Explore the “fun remains” of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in this bustling Canadian city
Visitors will be able visit Cypress Mountain (pictured here), the same slopes used during skiing and snowboarding events at the 2010 Games. (Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver)
The 2010 Winter Olympics may be over, but the spirit of the Games remains in Vancouver. Indeed, visitors today can literally follow in the athletes’ footsteps, setting foot in the same venues that filled TV screens just two months ago. But that’s not all—according to Amber Zoe Sessions, Vancouver Travel Media Relations Specialist, people visiting the city for the Games also raved about Vancouver’s beauty and the friendliness of the Canadians.
Hit Cypress Mountain
If you like to explore the snowy terrain, you’ll have the chance to ski and snowboard on Cypress Mountain, where this year’s athletes tested their skills. And if you’re a little less daring, you can still enjoy a delicious mug of hot chocolate at the Grouse Mountain lodge, where many skiers and snowboarders rested their weary limbs after a full day on the slopes.
Glide along the ice at the Richmond Olympic Oval
The Richmond Oval, the venue where all speed skating events were held during the 2010 Olympics, is being transformed by the fall of 2010. This building will become a public recreation facility and house many skating rinks, ball courts, and a fitness center.
View a hockey game
If you enjoy hockey, get tickets to see the Vancouver Canucks play at GM Place—whose name was changed to Canada Hockey Place for the 2010 Games—and the place to be to watch the men’s and women’s gold medal hockey games during this year’s Games. Or, visit Pacific Coliseum (home to Olympic figure skating and speed skating events) to see the Vancouver Giants, or Thunderbird Arena (where Olympic women’s hockey and Paralympic sledge hockey events were held) to see the UBC Thunderbirds.
Swim a lap at Vancouver Olympic Centre
The Vancouver Olympic Center will soon be home to a new aquatic facility and library open to the entire community, after serving as the venue for Olympic and Paralympic curling events.
Take a photo at the Olympic Cauldron
You’ll have the chance to pose for pictures in front of the Olympic and Paralympic Cauldron at Jack Poole Plaza, located in downtown Vancouver. The inukshuk statue at English Bay will remain, but its infamous red mittens donned during the Games will not.
Explore Olympic neighborhoods
Visit Millennium Water at Southeast False Creek, which was the site of Vancouver’s Olympic Village. Olympic and Paralympic athletes were the first residents of this new neighborhood during the 2010 Games. This area boasts a new community center, bustling public areas, and the historic Salt Building—soon to be a new public restaurant.
Known for its diverse array of festivals throughout the year, Amber encourages travelers interested in visiting the area to explore Vancouver’s tourism website for a complete list of annual events.
Explore Vancouver’s post-Olympic treasures on Grand Circle’s Northwest National Parks vacation.