Vancouver's Parker Hotel and its rooftop bar your upscale base for FIFA World Cup 2026

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The late afternoon sun bathes the Parker Hotel Vancouver patio in warmth as you sip a specialty cocktail called a Broken Mistake.

It’s easy to relate to the cocktail name and its ingredients: Cheringham Rhubarb Gin liqueur, Campari, Poli Gran Bassano Bianoco, Umeshi and Prosecco. It’s no mistake — it may be the smartest choice on a day when you wear a new outfit and hit the Parker Hotel rooftop bar for the cocktails, some clever conversation —  and the view.

From one of three patios, you can watch the sun set over Kits Point. Or you can settle into one of the plush couches inside the upscale lounge, surrounded by six-metre floor-to-ceiling windows — and where a surprisingly eclectic playlist is on in the background. The patios are rated No. 1 by therooftopguide.com.

The menu doesn’t make your choice easy if you hanker for a bite. Clever concoctions will surprise, such as Wagyu beef sliders or lobster ravioli from a menu that features one of the city’s best charcuterie platters. And oysters on the half shell — Vancouver’s fuel of choice. And what’s not to love about a place that serves Baked Alaska, with banana butter cake, vanilla bean ice cream, Italian meringue and Grand Marnier flambeé? Sometimes carbs are your friends.

FIFA World Cup 2026

This lounge and its patios are frequented by locals and visitors. This is the place to go for celebrations, milestones, or just an evening out — and will be front and centre during the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Vancouver. This boutique hotel on Howe Street straddles Pacific Street and is walking distance to the scheduled games at B.C. Place.

Vancouver will host seven matches from June 13 to July 7, 2026. Book your stay early as some hotels are already booking blocks of rooms for corporations. Arguably Vancouver’s largest sporting event will attract thousands — so plan early and reserve.

Access to B.C. Place is by a 10 minute walk from the hotel, or hop on the SkyTrain and within two stops — from Yaletown-Roundhouse and then to the Stadium stop. There will be downtown World Cup events, and the Parker Hotel will be central to most. Remember there are no bags permitted in the stadium and no re-entry privileges either, for security reasons. A few other points you need to know: No outside food or beverages are allowed. And selfie sticks are considered prohibited items. You’ll need to get creative, influencers.

Your stay

The Parker rooms are bright and airy, set off by sumptuous textured wallpaper, comfy beds, soft towels and the necessary morning Kuerig coffee accoutrements — plus an on site gym with a gorgeous city view. Room amenities include complimentary Wifi, bathrobes and secure safes that accommodate a 17-inch laptop.

This is the type of hotel where you don’t have to worry: you walk into your room and everything is taken care of. It’s clean, spacious and inviting.

The hotel is about a $50 taxi ride from the airport depending on the time of day and traffic, or you can take the roughly 30-minute ride on the Canada Line to the Yaletown-Roundhouse station and walk the few blocks to the hotel, or grab an Uber.

The Parker has complimentary cruiser bike rentals to take advantage of: Ride north to explore Coal Harbour, then circumnavigate Stanley Park, snake around English Bay and its renowned beaches. If you’re up for it, continue biking the moderate grade of the art deco Burrard Bridge, and on to Kits Beach.

For family stays, the Parker has executive and presidential suites with living areas and kitchens packed with the essentials. There is also La Vallee Restaurant on site for breakfasts. Belgian waffles anyone?

The Parker is part of the Executive Hotels and Resorts, which owns properties in Metro Vancouver,  Whistler, New York, California and Washington. Rates are from about $300 a night, depending on the property.

What to see

The hotel is the epicentre of some of the city’s most iconic locales. It’s a short walk to Yaletown and its renowned shops and eateries, including Rodney’s Oyster House, known for its varietal oyster offerings and lively West Coast atmosphere. Also check out Long Table, just around the corner from the hotel, on Howe Street. It’s an award-winning gin, vodka and liqueur micro distillery with small-batch, hand-crafted spirits, such as their aromatic barrel-aged gin and renowned akvavit.

Another short walk takes you to the ferry to Granville Island for lunch, dinner, or drinks — and be sure to purchase unique B.C. specialty artisanal items at this favourite gourmet market in the picturesque False Creek setting.

If you have children in tow, the Granville Island Kids Market will make their day. The Adventure Zone never disappoints. Kids can climb through the multi-level indoor gym that’s voted one of the Top 10 Vancouver attractions for families. Numerous specialty toy stores will invariably grab kids’ attention: consider yourself warned.

Shopping is de riguer on notable Robson Street with its boutiques and brand names such as the Vancouver-founded powerhouses Lululemon and  Artizia. But around the corner on Alberni Street is what’s known as Luxury Row: Jimmy Choo, Tiffany & Co., Tory Birch and Prada — a few of the top-end style houses.

With all that walking, perhaps a reward at the nearby French Ladurèe macaron shop is in order. You are in good hands as its provenance dates to 1862 Paris — and the timeless delight of an afternoon tea.

A side of Shakespeare

Bard on the Beach — Western Canada’s largest professional Shakespeare festival — at Kits Point is a lovely walk from the Parker Hotel across the Burred Bridge each summer from June through September.  Alternatively, you could take the short ferry ride to Granville Island and walk from there, or hop on public transit for the quick trip.

Each season the festival recreates Shakespearean classics with twists, such as a Beatles’ music-infused As You Like It, a Bollywood themed All’s Well that Ends Well, and the comic romp Much Ado About Nothing — and the red and white tents set against the city and beach backdrop is superb. Shakespeare for the ages — and a Vancouver performance landmark since 1990 that’s not to be missed.

lmitges@postmedia.com

The writer was a guest of The Parker Hotel, which neither read nor approved this article.