoy the aquarium, water park, and miniature railway. Explore beautiful beaches, wander through vibrant gardens, and take in the majestic trees and stunning waterfront views along the renowned Seawall.

Dining in Vancouver

Vancouver offers a culinary journey that excites food enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. With a variety of food trucks, cozy cafes, and diverse international dishes, every meal is a treat for your palate. Be sure to try the fresh local seafood, including maple syrup-infused salmon candy and delicious West Coast oysters before you leave.

Yaletown

Once a warehouse district, Yaletown has transformed into one of the city’s most fashionable areas for dining and socializing. Former loading docks have been converted into sunny restaurant patios, while local pubs draw in both residents and visitors. Glamorous lounges are perfect for enjoying cocktails late into the night.

Main Street

Main Street runs from the eastern part of Downtown Vancouver, passing through Chinatown to Mount Pleasant and Little India, showcasing an incredible variety of dining options. Relish local craft breweries, upscale Italian eateries, creative Asian dishes, and live music at bars and lounges along the way.

West End

Situated close to Downtown's center, the West End features the vibrant Denman Street. Here, a plethora of restaurants await, offering everything from organic local produce and juicy burgers to tapas, spicy Korean dishes, East African flavors, and fresh seafood. After your meal, you can unwind with a beer or wine at numerous pubs, brewhouses, and clubs.

Kitsilano

For those seeking vegetarian options, organic farm-to-table meals, and dining by the water, Kitsilano is the perfect spot. Here, you can savor Mediterranean-inspired dishes, enjoy fine dining in candle-lit restaurants, indulge in fresh oysters, and treat yourself to vibrant ice cream shops for dessert.

From the breathtaking views at Vancouver Lookout to exhilarating activities and diverse global cuisine, experiencing Vancouver before or after your cruise is an opportunity you won't want to pass up!

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options can differ based on the ship and destination.