10 Things to Do in Vancouver During the World Cup 2026

If you’re coming to town for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this June and July, you’ll no doubt have too many options to stay busy. For some inspiration, here’s a list of 10 things to do around Vancouver to celebrate the beautiful game and our beautiful city.

1. Attend a Watch Party

 

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There are so many watch parties happening around the city, it’s hard to keep track. From the Canada Soccer House at The Shipyards in North Vancouver to Game Days at South Flats in East Vancouver, watch parties in Vancouver are abundant—so much so that we’ve put together a list for you to choose from. Regardless, you won’t be hard-pressed to find a restaurant or bar in the city that’s streaming World Cup matches every day until the finals on July 19.

Read More: 12 World Cup Watch Parties in Metro Vancouver

2. Leave Town

After being surrounded by the busyness of the city, a day trip might be just what you need. Read BCLiving’s extensive travel archives for local travel inspiration, or check out our curated World Cup getaway list.

If you want some of the best of B.C.’s nature in a convenient day trip, Aspire Canada Tours is hosting a same-day return grizzly bear viewing tour from Vancouver to Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary on the edge of the Great Bear Rainforest on Saturday, July 4. Guests will fly to Prince Rupert in the morning, then board a catamaran for a guided seven-hour cruise through the sanctuary’s waterways, surrounded by coastal mountains and old-growth rainforest, and return to Vancouver in the evening. There are only a few seats left on the one-day experience, and you can get more information online.

Read More: The Best B.C. Getaways During the World Cup 2026

3. See All Things Soccer at Science World

It’s hard to miss Science World’s iconic dome transformed into the giant official soccer ball of the World Cup. Snap a selfie with the landmark while you’re there, then head inside to the new exhibition, Soccer & Technology from the FIFA Museum, to learn how science and technology have innovated the beautiful game. There are also sports-themed live science shows, and regular showings of Christine Sinclair: Kind of a Big Deal, a family-friendly, animated short documentary about Canadian soccer legend Christine Sinclair. Science World is extending its hours and offering 20 percent off admission on Vancouver match days.

4. Hang Out in Yaletown

Almost anywhere in Vancouver is bound to be buzzing. With streets closed along Pacific Boulevard from Cambie to BC Place on game days, extend the post-match action from BC Place into Yaletown. Here, relax at one of the many outdoor patios, from Yaletown Brewing Co. to The Parlour. The Helmcken Plaza is Yaletown’s largest outdoor patio, where you can sit back with a cold drink in the open air and watch the matches live. The Hamilton Street Docks will also have patios, alongside mini soccer fields to kick around between games. There are tons of interactive installations around the neighbourhood, offering something soccer-themed for the whole family.

5. Check Out Momentum at the Chinese Canadian Museum

Momentum: Power and Identity in Sports follows the presence of Chinese Canadian athletes in Canada since the 1990s. The new exhibition at the Chinese Canadian Museum brings together artifacts, photography, contemporary works and video to feature more than 20 athletes alongside more than 25 historical objects, such as a 1930s soccer trophy and an Olympic silver medal. Staged in a sports bar-inspired space, the exhibition is on now until September 2027 at the Poy Family Gallery on the first floor.

6. Board a Seaplane Tour of Vancouver

 

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Get a new view of the city from the sky. Harbour Air is doing a special Roar and Soar package to accompany its signature Vancouver Panorama sightseeing tours until July 15. Roar and Soar comes with priority boarding, a complimentary snack and beverage, an in-flight digital tour guide and a limited-edition Roar and Soar scarf. ⁠ ⁠

7. See More Giant Soccer Balls at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Canyon Kick-Off is on at the Capilano Suspension Bridge, running until July 19. The main attraction—the 137-metre suspension bridge—is decked out with flags of all eight countries competing in Vancouver and, of course, a giant 10-foot soccer ball. Along with a lineup of photo ops and immersive soccer-themed activities throughout the park, the Cliff House Restaurant is featuring a globally inspired special menu to celebrate the cuisine of all eight competing countries. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park will be open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

8. Enjoy the Exhibits at the Vancouver Art Gallery

If you’re all soccer-ed out, head to one of Vancouver’s landmark museums for the day: the Vancouver Art Gallery. Some exhibits on now: Future Geographies: Art in the Century of Climate Change, exploring global climate change through contemporary art; SANCTUARY: The Ancient Forest Experience, a 360-degree immersive installation of B.C.’s remaining ancient forests; and That Green Ideal: Emily Carr and the Idea of Nature, showcasing the gallery’s comprehensive collection of Emily Carr’s work. Don’t worry, you can still catch the World Cup action at free patio screenings of select matches at the 1931 Gallery Bistro.

9. Sea Life at the Vancouver Aquarium

 

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As Canada’s largest aquarium, the Vancouver Aquarium is the ocean (adjacent) escape from the FIFA frenzy that the whole family will appreciate. The aquarium has over 65,000 animals, including moon jellyfish, axolotls and sea lions, and has new exhibits like the Realm of Dragons, interactive experiences and an always exciting 4D show. This month’s 19+ Fish n’ Sips night is ‘Goal-Fish’ edition on June 19, complete with DJs and drinks for $35 a ticket.

10. Wander Gastown Car-Free in the Neighbourhood’s Sunday Sets

Gastown’s Sunday Sets are back, running every Sunday starting on July 5 to September 6. This curated weekly series run by the Gastown Business Improvement Society (GBIS) kicks off with a coffee party on July 5, followed by a flower market on July 12 and a live art battle on July 19. Visitors can see community mural paintings, dance battles, large-scale games, drag shows, musical performances and more. All events are free and family-friendly.