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

Whistler (Host Mountain Resort)

Known as a mecca for outstanding year-round outdoor adventures as well as being the official Host Mountain Resort of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games , Whistler is consistently voted the number one ski resort in North America.

Whistler - where more than half of the 2010 Winter Games medals will be won and awarded - is ready to give the thousands of visitors, athletes and officials an unforgettable winter experience for 27 days in 2010. All of the alpine, Nordic and sliding events will be held within the resort at newly completed competition venues along with most of the Paralympic events .

During the Games, Whistler Village's pedestrian stroll, already lined with shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs, will be dotted with free Live Sites , where thousands of people will gather each day and evening to watch the Games unfold on interactive outdoor screens, and to take in free entertainment including bands, performing artists, and theatre. Exciting festivities featuring musical and cultural performances will be held at Celebration Plaza every evening so guests can celebrate with the day's Olympic and Paralympic medal winners.

Take a break from all the 2010 Winter Games action and enjoy all the adventures that have made Whistler famous. More than 90% of the terrain on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains will be open and skiers and snowboarders will be able connect the two mountains like never before with the new world record-setting PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola that opened in December 2008.

Don't wait until February 2010 to experience Whistler's Olympic energy. This winter, try your skills on the Nordic and alpine trails where the next Olympic champions will be crowned or get a sneak peak at tomorrow's Olympians as they test the new competition venues during a world-cup event.

Transportation

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 Whistler:
There are a variety of ways to get to Whistler including car, train and airport transfer. Once you arrive, a free shuttle is available from the hotels and condos to the lifts. To explore the various neighbourhoods outside of the Village, Whistler's public transit system makes regular stops.

Ticket holders to Olympic events in Whistler will be transported to and from their event location via the Olympic Bus Network.

To Richmond:
Travel to Richmond from Whistler by car takes approximately 2.5 hours, but may be longer during peak Games times.  Direct coach service to Vancouver International Airport and downtown Vancouver is available. 

Richmond locations, including the Richmond Olympic Oval can be accessed via local public transit and the Canada Line rapid transit system.

To Vancouver:
Driving time from Whistler to Vancouver is approximately two hours, but make take longer during peak Games times. Direct coach service between Whistler and Vancouver is available.  The
Greater Vancouver area is serviced by an extensive public transit service, with extended service hours in place during February, 2010.

During Games time it’s best to take public transit as there will be road closures and limited parking. 

To West Vancouver:
The drive from Whistler to West Vancouver takes approximately an hour and 15 minutes. Greyhound buses service West Vancouver along their Vancouver route.

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

Accommodation

Whistler offers a myriad of accommodation options including luxury hotels, lodges, chalets, condominiums and bed and breakfasts. There are also a number of hotels and B&Bs in the Whistler area, some of which provide shuttle service in and out of the Village and to the slopes. 1.800.WHISTLER for more information.

Things To Do

Expert, intermediate and beginner skiers and snowboarders will delight in Whistler Blackcomb's runs, alpine bowls, glaciers and award-winning parks. With over 8,000 acres of terrain, there's something for everyone. Hone your skills with a lesson from one of the pros. Off the slopes, the opportunities for adventure continue with activities such as, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, heli-skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.

Want to continue the excitement into the evening ? Whistler Village has a buzzing, après-ski including more than 90 restaurants, numerous bars and several nightclubs.

Whistler's diverse shops and boutiques cater to shopaholics who want new ski or boarding gear, clothes or treats and gifts. Feeling a bit sore from the day's pursuits? The village has numerous spas that offer indulgent and relaxing treatments. For those interested in the history, creative works and culture of the Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations peoples, visit the nearby Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre .

Find out more about what's on in Whistler .