October Special — 50% off Spotlights and exhibitor listsSee prices

    Dates

    31 Mar – 4 Apr 2027

    City / country

    Vancouver, Canada

    Venue

    Vancouver Convention Centre West

    Time

    March 31 - April 4, 2027

    20 Floor Picks

    Matched booths for Vancouver International Auto Show

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    Notable exhibitors

    Companies exhibiting at Vancouver International Auto Show include 360 Fabrication Inc., A History of Racing in B.C., Abbotsford Nissan, Applewood Nissan Langley and Applewood Nissan Richmond.

    • 360 Fabrication Inc.
    • A History of Racing in B.C.
    • Abbotsford Nissan
    • Applewood Nissan Langley
    • Applewood Nissan Richmond

    Event overview

    Overview

    The Vancouver International Auto Show (VIAS) is Western Canada’s premier automotive showcase and British Columbia’s largest-attended consumer event.

    The 2027 show will feature top automotive manufacturers and local dealerships, providing an unparalleled experience for attendees.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Event Dates: March 31 - April 4, 2027
    2. 2Location: Vancouver Convention Centre West
    3. 3Expected Attendance: Over 139,000 in 2026
    4. 4Show Features: Test Drive Experience, Supercar Eleganza, and more
    5. 5Ticket Prices: Starting at $7 for children, $21.50 for adults

    Why visit

    Visitors can explore the latest vehicles, participate in test drives, and engage with automotive experts.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibitors gain access to a large audience of automotive enthusiasts, potential buyers, and industry professionals, enhancing brand visibility and driving sales. The Vancouver International Auto Show is crucial for showcasing the latest automotive innovations and trends, connecting manufacturers with consumers, and supporting the local automotive industry.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Automotive enthusiasts
    Potential car buyers
    Families looking for entertainment
    Industry professionals
    Local dealerships
    Media representatives

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Automotive manufacturers
    Local dealerships
    Accessory and parts suppliers
    Automotive service providers
    Electric vehicle manufacturers
    Luxury car brands

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    New vehicle displays
    Electric and hybrid vehicles
    Luxury automobiles
    Automotive accessories
    Car care products
    Automotive technology

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    Halls & areas

    1
    Exhibition Hall

    Vancouver Convention Centre West

    1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Entrances & gates

    Main Entrance

    Exhibition Hall

    Floor plans & maps

    Floor plan (PDF)Official venue page

    Facilities

    Parking

    Food options

    Onsite food and beverage service

    On-site dining

    Parking: Parking is available at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    March 31April 4, 2027

    • General Admission

      Discounted tickets available for children and seniors.

      CA$21.50
    Register

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    New Car Dealers Association of BC

    Organiser

    EmailCallWebsite

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Current edition

    2026

    Forecast — not final

    Visitors

    115,000

    Exhibitors

    250

    Floor area (sqm)

    250,000

    Edition #

    99

    Growth over time

    Next edition outlook

    2027-03-31 – 2027-04-04
    high

    The 2027 edition promises to be even larger and more exciting.

    Increased exhibitor space More interactive features

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    The 2025 edition brought together 115,000+ visitors at Vancouver Convention Centre West. The Vancouver International Auto Show (VIAS) is Western Canada’s premier automotive showcase and British Columbia’s largest-attended consumer event. The 2027 show will feature top automotive manufacturers and local dealerships, providing an unparalleled experience for attendees. The Vancouver International Auto Show is crucial for showcasing the latest automotive innovations and trends, connecting manufacturers with consumers,.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    Visitors typically include Automotive enthusiasts, Potential car buyers, Families looking for entertainment, Industry professionals. Event Dates: March 31 - April 4, 2027. Location: Vancouver Convention Centre West. Expected Attendance: Over 139,000 in 2026. Show Features: Test Drive Experience, Supercar Eleganza, and more. Documented attendance reached 115,000+ visitors in the reference edition. Vancouver International Auto Show attracts an audience aligned with the organiser's published visitor positioning.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitors gain access to a large audience of automotive enthusiasts, potential buyers, and industry professionals, enhancing brand visibility and driving sales. The Vancouver International Auto Show is crucial for showcasing the latest automotive innovations and trends, connecting manufacturers with consumers, and supporting the local automotive industry. Exhibitor categories include Automotive manufacturers, Local dealerships, Accessory and parts suppliers, Automotive service providers.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Metro Vancouver, British Columbia — Canada's Pacific gateway into the Pacific Northwest

    Why it matters

    Vancouver is Canada's west-coast gateway and BC is one of North America's fastest-electrifying vehicle markets: provincial zero-emission vehicle rules target 26% of new light-duty sales in 2026 and 100% by 2035, which directly shapes what OEMs display and how dealers train their teams. Because the show is run by the New Car Dealers Association of BC at Vancouver Convention Centre West, the audience skews to BC dealer principals, fleet and procurement buyers, charging and aftermarket suppliers, plus consumer buyers in the spring selling season. It is a compact, walkable circuit stop that closes the Canadian show season after Toronto and Montreal and sits comfortably between those January–February events and the autumn US shows.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Digital buyer journeys

    Professionals expect pre-show agendas, product finders, and meeting tools; suppliers align demos and literature to short on-stand decision cycles.

