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2024 Vancouver International 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.

After not happening for four consecutive years, the auto show returns in 2024. Its dates for this year are March 20th to 24th.

TIP: Vancouver’s other two world-class 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 6th to 8th in 2024). If you like cars and automotive technology (from the past, present and near future), you’ll want to attend both of those events too! For tickets to the British car show, click All British Field Meet 2024.

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The Vancouver International Auto Show in 2024

The Auto Show runs for just under a week in March. It features vehicles of all kinds including exotic sports cars like the McLaren, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Maserati and Porsche. There is also a wide range of the latest models by Toyota, Ford, GM, Mitsubishi and most other major carmakers to see (although not Hyundai, Kia, Honda or Chrysler this year). There are, however, electric car companies in 2024 like Tesla, Rivian, VinFast and Polestar.

In past years the show has used 290,000 square feet of exhibition space across two floors. This made the Vancouver International Auto Show the largest trade show at the Vancouver Convention Centre all year. The event is smaller in 2024, however, with the cars on just the lower floor of the convention centre instead of upstairs in the main hall too. It’s still a great show, just not as big as it has been in the past.

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

The Vancouver International Auto Show takes 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 2024 the Vancouver International Auto Show runs from March 20th to 24th. It happens during the Spring Break school holidays. The auto show was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19. It also didn’t happen in 2021, 2022 or 2023. We’re so excited that it’s finally back!

Hours of Operation

Doors are open to the public at the following times in 2024. (Note: All times and other details are subject to change.)

Wednesday, March 20th – from noon until 9:30 pm
Thursday, March 21st – from 10:00 am until 9:30 pm
Friday, March 22nd – from 10:00 am until 9:30 pm
Saturday, March 23rd – from 10:00 am until 9:30 pm
Sunday, March 24th – 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 all to admire. The latest in electric vehicle technology is also on site.

Although there are fewer cars and car manufacturers to see this year compared to at past events, in 2024 there are more electric vehicles on site, and more vehicles to test drive than ever before.

Below are some of the different sections you can expect to find at the 2024 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 the event, including vehicles by Ford, Audi, Rivian, Nissan, Polestar, Volvo and more. The Tesla Cybertruck is also on site in 2024.

Only select electric cars are available to test drive. More than 40 vehicles can be driven over the course of the show. Options include the 2024 Toyota bZ4X and the GMC Hummer EV, among others.

Dates and times to check out the vehicles and go for a spin are from noon until 7:00 pm on March 20th, then from March 21st until the 23rd between 10:00 am and 7:00 pm. You can also do a test drive on the last day, on Sunday, March 24th, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

(Note: The above times and vehicles are subject to change. Also, drivers need to have valid driver’s licences and be at least 21 years old.)

In addition to the test drives, there’s a new racing simulator experience to try in 2024. The Axon Racing Simulator is a fun way to feel what it’s like to drive some of the fastest and most prized vehicles in the world.

Tesla Cybertruck at Vancouver Auto Show — Tesla Cybertruck in 2024

Classic Mini Coopers

One section of the 2024 show features an array of classic Mini Coopers dating all the way back to the 1960’s. About 10 or so are at the event to admire, many of which have been restored. (Note: If you like classic British vehicles, 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 007’s Aston Martin DB5, and a black full-sized Batmobile tribute car.

At the 2024 event there is Maserati: Pretty in Pink. It features an exclusive Barbie-themed replica vehicle to check out and take photos with.

Horsepower Heaven

Custom classic cars with modern twists are on display at the 2024 show. Presented by Preston GM, this section features restored classics with various performance upgrades. It’s a great area to appreciate history and modern technology at the same time. Some of the cars you’ll see are restored by 360 Fabrication which is a highly-respected company based in Abbotsford.

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

Auto Show Admission prices

Ticket prices range between $0 and $8.50 for children and between $19.50 and $24.75 for adults depending on your age, the day you go and when you buy your tickets. Admission is cheaper if you buy your tickets earlier in the season, and they cost more if you want to go on the weekend as opposed to a weekday.

Below are the prices for admission as of the week of the Vancouver Auto Show in 2024. (Note: Members of the military with valid ID get the senior’s rates.)

Weekday Admission

(Tickets for the Wednesday & Thursday of March 20th & 21st in 2024)

Adults (ages 13 to 64) – $23.00
Seniors (ages 65+) – $17.50
Children (ages 7 to 12) – $8.50
Little Kids (ages 6 and under) – Free
Family Pass (2 adults & children ages 12 & under) – $43.25

Weekend Admission

(Tickets for the Friday to Sunday of March 22nd to 24th in 2024)

Adults (ages 13 to 64) – $24.75
Seniors (ages 65+) – $18.50
Children (ages 7 to 12) – $8.50
Little Kids (ages 6 and under) – Free
Family Pass (2 adults & children ages 12 & under) – $48.50

Early Bird Prices

Ticket prices were less expensive than the amounts listed above when we checked earlier in the spring. Had you paid for admission earlier in the year it would have cost $19.50 for adults on the Wednesday and Thursday. It also would have cost $14.50 for students and seniors, $6 for children ages 7 to 12, and $39 for a family of four.

Earlier in the year admission on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday was $21.50 for adults, $15.50 for students and seniors, $6 for children ages 7 to 12, and $44 for a family.

2024 Auto Show Video

To see what the Vancouver International Auto Show looks 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.

TIP #3: There are a number of good restaurants in the area, including the Cactus Club and 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 W. Hastings Street. It has Happy Hour daily from 3:00 until 6:00 pm.

TIP #4: If planning to eat out either before or after your visit to the Auto Show, make a reservation in advance, or try to avoid going between noon and 1:30 pm or at dinner time to avoid the rush.

TIP #5: 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 #6: If looking for a place to stay overnight, check out StayVancouverHotels.com. The website lists competitive rates, and it offers bonus perks too. 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).