Postcard from Vancouver

While he will not be playing, his majesty Roger Federer will be present at the fifth edition of the event that he and super agent Tony Godsick founded: the Laver Cup. The 20-time Grand Slam champion will take to the "black court"—the competition’s signature surface—to commemorate the anniversary of his retirement.

To see Roger, fans often have to stay until the very last match of the final day. He is also set to participate in a Q&A with Jim Courier, the first person to interview Roger after his emotional farewell at London’s O2 Arena. Fresh off the U.S. Open, stars such as Andrey Rublev, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Taylor Fritz, and Frances Tiafoe are slated to compete, with legends Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe captaining Team Europe and Team World respectively.

(Note: While this feature focuses on the Vancouver event, the 2026 Laver Cup returns to London at The O2 from 25–27 September 2026.)

The Rogers Arena

Despite the name, it is a happy coincidence and is not actually named after Federer. Rogers Arena was built in 1995 to replace the Pacific Coliseum as Vancouver's primary indoor sports facility. Designed specifically for the NBA’s Vancouver Grizzlies (before the team moved to Memphis in 2001), the arena now serves as the home for the Vancouver Canucks hockey team. It also famously hosted all hockey events during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Vancouver Lawn Tennis and Badminton Club

Since the courts at the main arena are reserved for the tournament, the nearby Vancouver Lawn Tennis & Badminton Club (VLTBC) is the premier place to hit a few balls. Founded in 1897, when Vancouver was barely on the map, the club provided a home for the pioneers of Canadian racquet sports.

Originally featuring grass and cinder courts, the club moved to its current location on land bought from the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1914. Today, it offers a mix of indoor and outdoor courts. Visitors should note the traditional dress code: each article of visible clothing (excluding shoes) must be at least 90 per cent white—a strict rule for a city often nicknamed "Raincouver".

Must see in Vancouver

The tournament is situated near some of the city's most interesting landmarks.

The Marine Building: An exquisite Art Deco skyscraper that has served as a stand-in for the "Daily Planet" in Superman films.
Gastown Steam Clock: One of the world’s few working steam clocks, located in the Victorian Gastown district.
VanDusen Botanical Garden: Home to an Elizabethan Hedge Maze made from 3,000 pyramidal cedars.
Bill Reid Gallery: For a cultural escape, the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coastal Art features traditional and contemporary Indigenous art.

Shop

Vancouver offers a mix of high-end retail and local artisanal markets.

Canadian Brands: Visit the CF Pacific Centre or Gastown to find iconic brands like Canada Goose, Roots, and Herschel Supply Co.
Robson Street: A sure bet for an afternoon perusing high-end boutiques.
Granville Island Public Market: Nothing beats the Granville Island Public Market for local Canadian cheese, fresh bread, and meats.

Eat, drink and be merry

Vancouver's culinary scene is deeply influenced by its Indigenous roots and Pacific location.

Salmon n’ Bannock: Renowned for its contemporary Indigenous cuisine, this bistro serves organic game meats and traditional bannock bread. It is situated on the territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.
AnnaLena: Awarded a Michelin star, AnnaLena offers monthly tasting menus focused on local artisanal products like Lois Lake steelhead trout.
Miku Waterfront: Famous for introducing Aburi-style cuisine to Vancouver, combining flame-searing with fresh Pacific Northwest seafood.
The Shameful Tiki Room: For a nightcap, head to this Polynesian-themed bar for exotic cocktails and a unique atmosphere.

Sleep

Vancouver offers a variety of stays ranging from historic opulence to chic modernism.

Rosewood Hotel Georgia: A historic hotel in the heart of downtown, home to the acclaimed Hawksworth Restaurant.
Opus Hotel: A chic boutique hotel in Yaletown known for its vibrant design and proximity to trendy bars.
The Loden Hotel: Focuses on wellness and sustainability, offering complimentary cruiser bicycles for exploring Stanley Park.
The Burrard: A converted 1956 motor hotel that exudes retro character and provides Nespresso machines in every room.