    02

    Sustainability in procurement

    Energy use, recyclable materials, and carbon reporting increasingly appear in RFPs and exhibitor scorecards across industrial trade fairs.

    03

    Automation and labour efficiency

    Visitors benchmark machinery, software, and services that reduce downtime, staffing pressure, and total cost of ownership.

    04

    Regional supply-chain resilience

    Buyers diversify suppliers across Europe, MENA, and Asia while favouring vendors with local service, spare parts, and training.

    05

    Hybrid engagement models

    Live demonstrations remain decisive, but follow-up webinars, digital catalogues, and year-round supplier portals extend the commercial window after the show.

    North American auto show circuit

    Book stand space and travel 3–6 months ahead; Canadian shows (Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver) all fall in the first four months of the calendar year, so Q4 is the practical planning window.

    Vancouver's spring show is one stop in a dense North American circuit of consumer and industry auto shows. The Canadian season opens in Montreal and Toronto in January–February and closes in Vancouver in spring, while the largest US events cluster around Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. Teams with a North America plan typically book two to three of these stops and reuse stand assets and dealer-meeting agendas between them.

    January

    Montreal International Auto Show

    February

    Canadian International AutoShow (Toronto)

    February

    Chicago Auto Show

    April

    New York International Auto Show

    November

    Los Angeles Auto Show

    Peer events identified from event-circuit context; confirm current dates, stand pricing and hall availability directly with each organiser.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · CAD

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Budget
    Downtown / Yaletown, 10–20 min walk or short SkyTrain ride to Vancouver Convention Centre West

    USD 110–190 / night

    Limited inventory during show week — book 6–8 weeks out; rates are indicative and exclude 12% combined GST/PST.

    source
    Mid-range
    Coal Harbour, Burrard and Robson corridors — 5–15 min walk to the venue

    USD 200–330 / night

    Best walking-distance balance for show days; ask for a Canada Place / harbour-side room.

    source
    Premium
    Canada Place / Coal Harbour waterfront — adjacent or under 10 min walk to the venue

    USD 350–650 / night

    Closest inventory to the convention centre; suites and harbour views sell out first during show week.

    source

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    taxi

    Estimated costAED 40–55 (metered taxi off-peak)
    Best forDXB Airport (DXB) to Vancouver Convention Centre West

    Red Line metro serves DWTC and Expo City when applicable.

    taxi

    Estimated costCAD 45–85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forDWC Airport (DWC) to Vancouver Convention Centre West

    taxi

    Estimated costCAD 45–85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forSHJ Airport (SHJ) to Vancouver Convention Centre West

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa required
    ATA Carnet: check with organiser
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)Visa-exempt nationals flying to Canada — e.g. UK, most EU states, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Mexico (conditions apply).$5.00Usually minutes online; apply at least 72 hours before departure
    Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)Nationals of visa-required countries attending the show — e.g. India, mainland China, Nigeria, the Philippines, Brazil.$75.00Typically 3–12+ weeks depending on the visa office; check current IRCC processing times
    Business visitor (work-permit-exempt entry)Exhibitors, buyers, speakers and media attending meetings, demos or the show floor rather than taking Canadian employment.$5.00Same as the underlying eTA or TRV

    US citizens and US permanent residents need neither a visa nor an eTA for short business visits.

    Canada does not accept ATA Carnets. Exhibitors importing display vehicles, parts or stand materials should use a CBSA E29B temporary admission permit (or the applicable temporary import procedure) arranged through a licensed customs broker.

    Official visa page

    Weather

    Late March–early April is mild but wet in Vancouver: daytime highs typically 10–13 °C and overnight lows around 4–6 °C, with rain on roughly half of days and ~100–130 mm of precipitation across March. Pack a waterproof shell, layers and comfortable waterproof footwear for walking between downtown hotels and Canada Place.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Canada.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Tipping

    Tipping is expected in Vancouver: 15–20% on restaurant bills (pre-tax is acceptable), CAD 2–5 per night for hotel housekeeping, and 10–15% for taxi drivers, with rideshare apps prompting in-app.

