There is hockey - but there is so much more in BC
British Columbia is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. But if you love sports as well as scenery, there is plenty to do and see in this destination. Read on to find out more.
Millions of tourists flock to Vancouver and the rest of British Columbia each year for the stunning views and exciting locations. But if you are a sports fan there are plenty of other interesting day trips to make while you are there.
This corner of Canada is home to a number of major and minor league teams and features heavily when it comes to British Columbia sports betting and the fans.. But if you just want to take a trip and maybe take in a game or two, here is a quick guide to some of the best places to go for any sports enthusiast.
Vancouver Canucks, hockey
If you know one thing about sports in Canada, it is probably that they love their hockey. The Canucks are the region’s biggest hockey team and play in the Pacific Division in the Western Conference of the NHL. Home games are played at the Rogers Arena in downtown Vancouver, a perfect location for checking out the city before and after the game.
Although the Canucks have never won hockey’s biggest prize, the Stanley Cup, they have got close on three occasions – and tickets for games do go fast. The season starts every year in the Autumn and the Canucks will be playing at home anywhere between two or four days a week.
Vancouver Whitecaps, soccer
Staying in Vancouver, the Whitecaps are the elite soccer representatives of British Columbia, competing in Major League Soccer – the top league for US and Canadian teams. The Whitecaps play their home games at the BC Palace, which is handily located on the north side of False Creek, the narrow inlet separating downtown and the rest of the city.
This latest version of the Caps has been around since 2011, although there have been other incarnations going back to the 1970s. They have never managed to win a MLS Cup but have been triumphant in the Canadian Championship and represented the league in the continental CONCACAF Cup.
Photo by Mike Benna on Unsplash / Caption: There are a number of professional sports teams in downtown Vancouver
BC Lions, football
If the other kind of ‘football’ is more to your liking then you should check out the BC Lions, who play in the Canadian Football League and also call BC Palace their home. The Lions played their first season back in 1954 and are the oldest professional sports franchise in the province of British Columbia.
The Lions have won six Grey Cups in their time in the CFL, the most recent coming back in 2011. The season begins in the fall and the fans have waited longer than any other CFL team to win the championship game. Maybe you will be a lucky charm if you make the trip?
Pacific FC, soccer
If a more homegrown soccer experience is to your fancy then you may want to get along to see Pacific FC, a team that plays in the relatively new Canadian Premier League. It is the top national league in the country and after finishing third in the regular season last year, Pacific FC went on and won the CPL Final.
Home games are played at the Starlight Stadium, located in Langford – a city on southern Vancouver Island. Catching a game here gives you the chance to explore the outer lying areas of Vancouver and its beautiful scenery.
Women’s soccer and minor leagues
Downtown Vancouver isn’t the only place for sports in British Columbia though. There is a new soccer team kicking off in 2022 in Northern Vancouver called Altitude FC – and a whole division of minor league hockey teams including the Kelowna Rockets and the Prince George Cougars.
British Columbia is a sport-loving province, so taking in a game as part of your visit would be a perfect way to indulge in some of the local culture while you’re there.
