City Overview
Vancouver, British Columbia
Consistently rated one of the world's most liveable cities, Vancouver combines urban sophistication with outdoor adventure.
Mountains tower to the north, the Pacific Ocean sparkles to the west, and lush temperate rainforests surround the city.
The cosmopolitan downtown contrasts beautifully with nearby beaches and hiking trails.
The Stadium
BC Place (Capacity: 54,000)
BC Place opened in 1983 (renovated 2011) with the world's largest cable-supported retractable roof.
Located downtown, the stadium is home to the BC Lions (CFL) and Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS).
Fan Zones & Public Viewing
The Vancouver Fan Festival will take place at the historic PNE grounds in Hastings Park. Fans may also congregate at a number of other Vancouver locations before and after World Cup matches.
- Canada Place waterfront.
- Granville Island.
- English Bay Beach.
- Robson Square.
- Stanley Park areas.
Fans Visiting Vancouver
Vancouver hosts seven matches in total.
- Saturday, 13th June - Australia vs UEFA C.
- Thursday, 18th June - Canada vs Qatar.
- Sunday, 21st June - New Zealand vs Egypt.
- Wednesday, 24th June - Switzerland vs Canada.
- Friday, 26th June - New Zealand vs Belgium.
- Thursday, 2nd July - B Winner vs 3rd E/F/G/I/J.
- Tuesday, 7th July - Winner 85 vs Winner 87.
Getting There
By Air
Vancouver International (YVR) is some 12km south.
- Canada Line SkyTrain: 26 minutes to downtown.
- Stadium: Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain station (adjacent).
- SeaBus and ferry connections.
Accomodation
Where to Stay in Vancouver
- Downtown: Walk to stadium, nightlife.
- Yaletown: Trendy, restaurants, converted warehouses.
- Gastown: Budget-friendly, near major attractions.
- Kitsilano: Beach area, more relaxed.
- North Vancouver: Mountain views, quieter.
Eat & Drink
Where to Go
- Sports Bars: The Pint, Doolin's, Shark Club.
- Granville Island Public Market: Diverse food stalls.
- Asian Cuisine: Huge variety in Richmond and downtown.
- Seafood: Blue Water Cafe, The Fish Counter.
- Breweries: Granville Island Brewing, Brassneck Brewery.
Local Cuisine
Highlights
Pacific salmon and Dungeness crab.
- Spot prawns (May-June season).
- Asian fusion (especially sushi and dim sum).
- Farm-to-table West Coast cuisine.
- Craft beer and wine (Okanagan Valley).
- Japadog (Japanese-style hot dogs).
Top Attractions
What to See in Vancouver
- Stanley Park (1,000-acre urban park).
- Capilano Suspension Bridge.
- Grouse Mountain.
- Granville Island.
- Vancouver Aquarium.
- Gastown (historic district).
- Science World.
- Museum of Anthropology.
- Seawall (world's longest uninterrupted waterfront path).
- Whistler (two-hour drive).
Getting Around Vancouver
Vancouver is known for its walkability, efficient public transit, and bike-friendly streets.
- TransLink operates Vancouver’s public transit, which includes buses, the SkyTrain (light rail), and the SeaBus (ferry to North Vancouver). These services connect most neighbourhoods and major attractions, making it easy to get around without a car.
- Fares: A single fare is valid for 1.5 hours across all modes of transit. For frequent travel, consider a day pass or use contactless payment for convenience.
- Apps: Download the Transit App or similar smartphone apps to plan routes and check schedules in real time.
- SeaBus & Ferries: For trips across the water, the SeaBus connects downtown Vancouver to North Vancouver, while BC Ferries offer service to nearby islands.
- Walkability: Many of Vancouver's top attractions and neighbourhoods are within walking distance of each other, especially in the downtown core and West End.
- While driving is possible, parking can be expensive and traffic congested, especially downtown.
- On Your Bike: Vancouver is very bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes and rental options available.
Practical Tips
- Pack rain jacket; June can be rainy.
- Layers essential for variable weather.
- Tipping: 15-20% standard.
- Vancouver is an expensive city; budget accordingly.
- Legal drinking age: 19.
- Outdoor activities abundant; consider hiking on rest days.
- Download Translink app.
- TCurrency: Canadian Dollar (CAD).
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