Alaska-Bound and Record

Vancouver’s cruise scene is hitting a major milestone in 2026 — and it’s shaping up to be the biggest year yet.

The Port of Vancouver Turns 40 — and It’s Going Out With a Bang

The Port of Vancouver is marking 40 years since its first cruise ship docked at Canada Place. To celebrate, the port is gearing up for what could be a record-breaking season. An estimated 1.4 million cruise visitors are expected to pass through in 2026.

A Busy Season Is Already Underway

The Disney Wonder kicked things off as the season’s first ship back in late February. Now, the port is heading into its peak season, which runs from early May through late September. That’s a lot of ships — and a lot of passengers.

Weekend Crowds Will Be Massive

During peak weekends, expect serious crowds at Canada Place. The port estimates that between 40,000 and 50,000 people will move through the cruise terminal almost every single weekend. That’s like filling a major sports stadium — over and over again.

A Record-Breaking Weekend to Watch

Mark your calendars: September 18–21 is expected to be the busiest weekend in the port’s entire history. A whopping 56,000 passengers are projected to pass through. Saturday, September 19 alone could see nearly 20,000 cruise passengers — making it the third busiest single day ever recorded at the port.

Cliff Stewart, vice president of operations at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, summed it up well:

“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.”

How It All Started 40 Years Ago

It was Holland America Line that started it all. Their ship, the Noordam, was the very first cruise ship to dock at Canada Place on April 28, 1986. Since then, more than 30 million passengers have sailed through that iconic terminal.

Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, reflected on the milestone:

“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.”

Why This Matters for Cruise Travelers

Vancouver is one of the most popular homeports for Alaska cruises. Millions of travelers start their Alaska adventures right here each year. With 2026 shaping up to be the biggest season on record, it’s clear that Vancouver’s popularity as a cruise destination isn’t slowing down anytime soon.