Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and Səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh), (Vancouver, BC) – May 21, 2026

Canada’s natural landscapes and warm-hearted hospitality are turning iconic outdoor spaces into match-day experiences. As more than one million visitors travel to Canada for FIFA World Cup 2026™, the country is transforming iconic landscapes into front-row viewing experiences. With Host Cities Toronto and Vancouver staging 13 matches between June 12 and July 7, Destination Canada has introduced Natural Watch Parties: free, limited-ticket events that bring fans together in spectacular outdoor settings. 

Whether a mountain summit or an island shoreline, each Natural Watch Party pairs the electricity of FIFA World Cup football with Canada’s welcoming spirit and great outdoors. It’s the first time a country has hosted watch parties in the wild outdoors, making for a match-day atmosphere unlike anywhere else on Earth. 
 

Toronto Natural Watch Party: Toronto Islands | Germany v Côte d’Ivoire
Saturday, June 20 at 4:00 PM EST

Toronto sets the stage for an unforgettable showdown as fans gather at Toronto Islands to watch Germany face Côte d’Ivoire. Paddle in by kayak, or accessible voyageur canoe, or take the ferry from downtown Toronto to join the festivities on land. Framed by Lake Ontario, lush greenspaces, and the city skyline, the experience turns match day into a distinctly Canadian celebration. The match is being played here in the city at the Toronto Stadium.
 

Vancouver Natural Watch Party: Grouse Mountain | Panama v England
Saturday, June 27 at 2:00 PM PST

Football fandom reaches new heights at Grouse Mountain. Against a backdrop of alpine views, hiking trails, and resident grizzlies, fans can catch Panama v England on a large outdoor screen overlooking the city. Post-match, visit the híwus Feasthouse to engage with Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations culture.

“We know people are craving real, authentic experiences - and these Natural Watch Parties embody just that,” says Gloria Loree, Senior Vice-President, Marketing Strategy and Chief Marketing Officer, Destination Canada. “To stand on a mountain or paddle on one of the Great Lakes - these experiences are capturing something that is uniquely Canadian. They combine the beauty of the Game with the beauty of Canada’s natural landscapes and the genuine warmth of Canadian hospitality. We hope visitors can join us, enjoy deeper connections to place and people, and see for themselves what makes Canada so natural and distinctive from other destinations.”

From lively streets to open landscapes and warm-hearted communities, Vancouver and Toronto’s Natural Watch Parties unite fans in the places Canadians and visitors alike gather best—outdoors, side by side, and ready for kickoff.  

“Coming together to watch major sporting events is an experience that evokes fond memories for many Canadians,” says The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism). “And now, with Destination Canada’s Natural Watch Parties, Canadians get to enjoy the largest FIFA World Cup in history and share it with fans from around the world, in some of our most iconic nature-based tourism settings. Domestic and international visitors alike are eager to experience the FIFA World Cup  in Canada, and these Natural Watch Parties will create lasting memories for all, in addition to providing a welcome boost to our visitor economy.”

Free tickets for both Natural Watch Parties are limited. Visit NaturalWatchParties.com for more information. Fans unable to attend in person can also click on this same link to follow the celebrations. 
 

Around the country many other events and activations are taking place providing opportunities in many communities to come together to enjoy The Beautiful Game in their own way:  

• FIFA Canada Celebrates Program includes over 39 communities across Canada. A first-of-its-kind program for FIFA, all stops are within a two-hour drive for more than 75 per cent of Canadian residents, giving everybody across the country an opportunity to gather, celebrate, and tune into the great upcoming action. Details can be found here: Canada Celebrates the FIFA World Cup 2026™
• British Columbia Watch Parties: Funded through the Community Event Support Fund, the province is providing $1.7 million in funding to support 32 communities across British Columbia as they prepare to celebrate during FIFA World Cup 2026. From Haida Gwaii to Delta fans can attend free events to celebrate the beautiful game in their own communities. Communities are busy listing their events which can be found here: 2026 Watch Parties | Super Natural BC
• Host Cities Toronto and Vancouver will transform into one celebration, from official Fan Festivals, to community watch parties, and family-friendly activities taking over the cities.
• To plan your trip to Toronto, visit Destination Toronto's site: World Cup Events | Destination Toronto
• If you are visiting Vancouver, the Destination Vancouver Event Calendar can be found here: World Cup Events | Destination Vancouver 

For more information, please contact:

Ekaterina Korneeva, Destination Canada, korneeva.ekaterina@destinationcanada.com

Kate Rogers, Tartanbond, kate.rogers@tartanbond.com

Media Assets available:

• Media Toolkit: Canada Media Toolkit for FIFA World Cup 2026™ | Destination Canada
• Natural Watch Parties Assets: Destination Canada Brand Portal
• B-roll (FIFA approved and rights free for global usage) and Canada Story Packages: Destination Canada Brand Portal

About Destination Canada

Destination Canada is Canada’s national tourism organization, promoting the country globally to drive sustainable growth across the visitor economy and strengthen Canada’s competitiveness as a travel destination.

We work with partners nationwide to drive demand through leisure marketing in nine key geographic markets — Australia, China, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, the United Kingdom (UK), and the US. Canada’s compelling new brand platform – underscored by the tagline ‘Canada, naturally’ – sets the expectation that travel in Canada will be real and authentic.

Our global Business Events program competitively positions Canada as a host for major international meetings and conventions.

Additionally, we provide leading research and market intelligence to guide decisions and shape destination development across the country.

Destination Canada’s activities convert public dollars into fast returns, creating jobs, GDP and tax revenues almost immediately. In 2025, tourism generated $133 billion in visitor spending, supporting over 280,000 businesses in 5,000 communities. With revenues projected to grow to $177B by 2030, tourism is a key economic driver and one of Canada’s top service exports, with the potential to contribute 9-10% to Canada’s $300B trade diversification goal.

Destination Canada is a Crown corporation wholly owned by the Government of Canada.