Things to Do in Vancouver: The Best World Cup 2026 Guide

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World Cup Info

🏟️ Host stadium: BC Place
📍 District / Area: Downtown / False Creek
👥 Stadium capacity: 54,500
🚶‍♂️Stadium Type: Retractable Roof (Cable-Supported)

Welcome to Vancouver: A World Cup 2026 Host City

Things to do in Vancouver

Planning the ultimate trip starts with discovering the best Things to do in Vancouver. As a dazzling host for the World Cup 2026, this coastal metropolis balances urban chic with wild nature. Whether you are checking the time in vancouver to catch a match or exploring the historic districts, our guide covers it all.

Logistics are easy here. Most fans booking flights to vancouver will land at the award-winning
vancouver airport (YVR).
Before you pack, check the vancouver weather; unlike the snowy north, the city enjoys mild conditions perfect for walking.

Accommodation is plentiful, from luxury hotels in vancouver waterfront to budget-friendly options. We help you find the best
vancouver hotels near the iconic bc place stadium.

If you are wondering where is vancouver located, it sits between the mountains and the ocean in British Columbia. Get ready to explore unique things to do in vancouver canada, from tasting the diverse restaurants of vancouver to hiking the majestic North Shore.

SoFi Stadium (Inglewood) Capacity: 70,240 Type: Indoor-Outdoor (Roof covered)

LAX International Distance to Stadium: Only 6 km (4 miles). Transfer time: ~15 mins by car.

Santa Monica & Downtown Santa Monica for beach vibes. LA Live (Downtown) for city celebrations.

Top Things to Do in Vancouver

Stanley Park & Seawall

No list of things to do in vancouver is complete without cycling the Seawall. This massive urban park is bigger than NYC’s Central Park. It offers beaches, trails, and totem poles, defining the essence of things to do in vancouver canada for every visitor.

Granville Island Public Market

A food lover’s paradise under the bridge. Visiting this market is iconic. While some look for a standard vancouver mall, this cultural hub offers fresh seafood, artisan crafts, and street views that capture the true spirit of the city.

Gastown & Steam Clock

Walk through the cobblestone streets of the city’s oldest neighborhood. Waiting for the Steam Clock to whistle is one of the classic things to do in vancouver. The area is packed with trendy boutiques and Victorian charm.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

For thrill-seekers, crossing this suspension bridge amidst towering rainforests is a must. It highlights the wilder side of things to do in vancouver canada, located just a short drive from downtown.

Metropolis at Metrotown

If you need to shop, this is the place. As the largest vancouver mall in the province, it offers hundreds of stores. It is easily accessible by SkyTrain, making it a perfect rainy-day activity for World Cup tourists.

Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Vancouver

🏟️ Connected to Stadium

JW Marriott Parq Vancouver

The ultimate luxury choice. Located directly beside bc place, this resort features a casino and rooftop park. It is widely considered one of the best hotels in vancouver for fans who want zero travel time to the match.

💎 Ultra Luxury

Fairmont Pacific Rim

Facing the harbor, this hotel defines opulence. Among all hotels vancouver canada offers, this spot stands out for its modern design, rooftop pool, and proximity to the Convention Centre.

🚶 Walk to Match

Georgian Court Hotel

A boutique hotel located just steps from the stadium gates. It offers a perfect balance of comfort and convenience, ranking high among vancouver hotels for its strategic location and excellent service.

💰 Best Budget

YWCA Hotel Vancouver

Don’t let the name fool you; this is a clean, modern, and safe option for budget travelers. Finding affordable hotels in vancouver is hard, but this hotel offers unmatched value right in the downtown core.

📸 Retro/Trendy

The Burrard

A converted motor inn with a cool, retro 1950s vibe. Popular with younger crowds, it is one of the most stylish hotels vancouver canada has, featuring a lush courtyard and free bike rentals.

🍻 Sports Bar Vibe

Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Centre

Home to the famous Shark Club Sports Bar. This is one of the favorite vancouver hotels for sports groups. It offers solid mid-range comfort and an electric atmosphere on game days.

Best Restaurants & Food in Vancouver

🍣 Famous Aburi Sushi

Miku Waterfront

Vancouver is the sushi capital of North America. Miku is famous for its flame-seared “Aburi” sushi. It tops the list of restaurants of vancouver for its incredible food and panoramic views of the harbor.

🧇 Belgian & Pre-Game

Chambar Restaurant

Located near the stadium, this Belgian restaurant is legendary for mussels and waffles. It is a sophisticated yet lively spot, standing out among restaurants of vancouver as the perfect place for a pre-match dinner.

🌭 Street Food Icon

Japadog

You cannot visit without trying Japadog. Started as a food stand, now a celebrity favorite. It offers Japanese-style hot dogs (like Terimayo) that define the casual dining scene of vancouver city.

