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Staff Picks: 10 Shops for Skiers and Boarders

Photo by Skistar Trysil

Whether you ski downhill or cross-country, or if you prefer to slide the slopes on a single plank, these ski and board shops will outfit you with the equipment, outerwear and accessories you need for a day of dashing through the snow.

Bikes & Boards
When you want to carve up a snowy mountainside and look good doing it, this Sporting Life-branded store is the place to gear up. Find snowboards, boots and bindings, as well as stylish jackets and goggles from brands like Burton, Volcom and Salomon. 2454 Yonge St., 416-485-4440.

Boardsports
Thanks to a staff that’s knowledgeable and passionate about all sports involving a board of some kind, you’re sure to find the right snowboard to suit your riding style and skill level. Arbor, Drake and Flow are just a few of the cool brands kept in stock. 2010 Yonge St., 416-485-9463.

Hogtown Extreme Sports
Everything you need to snowboard—aside from the slanted, snow-swept plot of land—is available at this store. Naturally, there are snowboards aplenty, as well as a fine selection of boots, jackets, pants, helmets and board bags. Waxing and sharpening services are also offered. 401 King St. W., 416-598-4192.

Kenmark Snowsports
The jaunt north to Richmond Hill is worth it to reach this 6,000-square-foot repository for skis, snowboards and more. Since 1980 is winter-loving staff have been recommending all the right equipment for your slippery escapades, from brands like Dakine, Spyder, Rossignol and Marmot. 10720 Yonge St., 905-883-5586.

Mountain Equipment Co-Op
Recreational and expert cross-country skiers alike head to this venerable outdoor store to find all the equipment they need for a day in the snow—from skis and poles to jackets and backpacks, and even sleeping bags if you’re planning a longer backcountry journey. If you’re wary of commitment, MEC offers ski and snowshoe rentals, too. 400 King St. W., 416-340-2667.

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Hot Dining: Restaurants on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains

Roundhouse Lodge photo by Toshi Kawano courtesy Tourism British Columbia

Peak-to-Peak Eats

Looking to satisfy hunger cravings between runs? Find fabulous fare—and to-die-for views—on top of both mountains. On Whistler, savour West Coast cuisine at Steep’s Grill or head to the spacious Roundhouse Lodge (pictured). On Blackcomb, Christine’s boasts a full-service menu at 1,859 m (6,100 ft), while at the cozy Crystal Hut log cabin, comfort food arrives straight from the wood-burning oven.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Entertainment: Cross-Country Skiing in Whistler

Photo by Steve Rogers courtesy Tourism Whistler

Nordic Nirvana

Downhill skiers and snowboarders tend to receive most of the attention in Whistler, but the cross-country skiers don’t mind. It just means less-crowded terrain for them. Fans of Nordic skiing head to the 56 km (35 mi) of pristine cross-country trails in Whistler Olympic Park, or the 32 km (20 mi) of trails in Lost Lake Park, to work up a sweat—and enjoy some of the world’s most spectacular scenery.—Sheri Radford

More information:

WHISTLER OLYMPIC PARK 5 Callaghan Valley Rd. 604-964-0060 or toll-free 1-877-764-2455. www.whistlerolympicpark.com

15 Extreme Canadian Winter Activities

By Meghan Wilson-Smith

It doesn’t take long for Canadians to feel the doldrums of winter start to take hold. But, being the clever Canucks that we are, we’ve figured out exciting ways to make winter full of exploration and adventure. From cave exploration to kite boarding (on ice) to dog sledding, winter can be a time when your best vacation memories are made. Let’s stop hibernating! It’s time to appreciate Canada for the winter wonderland it is. (more…)

2011 Opening Dates at Canada’s Top Ski Resorts

Photo by Patrick Hiu

Last weekend’s East Coast storm was a shocker for some, but winter-sports enthusiasts it meant an early start to the most wonderful time of the year: ski season.

Many resorts are opening early, and in fact, at least one is already open.

Here’s a rundown of ski-season openings for 2011, in order by opening date: (more…)

Hot Date: One Night Only Extreme Sports Film

Chris Davenport shredding Portillo in Chile. Photo credit: Mike Arzt.

