The Vancouver Classic Car Toy Run was a small event that involves collectible vehicles, toys for charity and a drive from Port Moody to Vancouver.

The event celebrated its second year in 2019 on Saturday, September 14th. To our knowledge, it hasn’t happened since.

For a list of similar events that do still take place, see our article about Vancouver Car Shows or visit the website VancouverCarShows.ca. To learn about the Vancouver Classic Car Toy Run used to be like, continue reading.

Vancouver Classic Car Toy Run

In the years when it happened, the Vancouver Classic Car Toy Run was a fairly informal affair put on by a group of people who love cars and wanted to give back to their community. The event ran rain or shine and was open to all types of classic cars and their owners. Both spectators and car enthusiasts were welcome.

The cost to participate in the event was a new child’s toy, gift card or cash donation benefiting the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau which is a charity that provides gifts for underprivileged children at Christmas.

Participants at the event met on the Saturday at 9:00 in the morning at the Park & Ride at 2916 Spring Street by the Moody Centre Train Station in Port Moody.

The procession of cars left the Park & Ride at about 10:00 am and made its way to Red Truck Brewing at 295 East 1st Avenue in Vancouver. Instructions including the planned route were given out before departure and the entire drive takes about one hour.

After arriving at Red Truck Brewing the vehicles could be admired in the parking lot and the drivers could be found in and around the pub (no doubt chatting about cars and road trips).

In the event’s inaugural year, it rained and only a couple of dozen car enthusiasts attended. Everyone had fun though and the Christmas Bureau got some nice donations. A bigger turnout is expected in future years.

Tips and Advice

Below were some tips and suggestions to help you make the most out of your Vancouver Classic Car Toy Run experience.

TIP #1: If you have a classic vehicle and want to meet a fun group of people who also like cars, then check out this event.

TIP #2: If you live in the Tri-Cities area and like classic cars but don’t have one, check them out at the Port Moody Park & Ride on the Saturday morning between 9:00 and 10:00 am. There is no cost just to look (although donations are still welcome).

TIP #3: If you plan to be in Vancouver and you like beer and classic cars, check out the Red Truck Brewery on the Saturday. Visit between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.

TIP #4: If you take your car but plan to drink at the brewery, be sure to invite a designated-driver friend along for the ride.

TIP #5: If you really like classic cars and want to learn about other similar and larger events, see our article about Vancouver Car Shows.

Other Information

For a list of other activities taking place this same month, see our September calendar of events.

Other classic car events you might be interested in include the following:

• Vancouver Easter Vintage Car Rally (in March or April, depending on when Easter is)
• All British Field Meet (an amazing car show at VanDusen Garden on the May Long Weekend)
• Whistler All British Car Show (a classic car show at Whistler on the May Long Weekend)
• Old Car Sunday in the Park (on Father’s Day in June in Mission)

For more ideas on where to see cars of all makes and vintages, click Vancouver Car Shows.

Another website you might also find of interest is VancouverCarShows.ca.