🏖️ Beach Views

Cactus Club Cafe (English Bay)

While some search for beaches restaurant and bar vancouver (which is in WA), the real local icon is Cactus Club at English Bay. Enjoy sunset drinks right on the sand with the best ocean views in the city.

🍁 French-Canadian

St. Lawrence

Experience authentic Quebecois cuisine in British Columbia. Ranked consistently as one of the best restaurants of vancouver, it offers hearty, rustic dishes in a cozy, old-world atmosphere.

📺 Ultimate Sports Bar

The Shark Club

The headquarters for sports fans. With massive screens and loud cheers, it is the go-to spot near bc place. If you can’t get a ticket to the game, this is the next best place to eat and watch.

Vancouver Fan Experience: Play, Watch & Chant

🥁 Chant & March

The Southsiders (Vancouver Whitecaps)

Join the “Southsiders,” the city’s oldest supporter group. They are known for their organized “March to the Match” towards bc place. Immersing yourself in their energy is the best way to feel the local football heartbeat.

Culture

👟 Play Near Stadium

Andy Livingstone Park

Located just a block from the stadium, this park features a full-sized lighted turf field. It is the prime spot for fan pickup games, offering a stunning backdrop of the bc place lights and city skyline.

Play

🍻 Euro Style Pub

Red Card Sports Bar

A stylish mix of a sports bar and an Italian diner. With 18 HD screens and a massive projector, it is a favorite for European football fans. The atmosphere here during international tournaments is electrifying.

Watch

Best Time to Visit Vancouver

The World Cup Season ⚽

Tournament Summer

June – July

15°C - 24°C

Perfect football weather. The weather vancouver experiences in summer is mild and dry, unlike the humidity of the east coast. Long sunny days (sunset around 9 PM) give you plenty of time to explore.

The Sweet Spot 🌿

September Shoulder

September

13°C - 20°C

Locals love this time. The summer crowds disperse, but the vancouver weather remains pleasant and sunny. It is ideal for hiking and enjoying the city’s outdoor patios before the rainy season starts.

Winter / Budget ☔

Rainy Season

November – March

5°C - 10°C

Expect grey skies and daily rain (“Raincouver”). However, it rarely snows in the city. If you check weather vancouver forecasts for snow, head to the nearby mountains (Whistler) for world-class skiing while staying in the mild city.

Getting Around in Vancouver

🚄 Fastest Link

The SkyTrain (Canada Line)

Airport to Downtown
After arriving on flights to vancouver, skip the taxi. The Canada Line train connects vancouver airport (YVR) to downtown in just 26 minutes. It is clean, safe, and cost-effective, dropping you minutes from the stadium.

Tap your contactless credit card directly on the fare gates; you don’t need to buy a separate paper ticket.

⛴️ Scenic Route

The SeaBus & Aquabus

Water Transport

Vancouver is a city of water. Use the SeaBus to cross to North Vancouver or the tiny Aquabus ferries to reach Granville Island. It’s not just transport; it’s one of the most scenic things to do in vancouver for the price of a transit fare.

The SeaBus offers incredible views of the city skyline—have your camera ready during the 12-minute crossing.

City Map Vancouver

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Vancouver 2026 Fan Guide

Everything you need to know about the Host City

Where is the World Cup Host City located?

Travelers asking where is vancouver city should know it is in British Columbia, Canada. It is crucial not to confuse it with the US city. For example, checking vancouver wa weather will give you the wrong forecast! The Canadian weather vancouver experiences is milder and coastal. Ensure your flights to vancouver are booked to YVR (Canada), not PDX.

Where is the stadium located?

The matches will be held at bc place, located right downtown. You can easily find it on any bc place map near False Creek. Because of its central location, many hotels in vancouver and even hotels vancouver canada offers are within walking distance, saving you transportation costs.

What is there to do besides football?

The variety of things to do in vancouver is endless. From skiing on Grouse Mountain to shopping at a massive vancouver mall like Metropolis, there is something for everyone. Don’t miss the things to do in vancouver canada involving nature, such as walking the Seawall or visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

What should I pack for the trip?

Always check the vancouver weather before flying. Summers are pleasant, but layers are recommended. Also, keep an eye on the time in vancouver (Pacific Time Zone) to manage jet lag. Unlike the rainy stereotypes, the World Cup season usually offers the best weather vancouver has all year.

Where are the best places to eat?

The restaurants of vancouver are world-famous, especially for Asian cuisine and seafood. While you might see searches for beaches restaurant and bar vancouver (which is a popular spot in Washington, USA), in Vancouver BC, you should dine at the beach-side patios in English Bay for true local flavor.

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