Canada Place reports nearly 1.4 million passenger visits in 2026
Vancouver’s cruise terminal recorded 358 ship calls during its busiest season to date, according to the port authority.
Canada Place recorded nearly 1.4 million passenger visits during its 2026 cruise season, an 18 per cent increase from approximately 1.2 million in 2025, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority said. Ship calls rose 19 per cent, from 300 to 358. The season extended from Disney Wonder’s arrival on February 26 to Norwegian Encore’s departure on October 13.
The port authority estimated that cruise operations contributed more than $1 billion to the local economy, with each ship call generating an average of $3 million in economic activity. A Pacific Rim Cruise Association survey found that 76 per cent of passengers spent time locally before or after sailing. Average passenger spending reached $1,144 across hotels, restaurants, shopping, tours and attractions.
The season included inaugural Port of Vancouver visits by Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Luminara and Disney Magic. On September 27, the 177,882-gross-ton Star Princess became the largest vessel to visit Canada Place.
Average embarkation times have dropped below 30 minutes since facial biometric scanning began in 2024, according to the port authority. A shore-power expansion supported by Transport Canada’s Green Shipping Corridors Program is expected to prevent an additional 3,300 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each season.