Great Lakes Cruising Gains Momentum in Toronto

 Port of Toronto welcomes more than 18,600 passengers in 2026 with cruise ship calls expected to continue to grow in 2027

TORONTO, Oct. 28, 2026 /CNW/ -- Great Lakes cruising is on the rise, and Toronto is at the centre of the action. The Port of Toronto welcomed 43 cruise ship calls and more than 18,600 passengers during its 2026 season, reinforcing Toronto's role as the main turnaround port for Great Lakes cruising. The momentum continues into 2027, with 47 cruise calls already booked and the MV Viking Octantis set to open the season on May 1.

Port of Toronto welcomes more than 18,600 passengers in 2026 with cruise ship calls expected to continue to grow in 2027.

Seven different cruise ships called at the Port of Toronto Cruise Ship Terminal this season, representing cruise lines including Viking Cruises, Victory Cruise Lines, Pearl Seas Cruises, Ponant Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. 

The economic impact of Great Lakes cruising reached more than US$310 million in 2026, up 25 per cent from 2025. Growth in passenger volumes, port visits and shoreside spending is generating significant economic benefits for communities throughout the Great Lakes region, including gateway cities like Toronto¹.

As interest in expedition cruising on the Great Lakes grows, Toronto continues to play an important role as the region's main turnaround port, where passengers begin or end their cruise. That means many travellers spend additional time in Toronto before or after sailing, staying in local hotels and experiencing the city's restaurants and attractions.

Toronto's position as a Great Lakes cruise gateway is also supported by strong air connectivity through nearby Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport as well as Toronto Pearson International Airport.

The success of Toronto's cruise ship season contributed to a 17 per cent increase in international visits from the U.S. and overseas in May, June and July compared with the same period last year, as reported by Destination Toronto, the official organization that promotes tourism in the Toronto region. The same data reports visits from the United Kingdom increased 46 per cent, while visits from Germany rose 59 per cent and those from the United States climbed 19 per cent.

Great Lakes cruising has strong international appeal, drawing passengers primarily from the United States and Europe. October is the busiest stretch of the season, with European visitors flocking to the region to experience its famous fall colours from the water.

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¹ Source: Cruise the Great Lakes. "2026 Great Lakes cruise ship tourism produces $310 million of economic impact for region." Oct. 22, 2026. Read the full report.

"Great Lakes cruising is bringing thousands of visitors directly into the heart of Toronto, with a ripple effect across our hotels, restaurants, attractions and visitor economy," said RJ Steenstra, President and CEO, Toronto Port Authority. "With Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to the west and the Port of Toronto to the east, the Toronto Port Authority operates two key tourism gateways on either side of the harbour. As Great Lakes cruising grows, so does the opportunity to bring more visitors to Toronto and generate greater economic impact for our city."

The next chapter begins May 1, 2027, when the MV Viking Octantis arrives at the Port of Toronto to kick off the 2027 cruise season.

The outlook for Great Lakes cruising remains strong well beyond 2027. A prominent luxury vacation cruise line is currently building a new ship with the Great Lakes in mind, designing the vessel to transit the locks and enter the region beginning in 2030. The ship is already booking space at Great Lakes ports, adding another new entrant to the region's expanding cruise market.

About the Port of Toronto
Since 1793, the Port of Toronto has served as a vital gateway connecting the city to the St. Lawrence Seaway and international marine ports around the world. A long-standing presence in the city, the Port continues to evolve as a dynamic, multi-use economic hub, owned and operated by the Toronto Port Authority.

Strategically located just minutes from downtown Toronto, the Port primarily handles bulk cargo imports, facilitating the efficient movement of goods from global markets including Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. The Port is also home to a Cruise Ship Terminal supporting the city's growing cruise ship industry. By welcoming international cruise passengers directly into the heart of the city, the Port plays an important role in boosting local tourism, increasing visitor spending and enhancing Toronto's profile as a destination along the Great Lakes cruise network.

Marine shipping remains one of the safest and most efficient modes of transportation, offering significant advantages over road-based freight on a per-ton basis. As part of an environmentally sustainable marine transportation corridor, the Port of Toronto supports the efficient movement of goods and passengers through one of North America's busiest economic regions, while also reducing truck traffic by an estimated 54,000 shipments.

This activity generates over 670 directly related jobs and $79.1 million in taxes annually, with an overall economic impact estimated at $460 million each year.

For more information, visit torontoportauthority.com

SOURCE Toronto Port Authority

Media Contact: Jessica Pellerin, Senior Manager, Communications, Toronto Port Authority, Cell: 647-298-0585, Email: [email protected]