Dutch-Canadian Emigration

Emigration is something that has always been part of history, but especially after World War II, a significant number of Dutch people left for Canada. Between 1945 and 1960, approximately 150,000 Dutch citizens made the move—most of them traveling by ship.

What is now known as Hotel New York in Rotterdam served at the time as the headquarters of the Holland-America Line, the shipping company that transported many emigrants across the Atlantic. It became a symbolic departure point for thousands who sought a new life overseas.

A picture of Hotel New York in Rotterdam

The majority of emigrants were farmers and laborers, though there were also many war brides among them. The main reasons for emigration included poverty, housing shortages, unemployment, fear of another (Cold) war, and religious motivations.

Most emigrants came from provinces such as Friesland, Groningen, Gelderland, Zeeland, North Holland, and South Holland. Canada was seen as a land of opportunity, offering space, work, and a fresh start.

Today, it is estimated that over 1 million Canadians have Dutch roots. The legacy of that post-war migration can still be seen in communities across the country—from Dutch bakeries and Reformed churches to tulip festivals and family names that reflect their heritage.

Even in my own family, some ancestors chose to leave the Netherlands behind and build a new future in Canada. Their stories are a meaningful reminder of the courage it took to begin again in an unfamiliar land.