Are you looking for the ultimate FIFA Vancouver Guide to help plan your trip to our beautiful city?
Whether you’re visiting Vancouver for the 2026 FIFA World Cup or a local looking to learn everything you need to know, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide. From watch parties to game day tickets, things to see and do, where to stay and eat, and frequently asked questions, I’ve put it all together in this article to help you make the most out of your trip here to our beautiful city!
Speaking of Vancouver, I’ve called this city home for over 35 years, and I wrote this article as if I were taking a friend or family member to Vancouver to take part in the World Cup festivities. I’ve included some of my favourite places to visit, along with some of the very special events that are scheduled around the city in celebration of FIFA coming to Vancouver.
I’ve started off with the basic summary and what you need to know about FIFA, and then I dig into all of the fun events and activities happening around the city. Also, know that as more things get announced, I’ll be sure to update this article, so be sure to check back closer to the event dates for the most up-to-date information!
Disclosure: This guide is written from the perspective of a Vancouver local and is not an official FIFA resource. This blog article is not affiliated with or endorsed by FIFA or any official tournament organizers.
2026 FIFA World Cup Vancouver
From June 13th to July 7th, 2026, Vancouver will be hosting seven matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. BC Place Stadium will be the main stage for the games, but the whole city will be in full festival mode, welcoming visitors from around the world to cheer on players and celebrate.
As a Vancouverite, it’s exciting to be once again welcoming athletes, coaches, and fans from around the world to our beautiful city. As we did for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, you can expect to be welcomed with open arms, feel safe during your visit, and be invited to explore activities, cuisines, and local adventures around Vancouver and our surrounding cities.
But before we get into all the details of FIFA Vancouver, let’s pause for an important message:
Land Acknowledgement
Indigenous history and culture are integral to our history and modern-day society in Vancouver. The xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) have offered this welcome message to residents and visitors attending FIFA World Cup 2026:
“We are honoured to welcome local residents and guests to FIFA World Cup 2026™ Vancouver on the shared ancestral and unceded territories of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We have stewarded these lands and waters since time immemorial.
Together, we are proud to have partnered with the Province of B.C. and the City of Vancouver in hosting this historic tournament. We recognize the unique opportunity to share our histories and cultures with the world and generate legacies for the next seven generations in our communities, all the while celebrating the spirit of the beautiful game.” Source: FIFA Vancouver 2026 website
FIFA Vancouver Schedule – Matches Being Played In Vancouver
The World Cup will host 48 teams, 104 games, across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Here in Vancouver, BC Place will host 5 group games as well as 2 elimination games.
If you’re looking to cheer on Canada in Vancouver, you can watch them play Qatar on June 18th and Switzerland on June 24. Here’s the full match schedule:
June Matches
- June 13: Australia vs UEFA Path C (Kosovo/Romania/Slovakia/Türkiye) – Group D
- June 18: Canada vs Qatar – Group B
- June 21: New Zealand vs Egypt – Group G
- June 24: Switzerland vs Canada – Group B
- June 26: New Zealand vs Belgium – Group G
July Matches
- July 2: Round-of-32 match
- July 7: Round-of-16 match
Official FIFA World Cup Vancouver Poster
In doing my research for FIFA games in Vancouver, I found the announcement for the official poster, and I think it’s beautiful, so symbolic of the event, and only $20 (making it an affordable keepsake!). Designed by local artist Jamin Zuroski, this art beautifully captures the connection between art and the culture of these games, all while on the iconic backdrop that is the Vancouver skyline. You can order your poster here.
FIFA Matches In Vancouver
Let’s start on the field, with everything you need to know if you’re coming to watch a game. All 7 of the matches will be played at BC Place Stadium, which is our biggest event stadium in the city, seating 54,000 people. With a retractable roof, we’re hoping for good weather so you can soak in the skies above.
Tips for planning to attend a game:
- Arrive early – Part of the fun of these large sporting events is to soak up pre-game fan culture.
