Thunder Bay, ON — The arrival of Victory II at the Pool 6 Cruise Terminal on Friday morning marked the official start of Thunder Bay 2026 cruise ship season, bringing the first wave of international visitors to the city waterfront and launching what tourism officials expect to be a busy summer for the local visitor economy.
Tourism Thunder Bay, part of the Community Economic Development Commission, confirmed that 10 vessel visits are scheduled this season from four ships representing three different cruise lines. The Victory II kicked off the season June 5, with additional visits from Pearl Mist, Viking Octantis, and Viking Polaris planned throughout the summer months.
According to tourism officials, approximately 3,000 passengers and more than 400 crew members are expected to visit Thunder Bay as part of the 2026 cruise schedule. The economic impact from cruise activity including passenger and crew spending, shore excursions, and vessel servicing is estimated at approximately $1.5 million for the local economy.
Paul Pepe, manager of Tourism Thunder Bay, highlighted the significance of the expedition cruise market for the city international profile. Victory Cruise Lines promotes Thunder Bay as a featured stop on its Great Lakes and Lake Superior itineraries, while Viking includes the city as part of its Great Lakes Collection, showcasing the waterfront, Sleeping Giant views, and regional history.
The second and third cruise visits of the year are expected to occur on the same day, when Viking Polaris and Victory II will both be in port simultaneously. Viking Polaris is scheduled to dock at the Pool 6 Cruise Terminal, while Victory II will use Keefer Terminal.
Local businesses are expected to benefit from the added traffic, with cruise visitors supporting restaurants, retailers, transportation providers, tour operators, and cultural attractions across the city. The Terry Fox Visitor Centre is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the Pagoda Waterfront Centre operates from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to assist visitors.
The cruise sector continues to position Thunder Bay as a gateway to Northwestern Ontario, highlighting Lake Superior, Indigenous culture, the city shipping and railway history, Fort William Historical Park, the Waterfront District, and the iconic Sleeping Giant. Community members and local stakeholders are optimistic about what promises to be a strong tourism season ahead.
“Discovery and expedition cruise ship visits elevate Thunder Bay international reputation as a cruise destination for educated, curious and influential travellers drawn here by our stunning geography, culture, history and welcoming locals.” — Paul Pepe, Tourism Thunder Bay
The 2026 cruise season represents a significant opportunity for Thunder Bay to showcase everything the region has to offer to visitors from around the world. Community members are encouraged to welcome cruise guests and support local tourism initiatives throughout the summer months.
🛳️ Cruise season runs through August 2026 with visits from Victory II, Pearl Mist, Viking Octantis, and Viking Polaris
For more local news, weather, sports, events, and community updates across Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, visit ThunderBay.Online — your trusted source for everything happening in the region.
📍 Source: NetNewsLedger / Tourism Thunder Bay · By: Staff · 🗓️ June 6, 2026 · 🏠 ThunderBay.Online
