Just back from an Alaskan cruise? With two days in Vancouver before your flight, you’ve got time to see the best of the city, from rainforests to rooftop views. Here’s how I made the most of mine.
I stepped off my Alaskan cruise last July feeling relaxed, well-fed, and honestly not ready to fly home yet. With a couple of days to spare before my flight, I decided to make the most of my time in Vancouver. If you’re in the same boat (literally), here’s how I spent 48 hours in the city—and why it might end up being the highlight of your whole trip.
After getting off the ship around 9 a.m., I dropped my bags at the hotel and headed straight for Stanley Park. The seawall is easy to walk from the cruise terminal, and I spent the morning meandering past totem poles, the Vancouver Rowing Club, and views of the Lions Gate Bridge. I grabbed coffee and a pastry from the café at Prospect Point and just soaked in the scenery.
I’d stepped on a free shuttle from Canada Place to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and it was the perfect mid-day escape. Even after a week of Alaska’s epic views, the canyon walk, the rainforest canopy, and the treetop bridges were something else. The Cliffwalk was especially unforgettable. I had lunch at the Cliff House Restaurant inside the park and tried a BC craft beer with salmon chowder. Worth every penny.
Back in the city, I wandered through Gastown, one of Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhoods. The cobblestone streets and historic buildings felt like a perfect contrast to the wild nature of the day. I ended the night with dinner at a bistro near the Steam Clock, then headed back to rest up for day two.
Another day in this stunning city
The next morning, I headed to Granville Island. The public market there is an experience all on its own. I sampled local cheese, bought a few souvenirs, and watched a live busker while eating fresh halibut tacos by the water. From there, I rented an e-bike and rode the False Creek seawall back toward Olympic Village.
That afternoon, I took the gondola up Grouse Mountain. It’s a short trip from downtown, and you get sweeping views of the city, ocean, and beyond. I lucked out with sunny skies and spotted a couple of grizzly bears in the wildlife refuge at the top. If you have time, catch the lumberjack show or zipline—both were packed with energy and fun.
For my last evening, I treated myself to dinner at a waterfront restaurant in Coal Harbour. Watching the floatplanes take off while enjoying local seafood was a peaceful end to a jam-packed two days. By the time I boarded my flight the next morning, I felt like I’d had a whole second vacation.
If your cruise ends in Vancouver, don’t rush to the airport. Whether you have just one day or a full weekend, the city is perfectly set up for a memorable finale to your trip. Trust me, those final hours can turn into your favourite travel memories.
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