- Take public transit – Vancouver has a subway, which we call the SkyTrain, as well as bus service that will take you to the stadium. Vancouver is a VERY walkable community, so you’re encouraged to walk if you can as well. This will help alleviate traffic, and you’ll get to soak in beautiful scenery.
- Know what to bring – Entry requirements for BC Place are still being updated at the time of publishing this, so be sure to check out this website for a list of what you can and can’t bring. Typically, for past events, this has included provisions like no outside food or drinks, only one small clear bag, no cameras or recording equipment, etc.
- Get Merch – If you’re like me and love sporting event swag, you can stock up on event merch before you even touch down in Vancouver! Shop here.
Fan Zones & Watch Parties
The football (aka soccer!) festival vibes will be felt across the city, with numerous fan zones and watch parties being held for you to attend. Expect streets being blocked off, big screens, music, and fan festivals – with people from around the world coming together to celebrate.
We’re going to keep updating this section of the article as new events come out, but here are the main ones you need to know about:
FIFA Fan Festival At The PNE
The FIFA Fan Festival will be located at the PNE in Hastings Park – the perfect backdrop for a summer day party that is sure to go late into the night. Picture musicians and bands lighting up the stage, huge screens to watch the game, food vendors and fan zones. Bring your friends or come down and meet new ones! Learn more about this festival here.
Do I Need A Ticket For the FIFA Fan Festival?
Entry into the festival is free, but there will be ticketed options available if you want a VIP or elevated experience with different amenities.
The Last Mile
A unique collection of fan experiences exclusive to ticket holders, the Last Mile will be hosting Vancouver’s vibrant pre-match celebration. Located on Main Street, from the ScienceWorld SkyTrain station and winding through the beautiful False Creek waterfront to BC Place, this will be an immersive experience. Details about this production are still being confirmed, so stand by for more information.
FIFA Celebrates – Canada-Wide FIFA Celebration
FIFA has announced the launch of Canada Celebrates – a first of it’s kind program in celebration of the FIFA World Cup. Pop-up events will launch in Vancouver and Halifax on June 11th, making 40 stops across the country in total.
Public Spaces will be transformed into vibrant gathering places as a way to celebrate the biggest FIFA World Cup in history. More information to come, specifically on Vancouver events, you can learn more here.
Country Supporter Crawl
Pick a nation that is playing in the World Cup that day and go where their supporters gather to join in on the fun. This could be pubs, restaurants, or neighbourhoods. It’s a great way to get in on the festivities of the World Cup and celebrate it here in Vancouver.
More Events Will Be Added
In researching World Cup watch parties and celebrations, I’ve been told that a lot more events will be announced shortly. We will keep this section updated as information becomes available.
Best Sighting Seeing In Vancouver During the World Cup
What I proudly proclaim (and with some bias, I know), Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and visiting in the summer, you’re sure to see it shine. From a bustling harbour with seaplanes taking off and landing, to cruise ships coming into the terminal, to the walkable streets that will have you finding the best gelato and restaurants, come for the game but stay for the city!
🚌 If this is your first time in Vancouver, start here. I always recommend a hop-on hop-off tour to get oriented quickly—especially when your schedule revolves around World Cup matches. See tour details and pricing.
When I have family or friends who are coming into Vancouver for the first time, here’s what I recommend:
Stanley Park & Seawall
An iconic park that is surrounded by water on three sides, you have to walk (or cycle, or roll) along the world-famous seawall. The full loop will take you on a visual buffet, allowing you to see the Vancouver skyline from various angles. You’ll walk under the First Narrows Bridge (aka Lions Gate Bridge) and look up to the North Shore Mountains. The winding pathway will take you past multiple beaches and through old-growth forests. It’s one of my favourite places to explore as both a local and with guests.
Local Tips:
- There are two lanes on the seawall, one for people walking and one for people on bikes & wheels. Be sure to stay out of each other’s lanes as that’s where collisions can happen.
- Wear comfortable shoes! Don’t have your day ruined by not being prepared. Comfortable shoes are a must!
