FIFA World Cup Accommodation – Why Calgary Could Save You Thousands
With the FIFA World Cup matches coming to Vancouver in 2026, fans from around the world are already starting to plan their trips. But here’s the problem: hotel prices in Vancouver are expected to skyrocket during the tournament. Some rates are already being projected at over $2,000 a night for standard rooms. For many travellers, that could make the cost of a World Cup trip painfully expensive.
This is where Calgary comes in as a smart, vacation-style style budget-friendly alternative. Instead of cramming into overpriced hotels in Vancouver, you could stay in a comfortable, fully equipped home in Calgary—often for a fraction of the price—and make the quick trip over for match days.
Table of Contents
IN THIS ARTICLE – At Calgary Short Term Stays, we love FIFA and the FIFA World Cup, and wanted to help people by showing the possibilities of saving some money by staying in Calgary and still getting to experience the World Cup. We ALSO wanted to give you some highlights of the city and surrounding are so while you are here, you can maximize your time and get the most out of your trip.
Part 1 – The FIFA World Cup – staying in Calgary and day tripping to Vancouver – A whole lot easier and cheaper than you think.
Part 2 – While you’re in Calgary, make the most of the attractions the city and surrounding area have to offer.
PART 1 – Why staying in Calgary makes sense
Calgary Short Term Stays offers modern, boutique-style rentals in Marda Loop and Killarney. Unlike a hotel room, you’ll get an entire home with full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and plenty of space to unwind. This makes a huge difference if you’re traveling with friends, family, or a group of supporters.
Instead of paying thousands for a small hotel room in Vancouver, you can split the cost of a spacious Calgary rental, save money, and actually enjoy your stay.
The price gap is real
Let’s break down a simple example for a group of four people traveling for 5 nights during the World Cup:
Vancouver hotel scenario:
- $2,000 per night x 5 nights = $10,000 total (one room)
- Add food, taxes, and fees, and the cost climbs even higher.
- Most affordable hotels will still be at a premium due to FIFA demand.
Calgary stay scenario:
- Calgary Short Term Stays average nightly cost: $300–$400 for a full home
- $400 x 5 nights = $2,000 total (split between 4 people = $500 per person)
- Return flight Calgary–Vancouver during off-peak days: approx. $200–$300 round trip
- SkyTrain or rideshare to the stadium: $20–$40
- Total: around $2,300 total for the group or roughly $575 per person
That’s a potential savings of $7,000+—just by choosing to stay in Calgary instead of competing for hotel rooms in Vancouver.
Flights are fast and easy
The flight from Calgary to Vancouver takes about 90 minutes, with multiple daily departures on WestJet and Air Canada. It’s a quick hop, and since matches are scheduled well in advance, you can book flights strategically to avoid peak pricing.
If you prefer flexibility, car rentals and road trips are also an option. The scenic drive between Calgary and Vancouver can be done in 10–11 hours, with stops in the Rockies along the way.
Space, comfort, and flexibility
While hotel rooms in Vancouver will likely be packed and pricey, a Calgary rental gives you:
- Private bedrooms and full kitchens
- Comfortable living spaces to relax between match days
- Prime locations in quiet, walkable neighbourhoods
- More availability and lower prices
- The option to stay longer without breaking the bank
And if you’re traveling as a larger group, the Grand Retreat property can accommodate up to 16 guests—making it ideal for fan clubs, families, or groups of friends.
PART 2 – Experience Calgary and the Area while you’re Here.
Experience Calgary and the Rockies While You’re Here
Staying in Calgary during the World Cup isn’t just about saving money on accommodation. It’s about upgrading the entire trip. Instead of paying for an overpriced hotel room in Vancouver, you can base yourself in Calgary and enjoy warm summer days, long golden evenings, and easy access to the Canadian Rockies. This is the sweet spot of the year here—sunshine, energy, and open-air adventures that turn a soccer trip into something unforgettable.
