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Vancouver Auto Show

March 25, 2015

The Vancouver International Auto Show features sports cars and all the latest vehicles for five days in March at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

The 2025 auto show happened from March 19th to 23rd. Tickets purchased in advance cost between $22.56 and $24.66 for adults depending on when you go. They cost more though if you wait and pay for admission at the door.

TIP: Vancouver’s other two top car shows are the All British Field Meet (which showcases hundreds of collectible British cars at VanDusen Garden on the May Long Weekend) and Everything Electric Canada (which used to be called Fully Charged LIVE and is a giant, international e-vehicle and home energy event on September 5th to 7th in 2025). If you like cars and automotive technology (from the past, present and near future), you’ll want to attend both of those events too!

This article contains information about the following:

The Vancouver Auto Show at the Vancouver Convention Centre

The Vancouver Auto Show ran for a little under a week in March. It featured vehicles of all kinds including exotic sports cars like the McLaren, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Maserati and Porsche. There was also a wide range of the latest models by Toyota, Ford, GM, Mitsubishi, Kia, Hyundai and most other major carmakers to see.

There were also electric car companies at the event like Rivian. Tesla was also going to participate, but it isn’t now because of the current political situation between the US and Canada (where Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, is a key advertiser in the Trump administration). For safety reasons, Tesla was dropped from the program.

The show used over 300,000 square feet of exhibition space including the entire lower floor of the Convention Centre and outside in Jack Poole Plaza.

CAR SHOW AT VANDUSEN GARDEN

If you like car shows, especially ones showcasing both vintage and British vehicles, then another event you’ll want to check out is the All British Field Meet. It happens each year at VanDusen Botanical Garden on a Saturday in May during the Victoria Day Long Weekend. It’s an amazing event and features hundreds of British cars of all makes and models.

For information about what is billed as “The Greatest Show on British Wheels,” see our article about the All British Field Meet or check out the following promotional video from a previous year.

Where and When is the Auto Show in 2025

The Vancouver Auto Show took place in the heart of downtown at the Vancouver Convention Centre West which is located at 1055 Canada Place by Thurlow Street and Jack Poole Plaza.

In 2025 the Vancouver International Auto Show ran from March 19th to 23rd. It happened during the Spring Break school holidays. 2026 details are to be confirmed.

Hours of Operation

Doors are open to the public at the following times in 2025. (Note: All times and other details are subject to change.)

Wednesday, March 19th – from noon until 9:00 pm
Thursday, March 20th – from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm
Friday, March 21st – from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm
Saturday, March 22nd – from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm
Sunday, March 23rd – from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm

McLarens at Vancouver Convention Centre — McLarens in 2024

What to See at the Auto Show

At the Auto Show there are practical vehicle floor models, exotic cars and vintage automobiles to admire. The latest in electric vehicle technology is also on-site.

Below are some of the different sections you can expect to find at the 2025 show.

Floor Models to Help You Buy

The Auto Show has something for everyone. On the practical side, there is the full range of the latest in standard vehicles. Looking to buy a new vehicle, but don’t know what brand or model? Then the Vancouver Auto Show is the perfect place to browse and compare.

At the event you can test drive some of the vehicles (but not all of them). You can, though, get all the information you want, and the look and feel of the vehicles, all without having to hit the auto malls in the rain. The show has everything from the basics to hybrids, classic Minis, SUVs, Lincolns and a variety of Lamborghinis. Take your pick!

Supercar Eleganza

Not in the market for a new car, but like shiny things that go fast? There are lots of those at the Vancouver International Auto Show. The Convention Centre floor is like a giant room full of life-sized Hot Wheels cars.

In addition to floor models that anyone with money can buy, special feature vehicles are also on display. There are cars from Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley, McLaren and Aston Martin.

Corvette at Vancouver Auto Show — Corvette at 2024 Vancouver Auto Show

Electric Cars and Test Drive Opportunities

There are a wide range of electric cars to check out at this year’s event, including vehicles by Audi, Rivian, Volvo, Mercedes and more.

Only select electric cars are available to test drive. Vehicles from 14 different manufacturers are open for drives at the 2025 event.

Dates and times to check out the vehicles and go for a spin were from noon until 7:00 pm on March 19th, then between 10:00 am and 7:00 pm from March 20th until the 22nd. You can also do a test drive on the last day, Sunday, March 23rd, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

(Note: Drivers need to have a valid Class 5 driver’s licence and be at least 21 years old.)

In addition to the test drives, there was a new racing simulator experience to try in 2024. The Axon Racing Simulator was a fun way to feel what it would be like to drive some of the fastest and most prized vehicles in the world. Hopefully it will be back in 2026, but details are to be confirmed.

