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In 2026, Canada, Mexico, and the United States will host the FIFA World Cup, one of the world’s largest sporting events. From June 11 to July 19, 2026, soccer fans will gather in several North American cities, and Vancouver will be among the featured hosts.
But even after the final whistle, Vancouver remains a must-visit destination in the summer. Set between the Pacific Ocean and the coastal mountains, British Columbia’s largest city offers a stunning setting and a wealth of experiences, including beaches, parks, local cuisine, hiking, and festivals.
In this guide, discover the best things to do in Vancouver in summer: must-see attractions, top hotels for every budget, how to get around easily from the airport, and most importantly, how to save on your accommodation.
Stanley Park, Vancouver’s iconic park, is a true green oasis surrounded by a 10-kilometre seawall path along the ocean. Walk or bike along the Seawall to take in stunning views of the mountains and harbour. Foodie tip: Take a break at the Teahouse in Stanley Park for brunch while enjoying panoramic views of the bay.
Once an industrial district, Granville Island is now one of Vancouver’s liveliest spots, known for its public market, art galleries, and local artisans. It’s the ideal place to stroll, sample regional products, and find unique souvenirs. Must-try: the famous Go Fish Ocean Emporium, a small, ultra-fresh seafood counter right by the water.
Accessible by gondola from the north side of the city, Grouse Mountain offers breathtaking views of Vancouver and the Pacific Ocean. In summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountaintop yoga, and wildlife viewing. In the afternoon, stay to admire the sunset from the summit.
From Vancouver’s harbour, set out on a whale watching tour to see whales, orcas, and dolphins in their natural habitat. These cruises, offered from May to October, are among the most memorable activities on the West Coast. Be sure to book early, as tours fill up quickly during the summer.
Vancouver’s historic heart, Gastown charms visitors with its cobblestone streets, steam clock, and Victorian architecture. The district is brimming with local boutiques, galleries, and stylish cafes. In the evening, its lively atmosphere makes it an excellent spot for dinner or drinks.
Nicknamed “Kits Beach,” this popular beach attracts families, volleyball players, and paddleboard enthusiasts alike. It’s one of the best places to soak up the sun and admire the sunset over the mountains. Many cafes and bars are nearby to extend the evening.
Every summer, Vancouver comes to life with the International Jazz Festival, one of the largest of its kind in Canada. More than 140 concerts, many of them free, animate downtown parks, theaters, and streets. After a show, savour a refined meal at Blue Water Cafe in Yaletown, renowned for its seafood and elegant ambiance.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Vancouver is an ideal starting point for exploring British Columbia’s spectacular natural beauty. About 1.5 hours from the city, Whistler offers hiking, mountain biking, and breathtaking scenery. Shannon Falls, accessible via the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway, are perfect for a short getaway and impressive photos. Hikers can also explore Garibaldi Provincial Park, with its glacial lakes and alpine peaks, while Bowen Island offers beaches, forest trails, and ocean views, ideal for a day trip. These destinations combine nature, adventure, and memorable landscapes, perfect for complementing your stay in Vancouver.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located on Sea Island, approximately 12 km south of downtown. It is served by numerous Canadian and international airlines, offering direct flights to and from various global destinations.
To learn more about the facilities, services, and available lounges, consult our Vancouver International Airport guide.
Aeroplan (Air Canada) The Aeroplan program remains one of the most comprehensive in the country, allowing you to redeem your points for flights on Air Canada or its partners. Pricing varies based on zones and distance travelled, and you can combine Points + Cash to lower the cost of your ticket. Fixed fees of $39 apply for award tickets operated by partners.
VIPorter (Porter Airlines) With VIPorter, you earn points on your flights, baggage, and seats. Pricing is dynamic, so the number of points required depends on the ticket price. You can pay using points only or Points + Cash, and redeem your points for any Porter flight, with no blackout dates or destination restrictions.
WestJet Rewards The WestJet Rewards program lets you earn WestJet points on flights, vacation packages, car rentals, and upgrades. Depending on your status (Turquoise, Silver, Gold, or Platinum), you earn 1 to 8 WestJet points per dollar spent. You can then use your points to pay for WestJet flights, WestJet Vacations or Sunwing vacation packages, and enjoy extra benefits like lounge access and free checked bags.
Scene+
The Scene+ program offers great flexibility: you can redeem points for a flight from any airline or book directly via Scene+ Travel (powered by Expedia). Every 1,000 points = $10 applied to your travel expenses, whether for a flight, a hotel, or a car rental.
With the Scotia Passport Visa Infinite Card, you get up to 4 Scene+ points per dollar spent on Expedia for Scene+ bookings, no foreign transaction fees, and six complimentary airport lounge visits per year. An excellent choice for frequent travellers looking to save and travel comfortably.
The Scotia Passport Visa Infinite Card offers exclusive benefits for frequent travellers. By enrolling in the Visa Airport Companion program, you get complimentary access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, including six free visits per year.
At Vancouver Airport, you can access the Plaza Premium Lounge, located in the domestic terminal. This lounge offers amenities such as meals, drinks, showers, and a comfortable workspace.
In addition to lounge-related benefits, you can redeem your points to travel anywhere, anytime, without restrictions. Book your next getaway through the Scene+ Travel Service, Scotiabank’s dedicated travel agency, to maximize your points and access exclusive rates.
The airport is accessible via the Canada Line SkyTrain, with a station located directly in the terminal. This rapid line connects YVR to downtown Vancouver in approximately 25 minutes. Fares vary depending on the zones travelled.