Why June and July in Calgary Are Special
The World Cup falls during one of the best times to be in Alberta. Summer in Calgary means warm temperatures, late sunsets, and a buzzing atmosphere across the city. Patios fill up, river pathways are alive with people, and every day feels like a perfect summer afternoon. The mountains are just over an hour away, making it easy to add real adventure to your match itinerary.
Explore Banff and Canmore Between Matches
Fans flying in for the tournament often don’t realize how close Calgary is to some of Canada’s most iconic destinations. Banff and Canmore are world-famous for their scenery, hiking, and vibrant mountain-town charm. Whether you spend the day on the water at Lake Minnewanka, explore downtown Banff, or relax in a café in Canmore, these destinations are easy to access and give your trip the kind of moments people talk about for years.
A few ways to enjoy the Rockies:
- Take a short drive or shuttle for a day trip to Banff. Rent a car or book a reliable shuttle through Banff Airporter and head straight to the heart of the mountains. Once you’re there, stroll along Banff Avenue, grab a coffee, and explore the historic Fairmont Banff Springs. For a breathtaking view of the entire valley, book a ride on the Banff Gondola.
- Hike trails with postcard views. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced hiker, Banff has something for everyone. Start with Tunnel Mountain for an easy climb and stunning views or Johnston Canyon to follow waterfalls through limestone walls. For something more scenic, hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House at Lake Louise and enjoy one of the most iconic views in the Rockies.
- Explore shops, cafés, and mountain culture in Canmore. Canmore’s Main Street has a warm, laid-back vibe. Browse local galleries, stop at JK Bakery for a cinnamon bun, or grab dinner at Blake while looking out at the peaks. It’s a slower, cozier atmosphere than Banff—perfect for unwinding.
- Soak in hot springs or relax by glacier-fed lakes. End your day with a soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs or unwind at Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake, both minutes from the Banff townsite. These spots are ideal for a peaceful break between match days.
Explore Calgary and all it has to offer
Experience Calgary in the summer.
June and July are when the city comes alive with long, sunny days, busy patios, and a relaxed energy that makes it perfect for visitors. Start your day with a walk or bike ride along the Bow River Pathway, where you can enjoy skyline views and warm prairie air. Explore Calgary’s most vibrant neighbourhoods like Inglewood and Marda Loop, both known for local shops, cafés, and great restaurants.
Enjoy local food, patios, and summer festivals.
Calgary’s food scene has become one of the most exciting in Western Canada. Sip craft beer on the patio at Village Brewery or grab tacos at Native Tongues Taqueria. If you’re visiting in early July, don’t miss the Calgary Stampede, one of the most famous summer festivals in the world, with concerts, rodeos, parades, and an unbeatable city-wide energy.
Take in views and experiences unique to the city.
See the city from above at the Calgary Tower, or spend an afternoon at The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. If you want something more laid-back, float down the Bow River with a raft rental from Lazy Day Raft Rentals—a local summer favourite that’s as relaxed as it is scenic.
By anchoring your World Cup trip in Calgary, you’re not just watching soccer—you’re adding a full mountain getaway to the experience. You get the excitement of the games plus the kind of scenery most people travel across the world to see.
More Comfort, Less Chaos
A furnished short-term rental in Calgary gives you something Vancouver can’t: space, privacy, and flexibility. You can cook, host friends, and actually settle in, rather than living out of a suitcase in a crowded hotel. The flight to Vancouver is quick and simple, so you can enjoy match days without sacrificing the rest of your trip to high prices or busy downtown streets.
Why a Calgary stay makes sense:
- More space and comfort than a hotel
- Better value for groups and families
- Quick flight access to matches in Vancouver
- A calm, comfortable home base between games
The Smarter World Cup Experience
Choosing Calgary isn’t a compromise—it’s an upgrade. You get the excitement of the tournament, the beauty of the Rockies, the energy of summer in Alberta, and a space that feels like home. It’s the kind of trip that gives you more than just a seat in the stadium. It gives you memories worth holding onto.
A smart travel strategy for 2026
For many fans, the World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But that doesn’t mean it should drain your bank account. With Vancouver’s hotel prices climbing higher every month, planning your stay in Calgary is a simple way to save thousands, get more space for your group, and still be just a short flight away from all the action.
