Vancouver in the Limelight

February 9, 2010

With just 72 hours to go before the Winter Olympics begin it’s time to talk Vancouver.

Here’s my Vancouver insider’s list of tips, recommendations, do’s and don’ts to see you through to the end of the Paralympic games on March 21st.

Olympics nights 045 Vancouver in the Limelight

The Olympic Flame in Vancouver

Tips for Getting Around

  • Leave yourself lots of time. Download maps and figure out your route beforehand. Know before you go. Did you know that your Olympic ticket entitiles you to free transit on the day of the event?
  • For the days that you don’t have free transit consider purchasing a book of 10 tickets (what is called a faresaver booklet) - but know before you buy how far you want to travel because there are one, two and three zone booklets that are based on distance. You’ll save about 25% and you won’t have to be looking for exact change!! Visit Translink for route information. You can find these booklets at Pharmasaves, grocery stores, convenience stores…
  • Transit tickets in Vancouver are good for the seabus, bus, skytrain and the West Coast Express.
  • The new Canada Line operates between the airport and downtown Vancouver. The trip takes about 25 minutes and is putting cabbies out of work because it’s so much cheaper. Standard Translink fares apply if you have a ticket – but there is an extra $5 per ticket charge if you are buying a cash only fare.

Things to do

  • For starters you can download my free Vancouver Airport Layover guide. It will give you lots of ideas though some suggestions are more oriented towards summertime activities and suggestions were largely based on proximity to the airport.
  • Take advantage of a huge number of cultural events that are occurring between Jan 22 and March 21 as part of the 2010 Cultural Olympiad. The Vancouver Art Gallery has free admission over the Olympics.
  • Take advantage of free skating in the heart of downtown Vancouver.
  • Ride the False Creek ferries between Granville Island and Vancouver. These are a great way to get around.
  • Check out the Commercial Drive area of Vancouver. It’s an edgier part of Vancouver with superb, locally run businesses specializing in fashion, cafes, restaurants and entertainment.
  • With extra time on your hands head to either Victoria on Vancouver Island for a day or two, plan a hike on Bowen Island accessed by Horseshoe Bay ferries or head to the Sunshine Coast.

Food and Dining Suggestions

Well you’d think that everyone in Vancouver lived on maple syrup and smoked salmon judging by the food displays I’ve seen in grocery and department stores. There’s a whole lot more to the Vancouver food scene than that. Try some of these.

  • Granville Island Market Tour. These tours are happening everyday over the Olympics.
  • Walk Denman Street from Georgia Street to English Bay. There are plenty of places to entice you including the reasonably priced Banana Leaf for lunch or dinner, Kintaro Ramen for some of the best ramen noodles in town and Raincity Grill for a more upscale experience.
  • Trendy Yaletown has some of the cities best restaurants.
  • For excellent Indian food try Vij’s just off south Granville – though be prepared for lineups since he doesn’t take reservations.
  • Closer to the downtown area try Chambar (for Belgian) ,CinCin (for Italian), or for a great lounge and fine dining experience try Bacchus at the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa, which enjoys a great location near the Vancouver Art Gallery.
  • Any Caffe Artigiano has amazing coffee. You’ll find them dotted around the city.
  • In North Vancouver near the automall there are two ‘not to miss’ places for sanwiches. coffee and pastries. Visit Louis Gervais for fabulous take out food and sandwiches and Thomas Haas for melt in your mouth pastries, incredible choclate and beeautifully presented cakes. Thomas has another location in Kitsilano at 2539 West Broadway in Vancouver.

In a city of this size there is alot to do so this is just a smattering of what’s out there. Excitement is rising and the Olympic spirit is finally starting to show. May you have a wonderful experience when you visit this city but don’t forget to pack your umbrella.

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

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Posted by Hike Bike Travel | Filed Under British Columbia, Miscellaneous travel tips, Restaurants and Food 

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