🚴 From ocean views to forest trails, Stanley Park shows off Vancouver at its best. Biking in the park is one of the most memorable ways to experience it. See ebike tour availability for your dates.
Granville Island Public Market
A bustling seaside market, it may sound cliche but Granville Island really has something for everyone. From fresh off the boat catches to artisan foods, local sweets and treats, to artists showcasing their work, this is a place where you slowly roam and take your time. The market sprawls down various alleys, with lots of studios to wander into, as it is a mecca for local artists. With great restaurants and a view looking out over the beach and the Vancouver skyscrapers, a day at Granville Island is a must when visiting Vancouver!
Capilano Suspension Bridge & Rainforest Trails
Swaying 70 meters above the riverbed, Capilano Suspension Bridge has been welcoming guests to traverse across the water and into the old-growth forest for over 130 years. While the bridge itself is a fantastic experience, they also have their treetop forest walks and cliffside bridge that immerse you deep into our Vancouver ecosystem.
Rumour has it that they will be doing some special activations for the World Cup, so we will keep you updated here!
Traveller Tip: The souvenir store at Capilano Suspension Bridge is my favourite one in all of Vancouver. They offer high quality Canadian items that are of high quality and truly represent our culture. This is where I go to shop for Christmas presents and for myself! So if you’re looking for something special, this is the place!
⚽ Perfect for non-match days or mornings before a game. Capilano Suspension Bridge combines nature, views, and a little adrenaline without taking up your whole day. Reserve your entry ticket.
Grouse Mountain – The Peak of Vancouver
For the best scenic view looking out over Vancouver, you have to head up the gondola at Grouse Mountain. Not only will you get picture-perfect panoramic photos, but there’s so much more to explore (if you can pull yourself away from the view!). In the summer, they have their lumberjack show, their birds of prey demonstration, you can visit with their resident bears, Grinder and Coola, go ziplining, do a ropes course, hike around the mountain, and more!
If you’re very fit and adventurous, you can skip taking the gondola and hike the famous “Grouse Grind.” NOT for the faint of heart, the Grouse Grind is a steep 2.9 km hiking trail that locals dub “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster.” With 2830 stairs to climb over approximately 850 meters of elevation, this is a physical feat that will challenge even those in excellent shape. It normally takes 1.5 – 2.5 hours to complete.
🚠 Want mountain views without leaving the city? Grouse Mountain is one of the easiest ways to experience Vancouver’s outdoor side during the FIFA World Cup—perfect for a half-day adventure between matches. Check tickets and availability here.
BC Sports Hall of Fame
Whether you’re a dedicated sports fan or just curious about local history, the BC Sports Hall of Fame offers a compelling mix of storytelling, heritage and hands-on fun in one of Vancouver’s most iconic venues, BC Place Stadium. The museum tells the story of more than 150 years of sporting achievement across the province—highlighting individuals, teams and communities who have shaped BC’s sports culture. Inside, you’ll find a sweeping collection of over 28,000 artifacts—from memorabilia of legendary athletes to immersive galleries celebrating Indigenous sport, the 2010 Olympics, and more.
Where to Eat & Drink In Vancouver
Vancouver has a world-renowned food scene, and while you’re here, I suggest you indulge in as many restaurants as possible! A celebration of our multiculturalism, you’ll find a plethora of food to choose from, including an extensive array of Asian cuisines (sushi to die for!), fusion eats, casual plates (Canadian Poutine!), plant-based options, as well as a strong craft brew scene. With its oceanside location, Vancouver is a great place to devour fresh catches of the day and seasonally based foods from our local farms.
My Favourite Restaurant In Vancouver
My personal favourite restaurant in all of Vancouver is called The Sandbar. It’s located in Granville Island, and I recommend that you book a window seat so you can take in the beautiful views. With a wide selection of seafood, Surf and Turf Sundays, and a sushi bar, this is where I take all of my guests when visiting Vancouver.
