sports culture

Choosing a place to stay during Vancouver 2010 Olympics might be a challenge, but in Vancouver there is a perfect spot for everybody.
So you’ve made the decision to be in the Best Place on Earth at the best time possible. Then, my friend, welcome to Vancouver during 2010 Olympics!
No one would argue that Vancouver is beautiful and everyone can find their own home here. But how do you find that unique place, which would be just right and personal for you in such a diverse and large city? How about finding that perfect place if you’ve never been to Vancouver before?
I was in your shoes not so long ago, and during last few years I’ve walked (and biked, and rollerbladed – you name it …) the streets of Vancouver from East to West, North to South and never stopped wondering "Is there a more beautiful place to live in?" So if you are trying to figure out which part of the city to stay at during 2010 Olympics, here are few things you should consider before deciding on a location:
1. How important is the proximity to the Olympic Venues? And if being close to the Olympic venue is a priority for you, which competition are you planning to attend?
2. How will you get around? Will you be renting a car? Or will you be taking public transportation (which is, frankly speaking, quite good, compared to other North American cities)? Vancouver offers not only buses and trolleybuses, but it also features a fully automated Skytrain and scenic rides on Seabus. To learn more about public transit options available in Vancouver and the area, to get maps, schedules or simply to plan your trips within Vancouver check Translink website.
3. How important is a neighborhood for you? Would you enjoy lively and glittery downtown or would you rather keep yourself warm near a fireplace in a secluded home?
4. What about your neighbors? Or do you want any? Obviously, a stay at a hotel comes with a certain package of neighbors, behind not so sound proof walls… But what about having a house of your own for a few days? If you are one of those people that like feeling at home even when they travel, there are several websites that offer private rentals ranging from a room in a house to multi-bedroom mansions for rent in Vancouver area during 2010 Olympics.

The most important and the hardest decision you will most likely need to make from the start, is to choose between staying in Vancouver area or Whistler. For some this will be based on the interest in particular Olympic sports, for some it will depend on transportation and accommodation. Just to give you an overall idea, Whistler is located approximately 130 km (80 miles) from Vancouver. Drive on the "Sea-to-Sky" highway is very picturesque, however, might seem a bit challenging for those not used to windy roads. With normal road conditions it would take about two hours to travel between Vancouver and Whistler. However, here comes the big question: how long will it take to get to Whistler during 2010 Olympics? Since there is only one road from Vancouver to Whistler, I wouldn’t dare to give any estimates at all.
If your accommodation for 2010 Olympics is purely based on proximity to the location of the competition, you want to be in Whistler for: Bobsleigh, Luge, Skeleton, Alpine Skiing, Alpine Skiing (Paralympic), Biathlon, Biathlon (Paralympic), Cross Country Skiing, Cross Country Skiing (Paralympic), Nordic Combined, Ski Jumping.