Victoria Harbour Authority Prepares for Record Cruise Season in 2025

The Victoria Harbour Authority has announced an impressive line-up for the 2025 cruise season, anticipating 310 vessels, which will bring nearly 1 million passengers and over 378,000 crew members to the vibrant shores of Victoria, British Columbia. This growth closely mirrors the strong performance seen in 2024, solidifying Victoria’s reputation as Canada’s busiest cruise port of call.

Board chair Mark Mawhinney emphasized the city’s diverse appeal during a recent interview with Victoria News. “It’s difficult to select one single defining moment of the year because the harbour is such a diverse place, and it is used by so many different groups of people,” he stated. Mawhinney expressed excitement about the bustling activity at Ogden Point, particularly when multiple cruise ships are moored at the terminal and local businesses are thriving.

Victoria’s accolades continue to grow, as evidenced by its recognition as a U.S. travellers’ choice for the third consecutive year. This achievement reflects the collaborative efforts of various organizations and businesses that enhance the city’s tourist appeal. Despite concerns earlier in the year regarding tariffs and a challenging political relationship with the United States, Mawhinney noted a successful summer season for American cruise passengers and boaters. “Our strategy was to warmly welcome American visitors to all our properties,” he explained.

In a significant event this October, the Victoria Harbour Authority welcomed Holland America’s Noordam, which launched its inaugural cruise to the Great Bear Rainforest. This new route highlights the stunning coastal scenery of northern British Columbia, with additional sailings scheduled for 2026, drawing interest from both local and international tourists.

The versatility of the harbour was showcased in November, when a variety of vessels, including HMCS Vancouver and Canada’s largest spill-response vessel, K.J. Gardner, utilized the terminal. The presence of a cargo freighter, BBC Felix, and a floating dry dock, Seaspan’s Careen, further illustrated the harbour’s capacity to accommodate diverse maritime activities.

The non-profit Victoria Harbour Authority oversees the deep-water marina and uplands across Victoria’s harbours, a responsibility that includes hosting over 30 events in 2025. These events ranged from food festivals to marine-themed gatherings such as Defence on the Dock. The highlight of the year was the return of Symphony Splash to the Inner Harbour in August, after a six-year hiatus. An estimated 60,000 attendees enjoyed four free concerts over two days, featuring remarkable performances.

In June, the harbour was proud to host around 275 National Guardians, who care for their Nations’ lands and waters through Indigenous knowledge and culture. Mawhinney recalled a poignant moment when paddlers attending the National Guardian Gathering received permission to come ashore in the Inner Harbour, reflecting the cultural significance of the occasion.

In October, a new business, Seair Seaplanes, commenced operations from the Hyack Terminal, further enhancing travel options for visitors. Looking towards the future, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) recently launched a 10-month integrated planning initiative aimed at establishing a long-term vision for the harbour lands and waters. This effort will incorporate insights from global port development experts to ensure the harbour remains a thriving hub for marine industries while balancing commerce, recreation, and tourism for years to come.

Winter construction at Pier B aims to facilitate the docking of two Quantum-class (350 metres) or Icon-class (365 metres) ships simultaneously. Mawhinney reiterated the authority’s commitment to sustainable growth, stating, “Our goal is to support sustainable, balanced growth while honouring the character, history, and values that make the waterfront meaningful to so many.”

With an optimistic outlook, the GVHA anticipates more than 320 cruise ship calls and over 990,000 passengers in 2026. Notably, Virgin Voyages and MSC Cruises are set to make their debut visits to Victoria, with six inaugural calls planned for the next summer. This continued growth underscores Victoria’s status as a premier destination for cruise tourism in Canada.