Craft Beer & Local Breweries
Vancouver has a vibrant craft beer scene with a lot of local breweries and pubs around town. They will undoubtedly be streaming the local and international games, and make for a great atmosphere to kick off, watch, or wind down after a game.
Nightlife
If you’re looking to party past 8 pm (aka my bedtime), check out Gastown, Granville Street, and Yaletown for after parties, after after parties, and after after after parties!
Best Photo Spots in Vancouver during FIFA 2026
If you want to capture the best Instagram-worthy photos in Vancouver during your stay, here’s our guide to the best places to get the best shots.
- Canada Place – With its big white sails as a backdrop, nothing says, “Hello from Vancouver” like using Canada Place for your photos.
- Olympic Cauldron – For sports enthusiasts, you can head just down from Canada Place to Jack Poole Plaza and find the 2010 Olympic Cauldron.
- Stanley Park – With so many photo opportunities in one place, this is the best destination to capture a variety of different scenes. Here’s the top ones not to miss:
- Vancouver Skyline – Head out to Hallelujah Point (by the famous Totem Poles) and look back over the Vancouver skyline for a beautiful photo of the city.
- 9 O’Clock Gun – At 9:00 pm each night, the historical cannon on the south side of Brockton Point goes off. A neat thing to see, and if you’re an advanced photographer, potentially capture.
- North Shore Mountains – Head over to the Brockton Point Lighthouse and capture the winding seawall as it looks out over Vancouver’s North Shore and the mountain range.
- Beaches – English Bay Beach, Second Beach, Third Beach – So many great places to capture where the ocean’s waves meet up with the sand. Sunset is especially spectacular in the summer from these beaches!
- First Narrows Bridge (aka Lions Gate Bridge) – go to Prospect Point and capture one of the most iconic shots in Vancouver. Another great place to capture the bridge is from the overpass where Stanley Park Drive goes over the Stanley Park Causeway (just south of Prospect Point), the perfect viewpoint to see the two Lion statues guarding the bridge as the cars go over. Tip – Bring a tripod and do a slow shutter shot to capture the movement of the vehicles.
- Gastown – Known for its historical steam clock, this is the perfect place to grab a coffee and head down to the cobblestone streets to see the clock go off.
- ScienceWorld – Home to our local science centre, not only does the geodesic dome building make for a great photo, but it’s also a great spot to take a photo of BC Place Stadium from across False Creek.
Where To Play Soccer While You’re Visiting Vancouver
Do you want to kick around the ball while you’re here and make some new friends? Canadians are very welcoming, and we encourage you to go explore some of our local pitches and even play a game! Here are some of the top fields to check out:
Traditional Soccer Fields:
- Empire Field
- Trout Lake
- Andy Livingstone Park
- Jericho Beach Park
- UBC Fields
Beach Soccer
If the weather’s good, head to one of our beaches and start up a game on the sand. The best beaches to do this are Spanish Banks and Jericho Beach.
Multicultural Neighbourhoods To Explore While Visiting
If you’re looking for big soccer energy and to celebrate with passionate fans, there are three main regions in and out of Vancouver worth visiting:
Commercial Drive in Vancouver
A multicultural oasis, this neighbourhood is known for its bustling sidewalks, with visitors making difficult decisions about where to eat. With patios, big energy, and a variety of cultures calling Commercial Drive home, you’re sure to find good food and new friends in this neighbourhood.
Richmond
With a large Asian population and some of the best Asian food, this is a great place to get pre-match dim sum, sushi, Korean BBQ, and fresh off-the-boat fish. Richmond’s Night Market, the largest Asian night market in North America, is a must-visit for those looking to sample a wide range of Asian foods.
Richmond is also home to the Olympic Oval, where speed skating events were hosted during the 2010 Olympic Games. Now home to the Richmond Olympic Experience, visitors can take part in interactive exhibits, Olympic sport simulators (like bobsleigh!), and wander the exhibits to learn more about the 2010 Games.
