One of the biggest cycling exhibitions in Canada, the BC Bike Show provides the chance to learn about new tech, watch pros perform and go for a ride yourself.
The event is primarily about mountain bikes and e-bikes and it’s part of the Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show which takes place at the same time.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN VANCOUVER
The BC Bike Show takes place indoors on March 4th and 5th in 2023. That’s the same weekend that Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. opens in Burnaby. If you like superheroes, that’s an attraction you won’t want to miss! Also in town is SYNCRA City which is an immersive electronic dance music experience in Vancouver, and Canada Rugby Sevens is happening at BC Place Stadium.
Also on the same weekend as the BC Bike Show and Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show in Vancouver, a similar event takes place at the TRADEX Centre in the Fraser Valley. The BC Sportsmen’s Show is the place to be for fishing, hunting, boating and other related outdoor activities. It takes place from March 3rd to 5th.
If you like outdoor adventures, then also be sure to check out Vancouver Mysteries Games, Foxtrail Scavenger Hunts, Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours, WildPlay Element Park and activities like the All Terrain Vehicle RZR Tours, Superfly Ziplines and Whitewater Rafting at Whistler.
For a list of other events happening in the Lower Mainland, see Vancouver’s March Calendar. To learn about the BC Bike Show, then continue reading.
The BC Bike Show
The BC Bike Show is a can’t-miss event for biking enthusiasts. There are dozens of exhibitors at the trade show each year. There is also the opportunity to have hands-on experiences with some of the many rides and equipment on site.
Along with learning about the bikes and biking equipment, there are fun activities for all ages at the event. There’s the chance to meet professional bikers. There are also BMX shows with stunts, an on-site bar, a kid’s zone and more.
The 2023 BC Bike Show takes place on the weekend of March 4th and 5th at the Canada Place part of the Vancouver Convention Centre.
ADVENTURE GAMES IN DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER
While in the area, consider playing an outdoor adventure game with Vancouver Mysteries. Their games are like escape rooms, except they are played outdoors in the streets of downtown Vancouver (including around the outside of the Convention Centre). They have a detective/murder-themed game, a secret agent-themed game and a superheroes one.
See our article about Vancouver Mysteries for more details or visit the website vancouvermysteries.com. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% on the games.)
Location and Admission
The BC Bike Show happens at the Vancouver Convention Centre. It occurs in Canada Place, not the newer convention centre building. Located at 999 Canada Place in downtown Vancouver, the venue provides a massive interior space. There is also room outdoors along the waterfront for different exhibitions and features.
The 2023 event runs on Saturday, March 4th, and Sunday, March 5th. Hours of operation are 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on the Saturday and from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on the Sunday.
2023 Admission prices are listed below.
- Adults (18 to 59): $14
- Seniors (60+): $12
- Youth (12 to 17): $12
- Children (11 and under): Free
The prices are for a ticket for one of the two days. If you want to go to the show on both days you can buy a weekend pass for $18 (which is the same price regardless of your age).
Note: Admission to the BC Bike Show usually also gives attendees access to Vancouver’s Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show which takes place at the same time. It too is at the Convention Centre. If you have tickets for one of these two events you don’t have to buy separate tickets for the other.
WEST VAN CHARITY CYCLING EVENT
Looking for a terrific cycling event that benefits a great cause? The Rotary Ride for Rescue is a fundraising road and mountain bike event in West Vancouver. It takes place on June 10th in 2023. Participants cycle up Cypress Mountain and funds raised benefit North Shore Search and Rescue as well as various Rotary Club-related humanitarian causes. To learn about this event, see our article about the Rotary Ride for Rescue.
What to Expect
The BC Bike Show has a wide range of exhibits and vendor booths to explore. There are of course a large number of bike manufacturers and retailers on hand. In recent years this has included local bike manufacturers like OHM Bikes, Rize and Volt. For those looking to buy a new bike there are also usually different sales on offer and the chance to peruse the latest cycling technology on display.
There’s nothing like being able to experience the ride yourself, which is why there is an outdoor demo track at the show. This gives attendees the chance to take some of the bikes for a spin outside Canada Place and learn what suits them best. It’s not quite the same as test riding a bike on the road or up a hill. It does though give you an idea of the feel of different bikes.
For the younger ones, there’s the Little Riderz Kids Zone which is an introduction to mountain biking in an indoor, controlled environment. Staff are on hand to guide young riders over a teeter totter and teach them some basic pointers about taking to the road or the hills.
Bike Shows and Seminars
On top of the interactive fun, there are different shows and presentations to enjoy at the BC Bike Show. The biggest in 2023 is the BC Big Air Jump Jam. A number of riders from around the province perform tricks and stunts for everyone to enjoy throughout the weekend. They do jumps and show off their balancing skills.
Finally, there’s also the chance to meet professional mountain bikers! In 2022, BC natives Seth Sherlock and Reece Wallace did signings on both afternoons of the convention. Sherlock finished 4th at the Mountain Bike World Cup junior downhill event. Wallace, meanwhile, has taken part in the Red Bull Rampage event a number of times. 2023 details are to be confirmed.
Other Information
For more information about the cycling-themed trade show visit the BC Bike Show website. To learn about what else is happening in the same room on the same days, see our article about the Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show.
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
- Metro Vancouver Cycling Races
- Outdoor Recreation in Vancouver
- Vancouver Parks and Nature
- Chilliwack Pump Track
- Vancouver Festivals and Events