Location, dates and times
The largest consumer show of any kind in Canada, the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) is open to the public from February 15 to 24 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and Rogers Centre. For details about location, dates, times, admission prices, and special events, click here.
General Information
The largest consumer show of any kind in Canada, the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) is open to the public from February 15 to 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (6:00 p.m. closing on Sunday, February 24) at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and Rogers Centre.
First presented in 1974, the CIAS is one of only five internationally accredited shows in North America.
As with all auto shows, the CIAS is an opportunity for automakers to unveil their newest concept and production vehicles, and provide a showcase for the public to get a firsthand look at everything each company has to offer, from inexpensive entry-level vehicles to exotic supercars. Unlike many shows though, the CIAS offers numerous displays and events that go beyond the showroom floor. This is where the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) announces the winners of its prestigious Canadian Car and Truck of the Year awards.
The show will also feature several other displays, including:
GTA In Motion: Unlock the Gridlock: This special feature exhibit will explain how microcars can reduce traffic congestion by their size, use, and their adaptability to shared mobility concepts. Among the cars on display will be Toyota's iREAL personal mobility vehicle, debuted at last October's Tokyo Motor Show; a Smart Fortwo, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz; and a Mitsubishi iCar from Japan. Automotive design students from Humber College will also create and demonstrate personal mobility vehicles that integrate with the provincial Greater Toronto Area (GTA) transit plans for 2020, and there will be a demonstration of ITS technologies and how they work in tandem with low-speed vehicles and/or single-seater vehicles to solve traffic congestion.
The Red Zone: This special exhibit, which occupies the entire 100 Level of the Rogers Centre, is a fusion of music, fashion, culture and retail. It's all related to the popular Sport Compact Revolution, now in its fifth year, a display of customized tuner vehicles. The Red Zone also includes dance and music performances on a main stage, featuring live DJs, martial artist Sunny Tang, and interactive gaming.
Classics Concourse: One of the most popular exhibits at the show, the "Classics Concourse" consists of the Cruise Nationals, Flames: A Celebration of Hot Rod Art, and the Lamborghini Theatre.
The Cruise Nationals takes almost a year to produce; over the previous summer, cars are chosen at various old-car cruise nights in the GTA, with the ten finalists selected during a special event at the Canadian National Exhibition in August. Gold, Medal and Bronze winners will be selected at the CIAS from among the ten. Rather than pampered show queens, these cars are driven regularly by their owners in good weather, with some restored in the home garage. The finalists include a 1967 Sunbeam MK II Tiger, 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1, 1932 Buick, 1956 Ford Crown Victoria Skyliner, 1955 Chevrolet Nomad, 1930 Ford, 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS, 1955 DeSoto, and 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air.
Flames: A Celebration of Hot Rod Art displays vehicles bearing the iconic paint scheme. The exhibit, on Level 700 of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, will include such vehicles as a 1986 GMC S10, 1978 Chevrolet pickup, 1955 Chevrolet, 1932 Ford, 1968 Mustang and 1929 Pontiac.
The Lamborghini Theatre, also on Level 700, will present fourteen of the legendary Italian sports cars, including the Countach 25th Anniversary Special Edition, Gallardo Concept S, Diablo 30th Anniversary Special Edition, the Urraco Silhouette, the Gallardo Superleggera and the military LM 002.
Tech Competition: Select teams of high school students from Toronto will test their mechanical aptitude and skills. The competition will cover steering, suspension, brakes, electric, engine management and mechanical systems. The students, all of whom are studying automotive service technology at the high school level, will be vying for prizes and the chance to represent the Toronto Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) at the National Automotive Technology Competition, which will be held at the New York International Auto Show in March.
Toyota 4x4 Track: The popular Toyota 4x4 Track returns, giving showgoers an opportunity to test various Toyota vehicles over an off-road course, including bumps, ruts, mud bowls, gravel and logs. The track is free; visit Toyota's booth in the North Metro Convention Centre to sign up.
Nissan presents free parking: Parking in specified areas is free, courtesy of Nissan, Tuesday through Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on weekends and on February 18. Park in one of four designated, brightly-marked lots at Harbourfront Centre on the Queen's Quay West; the lots are close enough for walking, or take the Nissan Express Shuttle right to the show. Pick up a free parking voucher on the shuttle or at Nissan's booth and present it when you exit the parking lot.
The Canadian International Auto Show is open to the public from February 15 to 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (6:00 p.m. closing on Sunday, February 24) at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and Rogers Centre.
Admission prices
Adults: $20.00
Children (7-12): $7.00
Children (6 & under): Free *
Family Pass: $40.00 **($14.00 off reg. admission)
Multi-day Pass: $30.00 (valid any 2 days)
For more information, visit AutoShow.ca.
