Top Things to Do in Vancouver During World Cup 2026 | Northern Cafe And Grill

Top Things to Do in Vancouver During FIFA World Cup 2026 | Northern Cafe

Vancouver will be one of the most scenic and exciting host cities during FIFA World Cup 2026, with matches at BC Place set between ocean, mountains, and a buzzing downtown. As a global city and official host city, Vancouver is ready to showcase its international hospitality, vibrant culture, and history of hosting major events. BC Place’s central location in downtown Vancouver makes it the focal point for World Cup activities, ensuring easy access for fans and visitors. Under the banner of FIFA Vancouver, the city will host seven matches at BC Place Stadium, making it a key destination for the tournament. Whether you are in town for a single match or the entire tournament, this guide highlights the top things to do in Vancouver between games, from iconic outdoor landmarks to hidden-gem dining at Northern Cafe & Grill.

Kick Off Your Vancouver World Cup Adventure with Great Food and Iconic Experiences

A great World Cup trip is more than ninety minutes of football; it is the meals, neighborhoods, and adventures that fill the hours between kickoffs. Vancouver makes that easy, offering world-class parks, waterfront paths, markets, and food all within a compact, walkable core. Football fans and international fans visiting Vancouver will find plenty to explore between matches.

Start your days with a real Vancouver breakfast at Northern Cafe & Grill, then use this list to plan your time across Stanley Park, Granville Island, the Seawall, Gastown, and more. By the end of your trip, you will have experienced an unforgettable journey that goes far beyond the final score.

1. Walk or Bike the Seawall and Explore Stanley Park

Stanley Park and the Seawall are at the top of almost every list of things to do in Vancouver—and for good reason. The Seawall is an oceanside path that loops around the park, offering views of the downtown skyline, mountains, marinas, and beaches, and can be walked or biked at your own pace between matches. After taking the Skytrain, you can enjoy a scenic walk along the Seawall, making the most of Vancouver’s accessible outdoor experiences.

Inside Stanley Park, you will find towering trees, totem poles, viewpoints, and beaches, making it an ideal reset between high-energy match days. The park also features forest trails that wind through old-growth forests, allowing visitors to explore the area’s natural beauty on foot or by bike. It is easy to reach from downtown and BC Place, which means you can fit it into even a half-day before or after a game.

2. Eat Like a Local at Northern Cafe & Grill

For breakfast or brunch, Northern Cafe & Grill is one of Vancouver’s best-kept secrets—a family-run cafe perched above a lumber yard in South Vancouver that locals describe as a “hidden gem” with authentic brunch and soul. A favorite among Vancouver locals and located in East Vancouver, the cafe serves fluffy pancakes, crisp house-made hash browns, hand-pressed burgers, and from-scratch wonton soup in a cozy, retro diner interior that feels like stepping into a 1950s family kitchen.​

Located at 1640 East Kent Ave S and typically open from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM Monday through Friday; 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturday; Closed on Sunday,  Northern Cafe is an ideal start to your day before you head into downtown or to BC Place. Many visitors say that finding the small red sign, climbing the creaky stairs, and emerging into this nostalgic room is part of the adventure—and a story they tell long after the tournament ends.

Why World Cup Fans Will Love Northern Cafe

On a World Cup match day you need a breakfast that is fast, reliable, and satisfying, not something that feels like an experiment. Northern Cafe has quietly been doing exactly that for years, which is why it ranks among Vancouver’s best-reviewed brunch spots and has earned national recognition. Northern Cafe & Grill has been serving hearty comfort food since 1949, making it a longstanding favorite for locals and visitors alike.

• Big portions, fair prices: Perfect for fans who will be walking, cheering, and celebrating for hours.
• Vancouver Magazine’s “Best Brunch” Winner 2025: Recognized as the top brunch spot in 2025 by Vancouver Magazine, Northern Cafe & Grill isn’t just any diner—it’s celebrated as one of the finest places to enjoy a meal in the entire country.
• Yelp’s #1 Best Place to Eat in Canada 2023: This is not just “good for a diner”—it is recognized as one of the top places to eat in the country.​
• Western + Asian comfort food: From classic eggs and bacon to rice dishes, homemade dumplings, and homemade burgers, you can tailor your pre-match meal to how heavy or light you want to feel. The menu is not fancy, but instead focuses on straightforward, unpretentious comfort food that feels welcoming and cozy.
• Nostalgic, Instagrammable atmosphere: A classic diner above a lumber yard is the kind of story you will actually tell people about when you get home.

