Victoria Harbour Authority Anticipates Record Cruise Season in 2025

The Victoria Harbour Authority is set to welcome a remarkable influx of visitors in 2025, with expectations of hosting 310 vessels, carrying nearly 1 million passengers and approximately 378,882 crew members. This growth follows a strong performance in 2024, confirming Victoria’s status as Canada’s busiest cruise port.

According to Mark Mawhinney, board chair of the Victoria Harbour Authority, “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.” The authority’s efforts have reinforced the city’s appeal, which has earned accolades as the best small city in the world multiple times from Condé Nast.

Record Cruise Calls and Visitor Engagement

The announcement in October that Victoria was recognized as a top choice for U.S. travelers for the third consecutive year highlights the collaborative efforts of various organizations and businesses in enhancing the city’s tourism appeal. Despite earlier concerns about tariffs and political relations with the United States, Mawhinney noted that the season was successful for American cruise passengers and boaters.

A significant event this year included a ceremony at the terminal for Holland America’s Noordam, which inaugurated a new cruise route focused on the breathtaking coastal scenery of the Great Bear Rainforest. Two additional sailings along this itinerary are planned for 2026, indicating rising interest both locally and internationally. Mawhinney remarked, “Ogden Point is famous for cruise ships. But we also work hard to attract other kinds of vessels to the Breakwater District outside of the cruise season.”

In November, the terminal showcased its versatility by hosting a variety of vessels, including HMCS Vancouver, Canada’s largest spill-response vessel, and a floating dry dock from Seaspan.

Community Events and Future Plans

The harbour authority is not solely focused on cruise activities; it also played a vital role in community engagement, hosting over 30 events in 2025. The most notable was the return of Symphony Splash after a six-year break, drawing an estimated 60,000 attendees for four free concerts over two days.

In June, the city welcomed around 275 National Guardians, who focus on caring for Indigenous lands and waters. Mawhinney expressed pride in witnessing First Nations’ traditions during this gathering, as paddlers from the event requested permission to come ashore in the Inner Harbour.

This October, Seair Seaplanes began operations from the Hyack Terminal, further diversifying transportation options in the area. Looking to the future, the Victoria Harbour Authority has initiated a 10-month integrated planning process aimed at shaping a long-term vision for the harbour lands and waters.

The authority is working with global port development experts to explore opportunities that support a thriving marine industry, while balancing commerce, recreation, and tourism. Additionally, construction at Pier B is expected to allow for the simultaneous docking of two large ships, enhancing capacity.

Mawhinney concluded, “Our goal is to support sustainable, balanced growth while honouring the character, history, and values that make the waterfront meaningful to so many.” The predictions for 2026 are optimistic, with expectations of more than 320 cruise ship calls and over 990,000 passengers, including inaugural visits from Virgin Voyages and MSC Cruises.