Why did the steamship connection to East Asia help make Vancouver an important port?

The establishment of a steamship line connecting Vancouver to East Asia in 1891 was a pivotal development that helped ensure the city's future as a major port. By creating a direct maritime link to Asian markets, this connection complemented the city's role as the western terminus of the Canadian Pacific Railway, effectively integrating Vancouver into a broader transcontinental and international trade network. This infrastructure allowed the city to evolve from a small sawmilling settlement into a prosperous commercial hub, eventually becoming Canada's primary business gateway for trade with the Pacific Rim following World War II.123