There’s more to soccer culture than the professional game, which is why we’ve put together guides for each of MLS’ 19 markets. Whether you’re just dropping in on vacation or hitting the road with your fellow supporters, here’s the lowdown on what to do and how to do it.
SOCCER CULTURE
Soccer culture in Vancouver has a long, rich history influenced by a varied mix of ex-pats from footballing hotbeds. The game is now finding a new generation of supporters to enthrall, many of them disillusioned by the dire, morgue-like atmosphere to be found when the NHL’s Canucks play. Parts of the older generation of fans still do not rate the domestic game, but they are now being outnumbered by the younger crop who do. The city comes alive during major soccer tournaments like the World Cup, and the number of sell-outs the Whitecaps are getting these days shows that the excitement is local, too.
WHERE TO PLAY
Go to most parks at the weekend, and you'll find soccer games galore. Whether they'll let you join in is another matter. A couple of great places to find a pick-up match are Andy Livingstone Park (downtown at 89 Expo Boulevard) near the 'Caps’ home at BC Place, and a short Skytrain ride away at Trout Lake (3350 Victoria Drive) around 2 pm on a Saturday. You'll see a wide variety of soccer jerseys from all over the world at both places. Add to them with your MLS team of choice.
LOCAL CUISINE
- La Belle Patete: (1215 Davie St) - Run like a Montreal poutine stand, by guys from Montreal who import the goods from Quebec. What is poutine? Fries, cheese curds and gravy, that's what, with added extras like Montreal smoked meat. If the game wasn't heart-stopping enough, this should do it.
- Bestie: (105 East Pender Street) – Sausage-fest anyone? You can't go wrong with this neat little sausage-and-beer parlor in the heart of Chinatown. Buns of fun for everyone. You could certainly make a wurst decision than not to head there.
- Vij's: (1480 W 11th Ave) - Top Indian food from a celebrity Canadian chef. If the restaurant is too far away, they also have a wonderful downtown food truck. Add some spice to your weekend and curry favor with your other half.
- Honorable mentions: Fire Pizza (1918 Commercial Drive), Sula Indian Restaurant (1128 Commercial Drive), Japadog (various locations)
SOCCER BARS
- Doolin's: (654 Nelson Street) - If faux Irish bars are your thing, Doolin's is for you. It's also home to the Whitecaps' supporters group the Southsiders, and their "march to the match" leaves from here.
- Red Card: (560 Smith Street) - Small but with some excellent eats, this sports bar might have something of a sterile look to it, but it has a great atmosphere and is close to BC Place.
- Library Square: (300 W Georgia Street) - Boasting very close proximity to BC Place (and the library, for you bookworms!), the home to the Whitecaps' Rain City Brigade supporters' group is always jumping on matchdays.
- Commercial Drive: Not one bar, but a whole street of them! Vancouver's soccer capital during any big tournament, it's a good any time any game is on. A short skytrain ride away from downtown, with many great places to eat.
- The Alpen Club: (4875 Victoria Drive) - Another iconic home to fans during any big soccer tournament, this German bar and restaurant is passionate about the beautiful game. Out from the downtown core, but a must-visit if any German teams happen to be playing when you're in town.
WHERE TO VISIT
- Stanley Park: Voted the "Top park in the world" by Trip Advisor last year, the 1,000-acre Stanley Park is nature at its finest and has something for everyone. The beautiful views afforded by the walk around the seawall let you see Vancouver in all its beauty. It's also home to the Vancouver aquarium - well worth a visit just to see the playful sea otters!
- Capilano Suspension Bridge: Built in 1889, this rickety suspension bridge over the Capilano River affords wonderful views of British Columbia nature and a bigger drop than TFC's playoff expectations. Not the place to do a goalscoring celebratory backflip.
- PNE/Playland: An August trip to Vancouver will allow you to experience more than 100 years of tradition at the Pacific National Exhibition Fair. Playland is a theme park attached and open all summer long. The added benefit for soccer fans? The whole venue is beside what remains of the Whitecaps' old Empire Stadium site.
- Honorable mentions: The Gastown Steam Clock, Vancouver Lookout Tower, Seabus trip to North Vancouver and Lonsdale Quay
MATCHDAY
If you happen to visit Vancouver when it's raining (a very high possibility), you will get the chance to experience a unique scenario in MLS: a game played under a roof. BC Place will also become one of only two MLS venues to host a FIFA World Cup final after the Women's World Cup this summer. Matchday in Vancouver meshes 40-plus years of Whitecaps soccer history and a stadium-wide vocal buy-in.
MATCHDAY TIPS:
- Make sure you're in your seats 10 minutes before kickoff to take part in the "White Is The Colour" sing-a-long, which harks back to the Whitecaps NASL era.
- The south end of the stadium, the supporters’ section, is the only one that allows standing throughout, so if you want to live the full 90 on your feet, that is the place to be.
- If the roof is open, even in the summer, it can get a bit nippy in the stadium due to the shade. Layer accordingly with all your appropriate teamwear, especially for the later kickoffs. No foam fingers, though, unless it's insulating foam for your gloves.
