Vancouver
Watch Canada play at home with Pacific sunsets and mountain backdrops
At a Glance
- Location
- Vancouver, British Columbia
- Country
- Canada
- Metro Population
- 2.6 million
- Total Matches
- 7 matches
- Match Period
- -
- Primary Stadium
- Vancouver Stadium (BC Place)
- Recommended Stay
- 3-5 days
- Daily Budget
- $120-200 CAD
- Best Time to Visit
- Last Updated
Best Time
Ideal Stay
3-5 days
Daily Budget
$120-200 CAD
Walkability
10/10 - Extremely walkable, bikeable, stadium just 0.5 miles from downtown
Transit
9/10 - Excellent automated SkyTrain + bus system
Safety
9/10 - Very safe except Downtown Eastside area (avoid East Hastings)
About Vancouver
Vancouver Stadium (BC Place) in Vancouver will host 7 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches from June 13 to July 7, 2026, including TWO Canada home matches (June 18 & 24) and advancing through Round of 16. The 54,500-seat stadium sits just 0.5 miles from downtown - the closest stadium-to-city proximity of any World Cup venue. BC Place features a retractable roof and temporary natural grass installed specifically for the tournament. Vancouver is Canada's most scenic major city, where Pacific Ocean meets Coast Mountains, creating a stunning backdrop for matches.
City Character
Vancouver is Canada's West Coast jewel - a laid-back metropolis where you can ski, sail, and golf in the same day. Stanley Park's 400-hectare urban rainforest (larger than Central Park) sits minutes from downtown skyscrapers. The city is famous for world-class sushi, diverse neighborhoods, and the famous Seawall (10km waterfront path for walking/biking). June-July is the DRY SEASON (not 'Raincouver' - that's winter) with only 4-6 rainy days per month and 16+ hours of daylight. Vancouver combines outdoor adventure with urban sophistication in North America's most picturesque setting.
Stadium Location
Vancouver Stadium (BC Place) is just 0.5 miles from downtown core - the CLOSEST World Cup stadium to downtown of any host city globally. A 10-15 minute walk from Yaletown hotels along scenic waterfront paths. Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain station is right at the entrance. No complex logistics or expensive Ubers needed. The stadium will be temporarily renamed 'Vancouver Stadium' for FIFA World Cup branding.
Critical Info
TransLink (SkyTrain + bus) is excellent. Fares increased July 2025: 1-Zone is $3.35 CAD (cash/tap) or $2.70 with Compass Card. Just tap your credit ca...
Where to Stay
Vancouver has SEVERE hotel shortage - only 28,000+ rooms for 2.6 million metro area. Expect 50-70% World Cup surge pricing with FIFA reserving ~2,800 rooms nightly. Yaletown ($300-600 CAD / $220-440 USD per night) is closest to stadium (5-10 min walk) with upscale dining. Gastown ($200-450 CAD / $145-330 USD) offers historic charm and nightlife, 15-20 min walk. Richmond ($150-300 CAD / $110-220 USD) near airport has best Asian food and connects downtown via Canada Line (20 min). Book 5-6 months ahead, especially for June 18 & 24 (Canada home matches - highest demand).
Vancouver Stadium (BC Place)
Vancouver, British Columbia
FIFA: Vancouver Stadium
54,500
Capacity
7
Matches
0.5mi
From Downtown
1983
Opened
Transport
Walking (10-15 min from downtown) or SkyTrain Stadium-Chinatown station
Economic Impact
$1 billion CAD to Greater Vancouver economy, significant tourism boost, global exposure for BC
Get Involved
2,000 volunteers volunteers needed!
Vancouver 2026 FIFA World Cup Host Committee
Where ocean meets mountains in Canada's most scenic World Cup city
Top Highlights
Unique Experiences
- ★Walk to stadium from downtown hotels in 10 minutes along scenic waterfront
- ★Watch Canada home matches with 54,500 passionate fans and mountain views outside
- ★Bike the 10km Stanley Park Seawall at sunset (sun doesn't set until 9:30 PM in s
- ★Take $5 Aquabus mini-ferry across False Creek to Granville Island Public Market
- ★Swim in 30-foot deep pools at FREE Lynn Canyon suspension bridge (locals' secret
Perfect For
Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts
Soccer fans (2 Canada home matches)
Foodies (world-class Asian cuisine, especially sushi)
Photographers (mountains, ocean, city skyline)
This City Might Not Be For You If...
