Best Attractions near the Cruise Port in Vancouver

This popular West End beach is a favorite of swimmers and sunbathers. Located right at the end of Davie and Denman streets, English Bay Beach is easily accessible by bus, foot and Seawall. Driving may prove to be slightly challenging on busy days as it can be difficult to find a parking spot. The Seawall is a great way to get to and from English Bay Beach; you can walk, run, blade or ride your bike. Packing a picnic is one of the best ways to enjoy lunch at the beach, but if you don't have the time or resources, there are a number of cafes, take out restaurants and food stands either on or close to the beach.

Escape rooms seem to be popping up all over the place, but there are a number of things that sets SmartyPantz apart from the rest. To start, SmartyPantz is located in three of Gastown's historic buildings that were built between 1892 to 1915; can you imagine the stories they could tell? In addition to the history guests can appreciate, each escape room has a different theme for you to take part in and let your imagination run wild and solve Unlike other escape rooms, you also won't find locked doors here (claustrophobics, rejoice!) You can leave the room at any time, but know that once you leave the room, you can't go back in. The escape rooms can accommodate between 4 and 15 people and you have 45 minutes to figure the game out. Times run throughout the day and into the evening so you've got options.

Look out! The Vancouver Lookout Harbour Centre Tower provides a stunning 360-degree view of the city and is equally impressive during the day and at night. Opened on August 13, 1977 by Neil Armstrong, who left behind his footprint in the concrete, the tower is home to Vancouver's only revolving restaurant. Don't worry, the revolving speed is at a leisurely rate and won't cause you to lose your appetite. If you're not staying for dinner, enjoy the views as far as the eye can see. Take in the views of the Burrard Inlet, North Shore mountains, the suburbs and even Mount Baker in Washington state!

The Vancouver Art Gallery is the fifth largest art gallery in all of Canada. The VAG has rotating exhibitions, along with its permanent collection that boasts over 9,100 items. Art junkies will be impressed by the 200 major works by the Group of Seven, Emily Carr and Mark Chagall, which are all housed in the VAG. In 1931, when the VAG was founded, it started out at a different location. In 1983 it was moved to its current address, the old provincial courthouse on Robson St. and Hornby St. The Art Gallery Cafe is the perfect way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon, grab a bite, sip on a glass of wine or tea and listen to the classical music that surrounds the umbrella-scattered patio.

Dive into the underbelly of Vancouver's crime history at the Vancouver Police Museum, Canada's only museum of its kind. While at the museum you can learn about previous policing methods and check out the equipment and vehicles they used to use. The Vancouver Police Museum houses around 20,000 items, documents, pictures and other materials that explain the Vancouver Police's past. While in the museum, inspect counterfeit money, browse the firearms collection and take a peek at the confiscated weapons. If you're feeling adventurous, check out the coroner's forensic exhibit in the city's old morgue. Some say the museum is haunted, but you'll just have to go and see for yourself. Whether you're going for an educational experience, or to haunt yourself silly, the Vancouver Police Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon.

Constructed in an authentic Ming Dynasty-style, the garden is renowned as being the first of its type built since the late 15th century. Traditional materials from Suzhou, the Garden City of the People's Republic, were used in the construction. It was built with only carefully arranged rocks, wood, plants and water, all without using screws, nails or power tools. The principles of yin and yang opposites, such as light and dark and rough and smooth, are a strong element in this garden's design. Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden is the place to be during Chinese New Year celebrations in Vancouver.

Stretching 5.5-miles (8.8km) around Stanley Park, this lovely jaunt is perfect on a sunny day to bike, walk, run and blade around. Going around the Seawall is best enjoyed with a few stops here and there, and fortunately for you, there are benches, beaches, and scenic spots to stop along the way. Wherever you decide to stop, epic views are always within reach. If the sun is shining and the temperature's rising, pack your towel and swimsuit and take advantage of the sandy beaches and cool ocean waters. No matter what your skill level is, the Seawall is enjoyable for all ages and athletic abilities.

Located in Stanley Park, this aquarium features the climate and habitats of animals, birds and vegetation from around the world. The Amazon Gallery includes sleepy Sloths, tropical birds, piranhas, and jungle plants. The enormous pools feature dolphins, beluga whales and sea otters. Look at the schedule on the website, or when you get to the aquarium to see what shows the animals will be putting on while you're there. Specimens from British Columbia and Canada's arctic underwater coast are also featured. The aquarium serves as Canada's largest Marine Mammal Rescue Rehabilitation Center. The Vancouver Aquarium founded the OceanWise program which plays an integral role in educating the public, restaurants and fishermen about sustainability for fish and our ocean.

Located in downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park offers a green oasis to city dwellers that stretches over 1,000 acres of land. Lord Stanley of Preston opened the park in 1888; at the time it was a haven for gathering various material and food. Today, Stanley Park is home to half a million trees, the Vancouver Aquarium, the Malkin Bowl, carved totem poles, monuments, beaches, a lighthouse, and plenty of trails to take in the fresh air. During the summer months, the Malkin Bowl hosts a series of concerts that are the perfect way to spend a warm evening in the park. If hiking through forests isn't your thing, take advantage of the Seawall where you can run, walk, cycle or Rollerblade the 5.5 miles around Stanley Park. The lush greenery is a welcome escape from the busy city and though it's right downtown, you will feel miles away.

Get your boarding pass, take your seat and prepare for a cross-country odyssey that will leave you wanderlust and ready for more! FlyOver Canada is Vancouver's only 4D attraction and the only one of its kind in Canada. Enjoy the smells, sights and sounds of Canada as some wind blows your hair. Located right beside the Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal, it's easily accessible. The pre-show and Canadian Trail add to the experience of this excellent adventure. Filming these spectacular shots is Sherpas Cinema, while Whistler's own Dave Mossop directed. If you've been to Disney, you may recognize this concept from the Soaring Over California ride. Not only is the concept very similar, but they hired Disney's Creative Director, Rick Rothschild, to assist in the project.