Renting a car in Vancouver can quickly become expensive, especially for road trip enthusiasts or those who wish to explore the surroundings at their own pace. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to reduce your rental costs: use the points accumulated through your credit cards.
All major Canadian loyalty programs allow you to earn points redeemable for car rentals, offering not only savings but also additional benefits such as insurance or status-related privileges.
Scotiabank’s Scene+ program is particularly convenient for car rentals. Points can be earned through purchases on a Scene+ credit card or at selected partners like IGA group grocery stores. Then, you can redeem them directly to reduce the cost of your rental: 1,000 points = $10. And if you change your mind, you can just as easily use your points for other expenses, such as groceries.
With the Scotia Passport Visa Infinite Card, you receive exclusive benefits with Avis Preferred Plus, including:
By combining your Scene+ points with these benefits, car rental becomes not only more affordable but also more convenient and enjoyable for exploring Vancouver and its surroundings.
Airbnb is an official partner of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, offering accommodations in all host cities. Unlike traditional hotels, Airbnb bookings can be paid with flexible points from a loyalty program, allowing you to fully cover the cost of your stay.
Here’s how to maximize your points:
One of the most popular programs for this type of flexibility is Scene+. With Scene+, you earn points through certain Scotiabank cards, at grocery stores (IGA, Safeway, Les marchés Tradition, Foodland…), restaurants, Scene+ Travel, and more. Every 10,000 points converts into $100 in travel credit. For example, a $425 Airbnb can be fully covered with 42,500 Scene+ points. These points can also be used for airline tickets, hotels, or transportation.
If you plan to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Vancouver, it is highly recommended to book your accommodation now. The city anticipates a shortage of 70,000 overnight stays, which could leave up to 15,000 fans without accommodation on peak days. Rentals like Airbnb are therefore likely to fill up very quickly.
For those who prefer traditional hotels, Marriott Bonvoy is an excellent choice in Vancouver. Establishments like the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown or the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver offer luxurious and well-located rooms, Marriott Bonvoy points redeemable for free nights, upgrades, or experiences, as well as member benefits such as early check-in, late check-out, and access to VIP lounges.
To maximize your rewards, certain credit cards like the American Express® Gold Rewards Card, the American Express Cobalt Card, the American Express Platinum Card, or the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Business Card allow you to earn thousands of bonus points from the first year, in addition to earning points on every travel or accommodation-related expense.
In parallel, StayVancouverHotels sometimes offers a special promotion to boost tourism during off-peak periods. For stays of two consecutive nights at certain participating hotels, you can receive a prepaid Mastercard gift card of $150, $200, $225, or $250. To take advantage of this, simply book on StayVancouverHotels.com using the code “PrepaidCard”. Bookings are non-refundable and limited to three per person, and gift cards are issued upon check-in.
This combination of Bonvoy points and cards, along with prepaid gift cards, allows you to fully enjoy your stay in Vancouver while adding extra value to your trip.
The Scotia Passport Visa Infinite Card allows you to optimize your accommodation expenses:
Additional points: 3 points/dollar at partner grocery stores, 2 points/dollar at restaurants, entertainment centers, and public transit.
By combining the Scotia Passport Visa Infinite Card and points programs like Scene+ or Marriott Bonvoy, you can book your accommodations while saving and earning benefits for your next trips.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026, bringing together 48 teams for 104 matches played in 16 host cities across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Vancouver will host several matches at BC Place, a unique opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the world’s largest soccer tournament.
RBC and Visa offer an exclusive opportunity to their cardholders: by entering their contest, you have the chance to win priority access to buy tickets for the 2026 World Cup. 3,185 unique codes are available to be won, each allowing the purchase of up to two tickets.
To get tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, check out our complete guide.
Eligible cards: Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card, RBC ION Visa Card and RBC ION+ Visa
To maximize your purchases, pay for your tickets with a flexible points card. For example, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card allows you to earn up to 3 Scene+ points per dollar and use your points to cover your travel expenses (flights, accommodations, transportation, etc.). With 10,000 points equalling $100, your World Cup purchases can be quickly covered.
To save on flights, see our complete guide.
Airbnb, official partner of FIFA 2026, offers accommodations in all host cities. Simply book as usual, pay with a flexible points card, then use your points to cover your stay, an ideal option for travellers looking to save.
To save on accommodation and get the best deals, see our complete guide.
The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be a historic event and the perfect opportunity to combine your love of sports, travel experiences, and the benefits of your rewards programs.
Vancouver is a must-visit summer destination, combining spectacular nature, beaches, festivals, and fine dining in a dynamic urban setting. Whether you choose to rent an Airbnb, stay at a hotel like Marriott, or enjoy local experiences, the city offers options for every taste and budget.
To maximize your trip, consider leveraging points programs and credit cards. With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, you can earn Scene+ points on your accommodation, flight, and restaurant purchases, access six free VIP lounges per year, and benefit from no foreign currency conversion fees for your stays abroad.
By planning ahead and combining transportation, accommodations, and rewards programs, your stay in Vancouver can be not only memorable but also more affordable and comfortable.
From June to September, to enjoy the good weather and festivals.
A 3 to 5-day stay allows you to see the essentials, but a week is ideal to include Whistler or Victoria.
The cost of living is high, but there are ways to save: use public transit, enjoy free activities like beaches and parks, and take advantage of travel points.
Not necessarily. The city center can be easily explored on foot or by public transport. A car is only needed for exploring the surroundings.
Yes, because it allows you to save on accommodation, quickly earn points, and benefit from exclusive insurance and advantages.
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