Aside from attending the official Olympic sporting evenAside from attending the official Olympic sporting events, there will be plenty to do in Vancouver come February 12th. The Olympics are a chance for the city of Vancouver to come alive and showcase itself to the world.
Visitors and locals can share in the excitement and fun by checking out these free things to do around Vancouver.
Lunarfest 2010 (January 22 to February 28)
Visit the 700 Block of Granville Street, Vancouver (between Georgia and Robson) and feast your eyes on a beautiful array of lanterns decorated by school children, Aboriginal creators and professional artists from Canada and Taiwan.
Visit Lunarfest 2010 for more details.
Vectorial Elevation (February 4 to 28)
Each evening, rain or shine, beautiful lights will illuminate English Bay and the Vancouver skyline. Robotic searchlights will create a beautiful display across the sky, which is expected to be viewed in person and by people around the world on the internet. 10,000-watt lights will be used to create a series of patterns that cover 100,000 square metres and can be seen from within 16km.
Check here.
Olympic Torch Relay (February 11 and 12)
The two day Olympic Torch Relay begins February 11 when the flame finally arrives in Vancouver. Everyone is encouraged to come out and celebrate as the flame makes its way through the city. Find the Olympic Torch Relay Route here.
“LiveCity Yaletown” at David Lam Park will host a Torch Relay Celebration on the evening of February 11. Don’t forget to wear Red! As part of the “Paint the Town Red” campaign, the city of Vancouver and the Canadian Olympic Committee are encouraging everyone to cheer on the Canadian Olympic Team by wearing red (sweaters, scarves, toques, mittens etc.).
Vancouver House (February 11 to 27)
Vancouver House provides an opportunity to learn about Vancouver’s leaders in the areas of environment, new media, green tech and the creative sector. A visit to Vancouver house will tell the story behind the city’s new business brand “Vancouver Green Capital.”
For hours and more info click here.
Location: Vancouver House is located at the “LiveCity Yaletown" venue at David Lam Park.
LiveCity Vancouver (February 11 to 28)
The city is hosting two outdoor celebration sites in downtown Vancouver - “LiveCity Yaletown” at Yaletown’s David Lam Park and “LiveCity Downtown” at Georgia and Cambie Street. These sites will feature top local, Canadian and international entertainment, big-screen Olympic Winter Games sporting coverage, Olympic sponsor and partner pavilions and activities for families.
“LiveCity Yaletown” will feature must-see live performances from the likes of Blue Rodeo, Wilco and the Sam Roberts band. Visitors will want to make time to wander through sponsor and partner pavilions and catch some of the live games action on the venue’s big screens. There will be plenty more to see and do at this venue, so visit the website for details.
The “LiveCity Downtown” site features the 2010 Canada Pavilion and CentrePlace Manitoba. There is even a licensed chalet-style lounge (LIVE@LiveCity Downtown), where you can have a drink, catch up with friends and cheer on your favourite athletes.
Note: “LiveCity Downtown” will also be open March 12-14 and 18-12.
For hours and a full schedule of events visit the website.
Bell Ice Cube (Feb 11 to 28)
Designed to be the ultimate Fan Zone, the Bell Ice Cube promises to be a fun time. Visitors can watch events live in HD, cheer on Team Canada, listen to live music and more. There will also be Olympic ticket giveaways and a daily talk show at 3pm where Olympians will be interviewed by five-time Olympian and Bell Champion Charmaine Crooks.
Open: 11 a.m to 11 p.m.
Location: Robson and Beatty Street
Robson Square Signature Celebration Site (February 12 to 28)
At the heart of Vancouver’s downtown core, Robson Square will be a centre for free family entertainment during the games. During the day and evening, visitors can watch live performances, watch demonstrations and even meet the Olympic mascots in person. The festivities begin February 12.
Daily entertainment includes:
BC Live - showcasing unique B.C. musicians and artists
When: Nightly at 10 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
BC Spirit: Music! Culture! Community! - highlighting local cultural performing groups, and community and established B.C. musical ensembles
When: Various showtimes daily
BC Street Jam - with engaging performers on Robson Street
When: Various showtimes daily and nightly
BC Kids - featuring children's entertainers and the renowned CircusWest
When: Weekends at noon and 1 p.m.; CircusWest daily at 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.
Aboriginal Showcase - presentations highlighting Aboriginal life in B.C.
When: Daily at 12:30 p.m.
First Nations Carving Exhibit - showcasing carving demonstrations by Musqueam artist Susan Point and Coast Salish artists
When: Daily from noon to 8 p.m.
Meet the Mascots on Ice - featuring the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Mascots
When: Daily at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Ignite the Dream - a spectacular, one-of-a-kind pyrotechnic and light show When: Nightly at 9:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.
More information on the location and details are available here.
O Zone - Richmond (February 12 to 28)
Catch 17 nights of world class live entertainment, as well as simulcasts of the Olympics on the main stage at the O Zone. Top talent includes Canadian sensations Our Lady Peace and Bedouin Soundclash. Also check out the BCLC 2010 games dome for a ride in a virtual bobsleigh! Other highlights include an ice gate, ice skating, displays and exhibits from the Museum of Civilization and Speedskating Canada, artwork and the Holland Heineken House. The site is easily accessible from the airport or downtown Vancouver via the new Canada Line.
Click here for a schedule of performances
Hours: Monday-Friday: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Weekends: Noon-11 p.m.
Location: Information is available here.
Urban Ziplining at Robson Square (February 12 to 28)
Looking for something thrilling to do during the games? Check out Ziptrek’s new urban zipline at the law courts at Robson Square. You’ll fly right over Robson Street from six stories above. The Company, Ziptrek Ecotours, is best known for its eco-adventures above the old growth forests at Whistler.
Open: Daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Robson Square. See map.
Royal Canadian Mint Pavilion (February 12 to 28)
Get a close up view of the medals and learn how they’re made by visiting the Canadian Mint Pavilion. You can also purchase your souvenirs here. Mention "Mint.ca" at the Pavilion Boutique for a 10% discount on all purchases!
Open: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: 500 Granville Street (at Pender), Vancouver, BC
Ice Skating at Robson Square (Daily)
Take advantage of the opportunity to go skating in the heart of downtown Vancouver! The outdoor skating rink at Robson Square has been reopened for the first time in almost 10 years. Skating is free and ice skate rentals are $3 for those over 12.