The last stop on our Best of Alaska cruisetour is Vancouver, my adopted hometown. Although I do have a bias, it would be difficult to find someone who wouldn’t agree that this city is beautiful. Plus, there’s endless of things to see and do here.
Photo from Tourism Vancouver. A view of downtown Vancouver.
Vancouver is a young city, only 128 years old at the time of writing. In 1886, the City of Vancouver was incorporated. Today, this young city is the largest metropolitan in the province of British Columbia as well as Western Canada. It’s frequently ranked as one of the best places to not only visit, but also live!
If you have some time, listen to this podcast with CruizeCast in which I talk about what cruisers can do while here. Continue reading for a quick overview.
Stanley Park seawall. Photo from Tourism Vancouver.
When you’re only here for a day or two though, how do you get the best of what the city offers?
Explore Downtown
We suggest our Deluxe Vancouver City Tour. You’ll get to see all the major sites in the city center on a narrated bus tour, then at the end, go to the top of the Harbour Centre for a 360 degree view of the city. Here’a quick peek of this tour:
We treat Best of Alaska guests to this city tour should their flight leave in the evening or the following day.
Head North
Once you’ve acquainted yourself with the city center, head north to Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge. Stretching 230 feet above Capilano River is the famous suspension bridge. Walking across is an exhilarating activity that’s a must-do for anyone who can! While you’re in the area, take the gondola up to the top of Grouse Mountain. You’ll have a spectacular view of the city of Vancouver, the Pacific Ocean, and the Gulf Islands. There are a lot of activities here, too: sit down and have a drink or lunch, catch a Lumberjack show, watch the Birds in Motion Demonstration, go ziplining or observe a grizzly in the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife.
If you’re undecided and have the time, do both! Whenever I have friends from out of town visiting who have never been here, exploring downtown then heading north is what I always recommend, and in that order, too.
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