Where Nature Meets the Game. World Cup 2026 definitive guide.
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Imagine walking out of a world-class stadium and being 15 minutes away from both ocean kayaking and mountain hiking. Vancouver delivers a refreshing anomaly: a compact, walkable downtown peninsula surrounded by nature, where the average match-day temperature is a perfect 22°C (72°F).
Downtown or Yaletown. The entire peninsula is walkable to BC Place. Avoid driving.
Use the SkyTrain. The Canada Line connects YVR Airport to Downtown in 25 minutes.
Vancouver is expensive. Hotel rates will be premium. Book early and budget for higher food costs.
Most international visitors (excluding US citizens) need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa. It costs $7 CAD and is usually approved quickly.
Check eTA RequirementsBook hotels immediately. Vancouver has a hotel shortage and high demand in summer. Look at Richmond if Downtown is full.
Confirm match tickets. Plan trips to Whistler or Vancouver Island (ferries need booking).
Book popular restaurants (Miku, Vij's). Prepare rain gear just in case.
BC Place features a retractable roof and the largest center-hung scoreboard in North America.
BC Place is a visual landmark on the Vancouver skyline. With its state-of-the-art retractable roof, it ensures perfect conditions regardless of the Pacific Northwest weather. It hosts Canada's national team matches, creating an electric home-field atmosphere.
Getting There: BC Place is in the city center. It is easily accessible by the Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain station (Expo Line), just a short walk away.
Arrive early. The stadium is downtown, so pubs and streets will be packed with fans.
The roof is retractable, but it might be closed if it rains. The stadium is comfortable regardless.
Walk to Yaletown or Gastown for celebrations. The SkyTrain will be busy immediately after the whistle.
Canada's home matches will have immense demand. Register for the FIFA lottery as soon as it opens (likely late 2025).
FIFA Official SiteExpect high premiums for Canada matches. Verified resale sites are your safest bet if you miss the initial draw.
Check StubHubVancouver faces a hotel shortage. Staying Downtown is best for walking to the stadium. Richmond (near the airport) is a great alternative, connected by the Canada Line SkyTrain.
Attached to Stadium to Stadium
1.2 miles to Stadium
5 min walk to Stadium
The automated rapid transit system. The Expo Line goes to the stadium. The Canada Line goes to the airport (YVR). Tap your credit card to ride.
The SeaBus connects Downtown to North Vancouver (mountains). Tiny Aquabus ferries take you across False Creek to Granville Island.
Avoid driving downtown. Parking is expensive and traffic is heavy. The city is designed for walking and transit.
Vancouver is famous for high-quality, affordable sushi. Try Miku for high-end aburi or local spots for great value.
Fresh Pacific seafood is a must. Oysters, salmon, and spot prawns are local delicacies found in Yaletown.
From dim sum in Richmond to ramen in the West End, the Asian food scene here is world-class.
Vancouver blends urban life with nature. You can cycle the seawall in the morning and dine in a skyscraper at night.
Larger than Central Park. Rent a bike and ride the Seawall for stunning ocean and mountain views.
A hub of food, art, and culture. Take the Aquabus and explore the famous Public Market.
Walk across a suspension bridge high above a canyon in the rainforest. A true PNW experience.
Vancouver is generally very safe. However, be cautious in the Downtown Eastside (Hastings & Main area), which faces social challenges.
Vancouver is a major film production hub. You might see film sets around town. The city is also deeply connected to its Indigenous roots, with beautiful Coast Salish art visible throughout the city and airport.
Vancouver doubles for many cities in movies. Keep an eye out for pink production signs.
Look for totem poles and public art honoring the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations.
The vibe is laid back. Yoga pants and hiking boots are standard attire, even in nice restaurants.
Mild and pleasant (15–22°C / 60–72°F). Rain is possible, so bring a light jacket.