The Porsche Experience Centre (PEC) recently opened in Pickering, Ontario, and it’s something special. This is the first facility of its kind in Canada and one of only 10 in the world. Just a short drive east of downtown Toronto, this place is built for people who want to feel everything that Porsche stands for. And after going myself, I can honestly say it lives up to the hype.

Before heading to the track, I spent some time in the Simulator Lab. They’ve got five high-end simulators where you can race on legendary tracks from around the world. It was a great warm-up and more challenging than I expected. It gave me a new appreciation for the physics behind these machines, and the power. I was already locked in and I hadn’t even touched a real car yet.

You walk in and immediately feel it. The space is stunning, with clean lines and a full view of the racetrack from the upper level. Right at the entrance is the Carrera Café, where I grabbed a coffee and took in the vibe. The café feels premium, but still relaxed. Great food, amazing coffee and friendly staff who treat you like you’re stepping into something meaningful.

When it was time to hit the track, I was paired with one of their professional instructors. Right away, you could tell these guys are dialed in. They give you everything you need to feel safe, but they also encourage you to push the limits.

The track is a two-kilometer loop and every part of it is intentional. Some corners are inspired by iconic turns from Le Mans, Nürburgring and Laguna Seca. We started with some basic handling exercises to get a feel for the car, then moved into the drift circle. Sliding around in a controlled drift with a Porsche beneath you is pure joy, and actually teaches you how to handle a car if you ever drift out on the road. The instructor coached me through it and helped me find the sweet spot between control and chaos. I couldn’t stop smiling.

Then came launch control. We set it, floored it and the car took off like a slingshot. It pinned me to the seat in the best way possible. I’ve never experienced anything like it. You don’t just hear the power, you feel it through your entire body.

Outside of the driving experience, the whole facility is a showcase of what Porsche stands for. They also have the Porsche Lifestyle Shop on-site, with a full line-up of gear, apparel, accessories and model cars. It’s clean, high-end and makes you want to take a little piece of the experience home with you.

One of the best parts is that you don’t need to be a race car driver to enjoy this. Demo laps with a professional start at $140, and if you want the full experience, 90-minute coached driving sessions begin at $850. If you’ve recently bought a new Porsche in Canada, you may be eligible for a complimentary session.

This isn’t just a showroom or test drive. It’s an immersive, full-body experience that left me feeling lit up, energized, alive and more connected to the road than ever. From the people to the precision, from the drift circle to the launch pad, everything was world-class.

I went once and I’m already planning to go back. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a thrill seeker or just want to try something completely out of the ordinary: this is for you.

The Porsche Experience Centre is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. To book your session or learn more, visit Porsche Experience.

Photography courtesy of Porsche.