Family 2010 Winter Olympics Venues/Events

With the Olympics fast approaching, it's a good time to make a list of free or almost free sites to visit with your family. There may be a lot of issues about hosting the games, but we can't stop it from coming, so we may as well enjoy it!

Streets to Watch

There will basically be four main thoroughfares in the downtown core which will have festive programming on a daily basis. These include Robson Street, Hamilton Street, Mainland Street and Granville Street. With the exception of Robson Street (which will be closed east of Jervis street only) all the streets will be closed to vehicular traffic. Expect tens of thousands of people to be walking up and down here every night enjoying the atmosphere.

Signature Celebration Site Robson Square

What: Skating on GE Plaza - Vancouver's only outdoor rink; during the 2010 Winter Games, Robson Square will feature live entertainment, sport demonstrations, light shows, video displays, and fun for the whole family.

Where: Robson Square - Robson Street between Hornby Street and Howe Street, downtown Vancouver

When: 10:00 to 22:00 daily

From now until the Games wind up, there's free ice skating at GE Plaza in the square. The rink is open to the public daily, weather permitting. No skates? Rent a pair for just $3 (and helmets are free for those under 12). In the lead up to and during the 2010 Winter Games, the ice rink may be closed for short periods of time for cleaning, regular maintenance or special performances. For current conditions and events at GE Plaza, 604-646-3559.

British Columbia Canada Pavilion

What: BC Canada Pavilion on the fourth floor of the Vancouver Art Gallery. As part of the Province's signature celebration site at Robson Square, the Pavilion will feature state-of-the-art exhibits and interactive displays showcasing the very best of B.C. innovation and culture to the world.

Where: The Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby Street, between Robson and W. Georgia Street, in downtown Vancouver

When: Open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

The Province is pleased to be partnering with the Vancouver Art Gallery to provide all visitors with free admission to the gallery and Pavilion during Games-time. If you're visiting the BC Canada Pavilion, be sure to reserve some extra time in your day to check out the spectacular exhibits on display during the Games at the Vancouver Art Gallery:

• Visions of British Columbia: A Landscape Manual (January 23 to April 18, 2010)
• Leonardo da Vinci: The Mechanics of Man (February 6 to May 2, 2010)
• Visceral Bodies (February 6 to May 16, 2010)
• Michael Lin: A Modest Veil (January 15 to May 2, 2010)
• CUE: Artists' Videos (January 23 to March 21, 2010)

LiveCity Downtown

What: Local, Canadian and international performing artists; special appearances by Olympians and Paralympians; giant screen showings of Olympic events and highlights.

Where: LiveCity Downtown corner of Georgia Street and Beatty Street

When: February 12-28, 2010 from 11:00 to 24:00

Website: http://livecityvancouver.ca

LiveCity Downtown is adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre complex, one of the primary sites for the 2010 Cultural Olympiad, and is minutes away from both BC Place Stadium (site of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies) and General Motors Place (the Olympic hockey venue).

LiveCity Downtown will host thousands of people daily and will be open during both the 2010 Olympic Winter Games (February 13 - 28, 2010, daily 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.) and the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games (March 12 - 14 and March 18 - 21, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.), along with a pre-Games kick-off event in early February 2010.

LiveCity Yaletown

What: Local, Canadian and international performing artists; special appearances by Olympians and Paralympians; giant screen showings of Olympic events and highlights.

Where: David Lam Park, Pacific Boulevard at Drake Street.

When: February 12-28, 2010 from 11:00 to 23:00

Website: http://livecityvancouver.ca

LiveCity Yaletown will offer over 18,580 square metres of celebration space at the waterfront David Lam Park. Situated along the waters of False Creek and adjacent to Vancouver's trendy Yaletown district and the Yaletown Canada Line station, this location is bordered on the north by Pacific Boulevard, on the south by False Creek, the east by Drake Street and west by Homer Street. Mainland and Hamilton streets will become pedestrian thoroughfares to link to the LiveCity Downtown site.

Just a few minutes from BC Place Stadium, LiveCity Yaletown will host Olympic sport and cultural programming, a water-side stage and a nightly closing show suitable for the entire family.

Place de la Francophonie

What: Vancouver's Granville Island will be home to Place de la Francophonie ("French Quarter" celebrating Francophone culture).

Where: Granville Island, on the south side of False Creek, under the Granville bridge. Canadian aeronautical company Bombardier will provide a streetcar to shuttle passengers from the Canada Line's Olympic Village station to Granville Island.

When: February 11th to 28th, 2010
Exhibits: 11am to 8pm
Shows: 6pm to midnight
Club Adrénaline: 11am to midnight
Events: Beginning at noon

Set up in the False Creek Community Centre, Place de la Francophonie 2010 will exude all the Latin flavours of a French Quarter, offering visitors a cornucopia of activities including shows featuring Canadian and international performers, a sports pub, a farmer's market, tourism circuits and trails and many exhibits of works by francophone artists. More than just a meeting spot, visitors to Place de la Francophonie will delight in the ongoing festive atmosphere while discovering the cultural and artistic wealth of the country.

Atlantic Canada House

What: A pavilion showcasing Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador

Where: Granville Island, on the south side of False Creek, under the Granville Bridge. Canadian aeronautical company Bombardier will provide a streetcar to shuttle passengers from the Canada Line's Olympic Village station to Granville Island.

When: February 13 - 28, 2010

Within the pavilion space, you'll find the Granville Island Stage, the Revue Stage and the Backstage Lounge. Atlantic Canadian artists will be featured nightly, and daily performances on the Revue Stage will celebrate the region and welcome guests to the Atlantic Canadian way of life.

