As you all know, the 2010 Winter Olympics Games are coming to Vancouver, British Columbia. It's a rare opportunity for people that live in the North Cascades area to see the Olympics firsthand. That said, if you decide to go and don't live in the immediate Vancouver area, you'll want to know what there is to do there and where to stay. Here are some ideas.
Outdoor Activities
Biking
Vancouver is an exciting place that can be viewed in a variety of ways. How about taking one of their bike excursions? Just remember to bring or rent a helmet, as that's the law. Below are a couple of trails you could try.
Seaside Biking Route: A 9.4 mile route through city streets that will allow you to view sites like The Plaza of Nations, Science World, Pacific Space Centre, Granville Island, the Kitsilano Pool, and the Jericho Sailing Centre along the way.
Stanley Park: Take a 6.2 mile ride around the Stanley Park seawall while viewing the natural scenery of the park. Along the way you'll take in the North Shore mountains and Lions Gate Bridge, as well as rose gardens and giant trees. It's also a great place to stop and picnic.
Hiking
The bottom line is that the hiking opportunities in the area are diverse with breathtaking scenery for the healthy. The summits of The Lions, Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour, Golden Ears, Cypress Mountain and Garibaldi Provincial Park are all there for experienced hikers to traverse. Below are two of the more popular ways to hike in the area.
The Lions: The Lions are a pretty popular hike because the clearly marked trail starts at Lions Bay, which is quite close to the city. It's a moderately grueling endeavor, however.
Squamish: We're talking about very lush surroundings on this trail. There is also a mountain bike trail to have fun with.
Sea Kayaking and Canoeing: This is a great thing to try for beginners and the experienced. Be sure to ask a professional about the opportunities mentioned here. Regardless, here goes.
False Creek: We're talking about relatively calm waters at False Creek. It's a great place to check out some of the astounding architecture and homes of the Vancouver area while gently meandering through water.
Indian Arm:This is an 18 kilometer inlet surrounded by the natural beauty of rain forest and firs. In that way, it offers the opposite surrounding terrain of a False Creek. So, as always, think about what it is you're looking for before choosing one or the other.
Then again, you could just choose both!
Takaya Tours: They'll take you on a two hour ocean canoeing trek through some breathtaking scenery on a 12 person canoe. Talk about unique.
Where to Stay and Go Out for Food
Dining
There are numerous places to dine in the Vancouver area. Here are some of the best.
Keg Steakhouse and Bar-(604) 591-6161
Keg Steakhouse and Bar- Park Royal Keg- (604) 925-9126
White Spot Restaurants- (604) 273-3699
Keg Restaurant- Whistler Keg- (6-4) 932-5151
White Spot Restaurants- Lougheed Hwy. and Gilmore- (604) 299-4423
Trafalgars Bistro-(604) 739-0555
Places to Stay
Of course, if you decide to come to Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games you'll need a place to stay. Here are some to consider, many of which are near or on water.
The Fairmont Waterfront: (604) 691-1991
Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel: (604) 331-1000
The Westin Bayshore Vancouver: (604) 682-3377
Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver: (604) 662-8111
Delta Vancouver Hotel: (604) 689-8188
Sandman Hotels Inn and Suites Central Reservations: (604) 736-4388
Remember that the 2010 Winter Olympics Games represent a once in a lifetime opportunity for you to see a spectacle that happens only once every four years. Don't miss it!
References
Things to Do in Vancouver, B.C.
Where to Stay in Vancouver, B.C.
Great Restaurants in Vancouver, B.C.
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