Vancouver International Boat Show in January
The Vancouver International Boat Show takes place at Granville Island as well as at either the Vancouver Convention Centre or BC Place Stadium in January.
In 2026 the boat show is at the convention centre and Granville Island from January 14th to 18th. In past recent years it has been at Granville Island and BC Place from the end of January until the first Sunday in February. The dates and other details for 2027 are to be confirmed.
The Vancouver International Boat Show is one of the biggest events of its kind in Canada. It offers all sorts of services for both new and experienced boaters. There are boats, accessories and services available for sale. There are also informative seminars about boating around the West Coast and in general. This event is a must-see for anyone hoping to hit the waves in Vancouver and beyond.
For full details about the Vancouver International Boat Show, check out their official website at vancouverboatshow.ca.
About the Vancouver Boat Show
The Vancouver International Boat Show takes place early in the year. There are two locations in 2026: indoors at the Convention Centre and outdoors at Granville Island Marina.
From fishing vessels and leisure yachts to jet skis and kayaks, the boat show has something new for everyone to explore. Even if you’ve already got a boat of your own, the outboard motor and accessory displays ensure that there is something for you to look into.
There are dozens if not hundreds of boats on display between the two locations, both for viewing and for purchase. In 2026, the indoor portion of the display moved to the Vancouver Convention Centre (so not at BC Place anymore). Both locations have items for purchase ranging from full vessels to anchors and fishing attachments.
Visit vancouverboatshow.ca for the event’s official website.
When is the Boat Show
In 2026, the Vancouver International Boat show happens on January 14th to 18th. Due to dusk falling early, the outdoor venue has slightly reduced hours. Both venues’ hours are as follows:
- Vancouver Convention Centre
- Wednesday, January 14th: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Thursday to Saturday, January 15th-17th: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Sunday, January 18th: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Granville Island
- Wednesday, January 14th: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Thursday to Sunday, January 15th-18th: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Admission includes access to the whole event. This includes the informative seminars and both viewing venues.
Admission to the Boat Show
There are three main options for tickets and they are all available online on the Official Ticket Page. Seniors are able to purchase tickets at a slightly reduced rate from the normal fare and children younger than 16 years old enter for free.
- 1-day ticket: $20.00
- Seniors $17.00
- 2-day ticket: $27.00
- Seniors $22.00
- 5-day ticket: $30.00
- No senior’s discount
There is also a one-day after-5 discounted rate. For only five dollars, you can enter the indoor venue at the convention centre after 5:00 pm on any one of January 14th to 17th. This offer isn’t valid on the 18th as the show closes at 5:00 pm that day.
Visit vancouverboatshow.ca for the event’s official website.
Shuttle Services
In past years there have been shuttles that could ferry guests between the indoor and outdoor venues at BC Place and Granville Island. This feature is making a return in 2026, but between Granville Island and the Convention Centre, and by bus shuttles instead of ferries.
The shuttle service is free with admission to the event, so feel free to take advantage of it and avoid having to drive back and forth and pay for parking at both venues.
Seminars and Workshops in 2026
Hundreds of exhibitors attend the event at the Vancouver Convention Centre. There are, however, other things to do in addition to looking at the boats and accessories for sale too.
At the event there are over 100 talks and seminars offered over the five days that the boat show is operating. The talks cover all fronts of boat ownership and use. There are talks on the “Science of Salmon Fishing” and “Navionics Nuances” for the hardcore seafarers, and others like “Mold – Prevention, Protection and Cleaning” for those seeking an extra hygienic experience on the water.
Practically every hidden aspect of boat care and usage is covered at least once over the course of the whole boat show, and access to the seminars is free with general admission for the day in question.
New in 2026, there is a special series of seminars called “Women on the Water.” Each of the first three days has one time slot dedicated to the movement, as well as nine of the seminars on the Saturday. This series of talks are all about empowering women in boating.
For the schedule of the seminars offered in 2026, click Seminars and Workshops.
Visit vancouverboatshow.ca for the event’s official website.
Tips and Advice
TIP #1: The event will be quietest on weekdays during working hours as well as in the early mornings of the weekend days. The outdoor venue will also be less crowded on rainy days.
TIP #2: You can check which seminars are offered at which times and on which days. You can pick when to go based on which ones you are the most interested in attending.
TIP #3: There are pay parking options at both venues, but they are often offered at a premium during events like the Vancouver International Boat Show and can fill up quickly. Consider taking transit or staying at a nearby hotel.
Other Information
See the Vancouver International Boat Show website to learn more about the event.
Click Granville Island or Vancouver Convention Centre to learn more about the venues.
Other websites you might also find of interest are VancouversBestPlaces.com, VancouverMarkets.com and VictoriasBestPlaces.com.