Oct. 27. Fresh powder, crystal blue skies, and not a soul in sight. This is the magical, adrenalin-fuelled world of Warren Miller‘s 62nd annual winter sports film Like There’s No Tomorrow (see trailer here). Follow world-class athletes Chris Davenport, Julia Mancuso, Daron Rahlves, Colby West, and Seth Wescott as they hit the slopes in five continents, from Squaw Valley in the U.S. to the Himalayas in Gulmarg, India. This is high-def sports cinema at its finest, narrated by Olympic Gold Medalist skier Jonny Moseley. The film is making its way across the country as part of the 2011 Canadian tour, which offers a jaw-dropping look at some of the world’s most legendary winter landscapes, and the people who dream of conquering this beautiful terrain. The film will be screened on Thursday night only at Centrepointe Theatre.

15 Things We Love About Whistler

Photo by Chad Chomlack courtesy Tourism Whistler

1 Spectacular scenery, such as the gorgeous Whistler Olympic Park with its welcoming inukshuk. Whichever way you turn, you’ll see a picture postcard come to life.
2 Devouring a juicy Triple O burger at White Spot. This local restaurant chain was founded in 1928.
3 The abundance of festivals and special events, everything from bike races to rock concerts to a children’s art festival.
4 Looking for reminders of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Their spirit lives on in venues such as the Whistler Sliding Centre. (more…)

Hot Entertainment: Hit the Slopes

Photo courtesy Tourism Vancouver and Tourism Whistler

What do you get when you take the best skiing and snowboarding in the world, throw in some fabulous fashion shows and rockin’ parties, then add outdoor concerts by the likes of Tokyo Police Club, Gogol Bordello, Black Mountain, Broken Social Scene, Fort Knox Five and Mat the Alien? You get the 10 fun-filled days (and nights) of the Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival (Apr. 15 to 24) in nearby Whistler. Party on.—Sheri Radford

Ready, Set… Go!

Halifax hosts the 2011 Canada Games—the biggest sports event in Nova Scotian history

By Christina Copp and Trevor J. Adams

In February, all eyes will be on Halifax as it hosts the Canada Games. Running from February 11 to 27, the Games will be the largest multi-sport competition in Canada in 2011.

Sports fans have lot to look forward to during the Games. “Essentially, [there are] 20 different sports, so it’s like putting on 20 national championships over 18 days,” says Melissa MacKinnon, director of communications for the Games. She suggests that outdoor sports fans head over to the long-track speed skating at the new Oval on the Halifax Common. Admission is free.

All of the events at both ski venues are also free for fans. A 45-minute drive northwest of Halifax, Martock in Windsor hosts cross-country, biathlon and snowboard competitions Freestyle and alpine skiing take place at Wentworth, an 80-minute drive north.Other highlights include gymnastics, badminton and synchronized swimming at the new Canada Games Centre in Clayton Park, hockey at the Dartmouth Sportsplex and Halifax Metro Centre and boxing at the Halifax Forum. A 40-minute drive west of the city, the St. Margaret’s Centre in St. Margaret’s Bay hosts short-track speed skating and figure skating. The Metro Centre also hosts the opening ceremonies.

The party will continue after the athletes’ days are done, too. “Celebration Square in Grand Parade will be the place to be each evening,” says MacKinnon. The concert venue in front of Halifax City Hall will feature acts like The Stanfields, Christina Martin and Matt Mays. Martin, a multiple Nova Scotia Music Award Winner, was one of more than 300 acts who submitted their names to perform during the Games cultural festivities.

“I applied to perform during the Canada Games because I want to be a part of this monumental event that is taking place on my home turf,” says Christina Martin. “After experiencing the excitement from performing at the Vancouver Winter Olympics, I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of this fantastic event.”

Games CEO Chris Morrissey is excited about the potential to bring Haligonians, athletes and visiting sports fans together. “Everyone can come together to celebrate athletic achievements while enjoying live entertainment that showcases Nova Scotia talent and culture,” he says.

Running from February 11 to 27, the Games embrace a wide variety of disciplines. For schedule and venue details, click here or phone 902-490-2011.

