The Vancouver International Auto Show features sports cars and all the latest vehicles for five days in March at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
In 2027 the auto show takes place from March 31st until April 4th.
This past year’s event was amazing! On the first night of the event, there was the VIP Gala Kickoff Party with food, drinks and live entertainment. Then, a new record of 139,991 attendees enjoyed the rest of the auto show.
Visit vancouverinternationalautoshow.com for the event’s official website.
This article contains information about the following:
Where & When | Admission | VIP Gala Kickoff Party | What to See | Test Drive | Auto Show Video | Tips & Advice | Other Information
The Vancouver International Auto Show at the Vancouver Convention Centre
The Vancouver Auto Show takes place at the Vancouver Convention Centre in the spring and runs for just under a week. It features vehicles of all kinds, including exotic sports cars like the McLaren, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Maserati, and Porsche. There are also major displays from manufacturers such as Toyota, Ford, GM, Mitsubishi, Kia, Hyundai and others showcasing their latest models.
Electric vehicles are a big focus at the show, with several EV manufacturers on display each year with emerging clean-transportation technologies. Guests can usually experience hands-on activations, virtual test-drives, demonstrations, and technology showcases.
The show uses over 300,000 square feet of exhibition space, including the entire lower floor of the Convention Centre and the outdoor area in Jack Poole Plaza.
Visit the Vancouver International Auto Show‘s official website for full details about the event.
Where and When is the Auto Show
The Vancouver 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 2027, the Vancouver International Auto Show runs from March 31st until April 4th.
Hours of Operation (from 2026)
Doors were open to the public at the following times this year. 2027 hours may be similar.
- Wednesday, March 25th – from noon until 9:00 pm
- Thursday, March 26th – from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm
- Friday, March 27th – from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm
- Saturday, March 28th – from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm
- Sunday, March 29th – from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm
Auto Show Admission prices
Online ticket prices for 2026 ranged from $0 to $7.00 for children and from $21.50 to $22.50 for adults, depending on the day you went. They cost more if you paid at the door. Admission was cheaper when purchased in advance. Admission on Wednesday and Thursday was also less expensive than on the weekend.
Ticket details for the 2027 event are to be confirmed. Below are the admission prices from 2026. (Note: Students, seniors, and members of the military with a valid ID cost the same as the senior’s rate.)
Weekday Admission
(Tickets for the Wednesday and Thursday in 2026.)
- Adults (ages 13 to 64) – $21.50
- Seniors (ages 65+) / Students with ID – $15.50
- Children (ages 7 to 12) – $7.00
- Little Kids (ages 6 and under) – Free
- Family Pass (two adults and children ages 12 and under) – $41.50
Note: Tickets at the door cost a bit more.
Weekend Admission
(Tickets for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday in 2026.)
- Adults (ages 13 to 64) – $22.50
- Seniors (ages 65+) / Students / Military with ID – $16.50
- Children (ages 7 to 12) – $7.00
- Little Kids (ages 6 and under) – Free
- Family Pass (two adults and children ages 12 and under) – $46.50
Ticket prices were lower when you bought them in advance. Admission was more if you paid at the door on the day.
Visit vancouverinternationalautoshow.com for full details about the show.
VIP Gala Kickoff Party
In 2026 the Vancouver Auto Show featured a separate ticketed event. The VIP Gala took place on opening night. It ran from 9:00 pm until 11:30 pm in the main exhibition hall of the Vancouver Convention Centre.
The event was an after-hours celebration to kick off the Auto Show. It was an opportunity to see all of the car displays without large crowds. Attending the event was also a great way to mingle with fellow car enthusiasts and industry professionals. There were racing simulators, food stations, bars serving alcohol, and more.
Admission cost $199 per person this year and included food, drinks, and one general admission return ticket for a different day. It was a fancy event, so everyone was asked to dress to impress.
For more information about the exclusive opening night event, see our article about the VIP Gala Kickoff Party.
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 that were at the 2026 show. Many will likely return in 2027.
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). 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!
Visit vancouverinternationalautoshow.com for the event’s official website.
