Posted
Vancouver: A Coastal World Cup City
co-written with Jim Barr
Vancouver, BC There is little wonder that Vancouver has already been picked as a fan favourite for the upcoming FIFA World Cup that takes over the city June 11 through July 19 (games in Vancouver June 13 to July 7).
Coastal beauty is a big part of Vancouver's appeal. It's a city connected to the water in more than a few ways. And you can connect to FIFA via the water too, as FestivalSeekers ambassador Darius Fuladi showed us recently, jumping on The Aquabus Ferries to get a view of the new soccer ball Science World transformation.
How to score FIFA fun via Aquabus
You don’t have to be a soccer superfan to appreciate the festive experience of FIFA. The Aquabus is the perfect way for people visiting Vancouver to form a deeper connection with the city while getting their FIFA experience.
1. Hop aboard and sail to Science World
Experience the views of the giant soccer ball from the water while approaching Olympic Village. Take it a step further by docking and visiting the new “Soccer & Technology from the FIFA Museum” exhibit. Learn more on the Science World website.
2. Continue on to the Plaza of Nations
Ride towards the Plaza of Nations where flags of participating countries are on display. This dock is also a short walk to BC Place, where 7 World Cup matches will be played. Learn more about the Plaza of Nations dock.
3. Dock at Granville Island for a watch party
Sail over to Granville Island for some food before heading to a watch party. There’s a free outdoor viewing zone, with outdoor seating for 1,000 people set up to watch over 90 matches. Learn more about the viewing parties here.
“There are not a lot of cities that have water taxis like this,” explains Eric Houtman, an Aquabus Captain. “I hope everyone has the opportunity to visit our beautiful city and come check out the view of the soccer ball/Science World from one of our boats!”
Founded in 1985, there are eight stops you can make with the Aquabus, across False Creek in the heart of Vancouver’s downtown.
Of course Vancouver is actually split in two by the water, given the Lions Gate and Ironworkers Memorial Bridge (Second Narrows Bridge) takes any festival seeker out of downtown and to the North Shore. The FIFA World Cup action will hit a solid pitch at the base of the Second Narrows, Vancouver side, at the PNE Grounds & Hastings Park—home of the FIFA Fan Festival.
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FestivalSeekers’s listing of the experience here will give you the rundown to some of the 120 artists, bands or DJ’s playing & 70 live broadcasts of the matches through the 28 days of the FIFA Fan Festival.
Back to the water though - “Seeing that ball come to life out here on the water every day, it makes the city feel really cool and all the excitement coming in for FIFA," says Houtman. "It really feels like something big is happening,”
Watch parties will be all over Vancouver, and all across BC; example in Kelowna July 2 down at Waterfront Park.
Or keep to the waters of Vancouver and set sail for a series of watch parties on a four-hour experience with the backdrop of the city as you take it all in.
Know Before you Go
Book a kayak or SUP out of Granville Island - rent on your own, or a tour - to get right up and close to the Science World soccer ball. Learn more here.
Vancouver still has rooms available - you can check in with Destination Vancouver’s AI concierge to score any details on where to stay or anything else you want to know about the city. Learn more here.
Join us for the FIFA Fan Festival - with over 120 artists & 70 watch parties, its gonna be huge!