    Taxes on displayed prices

    Advertised prices generally exclude tax — 5% GST plus 7% BC PST (12% combined) on most goods and services, and higher rates on alcohol. Budget about 12% above listed prices for meals, hotels and retail.

    Business etiquette and local rules

    West Coast business style is punctual but informal (smart-casual is normal for meetings). The legal drinking age in BC is 19, smoking and vaping are banned in indoor public spaces, and cannabis is legal and regulated with restrictions on public consumption.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: DXB

    Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Vancouver; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.

    Visa

    Most international visitors need either a Canadian eTA (CAD 7, for visa-exempt air travellers such as the UK, most EU states, Australia, New Zealand and Japan) or a Temporary Resident Visa (CAD 100, typically 3–12+ weeks processing, plus CAD 85 biometrics if required). US citizens and US permanent residents need neither for short business visits. Apply through IRCC before booking non-refundable flights, and carry an organiser invitation letter plus proof of employment for border questions.

    Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).

    Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

    CAD 7 fee; valid up to 5 years or until passport expiry. US citizens do not need an eTA. CAD 100 fee; biometrics (CAD 85) usually required. Apply before booking non-refundable flights.

    Official

    Hotels

    Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

    Areas to stay

    Canada Place / Coal Harbour waterfront — adjacent or under 10 min walk to the venue · Coal Harbour, Burrard and Robson corridors — 5–15 min walk to the venue · Downtown / Yaletown, 10–20 min walk or short SkyTrain ride to Vancouver Convention Centre West

    budget

    $110-$190 USD/night

    Book

    mid range

    $200-$330 USD/night

    Book

    premium

    $350-$650 USD/night

    Book

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Primary gateways: DXB Airport (DXB); DWC Airport (DWC); SHJ Airport (SHJ). Allow road or rail time to Vancouver Convention Centre West; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Vancouver Convention Centre West: Downtown / Yaletown, 10–20 min walk or short SkyTrain ride to Vancouver Convention Centre West: YWCA Hotel Vancouver, Samesun Vancouver, HI Vancouver Downtown; Coal Harbour, Burrard and Robson corridors — 5–15 min walk to the venue: Delta Hotels Vancouver Downtown Suites, Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel, The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver; Canada Place / Coal Harbour waterfront — adjacent or under 10 min walk to the venue: Fairmont Pacific

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Vancouver; confirm local availability before travel.

    Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to Vancouver Convention Centre West.

    Parking: On-site parking is available at Vancouver Convention Centre West; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: March 2027

    Temperature: Typically 4–13 °C during the 31 March – 4 April 2027 show window: overnight lows near 4–6 °C and daytime highs of 10–13 °C, with cool, damp evenings near the waterfront.

    Seasonality: Early spring is one of Vancouver's wetter periods — expect rain on roughly half of the days and around 100–130 mm of monthly precipitation in March, mixed with bright, changeable breaks and the occasional windy day on the harbour. A waterproof jacket and layers matter more than an umbrella in harbour wind.

    Packing: Late March–early April is mild but wet in Vancouver: daytime highs typically 10–13 °C and overnight lows around 4–6 °C, with rain on roughly half of days and ~100–130 mm of precipitation across March. Pack a waterproof shell, layers and comfortable waterproof footwear for walking between downtown ho

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Thursday, 1 April 2027 (first full weekday after opening day)

    The 2027 show runs Wednesday 31 March to Sunday 4 April. Opening day carries media and preview activity, while Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 April draw the largest consumer crowds with the least availability of dealer and OEM staff. Thursday 1 April offers full exhibitor staffing, easier test-drive and demo-drive slots and shorter queues, making it the best trade-planning day; Friday 2 April is a strong alternative if you need one more working day. Families wanting the full weekend atmosphere should target the earlier part of Saturday.

    1

    Check passport and Canada entry authorisation for every traveller — Passport should be valid at least 6 months beyond April 2027. Visa-exempt travellers including US citizens normally need a Canada eTA; confirm your nationality's rule before booking. Show dates are March 31 to April 4, 2027 in Vancouver.

    2

    Book flights into Vancouver International Airport (YVR) — Aim to arrive by March 30, 2027 so you can collect credentials before the March 31 opening day at Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place.

    3

    Reserve a downtown Vancouver hotel within walking distance of the venue — Target check-in March 30, 2027 and check-out April 5, 2027 for the full five-day run. Canada Place and the Coal Harbour waterfront are the closest precincts to the show floor.

    4

    Complete online visitor registration and save your entry confirmation — Register through the official site at vancouverinternationalautoshow.com and keep the confirmation QR or e-badge on your phone and printed as backup.

    5

    Review show hours, ticket options and re-entry policy — Same-day re-entry is permitted, but you must get a hand stamp before exiting. Coat check near the show floor entrance costs $5 and covers one coat and one umbrella.

