Features at a Glance

Discover Boating Centre

Regardless of your level of boating experience, there is something for everyone to learn and enjoy at the Discover Boating Centre.  Whether you're planning to buy your first boat or are already hooked on being out on the water, the expert staff at the Discover Boating Centre can answer all your boating questions.  .

Discover Boating Seminar Stage

Enjoy speakers from every corner of the boating world!

Regardless if you are new to boating or a seasoned boater, there is always plenty to learn about the world of boating.  The Discover Boating Seminar Series will be a resource of inspiration and education.  Whether your interest is in sailing adventures or how to buy or fix your boat the experts are on stage to help expand your knowledge and to perfect your passion.

The Seminar Schedule is currently being updated, check back in the Fall for more details.

Kids' Zone

The Nautical Play Centre, located in the Kids Zone, features friendly, energetic staff and lots of fun activities for kids, including building and decorating boats, paddle-boat rides, nautical-themed craft tables and much more. 

SailFest

If you're a sailor, you'll find lots to love at this year's show! SailFest highlights everything sailing-related at the show—from products to services to schools or destinations. SailFest exhibitors are easy to find, too; just look for the SailFest flag.  See and board the biggest selection of sailboats in the Vancouver International Boat Show’s history at the in-water venue at False Creek Yacht Club.

BC Marine Authors

BC Marine Authors is a bookstore within the show that boasts one of the most comprehensive collections of BC marine authors and titles in the province. Pick up a “how-to” book on boat repair, maintenance or navigation. You can also enjoy tales of sailing adventures, destinations, travel on the high seas and more: Featured authors are scheduled to appear at BC Marine Authors throughout the Show.

Build a Boat Contest

Kids who build a boat for the contest get FREE admission for their parents!  Not only will building a boat give kids something fun to do for an hour or two (milk cartons, tissue boxes make great hulls), when the kids bring their boat to the Show, their parents can enter at no cost.

Wooden Boat Alley

Meet some of BC’s finest craftsmen, who will demonstrate traditional wooden boat building and answer visitors’ questions. These highly skilled and experienced boat builders are happy to share their passion for this time-honoured marine craft.

Get Your Pleasure Craft Operators Card at the Show!

The deadline to obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) was September 15, 2009.  It is now the law that all operators of power-driven pleasure craft must obtain and carry proof of competency on board at all times.  Many companies exhibiting at the show are authorized by the Canadian Coast Guard to provide testing and educational programs for boaters. For more information on writing your Pleasure Craft Operator Card or boating safety courses visit any of the following booths at the show:

AAA Boating Safety Standards

BoatSmart!

Drive A Boat Canada

Marine Training & Consulting