Classic cars, community spirit and a cause that matters — Cruise the Shore for Charity returns this August for its seventh annual event on the North Shore, promising another weekend of engines, memories and giving back.
The two-day fundraiser, happening Aug. 23 and 24, 2025, brings together rare, custom and collector vehicles for a high-octane celebration that’s equal parts car show and community festival.
From a Saturday cruise through the neighbourhoods of the North Shore to a Sunday show-and-shine at Park Royal, the event is designed to entertain families, spark connections while raising funds for the North Shore Crisis Services Society.
From the very beginning, Cruise the Shore has taken a different approach to the typical car event.
“Most car shows focus on one sector of the hobby,” says Dan London, of the organizing society.
“Ours is eclectic. You might see a rare British classic parked next to an $800,000 McLaren or a one-of-three-in-Canada Willys Whippet next to a fully customized hot rod. People love it because it’s a place where a hotrodder can talk to a supercar owner and everyone’s there for the same reason.”
This year’s event features a few standout vehicles, including a fully restored 1967 Plymouth GTX with a world-famous HEMI engine, expected to arrive street-ready with close to 600 horsepower. There will also be fan favourites like the Back to the Future DeLorean replica and entries from North Shore-based custom shop Rusty Hookers.
On Saturday, cars will gather for a pre-cruise breakfast at Tomahawk Restaurant before hitting the road for a scenic drive across the North Shore.
Community members can view the cruise as it passes through local neighbourhoods. Sunday’s show-and-shine will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Village at Park Royal, complete with a 50/50 draw and family-friendly activities.
London says the event’s community impact is what keeps people coming back.
“We’ve been lucky to raise $80,000 to $85,000 a year for different charities. There’s something tangible about it. People see that it’s a fun, accessible way to give back,” he says.
This year’s fundraising efforts will support the North Shore Crisis Services Society, which provides emergency shelter, housing and essential services to women and children fleeing domestic violence. London says the decision to support NSCSS reflects both a timely need and a broader opportunity.
“Car culture has always been male-dominated. So when we can publicly show support for women and children in crisis, it means something,” he says. “It helps normalize allyship and reminds people that community support doesn’t just come from one place.”
London recalls a moment that stuck with him at a past show — walking through Park Royal and seeing a little boy with his mother, who was trying to lure him away from the show with a promise of ice cream. Instead, the boy turned to his mother and said, “Hot rods are better than ice cream.”
For London, that joy captures the essence of Cruise the Shore.
“It’s about connection,” he says. “People dancing, laughing, dreaming a little when they see the cars. It’s fun, but it’s also meaningful.”
For details, registration and a full event schedule, visit cruisetheshore.ca.
