The Port of Vancouver is celebrating the 40th anniversary since welcoming the first cruise ship at its Canada Place terminal as it prepares for what it says will be a record season with an estimated 1.4 million visitors.
After the Disney Wonder arrived at the port as this season’s first ship in late February, the port is now preparing for peak season, running from early May to late September.
An estimated 40,000 to 50,000 people are set to move through the cruise terminal between Friday and Monday almost every weekend during peak season, the Port of Vancouver said in a press release.
“Vancouver’s cruise sector has thrived for 40 years thanks to the collaborative and pioneering spirit of so many, and in the process supported jobs and economic growth across our country,” said Cliff Stewart, vice president of operations and supply chain at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.
“With the cruise terminal on track to experience five of its top 10 busiest weekends ever this summer, we look forward to working with our cruise partners to ensure Canada Place and Vancouver continue to play their part delivering unforgettable moments for visitors and economic benefits for Canadians.”
The port said its busiest-ever weekend will be September 18–21 with 56,000 passengers, and almost 20,000 cruise passengers are expected on Saturday, September 19 alone.
This is set to be the busiest day of the 2026 season and third busiest single day on record.
Holland America’s the Noordam was the first cruise ship to arrive at the port on April 28, 1986.
More than 30 million passengers are estimated to have passed through Canada Place since then.
“Vancouver has been a welcoming gateway for our guests for decades, and we are proud of the shared history we have built with Canada Place and the Port of Vancouver,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line.
“For 40 years, Canada Place has been home to our ships, welcoming generations of guests from its iconic downtown waterfront. As we look ahead to marking 80 years of exploring Alaska in 2027, it is especially meaningful to recognize the important role Canada Place continues to play as the starting point for so many memorable journeys.”
