Vancouver is the most beautiful host city of the 2026 World Cup — and one of the easiest to enjoy. Seven matches at BC Place, a downtown stadium you can reach by SkyTrain, mountains and ocean on the doorstep, and a Fan Festival at Hastings Park that runs for the whole tournament. Here is the complete guide for fans heading to Canada's west coast.

BC Place: a downtown stadium with a roof

BC Place sits in the heart of downtown Vancouver, a short walk from the waterfront and the entertainment district. It holds 54,500 fans, has a retractable roof, and hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics. For the World Cup it will host seven matches, including a Round of 32 game on July 7. Getting there is easy: the SkyTrain's Expo Line stops at Stadium-Chinatown station, two minutes from the gates. Driving is pointless — parking downtown is expensive and scarce on match days.

Where to stay: Yaletown, Gastown and beyond

The best base is downtown, within walking distance of BC Place. Yaletown, the trendy former warehouse district, is the top pick for mid-range hotels like the JW Marriott Parq, the closest hotel to the stadium, and the Georgian Court Hotel. Gastown, with its cobbled streets and Victorian buildings, is better for atmosphere and nightlife. Budget travellers should look at hostels in downtown or hotels near the SkyTrain line in Burnaby, a 20-minute ride from the stadium. Book early: Vancouver's hotel stock is small and prices rise sharply during the tournament.

Food and drink: a city that eats well

Vancouver is one of the best food cities in North America. The sushi here is world-class, the food trucks downtown serve everything from Korean fried chicken to fresh oysters, and the craft beer scene in East Vancouver is worth an afternoon on its own. On match days, the pubs around BC Place — particularly on Granville Street — fill with supporters from every nation. For a pre-match meal, the restaurants of Yaletown offer the best mix of quality and proximity to the stadium.

Between matches: mountains, ocean and islands

Vancouver's great advantage is what you can do between games. Take the SeaBus to North Vancouver and the Grouse Mountain gondola for a view over the whole city. Walk or cycle the Stanley Park seawall, one of the great urban walks in the world. Or take a day trip to Whistler, two hours north, for mountain air and alpine scenery. Even a free afternoon is enough for the seawall and a sunset at English Bay — the perfect way to recover after a late match.

The Fan Festival at Hastings Park

Vancouver's official FIFA Fan Festival is at PNE Hastings Park, free to enter with a reservation, and runs for the full tournament from June 11 to July 19. Expect giant screens showing all 104 matches, live music, food vendors and a distinctly west-coast atmosphere. It is a short SkyTrain and bus ride from downtown, and on big match days it will be the place to be if you do not have a ticket.

Frequently asked questions

How many matches does Vancouver host? Seven, at BC Place, including a Round of 32 match on July 7. How do I get to BC Place? SkyTrain Expo Line to Stadium-Chinatown station. Where should I stay? Downtown, in Yaletown or Gastown, within walking distance of the stadium. Is there a Fan Festival? Yes, at PNE Hastings Park, free with a reservation. What is the weather like in June? Mild and pleasant, typically 18-24°C, with occasional rain — pack a light waterproof jacket.