World Cup 2026 Canada Venues: Travel Guide (Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton)
Canada's Three Host Cities
Canada contributes three world-class venues to FIFA World Cup 2026, spanning the country from the Pacific coast to the prairie heartland. Each city offers a distinct character, excellent infrastructure, and a passionate football community energised by Canada's qualification for the tournament on home soil.
- Vancouver (BC Place): 54,500 capacity, retractable roof, downtown location
- Toronto (BMO Field): 45,736 capacity, expanded for the tournament, lakeshore setting
- Edmonton (Commonwealth Stadium): 56,302 capacity, Canada's largest football stadium
Entry Requirements — eTA for Most Nationals
Canada requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling by air. This applies to citizens of most European countries, Australia, the UK, Japan, South Korea, and many others. An eTA costs CAD $7, is linked to your passport, and is typically approved within minutes online at canada.ca/eta.
Nationals of countries that require a Canadian visa — including China, India, and many African and Middle Eastern nations — must apply well in advance. Canada is expected to introduce streamlined procedures for ticketed World Cup fans, similar to what was done for the 2015 Women's World Cup. Check the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for the latest guidance specific to World Cup 2026.
- eTA: Most visa-exempt nationals, CAD $7, apply online at canada.ca/eta.
- Visa required: China, India, and others — apply at least 6 months in advance.
- US citizens do not need an eTA — a valid US passport is sufficient.
Getting Around Each Host City
Vancouver is one of Canada's most transit-friendly cities. The SkyTrain rapid rail system connects Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to downtown in under 30 minutes, and BC Place is a short walk from Stadium-Chinatown Station. The city is also highly walkable and bike-friendly.
Toronto is served by an extensive subway, streetcar, and bus network. BMO Field is located on the waterfront in Exhibition Place, easily reached from Union Station via the 509 or 511 streetcar. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) connects via the UP Express train to Union Station in 25 minutes.
Edmonton has a more car-dependent layout, though the LRT light rail system provides useful connections in the city core. Commonwealth Stadium is about 4 km from downtown Edmonton. On matchdays, shuttle services and additional transit are expected to supplement regular services. Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is approximately 30 km from the city centre.
Best Neighbourhoods to Stay
Choosing the right neighbourhood makes a significant difference to your World Cup experience in Canada.
- Vancouver: Downtown/Gastown for walkability; Yaletown for upscale dining; Kitsilano for a laid-back beach-city feel.
- Toronto: Downtown Core or King West for proximity to public transport and nightlife; the Distillery District for boutique accommodation and restaurants.
- Edmonton: Downtown or Whyte Avenue (Old Strathcona) for walkable access to restaurants, bars, and fan zones.