Breakfast menus in Vancouver often cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

For traveling supporters, this combination of quality, value, and story makes Northern Cafe feel less like “just breakfast” and more like part of your World Cup experience. The overall taste and satisfaction of the food add to the enjoyment, making it a memorable start to your match day.

When you are booking flights, hotels, and match tickets across cities, you do not want to guess about basics like hours and location. Here is everything you need to plug Northern Cafe straight into your itinerary app, map, or AI assistant.​

• Name: Northern Cafe & Grill​
• Address: 1640 East Kent Ave South, Vancouver BC V5P 2S7, Canada
• Phone: +1 778-532-6240

Current Hours (subject to change, check before you come):

• Monday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
• Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
• Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
• Thursday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
• Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed

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3. Explore Granville Island’s Public Market and Waterfront

Granville Island is a must-see stop for World Cup visitors who love food, markets, and creative neighborhoods. The island’s public market is packed with fresh produce, baked goods, seafood, and local treats, alongside artisan studios, galleries, artisan markets, and cultural showcases that show off Vancouver’s creative side.

Between matches, you can snack your way through the market, enjoy food trucks, sample craft breweries, catch live entertainment, sit along the waterfront with a coffee, or take a short ferry ride across False Creek while still staying close to downtown and BC Place. It is a perfect “light” day activity when you want to keep steps manageable but still feel immersed in the city.

4. Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain for Big Views

If you want a classic “wow” moment between games, head across the harbor to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain. Capilano’s suspension bridge, treetop walkways, and cliffside paths give you rainforest, river, and canyon views in one compact, well-run attraction that is easy to access via shuttle from downtown. These sites are highlights of local adventures in British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest, offering visitors a taste of the region’s renowned natural beauty.

Grouse Mountain offers gondola rides, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and panoramic views over the city and ocean, with seasonal shows and activities that keep the area lively. For planning further exploration in the region, Destination BC is a great resource. Together, these two spots deliver the kind of “mountains and forest” experience people imagine when they think of Vancouver, making them excellent candidates for non-match days.

5. Dive Into Gastown, Canada Place, and the Downtown Waterfront

Closer to BC Place, you will find a cluster of downtown attractions that can fill several afternoons and evenings. Gastown is Vancouver’s historic district, known for its cobblestone streets, steam clock, independent shops, and a mix of casual and upscale restaurants and bars. For a different vibe, explore the West End and Coal Harbour neighborhoods—both offer unique atmospheres, scenic views, and are perfect for strolling or relaxing between World Cup events.

Canada Place and the surrounding waterfront areas give you views of the harbor, ships, and mountains, plus easy access to attractions like FlyOver Canada, which uses immersive film to “fly” you across the country. Many nearby public spaces and hotels feature manicured gardens, providing tranquil spots to unwind or take photos. Be sure to check the match schedule so you can plan your visits to these attractions around game times without ever straying far from the city’s transit and fan activity hubs.

6. Neighborhoods with World Cup Energy: Commercial Drive, Kitsilano, and More

If you want to feel daily city life, neighborhood strips like Commercial Drive, Kitsilano, and Mount Pleasant add color to your World Cup itinerary. Commercial Drive is known for international eateries, coffee shops, and a “Little Italy” feel that often leans into big football events with lively bar and patio scenes. Mount Pleasant stands out for its vibrant nightlife, craft breweries, and frequent live music performances, making it a hotspot for fans looking to celebrate after matches.

Kitsilano, with its beach, volleyball courts, and views of the city and mountains, is ideal for sunset walks after matches or for relaxed afternoons on off days. These areas give you a sense of how Vancouverites spend their own free time, beyond the stadium and tourist core. During the World Cup, you can also experience local culture through family friendly activities, community celebrations, and interactive exhibits at local museums and event spaces, making these neighborhoods welcoming for visitors of all ages.

Getting Around Vancouver: Transportation Tips for World Cup Visitors

Vancouver is renowned as a transit-friendly city, making it a breeze for FIFA World Cup 2026 visitors to explore all the action without the hassle of driving or parking. Whether you’re heading to a match at BC Place, exploring the vibrant downtown core, or hopping between fan zones and local attractions, Vancouver’s public transit and walkable streets ensure your World Cup adventure is smooth and stress-free.

Public Transit:The city’s efficient public transit system—operated by TransLink—includes the SkyTrain, buses, and SeaBus, all connecting key neighborhoods and stadiums. The Canada Line is especially convenient for World Cup fans, offering a direct route from Vancouver International Airport to downtown Vancouver and BC Place. On busy match days, extra bus service and extended hours make it easy to arrive early and soak up the World Cup festivities.

