Vancouver Gears Up for Busy Cruise Season with Over 1.2 million Passengers Expected

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is urging people to prepare for increased foot traffic and heavier vehicle congestion around Canada Place and downtown Vancouver. The city’s cruise season is now in full swing, and it is expected to stay busy through late September.

Canada Place, home to Vancouver’s main cruise terminal, is gearing up for one of its busiest years yet. In 2025, the port anticipates over 300 ship calls and around 1.2 million cruise passenger visits. That’s a strong sign of recovery and continued growth for the city’s cruise industry.

Chance McKee, Cruise Account Representative at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, expressed excitement about the season ahead. “We’re thrilled to be embarking on another successful season for Vancouver’s thriving cruise sector,” he said. “More than a million passengers are expected in the coming months. That’s great news for local businesses and tourism operators but also means residents and visitors should expect busy sidewalks and increased traffic downtown.”

From May 5 to September 22, between 35,000 to almost 50,000 cruise passengers are expected to move through the Canada Place terminal every Friday to Monday. Most days will see at least one cruise ship docked, and on weekends, it’s common to see multiple ships in port.

One of the major cruise lines operating from Vancouver this season is Holland America Line. The company considers Vancouver a key gateway for its Alaska sailings. “We’re ecstatic to be in the full swing of our season sailing from Vancouver, and know our guests are too,” said Bill Fletcher, senior director of sales enablement for the line.

This week alone, four Holland America ships are sailing from the city, and a total of 74 calls are scheduled for the full season. According to Fletcher, guests and crew are expected to spend nearly $18 million at local restaurants, stores, and attractions. On top of that, ships will continue stocking up on supplies from local vendors between sailings, bringing additional revenue to the area.

As the season builds, the port authority expects much heavier demand for transportation services. Taxis, rideshare vehicles, and public transit are likely to be busier than usual, especially between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Downtown travelers are advised to plan, leave extra time for travel, and consider using alternate routes or traveling during off-peak hours when possible.

To help manage the surge in traffic, the Vancouver Police Department will have officers from its traffic authority team stationed near the terminal. They’ll assist with directing pedestrian and vehicle movement at key intersections and crosswalks. The port authority will also place extra staff on-site to guide visitors and answer questions.

In addition to these efforts, the City of Vancouver is trying out a new traffic system this season. It’s converting Canada Place into a one-way street to improve safety and traffic flow around the cruise terminal. The move is expected to reduce congestion and give pedestrians more room to move safely through the area.

McKee welcomed the initiative, saying, “Turning Canada Place into a one-way street will make a big difference. It’ll help create a smoother and safer experience for everyone visiting downtown. The cruise season brings energy and spending to our community, and we thank everyone for their patience and cooperation.”