en.Wedoany.com Reported - Canada Place Cruise Terminal is on track to achieve record-breaking passenger traffic in July and August, driving positive growth for businesses and tourism operators in British Columbia (B.C.).

July is expected to see a record 290,000 passengers passing through the terminal, marking the highest monthly figure ever, with August projected to reach similar levels.

The strong cruise traffic is providing a significant boost to the local economy. Latest passenger survey data shows that cruise visitors spend an average of over CAD 1,100 per person locally on hotels, dining, shopping, sightseeing, and local attractions.

Chance McKee, Senior Customer Representative at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, stated that Canada Place Cruise Terminal continues to demonstrate its annual value as a key driver of Canada's tourism industry, with high traffic volumes translating into tangible benefits for local and regional businesses and communities.

An increasing number of cruise passengers are adding Vancouver as an additional destination in their travel itineraries. The Pacific Rim Cruise Association's 2025 Cruise Passenger Survey reveals that over three-quarters of passengers stay locally before or after their cruise, up from 70% in 2023. The same survey found that average local spending per cruise passenger has risen to CAD 1,144.

The growing popularity of the Alaska cruise market is fueling Vancouver's cruise industry boom, with over 1.2 million passengers visiting and more than 300 ship calls annually becoming the new normal at Canada Place in the post-pandemic era. In 2026, an estimated 1.4 million passengers and 360 ship calls are expected, representing a 30% increase in passenger volume compared to 2019.

The Port of Vancouver is a full-service homeport, where cruise lines deploy their vessels during the Alaska season, with passengers embarking and disembarking, and ships resupplying between voyages. Each cruise ship visit to Canada Place Terminal injects approximately CAD 3 million into the local economy. Cruise lines such as Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn Cruise Line, all under Carnival Corp., rely on local goods and service suppliers to sustain operations.

Beth Bodensteiner, President of Holland America Line, noted that itineraries departing from Vancouver are unique, and the company is proud to introduce guests to the wonders of Alaska, Hawaii, the South Pacific, Asia, and beyond, while supporting local businesses and Vancouver's vibrant tourism economy. Mark Tamis, President of Seabourn Cruise Line, highlighted Vancouver's key role in the company's Alaska season, with Seabourn Encore sailing from the city for the first time this year, offering more guests an immersive Alaska experience. Gus Antorcha, President of Princess Cruises, announced that Princess Cruises will launch its largest-ever Alaska season in 2026, with seven ships calling at Vancouver, including the newest vessel, Star Princess.

The strong cruise traffic, coupled with the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 celebrations, is expected to lead to increased crowds and traffic congestion for visitors heading to downtown Vancouver and Canada Place.