Stadium Quick Tips
Weather During World Cup
Early summer (June-July) • 56-72°F (13-22°C)
Average High
72°F
(22°C)
Average Low
56°F
(13°C)
Rainy Days
4-6 days/month
per month
Humidity
60-70%
Moderate humidity
What to Expect
June and July in Vancouver are the DRY SEASON - forget the 'Raincouver' reputation (that's for winter). Summer brings mild, comfortable weather averaging 56-72°F (13-22°C) with only 4-6 rainy days per month (far less than Boston or New York). Days are long with sunset at 9:30 PM, perfect for post-match celebrations. Vancouver Stadium (BC Place) has a retractable roof, so rain isn't a concern for matches. Evenings cool down quickly - bring layers even in summer. Pack sunscreen (UV can be high), sunglasses, and a light jacket for after sunset.
Daylight Hours
16+ hours daylight (sun sets at 9:30 PM) • 5:00-5:15 AM - 9:15-9:30 PM
Humidity Pattern
Moderate humidity - comfortable compared to eastern cities. Pacific breeze keeps it fresh.
Packing Essentials
- Layers (mornings 56°F, afternoons 72°F, evenings cool fast)
- Light rain jacket (drizzle possible but rare in summer)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (high UV even when cool)
- Sunglasses + baseball cap
- Comfortable walking shoes (city is very walkable)
- Reusable water bottle (tap water is pristine)
- Power bank (10,000+ mAh)
- Light sweater or fleece for evenings
Plan Your Visit
Everything you need for an unforgettable World Cup experience
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Vancouver Stadium (BC Place) from downtown?
Vancouver Stadium is just 0.5 miles from downtown - easiest World Cup stadium access globally. Option 1: Walk 10-15 minutes from Yaletown/downtown (follow crowds down Robson Street). Option 2: Take Sk...
Read more →Does the stadium have a roof?
YES - Vancouver Stadium (BC Place) has a RETRACTABLE ROOF. FIFA decides whether to open or close it on match day based on weather. This is the only World Cup 2026 venue with a retractable roof, provid...
Read more →Will Canada play in Vancouver?
YES - Canada will play TWO home matches at Vancouver Stadium: June 18 and June 24, 2026 (Group B opponents TBD). These will be the highest-demand matches in Vancouver. Book tickets and hotels immediat...
Read more →Is it really not rainy in June-July?
Correct - June and July are Vancouver's DRY SEASON with only 4-6 rainy days per month (1-2 inches total rainfall). The 'Raincouver' reputation applies to October-March when it rains 15-20 days per mon...
Read more →Do I need a visa to visit Canada for the World Cup?
Depends on nationality. US citizens: Passport required, no visa needed. Most European, Australian, Japanese, South Korean citizens: Visa-free but need eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization, $7 CAD onli...
Read more →Should I stay in Vancouver or Richmond?
Depends on priorities. Stay in Vancouver (Yaletown, Gastown, West End) if you want walkable stadium access, nightlife, and tourist attractions. Expect $300-600 CAD ($220-440 USD) per night. Stay in Ri...
Read more →Do I need a car in Vancouver?
NO. Vancouver has excellent TransLink (SkyTrain, bus, SeaBus) and is very walkable/bikeable. Parking costs $5-8/hour downtown and hotel parking is $30-50 CAD/day. Stadium is 0.5 miles from downtown - ...
Read more →What is the YVR AddFare?
$5 CAD surcharge added to transit tickets when LEAVING Vancouver Airport (YVR) toward downtown. You pay $9.60 CAD total for Canada Line from airport to downtown (2-zone fare $4.85 + $5 AddFare). You d...
Read more →Is Vancouver safe for tourists?
Yes, most areas are very safe. Tourist areas (Yaletown, Gastown, West End, Granville Island, Stanley Park) are safe day and night. HOWEVER, avoid **Downtown Eastside (East Hastings Street area near Ma...
Read more →How expensive is Vancouver?
Very expensive - one of Canada's most expensive cities, comparable to San Francisco or Seattle. Budget per person per day: Food + attractions $80-120 CAD ($58-87 USD), hotels $300-600 CAD ($220-440 US...
Read more →What food must I try in Vancouver?
Essential Vancouver foods: (1) Sushi lunch combo $15-18 CAD (Vancouver has best sushi outside Japan - try Miku for high-end or any small Robson Street spot), (2) Japadog (Japanese-style hot dogs, $8-1...
Read more →What's better: Capilano or Lynn Canyon suspension bridge?
Locals overwhelmingly prefer **Lynn Canyon** - it's FREE (vs $65 CAD at Capilano), less crowded, and features swimming holes and waterfalls. Capilano is more commercial with higher, longer bridge and ...
Read more →+ 3 more questions answered
Ready to Experience Vancouver?
Access detailed itineraries, hotel recommendations, insider tips, and everything you need for an unforgettable World Cup adventure.
Last Updated:
By KickoffAdventures Editorial Team