A mountaintop celebration
Hundreds of World Cup supporters converged on Grouse Mountain in Vancouver, turning the peak of the Pacific Ranges into a makeshift stadium that held around 300 attendees.
The crowd watched the England versus Panama fixture on a large screen while soaking in panoramic views of British Columbia, a scenery that Destination Canada hopes will become a signature way to experience the tournament.
England’s midfielder Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock with a striking goal that sent the audience into cheers, adding a spark of drama to the open‑air setting.
Volunteer Stephan Lukac, who helped organize the event, described the experience as “immersive with multiple layers,” noting how the combination of sport, nature and community created a unique atmosphere.
The watch party is part of a broader series of gatherings across the country, with similar events staged in Toronto and on the Toronto Islands, where fans were encouraged to arrive by kayak or ferry for a group‑stage clash between Germany and Ivory Coast.
Gloria Loree, senior vice president of marketing strategy for Destination Canada, highlighted the initiative’s aim to showcase Canada’s natural playgrounds, while also warning that the forecast called for a slight chance of rain and cool temperatures around 50 degrees.