Port of Vancouver (Canada Place) Cruise Port Guide
The Port of Vancouver at Canada Place is the premier gateway for one-way Alaska cruises and Glacier Bay itineraries. Set beneath the iconic white sails on the downtown waterfront, it is one of the most scenic and walkable cruise terminals in the world. This guide covers Canada Place, parking, airport access, the border/customs process, and the timing tips that make embarking for Alaska from Vancouver seamless.
Port overview
Canada Place sits on Vancouver’s downtown harbor, walkable to hotels, Gastown, and Stanley Park. Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, and Disney sail Alaska itineraries from here, many of them one-way sailings paired with land cruisetours.
Cruise lines sailing from Vancouver
- Princess Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Royal Caribbean
- Celebrity Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Disney Cruise Line
Terminal information
The Canada Place cruise terminal is modern and scenic, built into the landmark sail-shaped complex with Cruise Terminal facilities, U.S. customs pre-clearance for southbound sailings, porter service, and full accessibility.
Getting there
From Highway 99, follow signs into downtown Vancouver and toward Canada Place at 999 Canada Place. U.S. travelers driving from Seattle should allow extra time for the border crossing.
Vancouver International (YVR) is about 8-9 miles away, a 25-40 minute drive. The Canada Line SkyTrain connects YVR directly to downtown near Canada Place.
Canada Place offers underground parking; nearby downtown garages provide long-stay alternatives.
Parking options
- Canada Place parking: The underground garage is convenient but pricey for long stays; day rates are set by the operator (in CAD).
- Downtown long-stay lots: Nearby garages offer cheaper multi-day rates for round-trip guests.
- Airport park-and-fly: Most Alaska guests fly in and skip parking entirely.
Check-in steps
- Complete online check-in and select an arrival window.
- Bring your passport — required for the international border and U.S. pre-clearance.
- Drop luggage with porters curbside.
- Clear security, U.S. Customs pre-clearance (for Alaska sailings), and check in.
- Board and enjoy the harbor views.
Security & documents
A passport is required for all guests because Vancouver is an international port. Alaska sailings include U.S. Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance at the terminal, so allow extra time and have documents ready.
Do I need a passport to cruise from Vancouver?
Yes. Vancouver is an international port and a passport is required for all guests, including on Alaska sailings.
Where is the Vancouver cruise terminal?
At Canada Place on the downtown waterfront, walkable to hotels, Gastown, and Stanley Park.
How far is YVR airport from Canada Place?
About 8-9 miles, a 25-40 minute drive; the Canada Line SkyTrain connects YVR directly to downtown.
What is U.S. Customs pre-clearance?
Alaska sailings from Vancouver include U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearance at the terminal, so allow extra time on embarkation day.
What cruise lines sail from Vancouver?
Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, and Disney all offer Alaska sailings from Vancouver.
Should I fly in or drive to Vancouver?
Most guests fly into YVR. If driving from Seattle, allow substantial extra time for the international border crossing.
When is Alaska cruise season from Vancouver?
Typically May through September, with peak conditions in the summer months.
What time is all-aboard in Vancouver?
Typically around 4:00 p.m., but arrive early to allow for customs pre-clearance.