Hot Entertainment: WinterPride

WinterPride photo by Ryan Shanoff courtesy GayWhistler.com

Break out your ski gear and get ready to party as WinterPride takes over Whistler from Jan. 30 to Feb. 6. If dances, dinners and martini parties aren’t your style, how about snowmobile tours, tubing and dogsledding? This week-long gay-pride celebration has something for everyone.—Sheri Radford

20 Things We Love About Whistler

Photo by Eric Berger courtesy Tourism Whistler

1 Skiing or snowboarding down the seemingly endless mountainsides.
2 Cold beer on a heated outdoor patio.
3 Shopping for souvenirs in the pedestrian-only village.
4 All the exciting events and festivals throughout the winter.
5 The oh-so-hilarious tees from Cows, which include delightful movie-title puns such as “Dairy Potter” and “Indiana Moo.”
6 Heading out on a dogsled adventure—wearing goggles, of course. Mush!
7 Partying every night and snowboarding every morning.
8 Beautiful Whistler photography by local artists Blake Jorgenson and Mark Richards.

Frolicking in the snow. Photo by Bonny Makarewicz courtesy Tourism Whistler

9 Learning to sabre a bottle of Champagne inside Bearfoot Bistro’s 20,000-bottle wine cellar.
10 All the nominees and winners of our annual Where to Shop Awards.
11 Frolicking in fresh powder.
12 Treating our chapped, windburned faces to a luxurious facial at one of Whistler’s spas.
13 The clean, fresh air.
14 Zooming down the mountainside at the Coca-Cola Tube Park.
15 Warming up with a true Canadian delicacy: a piping-hot pastry from Beavertails.
16 Catching a ride from Whistler to Blackcomb Mountain on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.
17 Top-notch regional cuisine at one of Whistler’s many restaurants.
18 Skiing the trails at Whistler Olympic Park.
19 Leaving the tots with a babysitter and heading out for a romantic night on the town.
20 Après ski. Nothing beats curling up by a fire after a day on the slopes.

Hitting the Peaks

With winter activities galore, Vancouver’s snow-capped mountains offer more than just spectacular scenery

By Kristina Urquhart

Meghan and Mat take a break after a satisfying trek on Grouse Mountain’s snowshoe trails. Photo by KK Law

Grouse Mountain
One glance south from the top of Grouse Mountain and you’ll see why it’s one of Vancouver’s most photographed views. On a clear day, the city stretches out below you; on a foggy day, it looks as if you’re about to ski into the clouds. Skiers and snowboarders carve fresh powder through snow-dusted trees on the mountain’s 26 runs or practice tricks in two terrain parks. Get a different—but equally exhilarating—kind of adrenaline rush on the four groomed trails in the Munday Alpine Snowshoe Park, where you can attend clinics to learn to master this popular winter activity or embark on a fondue snowshoe tour. If you’re not quite tuckered out, take a two-hour tour on five ziplines or lounge in a Sno-Limo as an experienced guide pushes you down the mountainside. Make like Canadian figure skating darling Joannie Rochette and practice spins and turns on the 743-square-metre (8,000-square-foot) skating pond. Cap off your snow day with a picturesque sleigh ride through the mountain forests, then warm up with a hot chocolate by the fire in the Peak Chalet.

Cypress Mountain
This venue shot to fame last February when it hosted the freestyle skiing and snowboard competitions during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The mega mountain is home to 53 runs (including four double black diamond), nine lifts and the North

A snowboarder on the half pipe at Cypress Mountain. Photo by Insight Photography courtesy Tourism BC

Shore’s tallest skiable peak at 1,646 metres (5,400 feet). Feeling gutsy? Unleash your inner Alexandre Bilodeau on the moguls run (gold medal not included). If you prefer Nordic over alpine, Cypress is the only mountain in Vancouver with cross-country ski trails. Get your heart pumping on 10 kilometres (six miles) of self-guided snowshoe trails or indulge in a snowshoe fondue tour. Tubing is fun for the whole family—there’s a separate sliding area nearby for tots aged three to five.

Mount Seymour
Snow bunnies hit the slopes at this alpine paradise, a favourite for its four terrain parks with features like jumps and rails. Ski or snowboard 39 runs of varying difficulty or traverse 10 kilometres (six miles) on the Discovery Snowshoe Trails on your own or with a guide. