Everything to Know About the World Soccer Matches 2026 Cities and Venues: Vancouver

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With Vancouver hosting the 2026 World Cup, this dynamic city is the ultimate soccer and travel destination. Enjoy world-class matches, explore scenic parks and waterfronts, and experience the city’s renowned food and culture scene—an all in one unforgettable trip!

Venue Highlights

BC Place, located in downtown Vancouver, is a state-of-the-art stadium with a capacity of 54,500. It features a retractable roof, providing a unique indoor-outdoor experience, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and waterfront.

As one of Canada’s premier sports venues, BC Place has hosted major international events, including the 2010 Winter Olympics, the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and CONCACAF Gold Cup matches. With its modern design, central location, and passionate soccer fanbase, BC Place the place to host.

Things to Do Near the Stadium

Vancouver is a beautiful coastal city known for its stunning landscapes, outdoor adventures, and vibrant cultural scene. Whether you're visiting for a match at BC Place or planning to explore one of Canada’s most scenic cities, here are some must-visit locations:

Near BC Place (Downtown Vancouver)

  • Stanley Park & Seawall – One of the most famous urban parks in the world, featuring:

    • A scenic 10-km seawall trail perfect for biking and walking.

    • Beaches, gardens, and Indigenous totem poles.

    • The Vancouver Aquarium, home to marine life from the Pacific Northwest.

  • Granville Island Public Market – A lively marketplace featuring artisan foods, local crafts, and waterfront dining.

  • Gastown – Vancouver’s historic district, known for:

    • The Steam Clock, a famous landmark.

    • Boutique shops and art galleries.

    • Trendy restaurants and craft cocktail bars.

  • Yaletown – A trendy waterfront neighborhood with chic restaurants, rooftop patios, and boutique shopping.

Things to Do in Vancouver (Short Trip from BC Place)

  • Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – A thrilling 140-meter-long bridge suspended above a lush rainforest and river gorge.

  • Grouse Mountain – Vancouver’s most accessible mountain, offering:

    • Skiing and snowboarding in winter.

    • Hiking the Grouse Grind (nicknamed "Mother Nature’s StairMaster") in summer.

    • Aerial Skyride gondola with panoramic city views.

  • Queen Elizabeth Park – A beautiful hilltop park with:

    • Bloedel Conservatory, home to exotic birds and tropical plants.

    • Manicured gardens and city skyline views.

  • Science World – A family-friendly museum featuring interactive science exhibits, an IMAX theatre, and a giant geodesic dome.

  • Robson Street – Vancouver’s best-known shopping district, featuring luxury brands, flagship stores, and vibrant street life.

  • Lonsdale Quay & The Shipyards – A scenic North Vancouver waterfront district, offering:

    • Local markets, breweries, and live entertainment.

    • Spectacular views of downtown Vancouver across the water.

How to Enjoy Vancouver Beyond the Stadium

Vancouver is a city where nature meets urban sophistication. Here’s how to make the most of your trip:

  • Try Vancouver’s Signature Dishes – The city is famous for its seafood and multicultural food scene, including:

    • Pacific Salmon – Enjoy fresh-caught salmon at Blue Water Cafe or Salmon n' Bannock.

    • Sushi & Japanese Cuisine – Visit Miku for flame-seared sushi or Tojo’s for omakase dining.

    • West Coast Oysters – Try local oysters at Rodney’s Oyster House.

    • Poutine – The classic Canadian dish of fries, cheese curds, and gravy, available at La Belle Patate.

    • Dim Sum in Richmond – Just south of Vancouver, Richmond is known for having some of the best dim sum outside of Hong Kong.

  • Explore Vancouver’s Craft Beer Scene – The city is home to award-winning craft breweries, including:

    • Brassneck Brewery – A local favorite for experimental brews.

    • Parallel 49 Brewing – Known for its creative craft beers.

    • Granville Island Brewing – One of Canada’s first microbreweries, offering waterfront views.

  • Take a Sunset Cruise – Explore Vancouver’s scenic coastline on a boat tour through False Creek or around English Bay.

  • Experience Vancouver’s Nightlife – The city’s nightlife ranges from rooftop lounges to live music venues, with top spots in:

    • Gastown & Yaletown – Known for craft cocktail bars and stylish lounges.

    • Granville Street – The city’s entertainment district, featuring nightclubs and live music.

Road Travel & Tips for Navigating Vancouver

Vancouver is a compact, walkable city, but here are some tips for getting around efficiently:

  • Traffic Can Be Heavy – Avoid driving in downtown Vancouver during rush hours (7:30–9:30 AM & 3:30–6:30 PM).

  • Use Public Transit –

    • SkyTrain – Vancouver’s automated rapid transit system, connecting downtown to suburbs and the airport.

    • SeaBus – A ferry connecting downtown Vancouver to North Vancouver, offering stunning water views.

    • Buses & Bike Rentals – The city has an extensive bus network and dedicated bike lanes.

  • Walk or Cycle Along the Seawall – One of the most scenic ways to explore the city, with bike rentals available near Stanley Park and Granville Island.

  • Rideshare & Taxis – Uber and Lyft are available, but Vancouver taxis can be limited at peak times.

  • RV-Friendly Parking & Camping –

    • Capilano River RV Park – The closest RV park to downtown Vancouver, offering full amenities and scenic surroundings.

    • Burnaby Cariboo RV Park – A well-equipped campground located about 30 minutes from the city center.

Why Vancouver is a Great City to Host a World Soccer Match

Vancouver is a world-class host city for the games, offering a combination of modern infrastructure, breathtaking scenery, and a soccer-loving community.

  • Spectacular Stadium & Location – BC Place is a cutting-edge stadium with a retractable roof, providing a comfortable fan experience in any weather.

  • Passionate Soccer Culture – Home to Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS), the city has a strong soccer community that supports international tournaments.

  • International Accessibility – Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is one of the best-connected airports in North America, offering direct flights from Asia, Europe, and the U.S..

  • Multicultural & Welcoming City – As one of Canada’s most diverse cities, Vancouver offers a friendly atmosphere for visitors from all over the world.

  • Natural Beauty & Outdoor Adventures – Fans can combine soccer excitement with outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and kayaking.

  • Proven Track Record for Hosting Global Events – Vancouver has successfully hosted:

    • 2010 Winter Olympics

    • 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup

    • Concacaf Gold Cup Matches

    • Rugby Sevens & International Sporting Events

Why RV Travel with Cruise America is Ideal

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