Vancouver will host seven World Cup matches this summer, which is more than any other city outside of the U.S.
Passionate soccer fans from around the world will descend on this West Coast seaport this summer for a pair of matches involving the Canada national team on June 18 and June 24, on top of some other key matchups at BC Place Stadium.
With each team in Group B drawing on the first matchday, Thursday's showdown between Canada and Qatar promises to be a tense affair.
Win, lose or draw, the good news is that there's much to see and do in this one-of-a-kind destination.
Things to Do During the World Cup in Vancouver
Outdoor enthusiasts will feel right at home in Vancouver, which was recently named the greenest city in the world by climate solutions company Reinders Corporation.
With an average high temperature of 68 degrees, June is the ideal time to explore Vancouver's more than 1,200 square feet of green space per capita. The city, which relies heavily on renewable energy, also boasts efficient public transportation and an impressive level of bikeability, making it easy to visit its many parks and gardens.
Stanley Park Seawall in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Photo Credit: Adobe/AleCam)
Stanley Park and Queen Elizabeth Park are two can't-miss attractions on opposing sides of BC Place. The former is home to a scenic Seawall Loop that's perfect for a relaxing bike ride or walk along the waterfront. Visitors can take in sea breezes as they pass by natural, historical, and cultural landmarks such as the First Nations Totem Poles.
Queen Elizabeth Park is home to the highest point in Vancouver and features not only stunning views but some of the most pristine gardens in the world, eye-popping sculptures and the stunning Bloedel Conservatory.
Visitors will also want to make plans to stop by the newly opened Oakridge Park. Located just a few blocks away, this sprawling mixed-use development offers world-class shopping from more than 300 luxury brands such as Maison Margiela, Miu Miu, Christian Louboutin and Alexander Wang, among others.
Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver. (Photo Credit: Adobe/ronniechua)
Vancouver's free FIFA Fan Festival will be held at the historic PNE Grounds at Hastings Park. Visitors can look forward to a special atmosphere inside the newly built, 10,000-capacity open-air Amphitheatre at the PNE as well as dozens of local and international food vendors, music, interactive fan experiences and every highlight from the big screens.
Travelers should also carve out time to experience Flyover Canada, a unique attraction providing a breathtaking simulated flight ride over the region's scenic rainforests, mountains and coastline just steps from bustling Canada Place, where fans will already be gathering to cheer on their teams.
The Vancouver Aquarium (the largest in Canada) and Museum of Vancouver (the city's oldest museum) are two more worthwhile stops for tourists looking to experience more of the city at a peaceful pace this summer.
Where to Stay for the World Cup in Vancouver
World Cup fans hoping to be close to the action in Vancouver will want to secure a stay at properties like the DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection and JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, which are located just steps from BC Place.
Travelers will feel right at home at these five-star accommodations, which offer luxe guest rooms and suites, easy access to the city's stadium district and local entertainment as well as convenient and exciting on-site experiences from spa services to charming bars and rooftop parks.
the DOUGLAS and JW Marriott Parq Vancouver next to BC Place. (Photo Credit: Marriott)
There are also local landmarks to check in to this summer, like The Westin Bayshore and the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. The latter has been open for close to nine decades and is within proximity to top-tier attractions like the aforementioned Stanley Park and Flyover Canada, as well as BC Place.
Similarly, The Westin Bayshore puts guests in the heart of the city with better views along the scenic waterfront facing the harbor.
What to Eat for the World Cup in Vancouver
Restaurant worker preparing oysters in Vancouver. (Photo Credit: Adobe/Gary)
World Cup fans traveling to Vancouver this summer can take part in the city's exciting culinary boom.
Joining Vancouver's spectacular restaurant scene are a pair of must-tries, including Din Tai Fung’s first Canadian location and JINYA Ramen Bar.
Din Tai Fung is just a 20-minute walk from BC Place and an even shorter distance from lively Canada Place. It rewards guests with scrumptious Xiao Long Bao, dumplings, buns, wontons and much more. And that's saying something. After all, the city is home to some of the best Asian cuisine in North America.
JINYA Ramen Bar is even closer to the stadium and is an easy choice for famished fans in search of satisfying slow-simmered broths paired with perfectly cooked handcrafted noodles.
Meanwhile, authentic Persian cuisine awaits at the standout Zarak, and Hawksworth Restaurant is taking fine dining to the next level with "compelling and technically skilled cuisine, deep and diverse wine list, inventive cocktail program, and warm, genuine hospitality."
Woman eating a poke bowl in Vancouver. (Photo Credit: Adobe/unai)
Of course, you can't travel to the Pacific Northwest and not dive into some of the world's freshest and finely prepared seafood at spots like Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House and Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar.
What's more, awesome poke can be had at easy-to-find spots like Steve's, Pokey Okey and The Poke Guy.
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