Photo credit: Whistler Mountain, www.coastphoto.com  Called the “Sea to Sky Games,” Vancouver was selected as the venue for the 2010 Winter Olympics XXI in 1999.  Events will be held in the city of Vancouver, at the famous ski resort, Whistler and numerous locations along  sixty-mile-long The Sea to Sky Highway, now being widened in preparation for the big events. According to the organizers, “It will be the first winter games held in a large metropolis city, as most of the previous games have taken place in smaller resort towns. Both the opening and closing ceremonies are scheduled to take place indoors at BC Place, a domed stadium in the heart of downtown with a seating capacity of 60,000 people. Freestyle skiing, snowboarding, and all the ice sports --  hockey, figure skating, curling, speed skating, short track speed skating – will be held in the city.”

 

 Vancouver, British Columbia

  

 Photo Credit: Stanley Park Totem Poles A, Tourism Vancouver / Al  

 Harvery

 

Getting Around

In addition to an excellent bus and light rail system, Vancouver offers transportation via the SeaBus and the False Creek AquaBus, scenic ways to explore the city by water.  

BC Ferries has two Vancouver mainland ferry terminals, Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay, connecting the mainland city of Vancouver with the city of Victoria on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast.  Advance reservations strongly recommended in season.

 

When to Go

Warmed by Pacific Ocean currents and protected by a range of mountains, Vancouver enjoys mild temperatures year-round, with average highs of 74 degrees in summer, 43 degrees in winter.  Although you’ll find plenty of snow in the nearby mountains, winters are generally rainy, not snowy, and spring comes early. The summer months are peak season in Vancouver; prices rise and ferry lines can be long.  Spring and fall are just as lovely, with generally good weather and fewer crowds.  If you’re heading to Whistler to ski, try to plan a couple days to see the city.

 

Sights & Activities

Vancouver is a great destination for both children and adults, for lovers of museums and shopping as well as outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to the many in-town activities, it’s only a short drive into the mountains, and an equally appealing ferry ride to the nearby islands.

Outdoor activities:  In the heart of the city, with water on three sides, Stanley Park encompasses 1000 acres of woodlands, gardens, flowers, trails, lakes, beaches and wildlife. Rent bikes or jog along the seawall, or take the kids to the Vancouver Aquarium . Save your money if you’re afraid of heights, but 800,000 visitors a year thrill to walk the 450-foot-long Capilano Suspension Footbridge, 230 feet above the Capilano River.

Food and shopping: Granville Island is known for its public markets, bakeries, and distinctive shops, unique stores, while Chinatown is the place for a wide variety of Asian food, gifts, and restaurants.

Museums: Do not miss the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, with an extraordinary collection of Native American objects. While on campus, recharge your spiritual batteries at the peaceful Nitobe Memorial Garden

More info…

 

 B&Bs and Inns

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mermaid Bathroom, Carousel Suite, Johnson Heritage House

 

Many wonderful B&B are located close to downtown VC, and in nearby North & West Vancouver, a few minutes drive away.  The downtown area is relatively small, and most B&Bs are in lovely residential areas.  For a complete list, click the link for an extensive list of Vancouver B&Bs. Here are a few we visited:

 

Unusual among B&Bs, A TreeHouse B&B was built in the 1980s in the Bauhaus style, and has a beautiful backyard garden. The interior is spacious and modern, with a definite Asian sensibility to the uncluttered and soothing décor.

 

The Camelot Inn is owned by the Austrins Family, originally from Riga, Latvia. Their exceptionally handsome Arts & Crafts-style home has spacious rooms decorated with European elegance. 

 

Greystone B&B has a living room perfect for relaxing after a hard day of sightseeing. Innkeeper Graham Laxton recently retired from managing Vancouver's premier private tennis club, and “serves” up great travel advice for his guests.

 

Johnson Heritage House was totally rebuilt while still preserving its original 1920 Craftsman charm. The first floor has a spacious open floor plan, highlighted by Sandy and Ron Johnson’s collection of carousel horses. Guest rooms have lovely quilts, some with dramatic mountain views. Most memorable is the enormous Carousel Suite, with an extensive, light-hearted collection of mermaids in both the bedroom and bath.

 

The Penny Farthing Inn is a 1912 Edwardian Heritage House, conveniently located in the Kitsilano district. Innkeeper Lyn Hainstock will do all she can to help you enjoy your stay in her colorful, cozy home.

 

Thistledown has a soothing country setting in North Vancouver, still a short drive from all attractions. The restful, eclectic, elegant décor combines such modern touches as dramatic low-voltage accent lighting, soothing earth tones from beige to taupe to chocolate, with creative accents, including a combined headboard and bookshelf created from a piano.

 

A Victorian-style home built in 1906, the West End Guest House has a great location, just a block from Robson Street. Innkeeper Evan Penner has furnished the rooms in period antiques and reproductions, and keeps guests happy with generous breakfasts and afternoon tea and cookies.

 




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