Book early, lock in a great rate, and make your trip to the FIFA World Cup both memorable and affordable with Calgary Short Term Stays.
Many travelers are realizing that staying in Calgary during the FIFA World Cup offers major advantages. While World Cup host cities like Vancouver will be crowded and expensive, Calgary provides more affordable options and easier access to the action. The city’s proximity, flight connections, and vibrant soccer community make it an appealing base for fans who want to experience the FIFA World atmosphere without paying premium prices for accommodation.
On top of that, Calgary has excellent short term rentals, strong local hospitality, and plenty of soccer-themed events that bring the tournament energy to life. Fans can enjoy the excitement here and still easily travel to matches, saving money while staying fully immersed in the tournament buzz.
FIFA World Cup Accommodation FAQS
Can staying in Calgary really save money on accommodation for the FIFA World Cup?
Choosing Calgary as your home base during the FIFA World Cup can help you avoid the significant lodging shortage and price spikes happening in British Columbia, especially around BC Place where many matches will be held. While cities like Vancouver will be under pressure to enable major events, Calgary offers short term rentals in prime locations at a fraction of the cost. This means you can still enjoy the FIFA world cup.
Because not all visitors need to stay directly beside the stadium, using short term rental properties in Calgary lets you reduce costs, access other local services, and still easily reach Vancouver for the five opening round games. This can lead to massive savings compared to staying in Canadian cities hosting matches, where average visitor spend is expected to soar.
Isn’t it better to stay within walking distance of the stadium?
While being able to walk to the stadium may seem ideal, the lodging gap represents a serious challenge for fans. Hotel prices in Vancouver and other Canadian cities hosting matches during the World Cup are expected to climb sharply. By staying in Calgary, you can still enjoy a prime location with convenient flights and transportation options to BC Place, without paying inflated rates.
The city’s short term rental regulations make it easier to find quality, verified listings without navigating quite so many hoops as in Vancouver. This makes Calgary a practical and more affordable alternative while still being connected to all major events.
Short term accommodation for the world cup games will be in short supply in the host cities, especially close to the venue.
Will Calgary still give me the full FIFA World Cup experience?
Absolutely. Even if you’re not staying right in Vancouver or Mexico City, Calgary allows you to soak up the FIFA World Cup buzz while enjoying more comfort and flexibility. Beyond affordable short term rentals, Calgary has a passionate soccer scene of its own — from packed watch parties at local pubs to community fields and events celebrating the world cup. With professional clubs like Cavalry FC drawing strong crowds, you’ll feel the excitement of the tournament everywhere you go.
Many fans are choosing to stay outside both the province of B.C. and Mexico, using Calgary accommodations as a smart strategy to avoid missed economic opportunity while still attending matches. Analysis shows possibly millions in direct spending loss for travelers who wait too long to book. By securing a rental in Calgary early, you’ll get a better rate, enjoy easy access to local services, and still be close enough to travel for the matches.
Why stay in Calgary during the FIFA World Cup instead of the host city, Vancouver?
Many fans are choosing visitor accommodation in Calgary or other cities as a smart alternative to staying directly in Vancouver during the FIFA World Cup. With huge demand expected for hotels near group stage matches, Vancouver’s hotel industry is already bracing for limited availability and rising hotel costs. Calgary offers more breathing room — plus easy access to flights that connect you quickly to two Canadian cities even tbhough Calgary isn’t hosting games.
Calgary’s total accommodation capacity is strong, with a mix of boutique stays, vacation rentals, and popular brands, ensuring more availability and better value. Choosing Calgary also means supporting the regional economy and businesses that deliver services specifically tailored to traveling fans.
It also means you can stay in Calgary and enjoy all it has to offer.
The tournament is a big milestone event, creating an electric atmosphere across the country. By staying in Calgary, visitors can enjoy vibrant fan zones, community watch parties, and smooth travel to matches — without the congestion of a city lost in a tourism surge. Whether you’re here for fifa world cup kicks or to explore Alberta’s scenery, Calgary offers comfort, convenience, and cost savings.