Vancouver hosts an exciting year-round calendar of festivals, cultural celebrations, sporting events, and international gatherings. From waterfront traditions to global tournaments, these events attract visitors from across Canada and around the world. Renting a car in Vancouver makes it easy to move between venues, accommodations, and nearby attractions without relying on limited public transit.
Gung Haggis Fat Choy is a unique Vancouver tradition that blends Chinese New Year celebrations with Scottish culture. This ticketed dining and entertainment event attracts guests from across Metro Vancouver and beyond. Visitors often combine the event with dining and sightseeing, making flexible transportation especially helpful.
Canada’s largest food festival showcases Vancouver’s diverse culinary scene through prix-fixe menus and special dining experiences. Restaurants across the city participate, encouraging guests to explore multiple neighborhoods. Renting a car allows visitors to easily travel between dining destinations throughout the Lower Mainland.
This popular live event series features world-renowned explorers, scientists, and storytellers sharing immersive presentations. Held at central downtown venues, the series attracts educational travelers and conference attendees. A rental car provides convenient access to evening events without transit constraints.
The Vancouver Sun Run is Canada’s largest 10K road race, bringing tens of thousands of runners and spectators into the downtown core. Roads are closed throughout the city, and accommodations fill quickly. Having a rental car helps participants and visitors navigate alternate routes and nearby neighborhoods.
This seasonal celebration highlights Vancouver’s iconic cherry blossoms with outdoor events, cultural programming, and scenic walks. Activities take place across multiple parks and neighborhoods. A rental vehicle allows visitors to explore blossom locations throughout the city at their own pace.
Held on Granville Island, this internationally recognized arts festival features live performances, workshops, and interactive activities for families. Visitors often combine festival attendance with waterfront sightseeing and shopping. Renting a car makes it easier to manage family travel and flexible schedules.
As a host city for FIFA World Cup activities, Vancouver will welcome international fans, media, and teams. Match days and fan events significantly increase travel demand across the city. Renting a vehicle provides reliable transportation between stadium areas, fan zones, and accommodations.
One of Vancouver’s premier summer festivals, the Jazz Festival features performances across multiple indoor venues and outdoor stages. Events are spread throughout downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. A rental car offers convenient access to multiple shows in a single day.
This world-class international fireworks competition draws massive crowds to Vancouver’s waterfront. Visitors arrive early to secure viewing spots and enjoy live music and food vendors. Parking restrictions make having a rental car useful for reaching nearby viewing areas and returning comfortably.
The PNE is Vancouver’s largest annual fair, featuring concerts, rides, exhibitions, and food attractions. Families and tourists attend over several weeks, often combining visits with other city activities. Renting a car simplifies travel to and from Hastings Park and nearby suburbs.
VIFF showcases international and independent cinema across multiple venues in Vancouver. Film professionals, students, and enthusiasts attend screenings throughout the city. A rental vehicle allows guests to move easily between theaters, hotels, and dining locations.
Vancouver hosts several important national remembrance and awareness events throughout the year. Ceremonies and gatherings take place at City Hall and civic locations across the city. A rental car provides convenient access while respecting scheduled road closures.
Major events often result in increased demand for transportation, limited parking, and altered transit schedules. Renting a car in Vancouver allows visitors to travel comfortably between venues, hotels, and nearby destinations such as Richmond, Burnaby, North Vancouver, and Whistler.