The Best B.C. Getaways During the World Cup 2026

If you haven’t heard, Vancouver has been busy preparing to welcome fans for the fast-approaching FIFA World Cup. The tournament kicks off on June 11, with the first of seven matches in the city starting on June 13.

If you’re a local looking to escape from what’s expected to be a very lively few weeks—or even just a visitor wanting to explore beyond Vancouver—we’ve put together a deep dive on a few B.C. travel suggestions to get out of town while you can, from day trips to longer local retreats.

1. Bowen Island

For an easy day trip from Vancouver, Bowen Island has all the charm of coastal cabin country without the hours-long drive. Only a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, Bowen Island has no shortage of cute cafes, shops and hikes.

Stroll around Snug Cove right off the ferry, grabbing a coffee at The Snug Cafe. For lunch, try a taco or two from Branch on Bowen, enjoy some classic pub fare at the Bowen Island Pub or have a sandwich at French bakery and cafe, Artisan Eats Cafe. While you’re in Artisan Square, peruse the local shops ranging from jewellery makers, boutiques, home goods and self-care like skincare brand Sangre de Fruta.

Taking in nature while you’re on the island is a must. For a lighter walk, do the Killarney Lake loop. Choose the Cape Roger Curtis Lighthouse for scenic views of the Georgia Strait. Or, challenge yourself on the 10-kilometre trail up Mount Gardner to be rewarded with panoramic views of the Howe Sound, West Vancouver, UBC and more.

2. Victoria

We could write a whole story (well, we’ve written several) on what to do in Victoria. Getting to Victoria from Vancouver with a quick scenic flight on Seair Seaplane, Helijet or Harbour Air; or a breezy 90-minute ferry ride with BC Ferries from Tsawwassen.

There are the classic tourist spots to hit, like the Parliament building, Royal BC Museum, Fisherman’s Wharf, Fan Tan Alley in Chinatown, the Butchart Gardens and Malahat SkyWalk, including its new attraction, The Overhang. There are also plenty of boutique stores to shop—and don’t forget to stop into the mesmerizing Munro’s Books if you’re a big reader.

Victoria also has a vibrant culinary scene worth travelling for. There’s The Courtney Room at the Magnolia Hotel and Spa, Ugly Duckling with rotating seasonal tasting menus, Floyd’s Diner for a truly iconic brunch, Cafe Malabar for authentic Keralan cuisine, Wind Cries Mary and Rabbit Rabbit for a relaxed wine bar vibe.

Your accommodation can also shape your getaway. The Fairmont Empress, Oak Bay Beach Hotel and Spa, Rosemead House and Magnolia Hotel and Spa are all great choices for an upscale stay. The Magnolia offers a boutique luxury experience, along with a series of “curated trails,” self-guided maps of the city and surroundings with recommendations for independently owned boutiques, breweries and more to explore the city.

And if you’re seeking some wellness while you’re in Victoria, we’ve got you covered with 13 spots to unwind.

3. Nanaimo

Staying on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo is becoming a popular destination that’s also very accessible from Vancouver. Take a quick seaplane flight, hop on a BC Ferries ride from Horseshoe Bay or a Hullo Ferry from downtown Vancouver.

There’s plenty to do in Nanaimo. For outdoor adventure seekers, there’s Sink or Swim Scuba for divers of any level, Vancouver Island Whale Watch to see local marine wildlife, locally owned Vancouver Island Expeditions for curated tours tailored to your interests and WildPlay Nanaimo for treetop courses, ziplines and more.

If you’re more interested in arts and culture, check out the Nanaimo Art Gallery, take a pottery workshop at Nanaimo Ceramic Arts, enjoy live entertainment at The Port Theatre, immerse yourself in sonic history at Sound Heritage and visit Ay Lelum Design House for clothes designed based on traditional Coast Salish art and culture.

Fuel up for the adventure with a cafe crawl around Nanaimo: visit Drip Coffee Social, Gabriel’s Gourmet Cafe, The Vault Cafe or White Rabbit Coffee Co.

4. Richmond

If you don’t want to be too far away from the FIFA action, Richmond offers a rich, multicultural coastal staycation close to Vancouver.

Follow The B.C. Bird Trail, bike along the dyke trails, go whale watching, explore regenerative farms like Athiana Acres or sample some local wines at Lulu Island Winery. Richmond also has over 80 kilometres of waterfront trails to walk and watch the sunset.

Richmond is also a foodie destination. The iconic Richmond Night Market has over 500 food options, including happy hour deals and cheap eats. The Dumpling Trail is a self-guided, 16-stop restaurant tour to try some of the city’s best deliciousness-filled pockets. The Richmond Public Market also has a bit of everything, from noodles and bubble tea to flowers and gifts to browse. You can also catch some excellent, fresh seafood at spots along the Steveston Waterfront.

And while you’re in Steveston, stop in at some local museums. Britannia Shipyards is a National Historic Site (with free admission) to learn about the history of canning, fishing and boatbuilding in the area. Other nearby historical attractions worth checking out are the Gulf of Georgia Cannery and the Steveston Tram.

