Oct

Tips for Attending The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver

2010-olympics

The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver are only a few short months away, and now is the time to book your mid-winter trip to experience the impressive sights and sports of the Olympics.

Forbes Traveler offered some tips on getting the most of an Olympic trip to Vancouver. Starting with your arrival, don’t be afraid to take the Canada Line of the Skytrain which can get you from the airport to downtown Vancouver in 30 minutes.

The Games run from February 12 to March 1st, and you can bet the mass exodus of athletes and visitors on the last day will create some real congestion on the roadways and in the airports. So why not stay an extra day or two and explore the sites you may have missed while watching the games. Vancouver and Victoria Islands are beautiful quick getaways with plenty to explore. Or extend your trip further and make your way to Blackcomb, for some of the finest skiing available.

During the Olympic portion of your visit, don’t miss the Live Site, 2 big sites set up for all things Olympics from sponsorship areas, huge big screen TV’s and more. Remember to book dinner reservations way in advance as the best tables are likely to book up early, and Vancouver has wonderful dining to indulge in.

While you’re out exploring Vancouver’s dining scene in between Games, check out some of the many various art exhibitions coinciding with the Olympics. Arts of all kinds are getting in the Olympic spirit with concerts, dance, films, and more.

If you are passionate for one specific winter sport, plan accordingly. The Olympic arenas for each sport vary widely, so plan early and stake out your spot so you don’t miss you favorites. Whistler will be the spot for skiing, ice hockey will be downtown and snowboarding in North Shore, to name a few…

Most important, find a luxury hotel that is nice and cozy to come back to after an active day of snow and sport. Some of the area’s top hotels are:

The Fairmont Empress
Opus Hotel
Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver – Breakfast of Champions deal from C$195/night
The Oswego Hotel - Victoria
Pan Pacific Mountainside Whistler
Four Seasons Whistler – Stay Longer deal from C$395/night
Find more luxury hotels in Vancouver at Perfect Escapes.