Canada · FIFA World Cup 2026
Vancouver Travel Guide
Seven matches at BC Place — Canada's Pacific host city
1 host stadiums3 upcoming fixtures1 nearby airports
Host stadiums
About Vancouver
Vancouver hosts seven World Cup fixtures at BC Place, a retractable-roof stadium right in the heart of downtown. It is the smallest Canadian host city but offers the most compact and walkable matchday experience of the three North American hosts.
The setting — ocean on one side, mountains on the other — makes Vancouver a fan-favourite base. Seattle is a 3-hour drive across the US border, enabling cross-city itineraries.
Upcoming matches in Vancouver
Where to stay
- Downtown / Coal Harbour — walking distance to BC Place, panoramic views.
- Gastown — historic cobbled streets, best craft beer scene, 10-min walk to BC Place.
- Yaletown — upscale waterfront district, 5-min walk to the stadium.
- Kitsilano — beachy, 30 min by bus, less convenient matchday but scenic.
Getting around
- SkyTrain: Stadium–Chinatown station is directly outside BC Place.
- Vancouver Aquabus & SeaBus — low-cost scenic transit that most tourists miss.
- YVR airport to downtown: Canada Line SkyTrain, 25 min, CAD $10.50.
- Don't drive on matchday — downtown street closures extend 4 hours around kickoff.
What to eat
- Granville Island Public Market — seafood, bakeries, breweries, 10 min by Aquabus.
- Gastown — Italian, Japanese, modern Canadian. Best in Vancouver.
- Richmond (15 min south) — arguably the best Chinese food in North America.
Safety and matchday tips
- Downtown is very safe. Avoid the Downtown Eastside (specifically around East Hastings) at night.
- Summer can be rainy — bring a light waterproof jacket.
- BC Place is cashless — contactless card or mobile wallet inside.
Fan zones and atmosphere
- Jack Poole Plaza & Canada Place — waterfront Fan Festival site.
- Robson Street — unofficial bar-crawl route before and after matches.
Nearest airports
- YVRVancouver International
Other host cities
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