Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics – Did You Know?

With the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games fast approaching, it’s only understandable that many of us are concerned about how we’re going to get around. The Olympics are going to be a very exciting and busy time for Vancouver. But let’s be honest, many of us won’t be that into the Games, but trying to sustain our normal lives amongst the hustle and bustle of this international event. Here are some helpful and interesting facts to help you make the most of Vancouver 2010:

Did You Know? - Transit in Metro Vancouver

• West Coast Express trains will be running 3 additional westbound and eastbound trains during the midday as well as 7 trains on Saturdays and 6 on Sundays.
• Certain bus routes will be running 24 hours a day. Head to translink.ca for schedules and maps.
• Several streets will be closed in downtown Vancouver from 12pm to midnight between February 12th and 28th, many of which will be used as “pedestrian corridors.”
• There will be a free car service called the “Olympic Line” that will be travelling between Granville Island and 2nd Avenue at Cambie from January 21st to March 21st.
• 2010 Winter Games tickets include your transit for the day and night of your event.
• The Canada Line from YVR airport to downtown is only 25 minutes long.
• You can get transit updates right to your phone, so you always know what’s going on.

Did You Know? - Transit to Whistler

• You will need a permit to drive north of Squamish between 6am and 6pm starting February 11th.
• Olympic lanes, only open to athletes, press and officials will be in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure reliable travel to accommodations and venues.
• Whistler residents will be receiving permits to drive and park in Whistler.
• There will be very limited public parking.
• TransLink has advised that the easiest way to get around Whistler will be public transit, walking or even cross-country skiing.

Did You Know? - City Living

• Some Secondary schools in Metro Vancouver have decided to close down during the Olympics.
• People in metro Vancouver have been “renting” out their homes for the Olympics, as an alternative to hotels. The families are often going away for the Olympics or visiting family outside of Vancouver.
• Homes close to Olympic venues are going for as much as $3000 a night.