Vancouver International Auto Show 2027
Event Date
March 31 – April 4, 2027
Location
Vancouver, BC
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe Vancouver International Auto Show (VIAS) is Western Canada's largest consumer automotive event, held annually at the Vancouver Convention Centre West on Coal Harbour in downtown Vancouver. The show brings together the latest models from top global manufacturers and local British Columbia dealerships, with a strong emphasis on automotive, electric, and hybrid vehicles.
Attendees range from serious car shoppers to families and automotive enthusiasts. The show is designed as a hassle-free, no-pressure environment where visitors can browse new vehicles, gather information, and experience specialty displays. Signature features include supercar and luxury showcases, collector and classic vehicles, and the largest Test Drive Experience in Western Canada, including clean-energy EV test drives.
With more than 300,000 square feet of display space and record-breaking crowds, VIAS is worth attending for anyone wanting to compare a wide range of makes and models under one roof, explore emerging automotive technology, and enjoy interactive exhibits. A portion of ticket proceeds supports the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC, adding a community-giving dimension to the event.
Show Highlights
Signature features and zones at recent editions have included:
- Test Drive Experience — the largest and most popular test drive program in Western Canada, including clean-energy EV test drives (drivers must be 21+ with an unrestricted Class 5 licence).
- Supercar Eleganza and Elite Dream Machines — luxury, exotic, and hyper-luxury vehicle showcases.
- Horsepower Heaven, Cool Whips Garage, and Collector's Corner — performance, custom, and collector vehicle displays.
- Speed Thrills and A History of Racing in B.C. — motorsport-themed exhibits.
- Formula 1 features from Audi and Cadillac, plus classic Mini Coopers and daily drive-up showcases.
- VIAS Exclusive Limited-Edition Die-Cast collectible and manufacturer displays from mainstream and premium brands.
Attendance
The show has set attendance records in recent years. VIAS 2026 welcomed a record-breaking 139,991 attendees. In 2025, the five-day event drew 138,773 attendees, including a record single-day attendance of 42,761 on Saturday and 4,424 EV test drive executions. The show returned in March 2024 after a pandemic hiatus with 129,034 attendees. From 2015 to 2019 the show drew over 115,000 attendees annually.
Registration
Tickets are sold digitally through the show's official ticketing page, and buying in advance secures the best prices and smoother entry, as on-site kiosk and box office services are limited.
Based on 2026 pricing (2027 prices not yet published), one-time single-day admission was approximately:
- General Admission: $21.50 (Wed–Thu) / $22.50 (Fri–Sun)
- Seniors 65+ / Students / Military with ID: $15.50–$16.50
- Children 7–12 (with an adult): $7
- Children 6 and under (with an adult): Free
- Family Pass (2 adults & children 12 & under): $41.50–$46.50
Additional service charges and applicable taxes apply. Discounted tickets are typically released during a Black Friday through Cyber Monday campaign in late November, and AutoClub e-newsletter members get early access to limited 50%-off deals. Refunds are not issued, and same-day re-entry is permitted with a hand stamp.
History
The Vancouver Auto Show traces its roots to September 1920, when the Vancouver Motor Dealers' Association showcased cars and trucks at the Pacific National Exhibition. In 1936 the show was held at the Seaforth Armoury. Now owned and operated by the New Car Dealers Association of BC, it has become the best-attended consumer show in Western Canada. From 2015 to 2019 the show grew significantly, expanding into both levels of the Vancouver Convention Centre, and in 2019 VIAS became the first consumer event to fully occupy both levels of the venue. The planned 100th-edition show in 2023 was cancelled due to global automotive supply chain challenges. VIAS returned in March 2024 and set successive attendance records in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2027 Vancouver International Auto Show?
The 2027 show is scheduled for March 31 to April 4, 2027. It is held at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, located at 1055 Canada Place in downtown Vancouver, BC.
How much are tickets and how do I buy them?
Tickets are sold digitally through the show's official ticketing page, and buying in advance offers the best prices and smoother entry. Based on 2026 pricing, general admission was about $21.50–$22.50, with discounts for seniors, students, and children, plus family passes; additional service charges and taxes apply.
Can I test drive vehicles at the show?
Yes. The show features the largest Test Drive Experience in Western Canada, including clean-energy EV test drives. Drivers must be at least 21 years old and hold an unrestricted Class 5 licence.
Can I buy a car at the auto show?
You cannot physically purchase a vehicle at the show, but you can connect with a salesperson and complete a sale at a dealership. Vehicle accessories and services are available for purchase in the Commercial Marketplace and at exhibitor booths, in a no-pressure environment.
Where can I park and how do I get there?
Parking is available in and near the Vancouver Convention Centre, though downtown parking can be limited. The venue is a short walk from Waterfront Station, served by the SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express, and the Canada Line connects directly to Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
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