    6

    Download the show floor plan and exhibitor list — Shortlist the vehicle brands, EV and hybrid displays, and accessory stands you want to visit so you can route efficiently across the halls.

    7

    Plan the airport to venue route — Options include the Canada Line SkyTrain from YVR toward Waterfront, taxi, or ride-hail to 1055 Canada Place. Build in extra time on the opening morning.

    8

    Decide on parking or public transit for show days — Parking exists in and near Vancouver Convention Centre but can be challenging and busy; downtown transit is usually faster during peak show hours.

    9

    Pack for early-April Vancouver weather — Expect cool, changeable spring conditions with a real chance of rain. Bring a waterproof outer layer, layers, and comfortable walking shoes for long hours on the show floor.

    10

    Assemble travel and meeting documents — Carry passport, entry authorisation confirmation, hotel booking, ticket or badge confirmation, and any dealer or supplier meeting notes in one folder.

    11

    Sort out phone connectivity for Canada — Arrange roaming or a Canadian eSIM or local SIM before departure so maps, ride-hail and e-badges work on arrival.

    12

    Arrive at the venue and collect your badge — Enter through the main doors at the corner of Thurlow Street and Jack Poole Plaza at Vancouver Convention Centre West, and arrive early on day one for orientation and security screening.

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    TBA

    Collect credentials at the Vancouver Convention Centre West entrance, pick up the floor plan and walk the main hall to map OEM brand zones and feature areas before crowds build.

    Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place
    TBA

    Work the stands on your shortlist, book test-drive or product-demo slots and collect spec, pricing and incentive sheets on EVs, hybrids and new model launches.

    Main exhibition hall, Convention Centre West
    TBA

    Pre-booked meetings with OEM regional managers, charging and aftermarket suppliers; use the quieter morning window for test drives and feature-stage sessions.

    Exhibitor stands and feature stage
    TBA

    Debrief over coffee in the conference area, then walk the Canada Place / Coal Harbour waterfront before heading to the airport.

    Canada Place promenade and downtown Vancouver

    Side trips

    2

    Whistler

    Victoria, Vancouver Island

    Networking spots

    3

    OEM and dealer brand zones

    Highest concentration of OEM, dealer-group and product-specialist staff for informal introductions.

    Convention Centre West concourse and café/lounge areas

    Venue-logical meeting point inside the building for short follow-up conversations and badge-holder breaks.

    Coal Harbour and Gastown restaurant row

    Standard downtown Vancouver choice for dinner meetings and after-show conversations with dealer and supplier contacts.

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · General Admission

    CAD 21.5 / per person

    official

    visa_fee

    visitor · eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

    USD 5 / per application

    official

    visa_fee

    visitor · Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

    USD 75 / per application

    official

    visa_fee

    visitor · Business visitor (work-permit-exempt entry)

    USD 5 / per application

    official

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Use this quick check to decide whether Vancouver International Auto Show fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    What is your primary role?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    You want market intelligence, OEM/dealer contacts or a low-cost read on the BC vehicle market.

    Best for

    Dealers, fleet buyers, product planners and journalists benchmarking the BC / Pacific Northwest new-vehicle market.

    Min. budget

    $550.00

    Timeline

    4–8 weeks before 31 March 2027 for registration, hotel and flights; visa-required nationals should start 3–4 months ahead.

    Risks

    Weekends are the busiest — trade conversations with OEM and dealer staff are easier on weekdays.

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    exhibit

    You have a BC dealer network, an EV or aftermarket launch, or a lead-generation target for the spring selling season.

    Best for

    OEMs, dealer groups, aftermarket suppliers, EV charging, finance and insurance brands selling into BC and the Pacific Northwest.

    Min. budget

    $2,800.00

    Timeline

    3–6 months for stand booking, freight/customs and marketing; display vehicles need temporary import paperwork.

    Risks

    Stand and sponsorship pricing are not published — request the organiser's exhibitor prospectus.

    Canada does not accept ATA Carnets; display vehicles and stand materials need a CBSA E29B temporary admission permit arranged through a customs broker.

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    skip

    Your 2027 budget or category fit is already covered by another circuit stop (e.g. Toronto, Montreal or Los Angeles).

    Best for

    Teams with no Canadian market plan, or whose category is not represented at a consumer-facing auto show.

    Timeline

    N/A

    Risks

    No major risks listed.

    Gallery

    Photos

    Official imagery from Vancouver International Auto Show
    Official imagery from Vancouver International Auto Show
    Official Vancouver International Auto Show event branding
    Official Vancouver International Auto Show event branding

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    Trust footer

    Sources

    5

    References

    2

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    New Car Dealers Association of BC

    2

    Vancouver International Auto Show

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