Vancouver, British Columbia
Your Complete 2026 World Cup Guide
At a Glance
- Location
- Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Population
- 675,000
- Time Zone
- PST/PDT (UTC-8/-7)
- Stadiums
- 1 venue
- Matches Hosted
- 7 matches
- Best Way to Get Around
- TransLink (SkyTrain, SeaBus, Bus)
Last Updated: by KickoffAdventures Editorial Team
Overview
Vancouver Stadium (BC Place) will host 7 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, including two matches for the Canadian Men's National Team (June 18 & 24). Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, Vancouver offers a stunning backdrop for the tournament. The 54,500-seat venue features a retractable roof and temporary natural grass installed specifically for the World Cup (a massive logistical feat replacing the usual turf).
Vancouver is famous for its laid-back West Coast vibe, incredible sushi, and access to nature. You can ski, sail, and golf all in the same day. For World Cup fans, the compact downtown means you can walk from your hotel to the match, then celebrate in Yaletown or Granville Island afterwards.
Pro Tip: Accommodations will be the biggest challenge. Vancouver has a shortage of hotel rooms. Book as soon as dates are confirmed, or look at staying in Richmond near the Canada Line for cheaper/better availability.
⚽World Cup Stadium
Getting Around
TransLink is your best friend. The SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines) is fully automated and frequent. Fares increased in July 2025: a 1-Zone cash/tap trip is now $3.35 CAD. You do not need a Compass Card unless you're staying long-term (cards save ~$0.65/ride but cost $6). Just tap your credit card or phone at the fare gate.
Important: The SeaBus (ferry to North Vancouver) is a must-do for the views alone, costing just a regular 2-Zone transit fare ($4.85).
To reach the Stadium: Get off at Stadium-Chinatown Station (Expo Line) or walk from Yaletown/Downtown. It is incredibly central.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are available but avoid them for airport transfers—the Canada Line train is faster and cheaper ($9.60 vs $45+).
Where to Stay
Best for Proximity: Yaletown ($$$). converted warehouses, high-end dining, 5 min walk to stadium.
Best for Nightlife: Gastown ($$). Historic charm, great bars, 15 min walk to stadium. (Avoid East Hastings Street nearby).
Best for Value: Richmond ($$). Near airport, amazing Asian food, connected to downtown by subway (20 mins).
Best for Views: Coal Harbour / Waterfront ($$$$). Near the Convention Centre, seaplanes, and luxury hotels. 20 min walk to stadium.
Warning: Vancouver hotels are among the most expensive in Canada. Expect $400+ CAD/night during match weeks.
Neighborhood Breakdown
Yaletown
Best For
Luxury travelers, foodies, proximity to stadium
Distance to Stadium
0.5 miles
Travel Time
5-10 min walk
Pros
- •Upscale neighborhood converted from old warehouses
- •Walking distance to Vancouver Stadium (5-10 mins)
- •Excellent dining scene with patios and cocktail bars
- •Right on the Seawall for waterfront walking/biking
- •Very safe and clean
- •Canada Line subway access (Yaletown-Roundhouse)
Cons
- •Very expensive
- •Can be noisy on weekend nights
- •Limited budget food options
Gastown
Best For
History buffs, nightlife, younger crowds
Distance to Stadium
1 mile
Travel Time
15-20 min walk
Pros
- •Vancouver's oldest neighborhood with cobblestone streets
- •Famous Steam Clock and historic architecture
- •Trendy bars, souvenir shops, and cafes
- •Walking distance to Waterfront Station (transit hub)
- •Walkable to stadium (15-20 mins)
Cons
- •Proximity to East Hastings (areas can feel gritty/unsafe at night)
- •Cobblestones are hard on suitcases
- •Noisy nightlife scene
- •Tourist traps abound
West End / Stanley Park
Best For
Beach lovers, LGBTQ+ travelers, families
Distance to Stadium
2 miles
Travel Time
15-20 min bus or 30-40 min walk
Pros
- •Adjacent to Stanley Park and English Bay beaches
- •Diverse dining on Denman and Davie Streets
- •Very leafy, residential feel
- •LGBTQ+ friendly (Davie Village)
- •Good mix of heritage hotels and mid-range options
Cons
- •Further from stadium (30-40 min walk or bus ride)
- •Traffic can be bad getting in/out of the peninsula
- •Buildings are older compared to Yaletown
Richmond (Airport Area)
Best For
Budget travelers, Asian food enthusiasts
Distance to Stadium
8-10 miles
Travel Time
20-25 min SkyTrain (Canada Line)
Pros
- •Home to the best Asian food in North America
- •Close to YVR Airport
- •Cheaper hotels with larger rooms
- •Connected to downtown via Canada Line Skytrain (20 mins)
- •Night Market (summer weekends) is a major attraction
Cons
- •Not downtown—requires commute for everything
- •Less 'Vancouver' scenery (flat, suburban)
- •Canada Line can be packed during rush hour
Top Things to Do
Must-See in Vancouver:
- Stanley Park Bike Ride: Rent a bike on Denman St. and cycle the 10km Seawall loop.