Tesla Cybertruck at Vancouver Auto Show — Tesla Cybertruck (from past years, but not in 2025)

Classic Mini Coopers

One section of the 2025 show featured an array of classic Mini Coopers dating all the way back to the 1960s. About 12 were at the event to admire, many of which have been restored.

(Note: If you like classic British vehicles, then be sure to check out the British Car Show at VanDusen Garden on the Saturday of the Victoria Day Long Weekend in May. You’ll see hundreds of beautiful British vehicles at that event, including dozens of classic Minis.)

Famous Cars for Hollywood Fans

In addition to practical cars and exotic roadsters, the Auto Show also usually showcases a few recognizable individual vehicles. In previous years there has been the Mystery Machine van from the Scooby Doo movie, a replica of James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5, and even a black full-sized Batmobile tribute car.

At the 2025 event there was Project Velocity. It featured a replica of the DeLorean Time Machine from Back to the Future.

Horsepower Heaven

Custom classic cars with modern twists were on display at the 2025 show. Presented by 360 Fabrication, this section featured restored classics with various performance upgrades. It was a great area to appreciate history and modern technology at the same time.

Collectible Camaro at Vancouver Auto Show — Collectible Camaro at the Auto Show

Auto Show Admission prices

Online ticket prices ranged between $0 and $8.40 for children, and between $22.56 and $24.66 for adults depending on the day you go. They cost more though if you pay on the day at the door. Admission is cheaper if you buy your tickets in advance. Admission on the Wednesday and Thursday is also less expensive than on the weekend.

Below are the prices for 2025 admission as of the beginning of January. (Note: Students and members of the military with valid ID cost the same as the senior’s rates.)

Weekday Admission

(Tickets for Wednesday and Thursday of March 19th and 20th in 2025)

Adults (ages 13 to 64) – $19.50 (or $22.56 after taxes and fees)
Seniors (ages 65+) – $14.50 (or $17.31 after taxes and fees)
Children (ages 7 to 12) – $6.00 (or $8.39 after taxes and fees)
Little Kids (ages 6 and under) – Free
Family Pass (two adults and children ages 12 and under) – $39.00 (or $43.04 after taxes and fees)

Note: Tickets at the door will cost more.

Weekend Admission

(Tickets for Friday to Sunday of March 21st to 23rd in 2025)

Adults (ages 13 to 64) – $21.50 (or $24.66 after taxes and fees)
Seniors (ages 65+) – $15.50 (or $18.36 after taxes and fees)
Children (ages 7 to 12) – $$6.00 (or $8.39 after taxes and fees)
Little Kids (ages 6 and under) – Free
Family Pass (two adults and children ages 12 and under) – $44 (or $48.29 after taxes and fees)

Ticket prices are cheaper when you buy them in advance. Admission will be more if you pay on the day at the door.

Auto Show Video

To see what the Vancouver International Auto Show looked like in 2024, check out the following video.

(Note: The music in this video is Hip Hop Rock Beats by QubeSounds from Pixabay.)

Tips & Advice

Below are some tips to help you make the most of your visit to the Auto Show.

TIP #1: If you can, try to go on the weekdays. Not only will you save a couple of bucks, but it’ll be way less crowded. From Friday evening on, expect there to be lots of people.

TIP #2: If you like car shows, and especially if you like British brands, then definitely check out the All British Field Meet at VanDusen Garden on the May Long Weekend. Two fundraising events to attend later in the year include Drive 4 Smiles at Mission Raceway in August and Horsepower 4 Horsepower at Hastings Racecourse in September.

TIP #3: There are a number of good restaurants in the area, including the Cactus Club and also the Tap & Barrel right outside by the Olympic Cauldron at Jack Poole Plaza. On the other side of the Convention Centre is Mahony & Sons. One of our favourite places in the area is the P2B Bistro at the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront at 1133 West Hastings Street. It has Happy Hour daily from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm.

TIP #4: For other great Vancouver dining options, check out The City of Vancouver‘s Best Bars & Restaurants where you’ll find a number of good places in the Coal Harbour and Gastown sections. Also, for fast food, there’s a food court in the basement of the Waterfront Centre at 200 Burrard.

TIP #5: If looking for a place to stay overnight, then check out StayVancouverHotels.com. The website lists competitive rates, and also offers bonus perks. Nearby hotels include the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront (which is right by the Convention Centre) and Westin Bayshore Hotel (which is about halfway between the Convention Centre and Stanley Park).