Port of Québec’s new cruise terminal set to open in fall 2020Port of Québec’s new cruise terminal set to open in fall 2020

The $30m facility is located near the Ross Gaudreault Terminal and close to public transportation including Via Rail, spearheading the renewal of a former industrial area and creating an expanded Port District.

100,000 square feet of space

The 100,000-square-foot facility will accommodate vessels up to 4,000 passengers and provide significantly more space both inside for passenger flow and outside for ground transportation.

The project is funded by the Port of Québec along with the province of Québec and Québec City.

‘The new terminal is a testament of the community’s commitment to the future success of the cruise destination and a high-quality quest experience,’ said Mario Girard, president and CEO, Port of Québec. ‘The new development sets up Québec City for future growth which will provide economic benefits for the region while being conscious of its environmental responsibility and commitment to sustainable growth.’

2019 season numbers

The port handled 236,715 passengers on 148 ship calls during the 2019 season. Turnaround operations grew to 22.  

In addition to more lines calling, nine ships made inaugural visits from five brands: Hurtigruten, MSC Cruises, TUI Cruises, Scenic and Peace Boat.

Sustainable growth commitment

Following Québec City’s International Cruise Forum in February 2014, government leaders, the tourism community and other city stakeholders came together to support the continued, sustainable growth of the cruise industry with a goal of welcoming 400,000 passengers by 2025. The group reconvened this year to measure progress and establish initiatives to reach future goals.

One of those is becoming a year-round cruise destination.