Port Angeles, Wash., brings back lively welcome party for Canadian travellers

The Coho Ferry arrives in Port Angeles on Feb. 19, 2026. (Visit Port Angeles)

Canadians ferrying from Victoria, B.C., to Port Angeles, Wash., were greeted by a raucous welcome party on Thursday, as their American neighbours try to soothe cross-border tensions.

The celebration marked the second year Port Angeles hosted a welcome party for Canadians crossing the Juan de Fuca Straight on the Coho Ferry. The ferry got back in action Thursday after an annual dry dock maintenance period.

“Our relationship doesn’t need to change because of what’s happening at the federal level,” Port Angeles Mayor Kate Dexter told CTV News.

“We know that some people feel really uncomfortable coming right now. We understand that. So this is also just a reminder that we will be here to welcome them when they’re ready.”

Hundreds of people gathered around the ferry terminal, dancing to the music of a marching band and waving to passengers as they disembarked the ship.

You can watch the festivities below.