This Year’s Boat Shows Are a Big Deal

January 8, 2026

Both the Toronto and Vancouver boat shows begin next week and you want to be sure to allocate a lot of time to walk through. Why?  There is a change in the wind that will make the 2026 shows an important watershed. Thanks to a range of new models, particularly from Europe, these shows will not be the same as previous years.

Plus – no more luxury tax.  That means the total price on boats at the higher end will become more affordable. Great news.

Next, for all boaters in every bracket and taste, things are really getting a shakeup. At both shows you will get to take in brands that you have not seen until recently. Canadian dealers are bringing in some new boats changing the landscape opf what’s on offer; walk around and enjoy names like Nimbus(Sweden) , Riviera (Australia), Saxor (Finland) on top of names we know but are increasingly prominent in Canadian waters live Bavaria (Germany), on top of French mega-brands Juneau, and Beneteau that have become fixtures in Canada. Making them affordable to the Canadian boater, those European boats arrive here duty free (details here).

Those new arrivals are influencing North American builders bringing us new models with exciting attributes. Well known US names, like Four Winns and Wellcraft, are now part of Groupe Beneteau with the result that the are learning from those Euro tastemakers. Wellcraft is refining narrower beams and plumb bows reflecting the popularity of boats like Axopar (also designed in Finland and built in Poland), which have skyrocketed in Europe and are now becoming beloved by owners here.

changes: Wellcraft has evolved a narrower beam and vertical plumb bow

I have yet to mentioned electric power, a whole other new world to see and enjoy at the show. And while not numerous, there will be several worth-seeing sailboats. So don’t miss the 2026 TIBS and VIBS shows – their lineups should offer unprecedented boating innovation that you’ll find inspiring.

John Morris, Online Editor

John@opmediagroup.ca

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