- Granville Island Public Market: Take the Aquabus ($5) across the creek and eat your way through the market donuts and salmon candy.
- Lynn Canyon: The free alternative to Capilano. Suspension bridge and swimming holes.
- Grouse Mountain: Take the Skyride for sunset views over the city.
- Eat Sushi: Vancouver has arguably the best sushi outside Japan. Try Miku (high end) or any small spot on Robson St (budget).
Fan Fest: Likely to be held at Concord Pacific Place or Hastings Park, offering large screens and mountain views.
Must-See Attractions
Stanley Park
Larger than NYC's Central Park, this 400-hectare rainforest sits right next to downtown. The Seawall is world-famous for cycling and walking. Features beaches, the Vancouver Aquarium, and totem poles. It is the jewel of the city.
Cost
Free (Aquarium is ~$40 CAD)
Time Needed
3-5 hours
Best Time
Weekday mornings or sunset
How to Get There
Bus #19 or bike from downtown
Granville Island
A peninsula under the Granville Bridge known for its massive Public Market. Packed with artisans, food stalls, buskers, and theaters. Take the Aquabus (mini ferry) across False Creek to get there for the full experience.
Cost
Free entry; Aquabus ~$5 CAD
Time Needed
2-3 hours
Best Time
Lunchtime (arrive by 11am to beat lines)
How to Get There
Aquabus from Yaletown or Bus #50
Lynn Canyon Park
The 'local secret' alternative to Capilano Bridge. It features a free suspension bridge, waterfalls, and 30-foot deep swimming holes (popular in summer). It's quieter, wilder, and costs $0.
Cost
Free
Time Needed
2-3 hours
Best Time
Morning to get parking/trail space
How to Get There
Seabus to Lonsdale + Bus #227 or #228
Grouse Mountain
Just 15 mins from downtown, take the Skyride gondola up to the 'Peak of Vancouver'. In summer, you can see grizzly bears (Grinder and Coola), lumberjack shows, and panoramic views of the city and ocean.
Cost
~$75 CAD ($55 USD) for Skyride
Time Needed
3-4 hours
Best Time
Clear days only (check webcam first)
How to Get There
Free shuttle from Canada Place (summer only)
Weather & When to Visit
High
72°F
(22°C)
Low
56°F
(13°C)
Rain
4-6 days/month (Dry season)
Humidity
60-70%
Pack Layers. Vancouver weather in June/July is mild and comfortable (22°C / 72°F), but it cools down fast when the sun sets.
- Rain: It's rare in summer (dry season), but a drizzle is possible.
- Sun: UV index can be high even if it feels cool. Wear sunscreen.
- Daylight: Sun rises at 5am and sets at 9:30pm, giving you long days to explore.
Money-Saving Tips
- **Sushi is the new fast food:** A lunch combo is ~$15-18 CAD. Try 'Samurai Sushi' or 'Sushi California' for huge portions.
- **Lynn Canyon is FREE:** Skip the $65 Capilano Bridge. Lynn Canyon has a suspension bridge and swimming holes for $0.
- **Drink the Tap Water:** It comes from mountain reservoirs and is pristine. Don't buy bottled water.
- **Happy Hour is Law:** BC liquor laws created a standardized Happy Hour culture (3-6pm). Cheap drinks and half-price appetizers everywhere.
- **Seawall Etiquette:** The Seawall has two lanes: one for walking, one for biking. Do not walk in the bike lane. Locals will let you know if you block it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Population
2.6 million (metro)
Time Zone
PST/PDT (UTC-8/-7)
Currency
CAD ($)
Language
English
Emergency
911
Major Airports
YVR - 9 mi