Read More: I Took My Partner to Richmond for a Day: Here’s Everything We Ate

5. Squamish

Take in some of B.C.’s most beautiful views while driving the Sea to Sky Highway to Squamish. Just one hour north of Vancouver, Squamish boasts no shortage of hiking trails and outdoor adventures to take in the scenic views of the Howe Sound. Visit the roaring Shannon Falls, brave mountain heights on the Sea to Sky Gondola or wander through the coastal rainforest at Squamish Canyon.

There are plenty of great spots to fuel up, too. Unique Slow Rise Bakery has delectable Hong Kong-style goodies like dim sum and baked goods, pairing nicely with a gorgeous view of Shannon Falls just across the highway. A few more food and drink recommendations for thought: try Tall Tree Bakery for fresh bread and pastries, Raincity Distillery for locally made spirits like gin, Wonderlands Coffee for a great brew, Sunflower Bakery & Cafe for whimsical themed donuts and Alice and Brohm Ice Cream for a real fruit treat made with B.C. dairy.

Squamish is a growing wellness destination. Relax with a sauna and cold plunge circuit at spots like AIKA Spa, Plunge Wellness and InFlow Adventure Co. for a floating sauna on the Howe Sound.

Read More: How to Spend 48 Hours of Wellness in Squamish, B.C.

6. Campbell River

Possibly an underrated B.C. travel destination, Campbell River is a nature enthusiast’s dream. Get to the coastal Vancouver Island town on a direct flight from Vancouver to Campbell River on Pacific Coastal Airlines (or direct seaplane service with Harbour Air starting July 6), or take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay and drive roughly an hour and a half north of Nanaimo.

In town, walk along the Discovery Point Fishing Pier Lookout. Shop at Mussels and More Pottery, West Coast Wildflowers or Standing Spruce Farm and Apothecary and take in local art and history at Campbell River Art Gallery and Museum at Campbell River.

For the adventurous, there’s top-tier cold water diving to view local reefs and wrecks. You can also go salmon fishing, skydiving, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, grizzly bear watching with Homalco Wildlife and Culture Tours and whale watching with Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours. If you’d rather observe from afar, take a helicopter flight over alpine ridgelines and coastal fjords with 49 North Helicopters. Leisurely visit Elk Falls Provincial Park to view the rushing waterfall along the suspension bridge.

Staying in Campbell River, Naturally Pacific Resort offers a place to unwind and be entertained. Lounge in the mineral pool or have a healing sound bath session at the resort’s Immersion Spa and Wellness. Try golfing at the Campbell River Golf Club, or go virtual at the Velocity Driving Range. You can also dine on-site at Carve Kitchen and Meatery, which features fresh ingredients from the resort’s garden.

Read More: 72 Hours: Rest and Wilderness at the Naturally Pacific Resort in Campbell River

A Few Honourable Mentions…

Harrison Hot Springs is the ideal getaway for the outdoorsy and wellness seekers alike. After roughly a two-hour drive from Vancouver, enjoy an abundance of hikes for varying skill levels, try the floating summer water park, sample local Agassiz cheeses and, of course, soak in the hot springs.

Crescent Beach is also a super easy day trip. The South Surrey beach town has a charming coastal feel. Whether you’re exploring the town’s shops, birdwatching or simply swimming in the ocean, Crescent Beach is a great staycation to escape the Vancouver crowds without travelling too far.

Britannia Village offers a family-friendly escape just 45 minutes north of Vancouver on the Sea to Sky Highway. With all the shops, restaurants and attractions within walking distance of one another, Britannia Village is an easy day trip with lots of history to explore, too, at the Britannia Mine Museum.

Gibsons is an accessible Sunshine Coast destination that can be either a day trip or a multi-day getaway. After a 30-minute ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale, Gibsons offers the Sunshine Coast experience you’re looking for without needing to drive north (though it’s definitely worth it if you choose to). Here, you can meander along the waterfront and marina, pop into cute clothing and home goods shops and fuel up at a range of cafes and restaurants.

Travelling on a Budget? One Last Word from an Expert

Let’s face it, saving up to travel may not be our budget priority right now. Travelling locally can have its financial perks, like saving money on international flights and currency exchange. But costs can still quickly add up—especially with FIFA coming to town.

“With travel costs expected to rise around the World Cup, booking early, staying flexible with dates and choosing driveable destinations can help keep vacation costs down,” says personal finance expert Melissa Leong. Aside from shopping around for the best deals, take advantage of credit card perks and try services that offer cash back and find discount codes.

“Small savings can add up quickly, so using services like Rakuten for cash back when purchasing from their partners like Vrbo, Expedia, Marriott, Best Western for car rentals or even for everyday purchases like gas, entertainment and grocery gift cards can make a difference,” she adds. “The goal isn’t necessarily to spend less on a getaway, but to make your money work harder to enjoy more of the experience without stretching your budget.”