FIFA World Cup 2026: A Coastal Retreat in Parksville Qualicum Beach

The world’s game is coming close to home in 2026. Vancouver will welcome fans from across the globe as one of FIFA’s host cities, and while the excitement of the matches will be unforgettable, we know many travelers will also be looking for somewhere to slow down between the high-energy days.

That’s where Parksville Qualicum Beach comes in. Just a short ferry or flight away, Parksville Qualicum Beach offers that peaceful coastal balance. You can even fly directly from Vancouver’s South Terminal to the Qualicum Beach Airport with Iskwew Air, making the journey here as simple as it is scenic.

Between the Matches

In Parksville Qualicum Beach, friendliness isn’t something we turn on for visitors; it’s simply part of who we are. Here, everyone’s welcome, no matter which team’s colours you wear. From the barista who asks about the match to the shop owner sharing local tips, the warmth you’ll feel is as real as the sea breeze. For fans, families, and first-time visitors alike, you’ll find an easygoing warmth that makes you feel right at home.

two soccer fans arm in arm holding soccer ball walking on a track

For Families and Friends

Traveling with a group? PQB has the kind of activities that bring everyone together. The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre is a place to meet rescued owls and eagles, and Butterfly World adds a splash of colour to any day. If you’re feeling active, mini golf, paddleboarding, and bike paths are all easy to find.

The World Cup may bring the greatest players in the game, but Parksville Qualicum Beach is known for a different kind of G.O.A.T. — the ones who casually roam the rooftop at the Old Country Market in Coombs. It's a fun surprise that’s become a must-see for families and groups.

For quieter days, Milner Gardens & Woodland offers winding trails under tall trees and views of the Salish Sea. It’s the kind of place where conversation slows down, and you’ll notice details you might have rushed past otherwise.

A Taste of Vancouver Island

Match days call for celebration, and here that often means fresh seafood and a pint of something local. Restaurants and pubs across Parksville Qualicum Beach welcome fans looking to share the day’s highlights over fish and chips, salmon caught nearby, or craft beer brewed just down the road.

Weather in June and July

Early summer is one of the most comfortable times to be in Parksville Qualicum Beach. June brings daytime highs around 20°C (68°F), with evenings cooling to about 12°C (54°F). By July, afternoons often warm to 23–25°C (73–77°F), while nights stay pleasantly mild. Rainfall is light compared to spring, though a misty morning or quick shower isn’t unusual. Most days are bright, with long stretches of sunlight. It’s the kind of weather that draws you outdoors to walk the shoreline or linger on a patio.

What to Pack

When packing for a World Cup getaway to PQB think layers and comfort. Days can be warm, but evenings by the water call for a sweater or light jacket. A pair of sandals for the beach and sturdy shoes for trails will keep you covered for almost anything. A sun hat and sunscreen are good companions for long days outside, while a light rain jacket comes in handy if a coastal shower rolls through.

Getting to the Matches in Vancouver

Parksville Qualicum Beach is close enough to enjoy the action in Vancouver, but far enough away to feel the difference once the final whistle blows. If you’re staying here during the World Cup, you’ll find several ways to travel back and forth to the host city:

Nearby Airports

  • Qualicum Beach Airport (XQU): Arrive right in town when you fly into Qualicum Beach Airport. Iskwew Air connects directly with Vancouver International Airport’s South Terminal and also provides charter flights.
  • Vancouver International Airport (YVR): The main entry point for most international visitors, located just south of downtown Vancouver. From YVR, you can connect to BC Ferries or regional flights to reach Vancouver Island.
  • Nanaimo Airport (YCD): About a 45-minute drive from Parksville, with direct flights from Vancouver, Calgary, and other Canadian hubs.
  • Comox Valley Airport (YQQ): Around an hour north of Parksville, with connections from Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton.
  • Victoria International Airport (YYJ): About two hours south by car, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights.

Find more airport information here.

Ferry Connections

If you’re traveling between PQB and Vancouver, ferries are the most common route:

  • Hullo Ferries: Hullo Ferries operate one sailing route between Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver, with a sailing time of 70-minutes.
  • Departure Bay (Nanaimo) to Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver): Roughly a 1 hour 40 minute sailing. Parksville is about a 30-minute drive from Departure Bay, and Horseshoe Bay is a 30–40 minute drive into downtown Vancouver or BC Place stadium.
  • Duke Point (Nanaimo) to Tsawwassen (South of Vancouver): A longer sailing at 2 hours, but convenient if you’re heading toward YVR airport or southern Vancouver.

Travel Times

  • Parksville to Downtown Vancouver:
    • By car + ferry: Around 3.5 to 4 hours total (depending on ferry schedules).
    • By bus + ferry: BC Ferries Connector and other services run routes that link Parksville/Nanaimo to Vancouver.
  • Parksville to BC Place Stadium (Vancouver’s host venue): Expect 4 hours door-to-door with ferry travel included.

Transportation Options

  • BC Ferries Connector (Bus + Ferry Service): Offers seamless travel from Vancouver to Vancouver Island and back, with through-tickets available.
  • Car Rentals: Available in Vancouver, Nanaimo, Comox, and Victoria - a flexible option if you want to explore beyond the matches.
  • Public Transit in Vancouver: Once in the city, you can use SkyTrain and bus routes to get directly to BC Place and downtown fan zones.
Couple holding small Canadian flags as they walk down the street as sports fans

Why PQB During the World Cup?

It’s simple: here, you can feel connected to the global excitement while staying grounded in the calm of Vancouver Island. Close enough to Vancouver to catch a match, but far enough away to hear the waves at night instead of the roar of a stadium.

Score the Best Seat in the House

Parksville Qualicum Beach offers its own collection of “beautiful seats” and places where fans can pause, connect, and take in the moment. From a weathered driftwood log along Rathtrevor Beach to a picnic blanket on the sand at Qualicum Beach or a bench overlooking the Englishman River Estuary, every seat here tells a story. These are the spots where conversations linger, where the beauty of Vancouver Island quietly brings a calm over you, and where you're reminded that the best seats aren’t always in the stadium.

So when the world comes together for soccer’s biggest stage, make Parksville Qualicum Beach your place to rest, reflect, and create your own stories between the games.

More Resources

For more information you can view the Official FIFA Schedule here. Check the official match page here for updates. And for more information about the Host City, explore Vancouver’s website here.

Plan your World Cup retreat today! Your spot by the sea is waiting.