In the late nineteenth century the demand for timber was massive, and the giant Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir woods in the area were an unused resource. Lumbering companies arrived to make the most of nature’s riches.
A new sawmill was set up on the Burrard peninsula in 1867. The neighborhood by the the mill was called ‘Gastown’ after the name of a saloon owned by one ‘Gassy Jack’. In 1870 the government administration of British Columbia designed the new town of Granville, positioned adjacent to Gastown. In 1871 British Colombia joined the newly formed Dominion of Canada after agreement was reached that a transcontinental railroad was constructed. Granville was picked to be the west coast terminus.
In 1886, the city was incorporated and renamed to Vancouver. Officials felt that this name was more widely known (on account of fashionable Vancouver island) and more appropriate for the railway’s terminus. In the same year the first CPR train arrived.
Further on in the same year the city was almost entirely ruined when the Great Vancouver fire swept through the center.
Vancouver carried on growing all through the 20th century, resulting in the magnificent city we see today much admired by both residents and visitors.
Vancouver’s progress owes a lot to the steep shoreline's capacity to serve as a ship’s anchorage without any need for dredging. To start timber and corn were the most important goods transferred onto ships at the port. Aside from large cargo ships, smaller boats followed the route along the coast north from the city, supplying resource-based businesses, these were based on fishing, timber and mining. Stories of spectacular vistas came back with the crew members of these ships.
So summer vacations to Alaska were much in demand as long ago as the early 19th century, with several shipping companies offering week long cruises. The cruise industry has continued operating ships from Vancouver ever since.
Growth has continued, with passenger numbers through Vancouver climbing from 20000 in 1970 to 1 million in 2000.
However the arrival of Seattle into the cruise market in 2000 stopped Vancouver’s growth in its tracks and the number of vacationers going on cruises out of Vancouver slumped to approximately 600,0000 in 2010. Vancouver fought back, capitalizing on the ability to offer the attractive inside passage routes. Passenger figures are expected to exceed 830,000 in 2017.
Vancouver Cruise Terminals
The terminal is part of the original Canada Pavilion from the 1986 World Exposition and has a unique five sail profile, symbolizing the area’s rich seafaring history. Beside the cruise terminal, the massive complex holds a Pan-Pacific five-star hotel, a World Trade Center office, a big VINCI car park and Port Metro Vancouver corporate offices. Facilities available include customs, security, restrooms, baggage trolleys and a snack shop.
Ballantyne cruise terminal was enlarged and improved in 1995, and today gives efficient cruise ship passenger handling. Because of its previous use as a goods port, the terminal location has a very industrial looking look. Services on offer include customs, restrooms, baggage carts, security, taxi ranks and food and drink shops.
For a calendar of cruises, see cruises from Vancouver.
Vancouver Shore Excursions
In the heart of Vancouver’s booming Chinatown, sits the lovely Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. The Garden is designed around the blending of the four elements: water, architecture, rock and plants, to create perfect equilibrium.
The huge green area of Stanley Park hugs the tip of the Burrard peninsula. It’s where you’ll find an interesting collection of Totems and the Vancouver Aquarium. Fit hikers can follow the 5 mile sea wall, along a path which offers superb views across the sea.
Take a trip to Vancouver Aquarium to enjoy sealife close encounters, with sea turtles, beluga whales, sea lions and dolphins. Kids will love Clownfish Cove, with its clownfish, sea stars, sea cucumbers and sea urchins.
The mid nineteenth century roots of Vancouver are in the historic district of Gastown. Though the first wooden houses were all completely razed in the of 1886.
See the steam clock toot and the statue of ‘Gassy Jack’ in Maple Square then have a well-earned break at a friendly coffee bar.