Nanaimo Welcomes Holland America Line’s Noordam: A New Era For Cruise Tourism In Canada, Us!

Published on October 12, 2025

Bringing enhanced tourer activities to nan city, nan get of nan Holland America Line’s Noordam on Friday arsenic portion of it’s voyage connected nan Alaska to Seattle route brought nan metropolis of Nanaimo, on pinch nineteen-hundred passengers and 8 100 unit members to nan city. The cruise vessel was group to dock nan the terminal for an 8 hr cruise vessel sojourn and was considered nan flagship alloy during nan cruise lines inaugural sojourn to Nanaimo.

This marked nan opening of a promising business betwixt Nanaimo and Holland America, pinch nan cruise statement already readying aggregate visits to nan metropolis successful 2026.

A Historic Visit to Nanaimo

The Noordam, which had antecedently made stops successful Ketchikan, Alaska and Prince Rupert, made its inaugural sojourn to Nanaimo connected October 10, 2025. The cruise vessel arrived connected a rainy day, but it did not dampen nan enthusiasm of nan passengers, who disembarked to research nan picturesque Harbour City.

This sojourn is peculiarly important arsenic Holland America Line has been operating for complete 150 years, yet this was their first larboard telephone successful Nanaimo. To commemorate nan occasion, a short ceremonial took spot successful nan ship’s crow’s nest lounge. Captain Marek Zoll presented a vessel plaque to Port of Nanaimo chairperson Donna Hais, while Hais reciprocated pinch Indigenous artwork arsenic a token of nan city’s appreciation.

Mayor Leonard Krog besides boarded nan Noordam, offering his lukewarm invited to some passengers and crew, and said astir nan city’s excitement for early visits. “Nanaimo is rich | successful nan contented of seafarers and serves arsenic a gateway to British Columbia. He expressed his hopes that early visits would bring amended upwind and nan opportunity for passengers to bask each that Nanaimo has to offer.

Plans for Future Visits successful 2026

Holland America Line has confirmed its committedness to Nanaimo, announcing that nan Noordam will return for 3 much visits successful 2026. This caller schedule marks an breathtaking section successful Nanaimo’s tourism story, pinch nan metropolis now firmly connected nan representation for world cruise ships. The cruise line’s engagement is expected to bring a dependable watercourse of tourism to nan region, benefiting section businesses, attractions, and hospitality services.

Tourism Boom for Nanaimo

The Noordam’s sojourn highlights nan increasing value of cruise tourism for Nanaimo, a metropolis that is quickly becoming a sought-after destination for travelers. Cruise tourism, which has seen important maturation successful caller years, provides important economical benefits to section communities. Nanaimo, pinch its easy entree to scenic coastal views, outdoor activities, and humanities landmarks, is perfectly positioned to capitalise connected this trend.

Tourism experts foretell that nan accrued cruise postulation will lead to much visits from world tourists, enhancing Nanaimo’s estimation arsenic a must-visit larboard successful British Columbia. The section system stands to use from a surge successful request for hotels, restaurants, and guided tours, arsenic good arsenic taste experiences that item nan region’s earthy beauty.

Discover Nanaimo: Top Attractions for Passengers

For passengers disembarking from nan Noordam, location is nary shortage of activities and attractions to explore. Nanaimo is location to a rich | taste and earthy heritage, pinch thing for everyone, from outdoor enthusiasts to those seeking a much relaxed experience. Here are immoderate of nan city’s apical destinations:

1. Newcastle Island
   Just a short ferry thrust from downtown Nanaimo, Newcastle Island is simply a celebrated spot for hiking, cycling, and picnicking. The land is location to lush forests, scenic trails, and a beautiful beach.
2. Nanaimo Harbourfront Walkway
   A scenic 3.5 km way that runs on nan waterfront, cleanable for a relaxing stroll while enjoying views of nan harbour, marina, and mountains. The walkway is lined pinch nationalist art, gardens, and benches for visitors to enjoy.
3. The Bastion
   The Bastion is 1 of Nanaimo’s astir historical landmarks, a erstwhile Hudson’s Bay Company outpost built successful 1853. It offers a glimpse into nan city’s assemblage past and provides awesome views of nan waterfront.
4. Maffeo Sutton Park
   Situated by nan waterfront, Maffeo Sutton Park is an expansive greenish abstraction perfect for picnics, outdoor sports, and enjoying concerts during nan summertime months. It offers stunning views of nan Harbour City and is cleanable for family outings.
5. Nanaimo Museum
   This depository offers an in-depth look into nan history of nan region, featuring exhibits astir Nanaimo’s ember mining past, Indigenous culture, and section maritime history. Visitors tin study much astir nan city’s roots and heritage.
6. WildPlay Element Park
   For those looking for a spot of adventure, WildPlay Element Park offers thrilling outdoor activities specified arsenic zip-lining, statement courses, and bungee jumping. It’s an fantabulous measurement for visitors to get their adrenaline pumping while surrounded by nature.
7. Harbour City Market
   For a sensation of section life, nan Harbour City Market is nan cleanable spot to sample caller produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts. It’s a awesome spot to drawback a souvenir aliases bask a repast from section vendors.

The Long-Term Impact connected Nanaimo’s Tourism

The accrued number of cruise ships visiting Nanaimo is expected to bring semipermanent benefits to nan city. With Holland America readying much visits, different cruise lines are apt to return announcement and see Nanaimo successful their itineraries. This could consequence successful much world attention, accrued aerial recreation to nan city, and greater opportunities for partnerships pinch section tourism operators.

As Nanaimo strengthens its position arsenic a cruise tourism destination, its maturation successful this assemblage will not only supply economical benefits but besides raise nan city’s floor plan arsenic a cardinal portion of British Columbia’s divers tourism offerings. The metropolis is fresh to invited visitors from astir nan world, eager to research its stunning landscapes, rich | history, and vibrant culture.

What Next?

The metropolis of Nanaimo received its first presence of nan Noordam cruise linert connected nan aforesaid time that marked Nanaimo’s position arsenic a cruise destination. Nanaimo seems to beryllium fresh to prehend nan opportunity presented by increasing cruise tourism arsenic they statesman prepping for much cruise visits scheduled for 2026. The metropolis is judge that its practice pinch nan cruise statement will beryllium important successful helping put Nanaimo connected nan world tourism map, enabling visitors to acquisition this awesome city\’s magnificent quality and rich | heritage.