Vancouver

About 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.

• Vancouver has the highest population density in Canada at over 5,700 people per square kilometre, and the fourth highest in North America after New York City, San Francisco, and Mexico City.
• Over 54.5% of Vancouver's residents belong to visible minority groups, and 49.3% are non-native English speakers, making it one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world.
• The city traces its roots to 'Gastown,' a makeshift settlement that grew around a tavern opened on July 1, 1867 by a proprietor known as 'Gassy Jack' — the original Gastown steam clock still marks the spot.
• Vancouver was renamed from Granville to Vancouver in 1886 as part of a deal with the Canadian Pacific Railway, which was extending its transcontinental railway to the city.
• The city's large natural deep-water seaport on the Pacific Ocean made it a vital link in trade between Asia and North America, a role it continues to play as Canada's busiest port.