January/February 2025
ARIAL
Vancouver: The Ideal Pre- and Post-Cruise Gateway
Vancouver
, the seaside Pacific Northwest jewel in the Strait of Georgia on Canada’s West Coast, receives cruise passengers from April to September in its award-winning cruise terminal at
Canada Place
, right in the heart of downtown. But Vancouver is so much more than a port of embarkation. This urban oasis nestled among emerald temperate rainforests, coastal mountains and the Pacific Ocean has everything your clients need to get in the right frame of mind for a cruise before boarding or to decompress post-cruise. There’s something for everyone, from outdoor adventures to foodie dream experiences to arts and culture, plus a variety of accommodations to meet every cruiser’s needs. And it’s all easy to get to on foot. Vancouver’s compact downtown makes it a breeze to walk to everything from hotels and restaurants to major attractions and shopping areas both luxe and boutique. To make the most of a pre- or post-cruise stay, tell clients to put aside at least three or four days so they have time to relax, explore, shop and visit some of the city’s famed attractions and cultural gems at their leisure. Here are a few suggestions.
GRANVILLE MARKET
Adventures and Art
A must-do adventure is Vancouver’s iconic
Stanley Park
, a sprawling green rainforest parkland in the midst of downtown, with views of water, sky and mountains from the park’s famous Seawall. The park is within an easy walk or bike ride from most downtown hotels, and offers many incredible natural and man-made wonders, including bountiful flower gardens, the 32-million-year-old Siwash rock rising up just off the Seawall, the Brockton Point Lighthouse, the centuries-old Stanley Park Hollow Tree and First Nations art and totem poles. The best part is the stunning harbor views around every corner.
To regain their land legs, recommend clients take one of the tours offered by
Cycle City
, which offers city cruiser bikes as well as e-bikes that they can ride through Stanley Park and the city’s many vibrant neighborhoods. Cycle City also offers tours led by experienced guides who share local insights about the attractions they see at notable spots such as the
Vancouver Aquarium
. Travelers also may want to ride to
Granville Island
, a foodie and artisan haven with fresh markets, a variety of waterfront dining options and local shops selling artisanal crafts.
If they want to get a bit adventurous, the
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
is a must-visit. The 450-ft suspension bridge will get their adrenaline pumping, as will getting a squirrel’s-eye view of the rainforest from the platforms and suspension bridges that make up the
Treetops Adventure
, and the gravity-defying cantilevered walkway high above the Capilano Canyon known as the
Cliffwalk
.
For those who would like to learn more about the city’s rich indigenous history, the
Museum of Anthropology
(
MOA
) at the University of British Columbia offers a wealth of indigenous art and cultural artifacts.
Foodie Scene
Vancouver’s culinary scene is full of world-class dining experiences just waiting to be discovered. To make it easy to find just the dining experience you’re looking for, check out the
Vancouver Michelin Guide
, where one finds 75 restaurants sure to satisfy every taste. For example, those craving quality fish can check out the quirky
Octopus’ Garden
, where everything from jellyfish strips tossed in garlic ponzu to a “lobster roll on vacation,†featuring tempura lobster on a roll with creamy avocado, is on the menu. Vegetarians will find much to love at
The Acorn
, featuring vegan and gluten-free options in a cozy ambiance. For meat lovers, Vancouver offers several outstanding steakhouses, including
Elisa
and
Riley’s Fish & Steak
.
BRIDGE
Where to Stay
Vancouver offers a variety of accommodations, from luxury hotels to fun boutique lodgings to budget-friendly options to meet any cruiser’s needs on land. On the luxe side, the five-star
Shangri-La Vancouver
is a sophisticated haven with impeccable service, all wrapped in a blend of modern luxury and traditional Asian decor, while the five-star
Fairmont Pacific Rim
offers deluxe accommodations. The
Parq Vancouver
resort complex includes both the elegant and upscale
JW Marriott Parq
and
The Douglas, Autograph Collection
, a boutique hotel with a unique vibe that mixes urban chic with a hint of retro-glamping.
Vancouver has a boatload of boutique hotels— from the stylish
Loden Hotel
in Coal Harbour, to the funky
Hotel
Belmont
on Granville Street, not to mention the
OPUS Vancouver
in Yaletown, one of Vancouver’s trendiest and most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its chic urban charm and historic character.
Those looking to maximize the bang they get for their hotel buck will find many budget-friendly hotels in downtown Vancouver. These include
the
Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown
, steps away from Robson Street shopping and the Entertainment District, and the
Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Centre
, located near the Vancouver Art Gallery.
For more information, please visit
destinationvancouver.com
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COVER
THE TRAVEL CORPORATION
Table of Contents
Editor's Notes
TURKISH AIRLINES
Industry Insights: Travel — A Bridge to Kindness
Advisor Speak: When Passion Leads to Top-Selling Travel Agency
Cruise: Luxurious Cruise Adventures Around the Globe
EXPLORA JOURNEYS
AMERICAN CRUISE LINES SC
AMERICAN CRUISE LINES
ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES SC
ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES
DISNEY CRUISE LINE SC
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
VIKING SC
VIKING CRUISES
EXPLORA SC
RIVERSIDE LUXURY CRUISES SC
Vancouver: The Ideal Pre- and Post-Cruise Gateway
ALASKA RAILROAD SC
Onboard Review: Disney Treasure–A New Chapter in Cruise Line Magic
Onboard Review: The Galapagos with HX— A Transformative Experience
WEBINAR HOUSE AD
Onboard Review: Sail in Style— MSC World Europa’s Yacht Club
Onboard Review: Adults-Only Fun Aboard Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady
Mexico/Caribbean: Romance Redefined—Luxurious Escapes
Palladium’s Luxury Experiences for Couples
SANDALS SPREAD
SANDALS SC
Onsite Review: Hyatt Vivid Grand Island—Cancun’s Sexy New Neighbor
Europe: Club Med Tignes–The Ultimate Alpine Escape
TTC Tour Brands
EDU HOUSE AD
RIVERSIDE LUXURY CRUISES