Port Day at Canada Place Celebrates Local Maritime Industry
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority hosts Port Day, a free family-friendly event along the waterfront in Vancouver on August 29 showcasing and celebrating the local maritime industry and its role in moving Canadian trade. Port Day also features live entertainment, interactive exhibits, maritime demonstrations, career exploration opportunities, and activities for all ages.
Port Day Details | Schedule | About
Port Day at Canada Place
- Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 11:00am to 4:00pm
- Location: Inside and outside 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
- Admission: Free!
The annual event features a variety of engaging activations and activities including:
KTL Transport Stage (North Point): Enjoy a full day of live entertainment overlooking Burrard Inlet. Performances include Aiden Ayers, Mazacote, Mark Woodyard, and Vancouver alternative rock band Fake Shark.
BC Coast Pilots Maritime Career Zone (inside Canada Place, in Ballrooms A and B): Dreaming of a life at sea or keeping things ship-shape from shore? Explore maritime career opportunities with organizations across Canada’s marine sector, including the BC Coast Pilots who help guide ships safely through British Columbia’s coastal waters.
Explore Zone (inside Canada Place, in Hall A): Fun for all ages, with games, a photo booth, and interactive exhibits from Ocean Wise, Royal Canadian Navy, and more.
Marine demonstrations sponsored by Fasken and West Coast Reduction (North Point): At 1:00pm, Burrard Inlet will come alive with on-water marine demonstrations for a splashy spectacle that can’t be missed!
BC Maritime Employers Association Waterfront Community Zone (front plaza): Explore interactive exhibitor booths from the maritime community. New this year, attendees will have the opportunity for free, behind-the-scenes bus tours of the port.
CN Gateway Zone (west promenade): Chart your course down the west promenade of Canada Place to learn more about CN and connect with over 15 interactive exhibitor booths.
Helijet Flights & Flights Experience (North Point): Stop by the Helijet Flights & Flights Experience to enjoy live music, beautiful waterfront views, and B.C. wine and craft beer flights available for purchase. The flights feature wines from Averill Creek Vineyard and artisan brews from Hornby Island Brewing – all located in destinations where Helijet flies to. While you enjoy your flights, enter the on-site contest for a chance to win a Helijet prize package.
Holland America cruise contest: Visit Port Day and enter on-site for a chance to win a seven-day cruise for two from Vancouver to Alaska on Holland America Line.
KTL North Point Stage Schedule
North Point Stage Schedule sponsored by KTL Transportation
| 11:00am | Activities and zones open; opening remarks |
| 11:15am | Aiden Ayers |
| 12:10pm | Mazacote |
| 1:00pm | On water demonstration sponsored by Fasken and West Coast Reduction |
| 1:20pm | Mark Woodyard |
| 2:45pm | Fake Shark |
Port Day is held annually at Canada Place, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary since opening its doors for Expo 86.
About Port Day
“Thanks to the support of our members, the BCMEA is proud to sponsor the Waterfront Community Zone and celebrate the critical contribution the BC waterfront industry makes to Canada’s place in global trade. Our members, including terminal operators, ocean carriers and shipping agents, connect Canadian businesses to global markets while supporting jobs and communities across the country. Together, we are helping ensure Canada’s West Coast ports remain reliable, competitive and ready to serve Canadians.” – Mike Leonard, President & CEO, BC Maritime Employers Association
The United Nations created World Maritime Day in 1978, and events are held annually to recognize the maritime industry’s contribution to shipping safety, maritime security, and the conservation of the marine environment around the world. Canada Place has hosted Port Day in honour of this since 2022. “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence” has been selected as the IMO’s World Maritime Day theme for 2026 and 2027.
Follow Canada Place for event updates and more community information throughout the year.
Miss604 is a proud sponsor of Port Day at Canada Place 2026
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