GO CANADA message carved beside YVR runway ahead of World Cup
A massive patriotic display greets arriving passengers as Vancouver preps to host matches this summer.
Passengers flying into Vancouver are getting a bold welcome: a massive "GO CANADA!" message carved into a grassy field immediately adjacent to the airport's North Runway, visible from the air as planes approach for landing.
The display sits near the centre of the runway, directly north of the new Pier D international terminal wing — positioned so northbound arrivals see it during their final approach from east to west. It's part of a growing wave of World Cup prep across the city.
Provincial Tourism Minister Anne Kang shared aerial footage on social media, describing it as "a message to the world ahead of the FIFA World Cup." Grouse Mountain is also in on the celebration — a giant Canadian flag was unfurled across the Cut ski run Tuesday and can be seen from across Metro Vancouver.
Down downtown, BC Place Stadium is hosting seven matches across the tournament: group stages on June 13, 18, 21, 24, and 26, plus knockout rounds on July 2. Canada plays Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24, both in Vancouver. The free FIFA Fan Festival at Hastings Park will run throughout the five-week tournament.
The city's getting its moment. Looks like the welcome mat is already out.