What Port Do Cruise Ships Leave From in Vancouver?

By Alice Nichols

Are you planning a cruise trip from Vancouver and wondering which port your ship will leave from? We’ve got you covered! Vancouver is a popular departure point for many Alaskan and Pacific Northwest cruises, and there are two main ports in the city that cruise ships leave from: Canada Place and Ballantyne Pier.

Canada Place Port

Canada Place is the larger of the two ports and serves as the main terminal for most major cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, Holland America, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, and Oceania Cruises. The port is located in downtown Vancouver at 999 Canada Pl, just a few minutes’ walk from popular tourist attractions like Gastown and the Vancouver Aquarium.

Facilities at Canada Place Port

The Canada Place terminal has modern facilities to ensure passengers have a comfortable and enjoyable experience before boarding their ships. There are plenty of amenities such as restaurants, cafes, gift shops, luggage storage facilities, restrooms with baby-changing stations, and free Wi-Fi. The terminal also offers wheelchair access ramps and elevators to ensure all passengers have equal access to all areas.

Getting to Canada Place Port

If you’re arriving by plane at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), you can take the SkyTrain’s Canada Line which runs directly from YVR to Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver. From there it is just a short walk to Canada Place. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft.

Ballantyne Pier

Ballantyne Pier is another port located on the outskirts of downtown Vancouver near the city’s historic Gastown district. It serves primarily smaller ships operated by cruise lines like Carnival Cruise Lines and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Facilities at Ballantyne Pier

Ballantyne Pier has fewer amenities than Canada Place, but there are still a few options for passengers. There is a small cafe and gift shop, as well as restrooms with baby-changing stations. However, there is no luggage storage facility available at this port.

Getting to Ballantyne Pier

Ballantyne Pier is located approximately 10 kilometers east of downtown Vancouver and is accessible by taxi or rideshare service. If you’re driving to the pier, there is limited parking available for a fee.

  • Canada Place Port serves as the main terminal for most major cruise lines in Vancouver
  • Ballantyne Pier serves primarily smaller ships operated by Carnival Cruise Lines and Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Canada Place has modern facilities with plenty of amenities for passengers
  • Ballantyne Pier has fewer amenities than Canada Place but still offers basic services
  • To get to Canada Place from YVR, take the SkyTrain’s Canada Line to Waterfront Station or take a taxi/rideshare service
  • To get to Ballantyne Pier, take a taxi/rideshare service or drive and park in the limited parking available.

Now that you know which ports cruise ships leave from in Vancouver and what facilities each port provides, you can plan your trip accordingly. Whether you choose Canada Place or Ballantyne Pier, we hope you have a fantastic time exploring the beautiful destinations on your cruise!