Your Vancouver FIFA World Cup 2026 Travel Guide: Why it’s worth staying longer
Vancouver is hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026, and the city will be buzzing with energy, excitement, and global attention. But as someone who lives here, I can tell you this with confidence:
It would be a shame to come all this way and only see Vancouver.
This city is vibrant and fun, but it represents only a tiny fraction of what makes British Columbia so special. If you stay even a few days longer and step beyond the downtown core, you’ll experience the mountains, wildlife, and quiet coastal beauty that truly define this part of the world.
This guide will help you do exactly that.
I can also book your Vancouver stay. Thanks to my partner network, I have access to room blocks for the World Cup, which makes securing the right hotel much easier during this busy time.
BC is far more than Vancouver
British Columbia is a place where ocean, forest, and mountains meet in a way that feels both grounding and expansive. When visitors explore beyond Vancouver, they almost always say the same thing:
“I had no idea British Columbia looked like this.”
The farther you go from the city, the more dramatic the landscapes become. And the good news? Many of these places are only a short drive or scenic flight away.
Why it’s worth leaving the city
If you’re already traveling to Vancouver for the World Cup, you’re in the perfect position to see the quieter, more breathtaking side of British Columbia.
Here, it’s still possible to feel the peaceful wildness that this region is known for. It’s not uncommon to spot wildlife on a boat tour, hear nothing but wind through the trees in a coastal rainforest, or find yourself surrounded by towering peaks that feel impossibly close.
Even if you only add two or three days to your World Cup trip, you can step into landscapes that look and feel completely different from the city.
Best British Columbia trips before or after the World Cup
Here are some of the most memorable ways to explore more of British Columbia while you’re here for the World Cup:
1. Mountains, Forests, and Fresh Air
If you want a calm contrast to match days, mountain destinations like Whistler, Sun Peaks, or the Kootenays give you forest trails, alpine views, and quiet spaces to reconnect with nature. This is the ideal “reset” between games.
2. Coastlines, Wildlife, and True Wilderness
From whale watching near Sonora Island to remote lodge stays in places like Clayoquot, coastal British Columbia is where you find wild landscapes and quiet moments that feel far from city energy. A great option if you want nature without sacrificing comfort.
3. Rail Journeys Through the Heart of BC
A Rocky Mountaineer trip is a relaxed, scenic way to see canyons, rivers, and glacier-carved mountains. No logistics, no driving, just views. It pairs naturally as a pre- or post-match extension.
4. Alaska by Sea
Vancouver is one of the world’s best departure points for Alaska cruises. Adding a week or two at sea gives you fjords, marine wildlife, and a slower pace after the excitement of the tournament. This is the “coastal advantage” option.
5. The “See It All” Custom Journey
If you want something truly unique, it’s easy to combine mountain time, a little wilderness, and a coastal experience into a single itinerary. Think helicopter flights, small mountain towns, a few nights at a wilderness lodge, then back to Vancouver for the games. This is where I help you stitch together the right mix for how you like to travel.
A beautiful way to complete your world cup trip
British Columbia has a way of slowing you down just enough to really connect with the place you’re in. Whether you choose mountains, rainforest, coastline, or a mix of all three, adding a few extra days turns your World Cup visit into something deeper and more memorable.
If you want help building a trip that feels personal, thoughtful, and aligned with what matters to you, I’d be happy to put options together. This is my home, and helping visitors experience the best parts of it is one of my favorite things to do.