The FIFA World Cup 2026 means Vancouver is going to be packed! There will be more visitors than ever before, attending the biggest sporting event in the world. There’s going to be tons of energy, watch parties, and people exploring the city in between matches.
If you’re a Vancouverite and a massive soccer fan, the World Cup is going to be epic! If futbal is not your vibe, you’re probably going to want to escape the crowds for a breather every chance you get.
How Renting A Car During FIFA 2026 Changes Everything
Renting a car for a road trip is a good idea and an even better one during the 2026 World Cup. With a car, you can wake up in FIFA chaos and be in a silent forest, coastal village, or mountain town within an hour or two. With a rental car or van, you can take as many of your friends, family, or neighbours along with you on your great escape.
Here are our top picks for quick getaways from Vancouver, well-known and a little less known, that you’re sure to love.
Pro Tip: Plan your escape on match days so you miss the crowds everywhere.
Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Island is a the largest of the Gulf Islands, best explored by car. It’s an easy day trip from Vancouver but you’ll probably want to spend a night or two at one of the quaint B&Bs there. Spend a day exploring the historic farms, sample some Salt Spring Island cheese and savour a glass of cider. Ganges, the town centre, has all the artisan shops, galleries, and vintage clothing stores you’ll ever need.
Harrison Hot Springs
If your idea of escape involves doing absolutely nothing, head to Harrison Hot Springs. Set along a lake and surrounded by mountains, it’s known for its mineral-rich hot springs and relaxed atmosphere. Relax with a spa day, slow walks, and quiet water views.
It’s a slightly longer drive but that’s part of the appeal.
Steveston Village
Steveston is about a 40-minute drive south of Vancouver, making it perfect for a low-key day away with the family. A historic fishing village, this is the place to go for seafood that just can’t get any fresher. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery has informative, guided tours with interactive displays for the kids.
Deep Cove & Quarry Rock
Tucked just outside the city, Deep Cove is a hidden gem right around the corner. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon or even a whole day away with the entire family, including the dogs. The short hike to Quarry Rock results in sweeping views. Kayaking is another popular activity here, making it a great place to get in some outdoor activity.
Nanaimo
Drive three hours to Nanaimo for an idyllic weekend away from Vancouver. The fresh sea air and stunning harbour views will make you forget about the crowds at home. Walk along the scenic harbour trails, gorge on the freshest oysters, and treat yourself to a Nanaimo bar to make your escape even sweeter.
Fort Langley
For something understated and charming, drive out to Fort Langley. Historic buildings, small cafés, boutique shops let you wander without a plan. It makes it almost hard to believe that it was a trading post that was as busy as Vancouver will be during the FIFA World Cup! If you’re a history buff, it’ll bring your textbooks to life!
Bowen Island
A 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay takes you to Bowen Island. There’s plenty to do there. Follow forest trails or hike around Killarney Lake, look for sea glass on Sandy beach and enjoy a bonfire at sunset. The slower pace of life here will help you forget about the FIFA crowds in an instant.
Find That Perfect Balance With Ascent Car Rentals
Getting out of Vancouver during the FIFA World Cup 2026 can help balance the festive atmosphere with moments of calm. You can join the crowds when you feel like it or hop into a car and swap fan zones for forest trails.
Ascent Car Rental can help you with the perfect vehicle for your great escape. If you need kit like bike or roof racks, we can provide those too. Best of all, our paperless booking makes getting a rental car so easy. Hire your vehicle today!