Our 2026 special edition tours are carefully scheduled around match dates, letting you relax and enjoy pre-game activities, take in the scenery between matches, or set off on a new adventure right after kick-off!
Why Book Tours Around Football Matches?
The key benefits of joining a tour when visiting Vancouver include:
- Match-aligned itineraries: Many tours are scheduled to complement Vancouver’s match calendar so you can enjoy some pre-game, in-between, and post-game activities.
👉Check out our June-July calendar HERE to compare tour dates and match dates. - Cost savings on accommodation: With hotel rates in Vancouver rising sharply during football match period, securing accommodation can be both costly and competitive. On the other hand, multi-day tours include lodging booked ahead of time.
👉This offers an opportunity to experience more of Western Canada beyond Vancouver at a better overall value. - Maximize your experience: Explore beyond the city, whether it’s Whistler, Vancouver Island, Okanagan Valley, or the Canadian Rockies, so you can fully maximize your time here.
- Convenience and stress-free planning: Sightseeing, transport, and regional excursions are pre-planned and organized for you, letting you focus on enjoying the games AND the destinations without the stress!
- Shared experiences and community: Finally, one of the most enjoyable parts of joining a tour during this time is travelling with fellow fans. You get to share the excitement, swap stories, and create memories that extend well beyond the stadium—something that doesn’t come around very often!
©Destination Vancouver / Sea to Sky Gondola / PaulBride | ©Destination BC / Abby Cooper
Tours Before or After Football Matches: Which to Choose?
If you have decided to go on a tour, you might wonder whether to join one before or after the game. We’re here to help you break down the benefits:
💡 Tours Before the Football Match
By going on tours before a match, you can:
- Arrive early and explore: Settle in and discover Vancouver or nearby regions before match day.
- Adjust and recharge from different time zones: Recover from travel and get ready for the match while enjoying local sights.
- Enjoy wide options to choose from: Pre-match tours can be multi-day or shorter day tours, giving you the flexibility to enjoy as much (or as little) exploration as you want before the game.
💡 Tours After the Football Match
On the other hand, by going on tours after a match, you can:
- Relax after the game: Move from the stadium excitement to taking scenic drives beyond the city, enjoying nature and visiting charming towns across Western Canada.
- Extend your stay without breaking the bank: Continue exploring destinations like Vancouver Island, the Rockies, or other regions with accommodation prices that are cheaper than in Vancouver at this time.
- Share the experience with fellow fans: Travelling after the match allows you to continue the celebration with other fans while the energy of the game is still fresh! (You can even make lifelong friends along the way!)
The good news is that both options offer a rewarding way to experience Western Canada. The right choice simply depends on what fits your travel plans and preferences.
Choosing the Right Tour Packages
Once you’ve decided whether a pre-match or post-match tour suits your plans, the next step is choosing where you’d like to explore. Discover Canada Tours’ 2026 Special Edition Tours explore iconic regions within BC and beyond, making it easy to plan a well-rounded trip around your time in Vancouver.
Here are the top destinations in Western Canada:
©Tourism Vancouver Island / Ben Giesbrecht
Vancouver Island
Discover the natural beauty and charm of Vancouver Island, a refreshing coastal escape just 1.5–2 hours by ferry from Vancouver. Highlights include Victoria’s historic landmarks, Butchart Gardens, and the Inner Harbour, along with scenic ferry rides, coastal wildlife spotting, and charming seaside towns. Fans can also enjoy local culinary experiences featuring fresh seafood and artisan treats while exploring this iconic island.
Tours you may like:
©Indigenous Tourism BC/Indigenous World Winery/Brendin Kelly
Okanagan Valley
The Okanagan Valley is renowned for its vineyards, scenic lakes, and outdoor adventures, approximately 4–5 hours’ drive from Vancouver. Highlights include wine and culinary tours in Kelowna and surrounding areas, lakefront views, and scenic vineyard drives, along with hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities.
Tours you may like:
©Pursuit / Mike Seehagel
The Canadian Rockies
Experience the majesty of the Canadian Rockies, where towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife create the ultimate scenic escape. Highlights include Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Icefields Parkway, with opportunities for wildlife spotting, mountain hikes, and breathtaking photography.
Tours you may like:
©DCT / Lisanne Smeele
Vancouver & Surrounding Regions
Explore the best of Vancouver, from iconic landmarks to vibrant neighbourhoods, all within the city or just a short drive away. Highlights include Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain, and the Vancouver Lookout, along with trips to nearby destinations such as Whistler or Victoria, both just 1–2 hours from the city. Fans can choose multi-day or day tours that combine sightseeing, outdoor adventure, and local culture.
Tours you may like:
- Whistler Sea-to-Sky (3-Day Tour)
- Discover Vancouver City Tour & Lookout Tower (Half-Day Tour)
- Discover Vancouver Sightseeing Bus & Boat Tour (1-Day Tour)
- Discover Whistler & Sea To Sky Gondola Tour (1-Day Tour)
- Discover Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour (1-Day Tour)
- Discover North Vancouver & Grouse Mountain Tour (1-Day Tour)
Who Should Join These Tours?
These tours appeal to a wide variety of travellers, including:
✔️ International and domestic football fans attending matches in Vancouver
✔️ Groups of friends looking to combine sport and adventure
✔️ Couples or families seeking a mix of games, sightseeing, and outdoor activities
✔️ Sports enthusiasts who want to extend their experience beyond the stadium
Nonetheless, no matter your travel style, these tours provide a balanced combination of exploration and relaxation, allowing you to enjoy every moment along the way!
©Destination Vancouver | ©Destination BC / Jordan Manley
Final Tips: Planning Your 2026 Travel Experience
Making the most of the time in Western Canada starts with thoughtful planning. Here are some final tips to help you enjoy both the games and your travel experience:
- Book early and secure the best options: The football match period brings high demand for accommodation and tours. Booking your multi-day itineraries in advance ensures you have the best selection, locks in better value for lodging, and guarantees your spot on tours.
- Coordinate tours with match schedules: Choose to go on tours that align with your favourite team’s matches, so you don’t miss any action!
- Pick the right pace: Shorter, city-focused tours are ideal for fans with limited time who want to stay close to Vancouver; while longer scenic tours allow for deeper exploration of Vancouver Island, the Canadian Rockies, or the Okanagan Valley. Pick the ones that make the most sense to you.
- Pack accordingly: While Vancouver’s summer is generally mild, you’ll want versatile clothing and comfortable shoes suitable for going into the stadium, city sightseeing, and outdoor adventures.
Want to Learn More About Visiting Vancouver?
Check out these additional helpful guides to make the most of your trip:
👉 Visiting Vancouver for 2026? Here’s Everything You Need to Know – Tips on travel, sightseeing, and getting around the city.
👉 Where to Stay in Vancouver during the 2026 Season – Insights on the best neighbourhoods and accommodation options to suit your plans.
These guides will help you plan every detail of your Vancouver experience and complement your trip perfectly.
Ready for your 2026 adventure? Plan in advance and experience the football game like never before!
