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Vancouver’s mix of incredible landscapes, outdoor adventure and varying climate make it an ideal city for a range of sports. As well as having hosted the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Vancouver has also hosted the likes of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Final, the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Series since 2015, cementing its place on the world’s sporting map.
If you’re a sports fan, why not book yourself some cheap flights to Vancouver and catch one of the following professional sports teams in action?
Vancouver Warriors
Many people believe ice hockey is the national sport of Canada, but in actuality, it’s lacrosse. The Vancouver Warriors are the city’s professional lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League (NLL). Originally playing out of the Langley Events Centre, the team moved to Roger’s Arena in 2018, bringing ‘Canada’s national summer sport’ back downtown. The NLL regular season runs from December until April, with playoffs continuing into June.
Vancouver Canucks
You can also cheer on the Vancouver Canucks at Roger’s Arena is Downtown Vancouver. The city’s National Hockey League (NHL) team is arguably the most popular amongst visitors, with tickets always quick to sell out. The season generally runs from early October until early April.
BC Lions
The BC Lions are British Columbia’s team in the Canadian Football League (American football, that is). There are, however, certain variations between the Canadian version of the game compared to their US neighbours, with things like the field dimensions, number of downs, number of players in the game, and time rules differing. Nine teams from across the country battle it out between June and November each season, with games played at BC Place, located a short distance from Roger’s Arena.
Vancouver Whitecaps
The British version of football (better known as ‘soccer’ in Canada and the US) is played professionally by the Whitecaps in Vancouver. They play in North America’s Major League Soccer (MLS) competition, with home games at BC Place. The MLS season runs from March through to October.
Vancouver Canadians
The city is also home to a minor league baseball team, the Vancouver Canadians, who play out of the Nat Bailey Stadium. Teams play in the summer between June and September when the weather is typically glorious in Vancouver. Tickets are also very reasonably priced, making them popular with visiting and local families.
Please see each team’s website for upcoming home schedules and to book tickets ahead of your visit:
Can’t make the live event? Here are some popular venues to catch a game:
The New Oxford
1144 Homer Street
Located in the trendy neighbourhood of Yaletown, The New Oxford is a traditional pub with lots of character. It is also the home of the official Chelsea FC Supporters Club in Vancouver (but don’t let that put you off if you aren’t a fan!) This pub not only airs Canadian sports games, but British games too. Make sure you take advantage of a large outdoor seating area in the warm summer months.
The Charles Bar
136 West Cordova Street
Boasting a large nine-foot HD screen (as well as a range of other smaller screens) The Charles Bar in Gastown is well-known for showing almost every game worth watching. Situated on the ground floor of the famous Woodward’s building, you can enjoy a range of sports at this bar, as well as great food, craft beer and cocktails.
The Pint
455 Abbott Street
Over 80—yes, 80—TVs and a range of delicious daily specials (including ‘Burger and Beer Mondays’, ‘Vancouver’s Best Wing Night’ on a Wednesday, and $5CAD Caesars on Sundays) this is a great spot to catch a live game. Ice hockey fans can also bag themselves $5CAD pints of domestic beer on Canucks gameday.
CRAFT Beer Market
85 W 1st Avenue
CRAFT Beer Market, located close to Main Street station in the wider downtown area, offers over 100 local and international beers and a one-of-a-kind weekly cask brew, as well as an extensive wine, cocktails and spirits list. Housed in the historic Salt Building, you’ll also find several big screens to watch live sport here, but its big enough that games don’t completely take over the venue!
The Blarney Stone
216 Carrall Street
This Irish pub is a favourite in the city and can be found in the heart of Gastown. It’s the longest-running Irish pub in Vancouver with a menu featuring Irish-inspired dishes and a venue boasting a typically Irish atmosphere. When you’re not catching up on live sport, expect live music on Friday and Saturday nights and a whole host of other fun events.
Looking for cheap flights to Vancouver? Book online or contact our Canada Experts to find dates and routes that work for you.
