August 26, 2026 — Canada’s west coast ports are playing a crucial role supporting national trade objectives and generating economic prosperity, supporting more than 150,000 Canadian jobs while moving $1.1 billion in goods every day.
The Economic Impact of West Coast Ports study, released today, found B.C.’s maritime gateways at the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert and Nanaimo serve as the backbone of Canada’s international trade, facilitating the flow of goods that sustain national and provincial prosperity. The three ports handled more than 200 million metrics tonnes of cargo in 2025 worth $409 billion, moving record volumes of what Canadians make, mine, harvest and grow to global customers in more than 170 overseas markets.They handle a diverse mix of cargo, supporting the movement of everything from bulk exports of Canadian energy, forestry products, potash, grain and critical minerals to two-way container trade and imports of Asian-made vehicles, manufacturing parts and household necessities.
- Port of Nanaimo: Located 30 nautical miles from the Port of Vancouver, the Port of Nanaimo is an emerging Pacific gateway operating three deep-water terminals that support container, auto, bulk, breakbulk, cruise, and logistics services, connecting Vancouver Island to global markets and strengthening Canada’s trade and supply chain resilience.
- Port of Prince Rupert: As Canada’s northernmost trade gateway on the west coast, the Port of Prince Rupert anchors one of the fastest and most reliable supply chains between North America and Asia, with 8 terminal and logistics facilities supporting over 7,900 jobs.
- Port of Vancouver: Located on B.C.’s southwest coast, the port comprises 29 major deep-water terminals and more than 1,000 tenants who move goods and people across five sectors (auto, bulk, breakbulk, container and cruise).
B.C.’s west coast ports offer North America’s best access to Indo-Pacific markets that are on track to account for 50% of global GDP by 2040. This includes strong inland road and rail links across Canada, and unimpeded ocean access to the Indo-Pacific with North America’s fastest shipping times.
The study also found the ports helped enrich neighbouring local and First Nation communities through job and procurement opportunities, partnerships and support for local events, and environmental stewardship.
“The economic impact highlighted in this study demonstrates that ports are more than places where cargo moves. They are platforms for economic growth, trade diversification and national resilience. As Canada looks to strengthen its trade corridors and expand access to global markets, strategic investments in infrastructure, industrial development and transportation connectivity will be essential. Nanaimo has an important role to play in supporting a stronger, more competitive and more connected Canadian economy.” said Ian Marr, President and Chief Executive Officer, Nanaimo Port Authority
The Economic Impact of West Coast Ports study was prepared by InterVISTAS for the Vancouver, Prince Rupert and Nanaimo port authorities, the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA), and the BC Marine Terminal Operators Association. For the full report, please click here.