Surrey
Surrey magnifies their multicultural talent with their new Spice Trail Program. Showcasing 26 different types of foods, including Afghan, Chinese, Thai, Indian, Lebanese, Mexican, Vietnamese, and more, the Spice Trail is a great way to explore the city through your palate. Learn more about the Surrey Spice Trail here.
Day Trips From Vancouver During FIFA
Please don’t come to Vancouver and stay within the city limits. With so many INCREDIBLE destinations to explore within a 1-3 hour drive, you’ll be missing so much if you don’t go to these places!
Squamish
Located only an hour North of Vancouver, Squamish has been nicknamed the Adventure Capital of Canada, for good reason. Residents love the outdoors, and you’ll see them hiking, biking, kayaking, sailing, fishing, and rock climbing all around town. One of the most popular attractions is the Sea to Sky Gondola, where a 10-minute ride will take you up 885 meters into the mountains. Looking out over Howe Sound, you can spend as little as an hour exploring or bring your hiking gear and head out on scenic trails to really get the most out of your mountain top experience. With the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, a variety of walking trails, and the Chief Overlook Viewing Platform (pictured above), this is a great place to stop for a day or while you make your way up to Squamish.
📸 Travelling to Vancouver for FIFA and want the ultimate “wow” photo spot? I’ve been up the Sea to Sky Gondola myself, and it’s one of the most memorable things you can do outside the city. See ticket options here.
Where to Stay in Squamish
Executive Suites Hotel & Resort
If you’re looking for one of Squamish’s most popular resorts it’s the Executive Suites & Hotel in Garibaldi Highlands. This hotel is pet friendly and kid-friendly (aka there is a pool) and is set off the highway allowing you to soak in the natural surroundings that is Squamish. I have personally stayed at this property and love it as it is a clean and amenity-loaded property.
🌲 Planning a Sea to Sky getaway around World Cup matches? Staying in Squamish gives you breathing room, better views, and a quieter place to recharge—Executive Suites is one of the most practical options. View room options here.
Sandman Hotel & Suites Squamish
If you are looking for a great family-oriented hotel, then look no further. The Sandman Hotel & Suites Squamish hotel has it all, an indoor pool (complete with a waterslide!), a hot tub, free continental breakfast, pet-friendly and is centrally located to all the action that Squamish has to offer.
👨👩👧👦 Travelling with kids and turning your FIFA trip into a bigger adventure? Sandman Hotel & Suites Squamish is a convenient, family-friendly base with easy access to outdoor activities—perfect for exploring Squamish either before or after the World Cup crowds in Vancouver. Check family-friendly room options here.
Whistler
Home of the 2010 Olympics, Whistler is an incredible place to visit during the summer. Whistler Village is nestled into the mountainside, and you could spend the whole day wandering through the village pathways, exploring the shops and restaurants. From the base of the mountain, you can look up to the slopes and see hiking trails, the Peak to Peak gondola ride, and mountain bikers flying down the hill, only to reset and head back up the lift again. Feel free to get in on the action, or for something more mellow, rent ebikes and cruise the Valley Trail, head to Lost Lake or Green Lake for a summer swim, or grab some clubs and hit up the golf course (see why I said you can’t go for only one day!).
Whistler is excited to be welcoming guests who are in town for FIFA Vancouver 2026 with a vibrant village filled with shops and restaurants. Some people head up for a single day, which is possible, but I recommend staying at least one or two nights.
Where To Stay In Whistler
The Westin Resort and Spa
Located at the base of the mountain, I love staying at The Westin during mountain biking season so I can watch all the riders come down the hill and into the village. I feel like the Westin has the best location in the village, as it is on the edge of the mountain but not as loud as if you were right in the middle of the village. It also has great amenities, including a mountain-side pool and a luxury fitness studio.
🛏️ If you’re travelling for FIFA and want space to actually relax, this is a great choice. The Westin’s suite-style rooms are ideal for longer stays or families adding Whistler onto their World Cup itinerary. View your suite options here.
