February 27, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Festivals & Events
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Having never been to the beer-swilling, sausage-eating extravaganza that is Germany’s Oktoberfest, I was keen to try its replica - German FanFest in Gastown, Vancouver. Set up for the 2010 Winter Games, this 600-capacity tent features big screens, long tables and several barbeques serving up tasty Bratwurst and Thuringian sausages with sauerkraut. Perfect washed down with a pitcher (or ‘stein’) of beer!
Just steps away is historic Gastown. Once the heart of Vancouver it’s named after a chatty Yorkshireman called ‘Gassy’ Jack Deighton who had a statue and even a pub named after him. You can stroll along cobbled streets that have undergone a recent revival, with local designer-owned boutiques, restaurants and bars.
My favourites include Spanish restaurant Cobre, sampling cheeses and meats at the eclectic Salt Tasting Room, unusual cocktails at the uber-hip Black Diamond – and a pint of Guinness at the Irish Heather pub.
Halfway along Water Street is the much-photographed steam clock, built in 1977 to look like London’s Big Ben. Every 15 minutes it belches steam and lets out a piercing whistle.
February 27, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Festivals & Events
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I’m sure I wasn’t the first person to have nearly wept in disappointment. The line to get into the Royal Canadian Mint pavilion on downtown Granville Street was six hours long! These patient people would get in to see, and even handle the 2010 Olympic medals. Weighing over 500g each, the exquisite medals are among the heaviest in Games history. Unique in other ways too – they’re the first medals whose shape is undulating, and their First Nations design was inspired by the Orca whale.
Thankfully, all was not lost. I discovered a second, far shorter line that brought me into the Mint pavilion to see its world-famous million-dollar gold coin, the Vancouver 2010 circulation coins (including the ‘Lucky Loonie), and commemorative gold coins to mark Canada’s first Olympic gold medal on home soil.
Peering into the glass cases, I was blown away by the intricate detail of the gold and sterling silver 2010 collection, one symbolizing the Four host First Nations, another featuring the Olympic torch and one showing Canada Place and Vancouver’s North Shore Mountains.
A photo booth to capture Mint memories had been set up for free and there were interactive games on computer screens, with kids activities taking place from 3-5pm.
A little retail therapy was then in order, to make up for missing out on the medals. I headed up the Street where there are two great department stores, the Bay and high-end Holt Renfrew, with the Pacific Centre shopping mall close by.
February 25, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Festivals & Events
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Since hockey legend Wayne Gretsky lit the Olympic cauldron after the 2010 Winter Games opening ceremony, it’s become a powerful symbol of hope for sports fans and athletes during this nail-biting fortnight.
Down in Coal Harbour, next to the new convention centre, I gazed up at the enormous green-glass structure with four brightly-burning flames. This Olympic flame has travelled such a long way to get here, starting in Greece before embarking on a 106-day torch relay across Canada, through over 1,000 communities.
So it was no surprise to see huge crowds paying homage to the cauldron. In line for the viewing platform I got chatting to Dave and Angela from Yorkshire, UK. Apart from all the Olympics action in Vancouver, they also visited Victoria in BC. “We loved pottering about in Victoria and even had tea at the Fairmont,” Angela told me. “But the ferry over there, through all the little islands was just beautiful. We even saw seals on the rocks sunbathing!”
Afterwards I decided to walk right through Coal Harbour to the Saxony House in Stanley Park. There’s always so much happening along this stretch, from floatplanes swooping down to land in the sea, to luxury yachts, charter boats and whale watching zodiacs plying the water. You can even rent bicycles from the Seawall Adventure Centre to tootle round a little quicker.
Restaurants also offer sea views, across to North Vancouver. Choose from Mills Marine Bistro (with its splash park for kids), great seafood at Cardero’s or the upscale Lift that sits on stilts over the water.
February 25, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Festivals & Events
On any trips to Vancouver a must see place to visit is Robson Street. There is great shopping, pubs, and people watching. During the Olympics you have to check out the great storefronts (complete with enough pizazz to make Simon Doonan smile). One one stroll down this street to pick up the iconic red mittens we crossed this impromptu sing-a-long to "Oh Canada."
Other notable things to do while visiting Robson Street during the Olympics:
1. Check out the live, CTV set
2. The nightly light and fireworks show
3. Skating and zipling
Ready. Set. Go!
February 25, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Festivals & Events
Vancouver has been a wonderful host to the Olympic games. From the wonderful hospitality, fabulous scenery, and efficient organization I was blown away. But the icing on the cake for me was how much attention was paid to every last detail. Along the way to events there were unique vignettes that just added to the excitement and energy. And spoiler alert, for any of you "Glee" fans out there this might sound and feel familiar. This chorus was performing on the night we walked up for the Pairs Figure Skating Free Skate. Enjoy!
February 24, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Festivals & Events
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On a trip to North Vancouver, I couldn’t resist lingering at Lonsdale Quay. At any time of the year its market is fantastic, selling all kinds of farm-fresh goods and gourmet fare from exotic spices, to Italian sausage and artisan wines. I love Crepe Escape’s chocolate pancakes and browsing the hand-crafted jewelry stalls.
During the 2010 Olympics, Lonsdale Quay has been celebrating WinterFest. Along with live Games viewing, I caught a great First Nations drumming group and event and joined in a big group salsa class. Around me kids were having their faces painted and as it got dark, fire performer Miss Molotov threw some daring pyrotechnic shapes – juggling and flame swallowing included.
February 24, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Festivals & Events
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Although no 2010 Olympic events are being held at Vancouver’s Grouse Mountain, there’s plenty of Winter Games action running 24/7, as I discovered.
