How To Watch FIFA World Cup in Nelson BC

Five billion people. That’s how many viewers cumulatively tuned in to the last FIFA World Cup of soccer in 2022. Bigger than even the Olympics, it’s the most watched and most frenzied sporting event in the world. And for good reason; soccer is also the most-played sport in the world. All you need is a ball, four rocks, and a bit of open space to make a field. Kicking a ball into a net is quite possibly our species’ most universal language.

While we’re better known for hockey in Canada, this is a special moment for us in the history of the world’s biggest sport. Beginning on June 12, we’ll be co-hosting the event for the first time ever, with 13 matches staged between Vancouver and Toronto.

If you’ve ever wandered Vancouver’s Commercial Drive during a World Cup—which comes only once every four years—you’ve seen what the celebrations can look like. If you haven’t, this is your opportunity to join in the fray, Kootenay style. Nelson’s Baker Street, our main downtown thoroughfare, is a melting pot of culture, commerce, artisanry and history all in one stroll. So often compared to Commercial Drive, our main strip is set against a backdrop of sprawling mountain wilderness that’ll be yours to explore within minutes of downtown.

If you’ve been planning a visit to Nelson and Kootenay Lake but don’t want to miss the World Cup, or if you’ve already got Vancouver in your travel plans, have a think about tacking on a visit here at the same time. From June 11 to July 19, Baker Street will be all the more uncanny as the Queen City of the Kootenays lights up in solidarity with the world, and our team.

We’ve got a raft of viewing options up and down the lake, with easy accommodations and parking, and most importantly, a plethora of things to do out in nature between matches. From hiking, to golf, mountain biking, lake life and wellness, the same attractions that make our region magnetic to visitors every summer will remain just as captivating during the World Cup.

Where to Watch

Nelson

Downtown Nelson is all within walking distance, which makes hoofing it from your accommodations all that much easier. There are a variety of pubs that classically play sports, and will be your best bet for high-energy spectating with like-minded fans. 

The Uptown Sports Bar is a bumping scene, and also offers the convenience of being located in the Adventure Hotel. Mike’s Place Pub, Jackson’s Hole & Grill and Finley’s Bar & Grill are each down-to-earth watering holes with big ol’ screens that feature the current sports concern. The latter of which is located in the Hume Hotel & Spa. There’s also The Royal, a food, drink and music venue that has multiple screens and a projector, and is right on Baker Street.

B.C. bars are allowed to extend their operating hours for World Cup games, so venues can be open early. As the kickoff to the Cup grows nearer, there will also be pop-up opportunities to watch.

Stay tuned closer to the event as public watch parties are announced. We’ll update that right here!

FIFA-THEMED ACTIVATION 

On June 24, to make your trip even more memorable, a special FIFA-themed activation will be happening at Lakeside Park. Expect a lively, atmosphere with big screen match viewing and plenty of room to gather, celebrate and soak up the lakeside setting. It's a chance to experience the global excitement if the game, right here, in one of the most scenic places to watch it.

Kaslo

If you’re aiming for an even quieter and quainter stay, you’ll find all that peace and tranquility in picturesque Kaslo, overlooking Kaslo Bay. The most surefire spot to catch the matches around here is the Kaslo Hotel’s Waypoint Restaurant & Bar, nestled in an ornate Victorian heritage building right downtown.

While the most raucous viewing will be in Nelson, if you’re looking for a sidetrek or are on your way back from a more remote day out like Monica Meadows, Kaslo will still has you covered.

East Shore

Should you find yourself exploring the maritime midlands of the lake, or taking the world’s longest free scenic ferry from Balfour to Crawford Bay by day, there are even a sports-viewing option in this secluded stretch of the Purcell Mountains. Newkey’s Pub & RV Park triples as a place to stay, eat and watch, all within walking distance of the beach in Crawford Bay.

Accommodations

Unlike the big city, we can offer camping as an alternative option during high season. And, in this day and age, camping can be pretty comfortable. Whether you’re just taking some time between matches, hauling your Starlink around by van or RV, pedalling into town for the game, or catching it at the pub, you can sleep in the great outdoors close to town or right in it, and still stay up to date.

Waking up beachside at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park, or any one of our provincial or municipal campgrounds, offers a way not only to beat the hotel rush, but to breathe clean, crisp air and save a few bucks.

If you prefer sleeping indoors—as many people do—you can also pick from a host of historic hotels and inns to beachside resorts for your stay. You'll find accommodations for every taste and budget all across the region. Do book ahead, though, as the World Cup aligns closely with our busiest season!

Getting Here

Summer is an easy time to fly, with local flights into nearby Castlegar and Trail. Each is within an hour’s flight from Vancouver or Calgary, and then only a 30-minute drive to Nelson. You can pick up a rental car upon landing, and be here in a jiffy.

The bigger airport in Cranbrook is just under three hours from Nelson, and joins the same pastoral drive from Calgary. Kelowna is just over four hours away and Spokane is about three, with a summer charter service available.

Summer is also an easy time to drive if you’re visiting domestically with your own wheels or hauling an RV. Nelson is an 8.5-hour drive from Vancouver along one of the most beautiful highways in the world, very worthy of a road trip. Calgary is seven hours to Nelson, cutting through the spellbinding Canadian Rockies. As always, check Drivebc.ca for up-to-date road conditions and keep an eye on the weather.