Olympic-related events

2010 Olympic-related events

There will be dozens of free and ticketed cultural events, activities and celebrations taking place in Metro Vancouver during the 2010 Olympic and Paralymic Winter Games.

> View our interactive map

Arts and Cultural events

City-sponsored celebration sites

  • LiveCity Downtown (Georgia Street, between Beatty and Cambie Streets) The City of Vancouver-sponsored celebration site will feature giant screens and live performances, as well as hosting Canada Pavilion 2010 and CentrePlace Manitoba (see below). Open March 12 to 14 and 18 to 21, from 1pm to 9pm.
  • Robson Square GE Ice Plaza (Robson Street, between Hornby and Howe Streets) Robson Square will be one of the major gathering places during the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, featuring free ice skating, athlete demonstrations, family events and BC-focused programming. The popular zipline across Robson Square and the British Columbia Pavilion will also be open during the Paralympics (March 12 to 21), meaning you can visit the Vancouver Art Gallery for free.
  • District of North Vancouver

Provincial, national, regional and theme pavilions

  • BC Hydro Power Smart Village (333 Dunsmuir Street) This family-friendly celebration site features a dance floor that generates electricity as people dance as well as other fun, interactive elements. A section of the village will also be devoted to showcasing Canada’s greatest Paralympic moments. Open March 1 to 21 from 10am to 6pm.
  • British Columbia Canada Pavilion (March 12-21)
  • Canada's Northern House (602 West Hastings Street) Canada’s Northern House showcases the culture of Canada’s three territories including demonstrations of traditional Arctic games, craft displays and live musical events. Open March 1 to 31 from 10am to 5pm.
  • Canada Pavilion (at LiveCity Downtown) The Canada Pavilion offers a truly Canadian experience with fun and interactive activities. Open March 12 to 14 and 18 to 21, from 1pm to 9pm. See here for more details.
  • CentrePlace Manitoba (at LiveCity Downtown) CentrePlace Manitoba features multimedia displays and an exhibit by the Canadian Museum of Human Rights. Open March 12 from 4pm to 7pm; March 13 to 14 and 18 to 21, from 1pm to 9pm.
  • PRIDE House Vancouver (1170 Bute Street) An inclusive, welcome space for LGBT athletes, family, friends and visitors to come together and celebrate. Open 10am to 7pm daily.
  • Royal Canadian Mint Pavilion (Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch – 350 West Georgia Street): The Mint Pavilion was quite popular during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games as visitors could see the Olympic medals in person. The Mint will be showing the medals during the Paralympics from March 12 to 21.
  • Olympic Cauldron: Visitors to the Paralympics can view the Olympic cauldron in Coal Harbour next to the Vancouver Convention Centre.
  • The Official Paralympic Countdown Clock stands in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery giving to-the-second updates on exactly when the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games will begin. The Official Paralympic Countdown Clock stands in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery giving to-the-second updates on exactly when the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games will begin.
  • The three agitos (Paralympic logo) will be floating on a barge out in downtown Vancouver’s Coal Harbour. The rings can be viewed from many spots along the seawall in the Coal Harbour neighbourhood and Stanley Park.

Others

FIGURE SKATE IN DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER

Bust out a few figure skating moves on the outdoor ice skating rink at Robson Square (below street level at the corner of Robson and Howe Streets). GE Ice Plaza will feature fun athletic demonstrations, family events and BC-focused entertainment during the 2010 Winter Games. Skating is free and rentals are under $5.

MAKE THE RAIN FUN!

Ok, so it sometimes rains during Vancouver's winter months. But why not make the rain fun? Vancouver has plenty of fun "rain gear" that you can get into - including two umbrella-specific shops and two rubber boot-specific shops (see below). There are also several attractions around the city that are often more fun/interesting in the rain, including the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (www.vancouverchinesegarden.com) and the Capilano Suspension Bridge (www.capbridge.com).

VANCOUVER SPAS GET INTO GAMES

Two of Vancouver's top spas have created products or promotions in celebration of the 2010 Winter Games.

  • Skoah Spa introduces "Skin Athletes"
    Skoah, the Vancouver-based spa and skincare product company, has added five "Skin Athletes" to their team who will use, test run and provide feedback on products. Catherine Bruhwiler, professional surfer, mother of two and business owner, is one of the five lucky athletes whose skin is now sponsored by Skoah. Athletes such as Catherine are out in the elements and require high performance skin care - in Catherine's case to combat sun, sea and wind. The new partnership takes Skoah's mission statement of "personal training for your skin" to a new level. To learn about Skoah's four other Skin Athletes visit www.skoah.com.



    Please check back often as this list will be continually updated.

    > Download a PDF map showing the locations of the downtown activities

    CityCaucus.com has also published a great Vancouver 2010 Olympics Free Events Guide.

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