Taking the Seabus across to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver, I caught a bus straight up to the base of Grouse Mountain which towers up to 1,253m/ 4110ft. Then came the fun part; taking the Skyride cable car up to the summit, with unbelievable views over Vancouver from the top.
NBC’s Today Show broadcasts at 4-8am every morning during the Olympics and anyone can watch the live broadcast and meet athletes as well as the show anchors.
I was in time to see the Grouse Mountain Kids Hockey World Cup competing on the outdoor ice pond - a jovial crowd cheering them on. The skating pond was then free for the general public to show off their moves (or in my case - a desperate dash from one side to the other). Admission is free with Grouse Mt admission or Lift Ticket and rentals are available.
Skiers and snowboarders can max out on Grouse during the Games. The After Hours Pass lets you ski or ride from 8pm-6am and make the most of the DJs, bands and Games coverage. Night skiing (with shorter hours) is available in season on all three local ski hills: Cypress Mountain, and Mount Seymour too.
My friends and I were booked on a beginner snowshoe clinic. Tramping along in the sparkling snow, we learnt how to walk up and down little hills (just trust your ‘shoes!), basic avalanche awareness and about local wildlife. By the end we’d worked up enough of an appetite to enjoy a large plate of nachos at Altitudes Bistro. And plan a Snowshoe Fondue Tour for next time.
February 22, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Festivals & Events
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Anyone gazing skywards over English Bay during the 2010 Olympics can be forgiven for assuming aliens have landed in Vancouver.
Huge, blue laser beans shoot into the night sky, in rotating patterns, each one unique. The fun part, as we learnt is that anyone can participate in this interactive artwork. By logging on to vectorialvancouver.net, we designed huge light sculptures by directing the 20 robotic searchlights stationed along English Bay and near the Vancouver Museum in Kitsilano.
We’ve also enjoyed evening strolls, just for the views of these powerful lights. From Kits Beach, and the gorgeous Watermark Restaurant that looks straight over the sea, we follow the coast path through Vanier Park and around towards Granville Island. From here there are terrific views of downtown Vancouver, hundreds of apartment windows lighting up the horizon.
On a clear Saturday evening it’s possible to get a close up view of the starry sky and learn about astronomy at the HR MacMillan Space Centre & Observatory.
From Kitsilano we catch a little ferry across the water to English Bay and continue along the seawall towards Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America. By day English Bay is bustling with walkers and joggers and during the summer the beaches are packed. Dining options abound; West Coast stalwart, the high-end Raincity Grill restaurant overlooks the bay, as does the more casual Boathouse. We sometimes end our evening with cocktails at the ivy-clad Sylvia Hotel.
February 21, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Festivals & Events
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On the far side of False Creek, on Quebec Street, sits Vancouver’s reflective dome – Science World. During the 2010 Olympics it’s been transformed into the Russian Sochi House, the focus of the next Winter Games in 2014.
We took an Aquabus ferry from Granville Island, docking at Yaletown and strolling along the seawall under blossoming cherry trees. A flood of red outfits and flags filled our view as Canada hockey fans were preparing for a game and the Russians had just finished one.
At the Sochi House we browsed through their merchandise shop (the Russian designs are red and white with swirly patterns) and had our photos taken with Olympic torches from Beijing and Vancouver. On giant screens, we learnt all about the Krasnodar region, location of the 2014 Games. A Russian couple, Talia and Igor, who now live in Vancouver told us that’s where they were from and urged us to visit. “You have to go to the Black Sea –Sochi is like Vancouver because it’s just by the sea and mountains,” said Talia.
As a Vancouverite, I’d urge people to visit the Science World, which opens again to the public on March 8. Along with its OMNIMAX Theatre, the TELUS World of Science offers unbeatable interactive games, experiments and exhibitions.
In the meantime, check out Science World’s free exhibition Cool Globes – a series of giant globes outside the venue. Designed by artists, communities and school kids, each one features its own solution to global warming. For Unplugged Fun, students have created cool pictures and captions all about how to have fun without watching TV.
February 21, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Festivals & Events
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“Anybody here from Wales?” asked Stereophonics frontman, Kelly Jones. “YEAHHHHHHH!!” shouted a tiny minority, me among them. A huge Welsh flag was proudly waved in front of the stage, and further back fans wrapped in Union Jacks, Australian flags and of course the Canadian maple leaf, demonstrated just how multi-national these Winter Olympics have been.
We were in BC Place, the cavernous white dome at the far western end of Robson Street and also the venue for the Olympics opening, closing and nightly medal ceremonies. Tonight the medals were being awarded in Whistler ski resort so we watched it all on the big screens, humming or singing along to the British, Canadian, Austrian and Swiss national anthems.
Music of a different sort followed as the Welsh indie-rockers took to the stage. Bashing out old faves, and newer tracks, the Stereophonics kept the crowd happy with hits like: The Bartender and the Thief, Just Looking, and Maybe Tomorrow. Explosions of light as indoor fireworks and streamers filled the dome were a cool reminder that the party just never stops at Vancouver’s Winter Games.
BC Place isn’t normally a music venue though, home instead to the BC Lions Canadian Football team. We normally watch bands at venues like the art-Deco-style Commodore, Vogue and Orpheum theatres on Granville Street. Bigger acts often play at the General Motors Place (next to BC Place) and the Pacific Coliseum (out near Burnaby).
Annual music festivals are a great way of catching bands we’d otherwise miss – we always try to get to the Vancouver Folk Festival at beautiful Jericho Park in Kitsilano – and the jazz, World & classical MusicFest Vancouver is held all over town.