Aava Whistler Hotel
One of my favourite hotels in Whistler, The Aava is just steps from the village. With oversized rooms and even rooms with kitchens, they are a great place for the whole family or a group of friends to call home for their stay. Be sure to soak and relax in their year-round outdoor heated pool and hot tub. Do you mountain bike? They offer secure storage and a mountain bike valet!
⚽ Pair high-energy match days with a quieter Whistler stay. Aava is ideal if you want mountain scenery, easy access to the village, and a relaxed place to unwind after the World Cup excitement. Book your stay here.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
A short 10-minute walk or a 3-minute free bus ride, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is as iconic as it gets when it comes to staying in a Canadian mountainside resort. With luxury amenities and service that is synonymous with the Fairmont name, when I’m looking to splurge, this is the place. During the summer, they have The Clubhouse open, which is absolutely delicious beyond words and has a spectacular patio.
With multiple restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools (with poolside service), an incredible spa, sound bath & yoga classes, and a top-notch fitness centre, this is a place you can vacation at, even if you’re only there one night!
🏔️ If you’re already flying to Canada for the FIFA World Cup, this is the splurge that makes it unforgettable. Fairmont Chateau Whistler delivers iconic mountain views, five-star comfort, and an unbeatable alpine setting before or after the matches. Check luxury room availability here.
Victoria
Hop aboard BC Ferries, or take a seaplane over to Victoria and explore the capital of British Columbia. With British Colonial architecture surrounded by a beautiful display of flowers, Victoria is my favourite city in the world to photograph. Set upon the inner harbour, you can see boats cruising in and out of the harbour, and I recommend you board a little yellow water taxi and head over to Fisherman’s Cove. There you’ll find a variety of great food, whale watching tours, and brightly painted floating homes that are as cute to look at as they are fun to photograph.
To tell you how to spend time in Victoria is really difficult as there’s so much to do, so know you can customize your time to your needs. A bustling city with an excellent food scene, great shopping, all set on a stunning backdrop of oceanside living and historic buildings, exploring the city is half the fun.
Fun fact: If you are gluten-free or vegan, there is a wide variety of restaurants to choose from in Victoria that specialize in these options.
Where To Stay in Victoria
Fairmont Empress Victoria
If you’re looking for a fairytale stay, the Fairmont Empress in Victoria awaits. Make reservations for their custom high tea experience, book in a spa treatment, or just hang out around the hotel, all while looking out on the manicured gardens that gaze down on the marina. Sunrise is especially beautiful at the Fairmont, and a great time to head outside and take photos before all the tourists arrive!
🏨 If you’re flying all the way to Canada for the FIFA World Cup, this is the kind of stay that elevates the whole trip. The Fairmont Empress is a historic, waterfront hotel that’s ideal for unwinding before or after the matches. Check availability at the Fairmont Empress.
The Parkside Hotel and Spa
Centrally located in the heart of Downtown Victoria, The Parkside Hotel & Spa is proudly Canadian-owned and operated, offering elevated stays focused on sustainability and authentic experiences. With amenities like a 25-m pool, fitness centre, floating sound meditation experience, and complimentary bike rentals, The Parkside is the perfect basecamp for your Victoria adventures.
👨👩👧👦 Travelling with family and adding Victoria to your FIFA World Cup trip? The Parkside Hotel & Spa is a fantastic option with spacious suites and an easy, walkable location—perfect for slowing things down before or after the matches. Check family-friendly suites here.
Extend Your Stay – Come For The Match – Stay For The Magic
Klahoose Wilderness Resort – An Authentic Indigenous Wilderness Retreat
Klahoose Wilderness Resort is an award-winning Indigenous lodge and resort that invites you to embrace an unforgettable escape in the beautiful Klahoose Territory on British Columbia Westcoast. With special 3, 4, and 7-night packages, they have curated once-in-a-lifetime experiences for you at their resort. Immerse yourself in the coastal B.C. rainforest and ocean, witness incredible whales and marine life, and connect with the living culture of the toq qaymɩxʷ (Klahoose) people.
