Professional & Spectator Sports
Do you have questions about accommodations, tickets, transportation, venues, skiing at Whistler or other questions regarding the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games? Find the answers to Frequently Asked Questions on the 2010 Winter Games.
FAQs
When are the 2010 Winter Games?
Olympic Winter Games: February 12, 2010 to February 28, 2010
Paralympic Winter Games: March 12, 2010 to March 21, 2010
Where are the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games?
- Opening Ceremonies: BC Place Stadium (downtown Vancouver)
- Closing Ceremonies: Whistler Medals Plaza
- Victory Ceremonies: At venues following competition (for Vancouver events) and in Whistler Village
- Vancouver: ice sledge hockey, wheelchair curling
- Whistler: alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing
How can I purchase tickets?
Visit Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games for up-to-the-minute information on the Winter Games ticketing information.
How can I book accommodations for the Games?
Visit 2010 Destination Planner to book accommodation (hotel, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, RV sites, home rentals, cruise ship rooms) for the 2010 Winter Games.
Accommodations near Olympic venue cities will be popular, so demand will be high. Consider accommodation options in Vancouver’s surrounding communities which are included as part of the 2010 Destination Planner.
What are my transportation options during the Paralympic Games? Public transportation, walking and cycling are being promoted as the quickest way to get around during the Games. There will be no spectator parking at Paralympic venues.
Metro Vancouver has an extensive public transportation network of buses, the SeaBus and the West Coast Express commuter train. Event tickets include access to local public transportation networks. No Sea to Sky checkpoint will be in place and no permits are required to drive between Vancouver and Whistler during the Paralympic Games, though parking is Whistler is limited.
Visit Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games for up-to-the-minute information on transportation during the Games.
Do I need a passport or visa?
United States citizens need to show photographic identification (such as a driver's licence) and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or certificate of citizenship), or a passport to enter Canada. Re-entering the United States is subject to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) which requires all travellers to present a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States.
Visitors from other countries must be in possession of a valid national passport and may also require a visa. For more information about visiting Canada check out Key Travel Information.
Will I be able to ski at Whistler during the 2010 Winter Games?
Absolutely! Whistler Blackcomb terrain will be fully open for most of the 09/10 winter season, and more than 90% of the terrain will remain open during the Olympic and Paralympic period (Jan 25 – Mar 27, 2010).
When planning a vacation to British Columbia, be sure to check out the downhill skiing in other regions. BC's ski resorts and runs are renowned for epic powder, big verticals, breathtaking scenery, and lively après ski scenes.
What else can I do in British Columbia?
Glad you asked! HelloBC.com, the official trip planning site of Tourism British Columbia, is loaded with hundreds of pages of information and ideas for everyone from hardcore adrenalin junkies to laid-back loungers. From cosmopolitan cities to rustic country towns, five-star resorts to walk-in wilderness, there is an experience, an activity and a memorable vacation to suit every comer.
Who is hosting the 2010 Winter Games?
The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are partnering with the following to host the Games:
- Governments of Canada and Province of British Columbia
- City of Vancouver and the Resort Municipality of Whistler
- Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations collectively known as the Four Host First Nations)
- Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Committees
Will there be any Olympic cultural events?
Cultural activities are an important part of the Olympic Games. The 60-day 2010 Cultural Olympiad (Jan 22 – Mar 21, 2010) will include a remarkable line-up of entertainment and performances from some of the world’s best artists. Music, performing and visual arts, and a unique digital art exhibit make up this impressive celebration of culture.
The Cultural Olympiad will have more than 600 ticketed and free performances and exhibitions in 60 locations in Metro Vancouver and along the Sea to Sky corridor. Highlights include The Blue Dragon/Le Dragon Bleu by Robert Lepage, Delusions by Laurie Anderson, Moon Water by Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan, and Tundra Songs by the Kronos Quartet featuring Tanya Tagaq.
What is the weather like in BC?
The weather in the Vancouver and Coast Mountain Region ranges from mild in Vancouver to full-on snowy, cold winter in the mountains. An average snowfall of 10m/33ft in Whistler means there is a possibility of some of the best skiing conditions on the continent.
Can I get more information to help me plan my visit during the 2010 Winter Games?
Yes! The 2010 Destination Planner is the official destination planning site for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games and has information about the Host Cities and nearby communities. It contains up-to-date information about accommodation and transportation options. Start your planning now!