Princess Cruises uses two main terminals in Vancouver

Princess Cruises ships dock at Canada Place or the Ballard Pier terminal, depending on the ship size and sailing schedule. Canada Place is the primary terminal and sits in downtown Vancouver at the foot of Burrard Street, directly next to the Vancouver Convention Centre. Ballard Pier (also called Pier B or the Cruise Ship Terminal at Ballard Pier) is located about two kilometres south, near the Granville Street Bridge.

Most Princess ships use Canada Place because it can accommodate the larger vessels in the fleet. Smaller Princess ships sometimes use Ballard Pier when Canada Place is booked by other cruise lines or when multiple ships need to dock on the same day. Both terminals are operated by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and handle cruise traffic year-round, though the busiest season runs from May through September.

Key Takeaways

  • Canada Place, located downtown at Burrard Street, is where most Princess Cruises ships dock in Vancouver.
  • Ballard Pier, about two kilometres south near Granville Street Bridge, handles some Princess sailings when Canada Place is unavailable.
  • You can confirm which terminal your ship uses by checking your cruise documents or calling Princess Cruises directly before your sailing date.
  • Both terminals are within the city and offer ground transportation options, though Canada Place is closer to downtown attractions and public transit.

How to find out which terminal your ship uses

Your cruise ticket or the confirmation email from Princess Cruises will list the terminal name. Look for "Port of Vancouver" or "Terminal" in the document — it will say either "Canada Place" or "Ballard Pier." If you cannot find this information in your paperwork, call Princess Cruises customer service at 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) and provide your booking reference number. They can tell you the exact terminal and the time your ship is scheduled to arrive.

You can also check the Princess Cruises website by logging into your account and viewing your cruise itinerary. The terminal information usually appears under "Port Details" or "Arrival Information" for Vancouver. If you are booking a cruise and want to know the terminal in advance, ask the travel agent or Princess directly — terminal assignments can change, so confirm within two weeks of your sailing date.

Getting to Canada Place from the airport and downtown

Canada Place is the easier terminal to reach if you are flying into Vancouver. The airport is about 20 kilometres south, and you can take a taxi, rideshare service, or the Canada Line (a rapid transit train) directly to the downtown core. The Canada Line stops at Waterfront Station, which is a five-minute walk from Canada Place. A one-way ticket costs around $10 CAD, and the trip takes about 25 minutes from the airport.

If you are staying downtown the night before your cruise, Canada Place is within walking distance of most hotels in the Gastown and Coal Harbour neighbourhoods. The terminal sits right on the waterfront, and you can reach it on foot from the Burrard Street SkyTrain station in about 10 minutes. Parking is available at Canada Place for cruise passengers, though rates vary and spaces fill quickly during peak season — arriving early is important if you plan to drive.

Getting to Ballard Pier from the airport and downtown

Ballard Pier is farther from the airport and downtown hotels, making it less convenient for most passengers. From Vancouver International Airport, a taxi or rideshare will take 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Public transit to Ballard Pier is slower — you would need to take the Canada Line to Waterfront Station, then transfer to a bus, which adds 45 minutes to an hour to your journey.

If you are driving to Ballard Pier, it is located near the Granville Street Bridge and has dedicated parking for cruise passengers. The lot is smaller than Canada Place, so parking may fill up during busy sailing days. From downtown hotels, Ballard Pier is about a 15-minute drive or a 30-minute bus ride. Most passengers prefer Canada Place because of the easier transit connections, but if your ship is assigned to Ballard Pier, the terminal is still accessible and has the same passenger facilities.

What to expect at each terminal

Both Canada Place and Ballard Pier have check-in counters, security screening, and waiting areas. Arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time — this is the standard for cruise lines and gives you time to check in, go through security, and board without rushing. Canada Place has more amenities nearby because it is in downtown Vancouver; you can grab coffee or a meal at the Convention Centre or nearby restaurants before boarding.

Ballard Pier is more industrial and has fewer shops and restaurants within walking distance, though the terminal itself has basic facilities. Both terminals are climate-controlled and have restrooms. If you are arriving by car, allow extra time to find parking and walk to the terminal entrance. Luggage handling is the same at both — you can check bags at the counter, and they will be delivered to your cabin later in the day.

Parking and ground transportation options

Canada Place offers a cruise parking lot with rates that vary by length of stay — typically $15 to $25 CAD per day for standard parking, with premium covered parking available at higher rates. You can reserve parking in advance through the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority website or by calling ahead. The lot is a short walk from the terminal entrance, and shuttle service is available if you need it.

Ballard Pier also has dedicated cruise parking, usually at similar rates. Both terminals accept payment by credit card, debit, and cash. If you prefer not to drive, taxis and rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) are available at both terminals. The Canada Line rapid transit is the cheapest option if you are coming from the airport or downtown — a round trip costs about $20 CAD per person and is faster than driving during rush hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find out which terminal my ship uses before I book?

Yes. When you are looking at a specific sailing date on the Princess Cruises website, the terminal information is sometimes listed in the itinerary details. If it is not shown, contact Princess customer service or a travel agent — they can tell you which terminal is assigned to that sailing, though assignments can change closer to the departure date.

Is one terminal better than the other?

Canada Place is more convenient because it is downtown, closer to the airport via the Canada Line, and has more restaurants and shops nearby. Ballard Pier is functional but more remote. Most passengers prefer Canada Place, but both terminals offer the same boarding process and passenger services.

What if I arrive at the wrong terminal?

Call Princess Cruises when ready if you realize you are at the wrong terminal. They may be able to arrange transportation to the correct one, but this depends on how close you are to departure time. Always confirm your terminal in your cruise documents or by calling ahead to avoid this problem.

Can I park overnight at the terminal if my cruise leaves early in the morning?

Yes, both Canada Place and Ballard Pier allow overnight parking for cruise passengers. Rates are charged per day, so overnight parking costs the same as daytime parking. Reserve in advance if possible, especially during peak season, because lots can fill up.

Is there a shuttle between the two terminals?

No, there is no shuttle service between Canada Place and Ballard Pier. If you need to get from one to the other, you will need to use a taxi, rideshare, or rental car. The drive between them takes about 10 minutes depending on traffic.