For two weeks, Canada's east coast will come alive on one of Vancouver's most historic sites, Granville Island. A popular local venue, Granville Island is expecting over 35,000 visitors daily. It is easily accessible by water taxis, bus, bicycle, street tram and foot. It is highly recommended you leave your car at home as there will be limited parking available.

Once at Atlantic Canada House, guests will find an authentic and inspiring setting. It's here you'll be treated to East Coast culinary delights, discover the region's culture and spirit, and share in Atlantic Canadian hospitality.

Sochi House at Science World

What: Russion pavilion, showcasing their plans for the next Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, in 2014.

Where: Telus World of Science, on the banks of False Creek, five minutes from downtown Vancouver.

When: February 11 - 28, 2010

The Russians are known for putting on a real show when it comes to their pavilions. They did so in Torino, and you can expect their pavilion at Science World will knock everyone's socks off.

Sochi House will bring together well-known athletes, eager fans, and journalists and officials from around the world. The cultural program, legendary Russian cuisine, performances by famous Russian and Canadian artists and, of course, the guests themselves will all help to create an unforgettable, truly Russian festive atmosphere.

2010 Aboriginal Pavillion

What: Authentic Aboriginal art, music and entertainment from across Canada, Aboriginal cuisine and official Vancouver 2010 licensed merchandise

Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza 649 Cambie Street at Georgia Street, downtown Vancouver

When: February 12-28, 2010, from 10:00 to 15:00 and 17:30 to 24:00

Located on the plaza of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in downtown Vancouver, within easy walking distance of BC Place and GM Place, the 8,000 square-foot 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion will be right in the heart of Olympic activity, with Vancouver''s Celebration Site located immediately across Cambie Street.

The pavilion features a high-tech 3,000 square-foot sphere, surrounded by a Coast Salish Longhouse. The Longhouse, which features a 1,500 square-foot Trading Post, will be relocated after the Games as a permanent legacy. As well, the adjacent 2,000 square-foot QE restaurant will be converted into a reception hall, featuring an Aboriginal showcase and cuisine. Special "theme" days will showcase Aboriginal groups from all regions of Canada. Live events will include Inuit throat singing, Métis jigging, hoop dancing, as well as spotlighting contemporary Aboriginal performances and other fields of achievement.

Bell Ice Cube (Vancouver: corner of Robson & Beatty)

What: A temporary building, sponsored by Bell, featuring entertainment, interactive product demonstrations multiple plasma screens for visitors to view ceremonies and competitions.

Where: Corner of Robson Street and Beatty Street, in downtown Vancouver

When: February 11th to 28th from 11 am to 11pm

The Bell Ice Cube will be a 3,000 square-foot temporary building located at Robson & Beatty Street in downtown Vancouver and will feature entertainment, Olympic ticket giveaways and interactive product demonstrations. The unique high-tech design of Bell Ice Cube will provide visitors an opportunity to view ceremonies and competitions on multiple plasma screens in high definition Bell TV. During the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and during major sporting events, visitors will be able to watch the magic on a large projection screen.

Every day at 3 pm, there will be a live show called Ice Talk, where Olympians will be interviewed by five-time Olympian and Bell Champion Charmaine Crooks. Athletes will share their own Olympic stories and sign autographs for Games fans. Bell Ice Cube will also feature guest performances by internationally acclaimed vocal play group, Naturally 7. In addition to brilliant harmonies, every instrument sound is created by the human voice. From musical styles that range from pop to R&B, Naturally 7 has charmed fans around the world.

Medal Award Ceremonies

What: Nightly Medal Award Ceremonies and entertainment

Where: BC Place Stadium, 777 Pacific Boulevard, in downtown Vancouver

When: February 13 - 21, 23 - 26, 2010

This is one of the most inexpensive way to participate in an official Olympic event. Tickets costs as little as $22 dollars per person and this provides you access to some of North America''s best entertainers as well as the medal winning athletes. Some of the confirmed bands include Barenaked Ladies, INXS, Nelly Furtado, Headley, Theory of a Dead Man and many more. The newly renovated BC Place Stadium will play home to this nightly event which is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

If you are taking the Expo Line SkyTrain, get off at the "Stadium" station. You will have to walk about 5 minutes to get there.

Olympic Line - Vancouver''s 2010 Streetcar (Cambie and 2nd)

The Olympic Line - Vancouver''s 2010 Streetcar will launch January 21, 2010 at the Canada Line Olympic Village Station located at Cambie and West 2nd Avenue. Be the first to ride the train and receive a "free rider" certificate. The modern streetcar will link Granville Island to the Canada Line Olympic Village Station between January 21 and March 21, 2010. Transit trips on the Olympic Line will be free.

Tour the Lantern Forest at LunarFest (Granville Street)

Enjoy a nice walk on Granville Street between Robson and West Georgia between January 22 and February 28, full of lanterns made by local children and public art sculptures. On February13 and 14, the whole family can enjoy a parade by Public Dreams and make their own lanterns, too. The festival is just one of many activities expected to take place on the designated pedestrian corridors along Granville, Robson, Beatty and Hamilton/Mainland during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Bombardier Street Car (Vancouver)

This is a demonstration project between Granville Island and the Olympic Village Canada Line station. A modern and "high-end" European streetcar will shuttle passengers by rail between the Canada Line and the Place de la Francophonie ("French Quarter"), Atlantic Canada House, and many other sites at Granville Island. It is free to ride, but they are expecting over 500,000 people will take the trip over the two month period when it will be in operation. The train is scheduled to start running in mid-January through the Olympics and Paralympics.
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