What is it like exploring Vancouver right before setting sail on an Alaska cruise?
Welcome back to the vlog! Eric and the family takeover is still rolling. After taking our amazing Amtrak train ride up from Seattle, we found ourselves with a free pre-cruise day to explore the gorgeous city of Vancouver, British Columbia before boarding our next big adventure.
If you are planning an Alaska cruise departing out of the Port of Vancouver, here is a look at what we got into, where we stayed, and why this city has quickly become one of our absolute favorites!
1. Where We Stayed: Delta Hotels Vancouver Downtown
When cruising out of Canada Place, location is everything. We stayed right downtown at the Delta Hotels Vancouver Downtown (a Marriott property).
The location couldn't have been more convenient—it was only about a two-to-three block walk straight down to the cruise terminal and Waterfront Station. Plus, being right in the heart of downtown put us within easy walking distance of great restaurants like Steamworks Brew Company and all the local shops.
2. Exploring Gastown & The Famous Steam Clock
After getting settled, we took a stroll through historic Gastown, one of Vancouver's oldest and most charming neighborhoods. The brick-paved streets and beautiful nineteenth-century architecture give it an incredible European vibe.
Of course, our main mission was to see Vancouver’s most famous landmark: the Gastown Steam Clock.
How it Works: Built in 1977, this is one of the world's few steam-powered clocks. It runs on a combination of underground steam heat and gravity-driven weights, chiming the Westminster quarters every 15 minutes.
The Full Whistle: We hung around to catch the top of the hour (11:00 AM), where the massive steam whistle on top lets out a loud, echoing toot and blows authentic steam right into the air. It is a must-see tourist stop if you are ever in town!
3. Canada Place & Spotting the Disney Magic!
After a quick walk through the historic Waterfront Station, we headed straight up to Canada Place to scope out the cruise ship terminal where we would be embarking the next day.
Right as we walked up to the piers, we got an incredible surprise: the Disney Magic was docked right there, getting ready for its own northbound journey to Alaska!
💡 PRO TIP: Unbeatable Cruise Views
One of the coolest parts of Canada Place is that you can walk right up alongside the massive cruise ships. Seeing the back of the Disney ship—complete with Goofy hanging off the stern—from just feet away was surreal.
Later in the afternoon, we stood back and watched the Disney Magic untie and sail away from the Port of Vancouver, framed by the majestic, snow-capped mountains in the background. Seeing it leave got us even more hyped for our own cruise embarking the next day!
The Final Verdict
Even though we only had a single day to explore Vancouver, it completely won us over. The weather was gorgeous, the food was phenomenal, and the energy around the cruise port is unmatched.
Have you ever explored Vancouver or sailed out of Canada Place? Let us know in the comments below!
Want to see the Steam Clock whistle in action and watch the Disney Magic sail away toward Alaska? Watch our full vlog on YouTube right here:
👉 Exploring Vancouver | Gastown Steam Clock & Disney Cruise 🇨🇦🚢
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