The Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS) is Canada’s premier auto show, held annually in Toronto, Ontario, since 1974. Originally known as the “Toronto Auto Show,” it kicked off at the International Centre in Mississauga, attracting 85,000 visitors to a vast 100,000 sqft show floor. In 1986, the Auto Show made a significant move to the newly built Metro Toronto Convention Centre, which has since become its permanent home. Despite having to cancel the 2021 and 2022 editions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CIAS is back and ready to showcase the latest in automotive innovation.
Highlights of the 2024 Show
This year, the show will feature over 1,000 vehicles, spanning cars, trucks, and SUVs, with a special focus on luxury, exotic, classic, and concept models. As the industry increasingly embraces electric vehicles (EVs), the 2024 iteration highlighted this shift with a dedicated EV exhibit space, an indoor test track, and exciting outdoor test drives. Looking ahead, the theme for the 2025 show is “Total Immersion,” designed to showcase the latest developments and innovations that offer customers an array of choices like never before.
2022 Canadian International Autoshow, image via The Car Guide
Event Details
The CIAS will run from Friday, February 14, 2025, to Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, with the added convenience of first-come, first-served parking. For those using public transit, attendees can easily access the venue via Union Station, with clear directions available for both the North and South buildings. Ticket prices are family-friendly, with options such as Child (ages 7-11): $7, Youth (ages 12-16): $16.50, Adult (ages 17+): $25.50, and Senior (ages 65+): $17. Additionally, adults can enjoy discounted tickets for Opening Day (Feb. 14) at $20 and TD Super Tuesday (Feb. 18). To avoid scams, the AutoShow encourages purchasing tickets directly from their official website, https://autoshow.ca/.
Image via the CIAS Website
Featured Brands and Attractions
The 2025 CIAS will feature over 40 brands, including the return of iconic names like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW, all showcased in the AutoExotica Display. This area will highlight luxury sedans, sporty SUVs, and rare hyper-cars from renowned manufacturers like Pagani. For those seeking adventure, Camp Jeep offers an exhilarating experience, allowing attendees to test Jeep’s off-road vehicles on a specially designed obstacle course, while Canada’s largest indoor EV test track provides a smoother, yet thrilling ride for those looking to explore the latest electric models.
Exciting Evening Events
Motor enthusiasts will not want to miss the select nights hosting the Light Up the Night event, where rare and powerful vehicles will take centre stage alongside the thunderous sounds of high-performance engines. Families can also enjoy interactive displays from The LEGO Group, featuring a life-size LEGO® Technic™ McLaren P1™ supercar made up of 342,817 elements, complemented by a real McLaren P1, as well as hands-on fun at the Hot Wheels display.
SimStaff Booth Activities
SimStaff is thrilled to announce our 24′ x 35′ booth located in the Auto Exotica area. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience five of our high-performance simulators, each featuring state-of-the-art Asetek SimSports wheels and pedals, all set on a Playseat Formula intelligence, complemented by some impressive PC builds from Canada Computers. The booth will also include Niagara 5000 and a TBD show car—possibly a McLaren. We are also excited to host a fastest lap competition with prizes, along with a lounge / meeting area for those interested in discussing potential installations or activations with SimStaff. We’re excited to collaborate with Humber Polytechnic College Esports students, who will help operate the simulators, gaining valuable hands-on experience in event management.
Read more about our partnership with Humber Polytechnic College here: https://simstaff.net/a-life-in-the-fast-lane-simstaff-x-humber-polytechnic/
The show runs from January 14 to 23, with an exclusive media day on the 13th. We look forward to seeing you there!
