2010 Winter Games: Top 10 Things to do without a Ticket
by Malcolm Johnson
For the athletes travelling to British Columbia this winter, it’s all about the focus of competition. For the rest of us, though, it’s all about the fun. From the deep snows of the mountains to the bright lights of the city, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are going to be a celebration for the ages. It’s been called “the biggest potlatch the world has ever seen,” and the good news is that you don’t need a ticket to feel the Olympic rush. While there are hundreds of events with free and open access, here are 10 best bets to get into the spirit of British Columbia’s world-welcoming bash.
1. Go to Granville Island
With its vibrant arts scene and bustling public market, Granville Island has always been one of Vancouver’s favorite attractions. Come Games time, the island promises to showcase the city’s flair for cultural convergence as host of Atlantic Canada House, Place de la Francophonie and the House of Switzerland. Over the course of an afternoon you can kick it up at an Atlantic-style kitchen party, sample some of the country’s best culinary traditions and sip a perfectly-poured Swiss espresso. For more fun in February, check out the island’s annual Winterruption Festival – an eclectic blend of musical beats, performance art and local menus.
www.atlanticcanadahouse.com
www.placefranco2010.ca
www.houseofswitzerland.org
www.granvilleisland.com
2. Honor Aboriginal Heritage in Canada
On the Plaza of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion promises to be an incredible showcase and celebration of Aboriginals from across Canada. With contemporary performances, multimedia shows and stunning Aboriginal art, the white-domed five-story pavilion will prove one of the signature buildings of the Games; a site that both honors the past and looks towards the future, the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion is a must-see for visitors and Vancouverites alike. Here, you’ll have a chance to nibble contemporary Aboriginal cuisine—think musk ox prosciutto and wine from Nk’mip Cellars—on the traditional territory of the Four Host First Nations. The pavilion will be open to the public February 12 – 28 from 11 a.m. to midnight.
www.fourhostfirstnations.com
3. Enter the O Zone
Home to the speed skating events for the 2010 Winter Games, the city of Richmond, just south of Vancouver, will also be home turf to another anticipated draw: the O Zone. A short walk from the new Canada Line rapid transit system, this official celebration site for the Games boasts 24 hectares (60 acres) of free activities, exhibits and entertainment.
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