Vancouver Tips & articles

27 August 2009 2:50pm

Counting down to Vancouver 2010

Vancouver, host of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, is already noted for its jaw-dropping natural setting and intriguing urban haunts. And next year it will also be party central! Here are our planning tips for the Games, and our favorite après- and in-between-event attractions. The countdown is on, so get planning!

2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

Don’t get left behind - get these ticket, transport, and accommodations tips now, and get ready for gold-medal fun.

Tickets

Tickets (many priced under $100) are selling well and availability will be scarce for main events like hockey, snowboarding and the opening and closing ceremonies. To buy tickets, visit the Vancouver 2010 official website.

Transport

Events are widely distributed around the region, with Vancouver and Whistler (a two-hour drive away on Hwy 99) dividing up the spoils. If you’re planning to commute from Vancouver to Whistler during the Games, be aware that there will be no public parking in Whistler - only those with confirmed hotel rooms in Whistler or those who live in the area will be allowed to drive through on Hwy 99. For other spectators, Olympic buses will run between the city and Whistler - an all-day pass will cost $25. Around-the-clock transit will be available between the Whistler venues. Check the translink website for further public transportation information.

Accommodations

Vancouver and Whistler accommodations will be extremely tight for the duration of the Games: consider the suburbs as alternatives and book ahead as soon as possible. For sleepover options and Games updates, visit the dedicated section of the Tourism Vancouver website. Also check the Vancouver Sun website for up-to-the-minute 2010 info.

Après- and in-between-event attractions

Stanley Park

One of North America’s biggest urban parks, Stanley Park should stand out on everyone’s Vancouver itinerary. Don’t expect to take in the entire 8.8km seawall in one day, but do be sure to check out these highlights:

If you’re travelling with kids, take a 15-minute ride on the park’s Miniature Railway, then make a run to the adjoining Children’s Farmyard. Here, littluns can interact with llamas, sheep, cows and other Old MacDonald favorites.

Not just for kids, but enough fun to make you feel like one again, the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre is Stanley Park’s crowning jewel. Stare mesmerized at the iridescent jellyfish, or press your face to the glass to watch the playful otters.

Stroll around the tranquil, tree-lined trail encircling Lost Lagoon, and keep your eyes peeled on the water for bustling ducks, imperious swans and the occasional meter-high blue heron, standing stock-still.

Granville Island

Originally an industrial enclave built on a pair of manmade sandbanks, Granville Island has come a long way, baby. Now studded with independent galleries, artsy boutiques and one of the best public markets in the Northwest, G.I. makes for a relaxing day out.

Artsy-types should peruse the galleries lining both sides of Cartwright St near the intersection with Old Bridge St. Here you’ll find glass blowers, jewelry makers and the excellent Gallery of BC Ceramics, showcasing everything from abstract pottery to painted mugs.

Join the shopping crowds along Johnston Street and explore the Net Loft building, lined with tempting little shops like Paper-Ya, filled with paper and other trinkets from all over the globe.

If it’s time to nosh, the clamorous Public Market is where to go. Lined with pyramids of produce, snack-happy deli stands and a cornucopia of craft and food stalls, it’s an ideal browse-lovers hangout. Foodies with more time to spare can take a market tour with Edible BC.

Further information

Warm to Vancouver’s winter wonderland with our Vancouver City Guide.

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