“Klahoose Wilderness Resort is the closest wilderness lodge to Vancouver — a unique, authentic Indigenous retreat to complement the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Just a short journey from the city, our Indigenous-owned, award-winning lodge invites football fans to experience the best of both worlds: world-class matches in Vancouver and an unforgettable escape into the pristine beauty of Klahoose Territory here in coastal British Columbia.”
The resort has packages aligned with the FIFA Vancouver match dates and include:
- June 7–11, 2026 (w/Canadian Geographic)
- June 14–18, 2026
- June 28–July 2, 2026
- July 9–12, 2026
You can also visit on single match days including:
- June 18-21, 2026
- June 25-28, 2026
- July 2-5, 2026
Local Tips for Visiting During The World Cup in Vancouver
- Weather – June and July are the perfect time to visit our beautiful city, as you should have mostly sunny days during your stay. You can expect the weather to range from 20 to 26 °C or 70 to 79 °F.
- Layer Up – Even though it’s warm, it can get breezy if you’re next to the water, or perhaps taking a water taxi around town, so be sure to have a light jacket on hand for maximum comfort.
- Stay Centrally – Downtown, Yaletown or Coal Harbour areas allow you to walk to the events and access the whole downtown core by foot (or short Uber).
- Book Early – Hotels and rentals fill fast during the summer, and it will be especially busy during the World Cup.
- Transit is your Friend – Vancouver has their own subway system called SkyTrain and an efficient bus system. Skip the car and take transit if possible.
FIFA Vancouver FAQs
When should I book hotels for FIFA Vancouver 2026?
Earlier is better, as June and July are already popular seasons, and the prices will go up as inventory goes down.
Should I stay downtown Vancouver or outside the city?
This depends on your travel style and budget. If you want to be in the middle of the action and have the budget for a downtown stay, book a Vancouver hotel. If you’re looking to save money and commute, or perhaps explore a neighbouring city like Surrey or Richmond, book a hotel there.
How do I get from Vancouver airport (YVR) to downtown?
There are a variety of ways:
- Train – There’s a train that takes you directly from the airport to downtown Vancouver.
- Hotel Transfer – Many of the local Richmond hotels have shuttles to and from the airport. If this is important to you, be sure to research your hotel and see if it has a shuttle to and from the airport.
- Uber / Lyft – There’s a pickup spot on the lower levels to connect with your ride share partner.
- Taxi – Often more expensive but easily accessible from YVR.
- Private Transfer – You can book a private car for hire if you want a VIP experience.
Is Vancouver walkable for visitors?
Yes, Vancouver is one of the most walkable cities in Canada, if not the world. From wide sidewalks to oceanside paths, not only is it safe, but it’s a beautiful city to walk around.
Is it easy to get around Vancouver without a car?
Absolutely. Not only is Vancouver very walkable, but you can also take water taxis, rent ebikes or regular bikes, or call an Uber.
Is Vancouver safe for tourists during the World Cup?
Vancouver is typically a very safe community for visitors. Be sure to practice safe travel like you would in any city, including keeping your personal belongings close, heads up and eyes on who is around you, not walking dark alleys at night. Travel in groups and be ready to have fun!
How close is Seattle to Vancouver?
Seattle is located in the United States of America, and is a 3-hour drive south of Vancouver. If you are planning to travel between the two cities, please know that they are in different countries and each have their own entry requirements (including mandatory passports). If travelling by car, be sure to allow yourself time for border delays during peak times and games.
How close is Toronto to Vancouver?
Toronto and Vancouver are a 5-hour flight or 4 day drive apart. There’s also a 3-hour time difference. I’ve seen on forums that people are thinking they can hop easily between both Canadian cities, so be sure to give ample time in between games to commute.
The World Cup in Vancouver is about so much more than soccer — it’s a chance to explore our uniquely beautiful oceanside city through the eyes of its people like me! We’re thrilled to welcome you to Vancouver and to Canada, and can’t wait to host you here, in a way that only Canadians can! With open arms and glowing hearts!
Have questions? Follow me on Instagram and shoot me a DM!
