Jun 21, 2026 – 5.00amThe wisdom, when it arrived, came from an unlikely source. Felix Riebl, co-founder and frontman of The Cat Empire, had just finished a typically upbeat set in front of about 1000 jumping, singing Canadians and Australians. He unfurled a Canadian flag with “20 years, 20 shows”, thanking the Vancouverites for two decades of support, before attempting to sum up his love for the city. “Vancouver, it’s … it’s the vibe.”It was a simple ode, but one that captures a city that has taken its laid-back character and added a layer of World Cup joy that’s hard to avoid or deny. The combination of these two vibes makes it a compelling place to spend a few days, even if your team isn’t playing (there’s a slim chance the Socceroos will return, if they finish third in their group).Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Andrew BurkeAFR Weekend editorAndrew Burke is the editor of AFR Weekend, based in the Sydney newsroom. He has worked at the Financial Times in London, the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong and reported from across Asia and the Middle East.Fetching latest articles