Your ultimate Vancouver bucketlist during World Cup

You can’t visit Vancouver during the World Cup without getting outside. Swap match-day chaos for ocean air, Seawall rides, and sunsets minutes from BC Place. Dunk at Kits Beach, embrace Wreck Beach’s less-is-more energy, and catch golden hour at Third Beach. Can’t choose? Rent a bike and hit all three.

Inspired by the players leaving it all on the field? Head to North Vancouver for scenic trails and mountain climbs just across the bridge from downtown. Explore the lush paths of Lynn Canyon or tackle Mother Nature’s Stairmaster (a.k.a the Grouse Grind). Afterward, keep the World Cup energy going at Canyon Kick-Off, where flags from competing nations and a giant 10-foot soccer ball hang beneath the swaying bridge throughout the tournament.

It’s nearly impossible to leave Vancouver without a few unforgettable meals. The city knows how to feed you properly, think indulgent bites, bold flavours, and true Canadian classics. A trip to a major Canadian city wouldn’t be complete without immersing yourself into Indigenous cuisine and culture either, Bannock with butter and berry jam is an absolute must.

No trip to Vancouver is complete without visiting some of the city’s signature attractions. Snap a photo with the giant 40-metre Adidas Trionda match ball at Science World, then head to the Vancouver Aquarium, where sea lions, sea otters, and immersive exhibits keep the tournament energy alive. When all is said and done, wind down at the Granville Island viewing zone, and if you want to cut to the chase and find the best patio in the city, here’s our list.

The fun is just getting started after the match ends. Packed patios, live music venues, late-night dance floors and unforgettable drag performances are what keeps the city’s energy going well beyond the final whistle. Best of all, many of the action-packed nightlife spots are just steps from BC Place, making it easy to go straight from match-day celebrations to a night out downtown.

Vancouver is a city that fully embraces wellness culture, making it the perfect host to reset in between or after World Cup matches. Align your chakras with a cold plunge, thermal spa, oceanfront sauna, or restorative facial after the nonstop energy. Ease sore legs after a day of exploring, recharge after experiencing match-day crowds, and slow things down for a few hours with wellness experiences that have become part of Vancouver’s lifestyle and identity.