Destination 2010 - Visitors' Guide

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• Cities & Towns
  • Vancouver (Host City)
  • Whistler (Host Mountain Resort)
  • Richmond (Venue City)
  • West Vancouver (Venue City)
  • Abbotsford
  • Burnaby
  • Chemainus
  • Chilliwack
  • Delta
  • Gibsons
  • Harrison Hot Springs

  • Hope
  • Langley
  • Mission
  • Nanaimo
  • Nanoose Bay
  • New Westminster
  • North Vancouver
  • Parksville
  • Pemberton
  • Pitt Meadows & Maple Ridge

  • Qualicum Beach
  • Saanichton
  • Sechelt & Pender Harbour
  • Sidney
  • Southern Gulf Islands
  • Squamish
  • Surrey
  • TriCities: Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody
  • Victoria
  • White Rock
• Transportation
• Accommodation

North & West Vancouver (Venue City)

Vancouver's North Shore includes North and West Vancouver and is spectacularly situated on the Burrard Inlet, across from downtown Vancouver. It extends up the lower slopes of the North Shore Mountains, and spans from Deep Cove to Horseshoe Bay. West Vancouver lies at the foot of Cypress Mountain, which will host the freestyle skiing and snowboard events during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

With a landscape that rises from the ocean through majestic forest to snowy mountain peaks in only a few kilometres, the North Shore represents what Metro Vancouver has come to be known for offering: both sophistication and rugged outdoor adventure.

Postcard views of Stanley Park and Vancouver lying across the water are almost unavoidable from many parts of the North Shore. The elegant span of the Lions Gate Bridge is one of two road links to downtown Vancouver, while the quick SeaBus ferry offers the chance to take in the views of the Inlet while enjoying a boat ride.

Being so close to 2010 Winter Olympic Games venues in Vancouver and West Vancouver will enhance the already extensive appeal of the area, with its seaside promenades, bustling urban centre, great shopping and dining and multitude of both indoor and outdoor activities.

Transportation to 2010 Winter Games Venue Cities

Visit www.travelsmart2010.ca for the latest information on travel during the 2010 Winter Games.

There will be no spectator parking at any Olympic venue.

To Richmond:
Richmond is accessible by car or public transit.  The driving time form the North Shore to Richmond is approximately 45 minutes, but may be longer during peak Games times.

The Canada Line rapid transit system travels between downtown Vancouver and Richmond, with connecting buses to the Richmond Olympic Oval.

To Vancouver:
North and West Vancouver is connected to Vancouver by two bridges, and the driving time is approximately 15 minutes. 

Public transportation is available via public buses or the passenger-only SeaBus ferry.  The SeaBus departs from Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver and takes passengers to downtown Vancouver in only 12 minutes.  

During Games time it’s best to take public transit as there will be road closures and limited parking. Extended transit service hours will be in place during February, 2010.

To West Vancouver:
West Vancouver is located beside North Vancouver so driving between the two takes a speedy 10 minutes or so.  Visitors can also take a public transit bus for the short trip.

Access to Olympic events on Cypress Mountain is via the Olympic Bus Network.  Ticket holders to events on Cypress Mountain can view travel information and reserve bus tickets here.

To Whistler:
The scenic drive from the North Shore to Whistler along the famed Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99) takes approximately 90 minutes and passes some of the most beautiful scenery in southwest British Columbia.  Note that there will be driving restrictions in place along the Sea-to-Sky Highway during peak Games times.

Ticket holders to Olympic events in Whistler will be transported to and from their event location via the Olympic Bus Network.  This bus network features departure points in Vancouver, Burnaby and North Vancouver.

Motorcoach travel offers direct coach service to Whistler from downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport (YVR).  Greyhound buses service West Vancouver along their Vancouver-Whistler route.

Accommodation

North Vancouver's hotels are mostly found in the Capilano Road/Marine Drive area, with a few others dotted out around the district, including Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. An RV park lies at the mouth of the Capilano River, at the north end of the Lions Gate Bridge – minutes from downtown Vancouver.

Though not plentiful, West Vancouver's bed and breakfasts can be found in various locations, including serene Bowen Island, a 10-minute ferry ride from nearby Horseshoe Bay.

Things To Do

The North Shore is an ideal location to pursue a huge range of indoor and outdoor activities. The area's iconic Vancouver experiences include taking in the stunning city views from the Grouse Mountain Skyride, braving the 230 ft-high Capilano Suspension Bridge, and enjoying the range of snow sports and other outdoor activities available at the renowned Cypress, Mount Seymour and Grouse Mountains.

Fish and wildlife fans can visit the Capilano Salmon Hatchery to learn about the lifecycle of this West Coast icon or check out the landscape with a scenic nature walk at Capilano Dam or Deep Cove at the foot of Mount Seymour.

Ambleside, Dundarave and Horseshoe Bay are quaint villages which provide great shopping, excellent dining and beautiful oceanside pedestrian strolls. The indoor market at Lonsdale Quay features a huge variety of specialty food and wine stores, fresh produce and seafood and is a perfect venue for a meal of local taste sensations followed by a walk along the waterfront. To explore the rugged coastal scenery near Vancouver, take a passenger or vehicle ferry from the bustling Horseshoe Bay terminal to the Sunshine Coast or Bowen Island.

Find out more about what's on in the North Shore.