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Vancouver (Host City)

Quick Facts

  • Population (2006 Census)... 578,041
  • Distance from Richmond... 13 km (8 mi)
  • Distance from West Vancouver... 12 km (7 mi)
  • Distance from Whistler... 126 km (78 mi)

Towering mountains and a thousand-acre park cradle ocean beaches in this vibrant West Coast city, host of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. From award-winning restaurants to the rugged outdoors, Vancouver really does have it all. This sea-level port city is known for its temperate climate, and the surrounding snow-covered slopes are the perfect venues for winter sports and provide breathtaking views of the city below.

Named the world's "Most Liveable City" by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and voted one of the "Top Cities in the Americas" by Condé Nast Traveler, Vancouver's ambiance and arts scene reflect its vibrant mix of cultures and lively outdoor spirit.

Highlight attractions include Stanley Park, one of the largest urban green spaces in North America; Granville Island, which hosts an excellent public food market and dynamic arts scene; the shopping and restaurants on Robson Street; and Chinatown, which is among the largest and most celebrated in North America.

Vancouver's four competition venues will host numerous Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games events including ice hockey, ice sledge hockey, figure skating, curling, and short track speed skating.

Explore Vancouver All Cities & Towns


Transportation to 2010 Winter Games Venue Cities


Visit www.travelsmart2010.ca for the lastest information on travel during the 2010 Winter Games.
There will be no parking at any Olympic venue.

To Richmond:
Richmond is quickly and easily accessible by car from Vancouver. Public transit provides frequent bus service between the two cities. The Canada Line  rapid rail service links downtown Vancouver with Vancouver International Airport (YVR), with connecting transit buses to the Richmond Oval.

To West Vancouver:
West Vancouver is located across the Burrard Inlet on Vancouver's North Shore, which is connected to downtown Vancouver by two road bridges. Visitors can take a public bus from downtown Vancouver to numerous locations in West Vancouver. The SeaBus passenger ferry connects downtown Vancouver to Lonsdale Quay, where a transfer to public transit buses will take passengers the short distance to West Vancouver.

Ticket holders can access Olympic events on Cypress Mountain via the Olympic Bus Network. View travel information and reserve bus tickets here.

To Whistler:
Whistler is roughly two hours' drive north of Vancouver along the famed Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99), however there will be driving restrictions on this road during peak Games time.

Ticket holders to Olympic events in Whistler will be transported to and from their event location visa the Olympic Bus Network - with departure points in Vancouver.

Coaches offers direct service to Whistler from downtown Vancouver. Greyhound bus service offers many daily departures from downtown Vancouver.

Accommodation

There are scores of accommodation options including high-end, boutique and budget hotels, Bed & Breakfasts and motels located in and close to downtown Vancouver. A handful of these also exist in East Vancouver, and youth hostels can be found both downtown and in Vancouver's West Side, near the University of British Columbia.

Want to talk to an accommodations expert? We'll be happy to help you with your search over the phone. Call us directly at 1-877-826-1717 or 1-604-966-3260.

Things To Do

Vancouver's mild climate means visitors can golf, cycle and even hike some of the local trails all year round. Even in winter, the views from the Stanley Park seawall are a magnet for walkers, joggers, cyclists and in-line skaters who can also explore the acclaimed Vancouver Aquarium while in the park.

Winter activity enthusiasts will not go wanting at the city's numerous ice rinks or at any of the North Shore Mountains' three renowned ski and snowboarding areas. One of these ski resorts, Cypress Mountain, will host 2010 Olympic Winter Games events.

Shoppers will find plenty of options downtown on Robson and Granville Streets or at the indoor Pacific Centre mall. Those wishing to experience the tastes of Vancouver are spoilt for choice with a diverse variety of affordable cafes, bistros and fine-dining opportunities, including some of the most acclaimed chefs serving up tasty West Coast, Japanese, Indian, Chinese and fusion fare.

The Vancouver Art Gallery has nearly 9,000 works of art and appeals to art lovers interested in local, BC and international pieces. There are also numerous working studios and galleries on and near Granville Island. The breathtaking University of British Columbia's Museum of Anthropology, which highlights local Coast Salish First Nations art and artefacts, is a treasure trove for anyone interesting in learning more about First Nations culture and history.

Find out more about what's on in Vancouver .