Vancouver

Vancouver, British Columbia is the main Canadian homeport for Alaska cruises and the traditional starting point for one-way Gulf of Alaska sailings northbound to Whittier or Seward. Ships dock at Canada Place, a landmark terminal beneath five white sail-shaped roofs in the heart of downtown — an unusual luxury for a cruise port, since Stanley Park, Gastown, and the Vancouver Art Gallery are all within a 15-minute walk. Because Vancouver is a non-US port, Seattle-based lines pair it with Victoria less often; most Vancouver itineraries go one-way to Alaska instead. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is 30 minutes south by taxi or SkyTrain.