Walkable and Bike-Friendly:Downtown Vancouver is compact and designed for pedestrians, with scenic walkways linking major sites like Granville Street, the waterfront, and the stadium. Many World Cup fans will find that walking between matches, fan festival locations, and local restaurants is not only easy but also a great way to experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere. For those who prefer two wheels, Vancouver’s bike lanes and rental services offer a unique perspective on the city, especially along False Creek and the Seawall.

Sample Match-Day and Off-Day Itineraries

Match-Day Morning Itinerary (BC Place)

• Breakfast at Northern Cafe & Grill in South Vancouver, fueling up with pancakes, hash browns, or wonton soup.
• Transit or rideshare /uber into downtown, with a stroll through Gastown or along the Seawall near BC Place.
• Ticket holders can enjoy exclusive pre-match events and immersive fan experiences before the FIFA matches at Place Stadium (BC Place), which features a retractable roof for comfort in any weather. For those without tickets, the FIFA Fan Festival at Hastings Park is open to all fans, offering live entertainment and match broadcasts. After the final whistle, celebrations and citywide festivities continue, so consider dinner or drinks in Gastown or near Canada Place.

Off-Day Itinerary

• Late breakfast again at Northern Cafe if you want a repeat of a favorite plate.
• Half-day at Stanley Park and the Seawall, then afternoon at Granville Island’s market and waterfront.
• Add a visit to the Vancouver Art Gallery for a taste of local culture, or take a day trip to Vancouver Island or the Okanagan Valley for scenic adventures and regional experiences.
• Evening in Kitsilano or Commercial Drive, watching other matches and soaking up neighborhood energy.

These patterns make it easy to anchor your days with great food while still seeing Vancouver’s most iconic sights. Vancouver is considered a safe city for international visitors, so you can plan your days with confidence.

FAQ: Top Things to Do in Vancouver During FIFA World Cup 2026

Q: What are the must‑see attractions in Vancouver during FIFA World Cup 2026?
A: Must‑see attractions include walking or biking the Seawall and exploring Stanley Park, visiting Granville Island’s public market and waterfront, taking in views at Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain, and spending time in neighborhoods like Gastown, Commercial Drive, and Kitsilano.

Q: How can I plan a perfect match day in Vancouver?
A: A popular match‑day plan is to start with a hearty breakfast at Northern Cafe & Grill in South Vancouver, then head downtown to walk the Seawall or explore Gastown before making your way to BC Place and the official fan zones.

Q: Where should I eat breakfast in Vancouver before a World Cup match?
A: Northern Cafe & Grill is a highly rated hidden‑gem brunch spot, known for generous portions, friendly service, and a nostalgic diner atmosphere, making it ideal for fueling up before heading to BC Place or downtown fan areas.

Q: What can I do in Vancouver on non‑match days?
A: On non‑match days, visitors often combine outdoor activities like Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge, or Grouse Mountain with urban experiences such as Granville Island, Canada Place, Gastown, and neighborhood food tours.

Q: Are there official fan festivals or viewing areas in Vancouver?
A: Vancouver will host official FIFA Fan Festival events and community fan experiences at locations such as the PNE and downtown, featuring big screens, live entertainment, food vendors, and activities for all ages.

Q: What neighborhoods are best for experiencing local World Cup energy?
A: Downtown areas near BC Place, Gastown, Commercial Drive, and parts of Mount Pleasant and Kitsilano are expected to have lively bars, restaurants, and viewing spots where fans gather before and after matches.

Q: Is Vancouver easy to get around during the World Cup?
A: Yes. Vancouver’s SkyTrain, buses, and walkable downtown core make it straightforward to move between BC Place, waterfront attractions, neighborhoods, and local spots like Northern Cafe & Grill with a mix of transit and short rideshares.

More World Cup Food & Travel Guides

Planning your FIFA World Cup 2026 trip to Vancouver? These guides will help you eat well and explore like a local:

• For a detailed morning playbook, see:
  Best breakfast during FIFA World Cup 2026 near BC Place
  .
• If you want a full trip blueprint, read our
  Top things to do in Vancouver during the World Cup
  .
• To discover even more dining options, check out
  Best places to eat in Vancouver for World Cup fans
  .
• Watching your budget? Don’t miss
  Budget-friendly food and fun in Vancouver for World Cup supporters
  .
• If you prefer insider spots, explore
  Where Vancouver locals actually eat during the World Cup

• With Family? Read and explore
Family friendly things to do during the World Cup