Crazy crazy amount of people
Ah, another year, another Fan Expo.
This year’s Fan Expo Canada was jam-packed in every way—the lineup, the events, the programming, the activities, and the people. For a veteran attendee who has been visiting the convention for four consecutive years, watching it grow has been nothing short of remarkable. On Saturday, the expo’s busiest day, moving between floors was chaotic and often nearly impossible. Yet the flow of crowds never halted anyone from reaching the destinations on their itineraries.
VENUE
The event returned to the Metro Convention Centre, but with a refreshed layout that used two buildings instead of one. Autograph sessions and photo ops largely took place in the north building, while the south housed local vendors and independent artists, creating more space for displays and creations. The split did add a new kind of pressure, as the longer walk between halls meant more steps and, occasionally, long lines by the escalators. Still, attendees adapted and continued to explore the full slate of experiences on offer.
ATTENDEES
There were crowds in abundance. The cosplay scene was vibrant, featuring characters from Marvel and DC universes, Star Wars, and a broad range of anime. Fans walked with careful precision in single-file lines for squad photos, while others strutted in costumes that drew admiring glances from onlookers. Among the many standout outfits was a cosplayer who portrayed Emmet from the Lego Movie, crafted from colored duct tape and cardboard and still sturdy enough for photos and quick poses. The enthusiasm surrounding these ensembles underscored the convention’s playful energy and welcoming atmosphere.
SPECIAL EVENTS/CELEBRITIES
The guest list included a mix of familiar faces and rarities that drew large crowds. A big draw was a notable Walking Dead cast appearance, complemented by a rare Doctor Who presence and a Twin Peaks reunion that sparked nostalgia. The moment fans lined up to enter the ribbon cutting and the subsequent Q and A sessions created a constant buzz that kept the venue lively. The excitement never paused, with meet and greet opportunities sprinkled throughout the weekend for those lucky enough to secure them.
SHOPPING/BOOTHS
Booths spanned the spectrum from hands-on commissions to bustling vendor tables. Local artists offered one of a kind prints, creators pitched new comics, and vendors displayed unique jewelry and clothing that celebrated individuality. In addition to independent makers, major brands such as Teletoon, EB Games, PlayStation, HMV, Showcase, and Space showcased sizable booths that hosted activities and daily giveaways. The generosity and variety of items on display underscored the convention’s broad appeal to fans of all ages and interests.
With the weekend packed, the energy remained palpable. Across the show floor, new collaborations and limited-edition pieces drew attention, while artists took commissions on the spot, turning sketches into tangible keepsakes. Collectors wandered the aisles, lightly tracing the edges of posters and prints, and casual visitors paused to admire the craftsmanship on display at every booth. The whole experience had a joyful, busy rhythm that reflected the passion of the community and the growing reach of Fan Expo Canada.
Cosplayers moved with confidence, stopping for a smile or a quick snapshot before continuing their journey through the maze of booths and panels. The attention given to each person, from the earliest morning to the late afternoon slots, made the entire weekend feel inclusive and energizing rather than overwhelming.
The show floor was more than a marketplace. It felt like a celebration of storytelling in many forms, from vintage comic book art to modern digital art and everything in between. Guests could meet artists, pick up limited edition prints, and discover creators whose work might become tomorrow’s collectibles. The balance between large, recognizable brands and small, independent creators gave attendees a sense of discovery that is hard to replicate elsewhere, and the mood remained upbeat as fans chatted about their favorite characters and upcoming releases.
As the weekend drew to a close, a thread of gratitude ran through the conversations. Fans spoke about friendships forged, panels that sparked new ideas, and costumes that inspired younger visitors to craft their own outfits at home. The experience stood as a testament to the enduring appeal of fan conventions and the vibrant community that forms around them.
Lego Rocket and Groot
Lego Lord Business
T-shirts for sale, so many t-shirts for sale
Hey Finn and Jake
Boxtrolls – new movie coming out soon
Big Hero 6 – new movie coming out soon
Tons of people attending panels
Crazy crazy amount of people
Cosplay from fans
More cosplays from fans
Adam West – used to be in the old Batman movies
Dave Bautista aka Drax from Guardians of the Galaxy
Intense Starcraft gaming going on
Elijah Woods from Lord of the Rings
Stephen Amell from Arrow doing a Q and A