Alaska Cruise Port Info for Vancouver Canada
Facts About Canada Place and Ballantyne Cruise Terminal
Apr 13, 2009
Alaska cruises from the Port of Vancouver use either Canada Place or Ballantyne Pier. These cruise terminals provide transportation, guest facilities, and parking.
Vancouver, British Columbia is one of the most popular gateways when taking an Alaska cruise. In fact, according to the Port of Vancouver, Canada Place and Ballantyne Pier welcomed a total of 254 ships for 2008. This is slightly higher than the 210 cruise ships that cruised from Seattle for the same period. Here is the basic information for getting around these two very different Vancouver cruise ship terminals when taking a cruise to Alaska.
Canada Place, Most Convenient Vancouver Cruise Terminal
- Transportation To and From the Pier - Canada Place is a distinct landmark in Vancouver with its five sail design. The terminal is right downtown, which is nine miles from the Vancouver Airport (YVR). One option to get to the pier is the airport bus that leaves the airport every half hour and stops at most major hotels along the way. Taxis are also readily available for about US$30.
- Attractions Near the Cruise Terminal - Canada Place is conveniently located near shopping, dining and major attractions. Historic Gastown is about five blocks away, whereas the Harbour Centre lookout is only three blocks from the cruise terminal. For shopping, Robson Street is only six blocks away with the Pacific Centre Shopping Mall only a three block walk.
- Cruise Terminal Facilities - Canada Place is home to the Vancouver Convention Center, the Pan Pacific Hotel and three berths that accommodate mega cruise ships. Inside the terminal building, there are other passenger facilities. Tourism Vancouver has a kiosk in the terminal building providing maps and local info. There’s also short-term luggage storage and concessions selling snacks and drinks.
- Parking at the Pier - There is a two-level parking garage at Canada Place operated by CitiPark (phone: 604-684-2251). Alternatively, CruisePark offers offsite long parking with a shuttle service to either terminal.
- Rental Cars at the Terminal - Avis, Budget, and National have car rental kiosks located at the Canada Place terminal.
Ballantyne Pier: Vancouver’s Other Cruise Terminal
- Transportation To and From the Pier - From the Vancouver Airport (YVR) it is about a 30-minute drive. Taxis cost approximately US$30 to US$40. But, there is also a shuttle bus service to and from the airport.
- Attractions Near the Cruise Terminal - The Terminal is located east of Canada Place in an industrial part of the city. For sightseeing, it is recommended to take a shuttle or taxi to the downtown area instead of walking.
- Cruise Terminal Facilities - Inside the terminal building, there is a Tourism Vancouver kiosk providing maps and info. There is also a concession selling snacks and refreshments.
- Parking at the Pier - Long term offsite parking is available with a shuttle service to the pier.
- Rental Cars at the Terminal - There are no car rental kiosks located at Ballantyne Pier. Passengers need to pre-arrange a drop off or pick up with the rental car agency in advance, or head into the downtown area to organize for a car.
Although Vancouver, Canada welcomes cruise ships throughout the summer months, it is also a year-round destination. Vancouver will be the host for the 2010 Winter Olympics and the city is ready with world-class accommodations, extensive dining alternatives, and unlimited attractions and activities.
The copyright of the article Alaska Cruise Port Info for Vancouver Canada in Cruise Lines & Routes is owned by Renee Ruggero. Permission to republish Alaska Cruise Port Info for Vancouver Canada in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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