Elite Dream Machines
Not in the market for a new car, but like shiny things that go fast? One of the show’s standout sections brings together ultra-rare supercars under one roof. The Convention Centre floor is like a giant room full of life-sized Hot Wheels cars.
Expect first-look manufacturer displays, showcasing vehicles that collectors usually keep private. Brands featured in this section of the show in 2026 included Bugatti, Ferrari, McLaren, Pagani and more. It’s an opportunity to see automotive dreams come to life in real time.
Exclusive Displays
The Vancouver Auto Show features a number of special displays each year. The Chevrolet Corvette CX Concept was in Canada for the first time in 2026. The same show also featured an Audi Formula 1 display car, which was a first for Western Canada. This year’s event was the first time you could have seen a personal aircraft on display too.
European Electric Vehicle LuxuryÂ
The show also highlights the future of driving with high-end electric vehicles from European brands. Bringing the shift toward sustainable mobility into the spotlight without sacrificing performance or luxury. Featured manufacturers include Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and Land Rover.
Classic Mini Coopers
The classic Mini Coopers, dating back to the 1960s, were back at the 2026 show. This part of the show displays restored and vintage Mini Coopers.
(Note: If you like classic British vehicles, then be sure to also 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.)
Visit the Vancouver International Auto Show‘s official website for full details about the event.
Porsche Club Daily Drive-Ins
Each day of the show features a display of Porsche cars, chosen by the club for their significance and variety. This is a must-see for Porsche fans and design-focused car lovers alike.
Collectors Corner
Here, visitors will see limited-edition models and mini car collectibles. It’s great for enthusiasts who appreciate the finer details like rare editions, the brand heritage and story, and a love for the uncommon types of cars.
Meet Sung Kang (Car Fan and Star in the movie Drifter)
Sung Kang plays Han in the Fast & Furious movies, including in Drifter which came out in 2026. The actor, and his car in the movie, Lola, were at the Vancouver Convention Centre on the first two days of the Auto Show in 2026.
Guests were able to meet Sung Kang for photos and autographs, and hear him talk. To meet the actor you needed a wristband. They were available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Toyota Canada exhibit area starting at 12:00 pm on the Wednesday or from 10:00 am on the Thursday.
Details about special guests in 2027 are to be confirmed.
Test Drive Experience at the Auto Show
One of the most popular attractions at the Vancouver International Auto Show is the ELEVATE Test Drive Experience. After its success in 2024 and 2025, it was back in 2026. Hopefully it returns in 2027 too.
The Test Drive Experience focuses on clean transportation, innovation and road safety. Visitors can get behind the wheel of the latest battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid vehicles. Any eligible EV can participate regardless of price point.
Test drives are available throughout the show and can be booked directly at participating manufacturer displays or at the main signup kiosks on the Exhibition Hall level. Availability and vehicle selection may vary.
The test drive hours from 2026 are listed below.
(Note: All times and other details were subject to change)
- Wednesday, March 25th – Noon to 7:00 pm
- Thursday, March 26th – 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Friday, March 27th – 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Saturday, March 28th – 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Sunday, March 29th – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
A wide range of major manufacturers were expected to offer vehicles this past year. Participating manufacturers included Toyota, Lexus, Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Subaru, Kia, Volkswagen, Volvo and Audi. Over 3,000 attendees took test drives over the course of the five days.
(Note: Test Drive vehicles are subject to change. Drivers must be 21 years or older and hold a valid Class 5 driver’s license with no restrictions.)
Auto Show Video
To see what the Vancouver International Auto Show looked like a couple of years ago, 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 weekdays. Not only will you save a couple of bucks, but it’ll be way less crowded. From Friday evening onward, expect lots of people.
TIP #2: 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 #3: 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 #4: 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).
Other Information
To learn more about the event, check out the Vancouver International Auto Show website. For details about the event’s opening night celebrations, see our article about the VIP Gala Kickoff Party.
For details about other Lower Mainland car-related events, click Vancouver Car Shows.
For lists of other things to do in Vancouver check out any of the following:
- Vancouver’s March Calendar
- Free Events in March
- Vancouver at Spring Break
- Vancouver Rainy Day Activities
- Lower Mainland Festivals & Events
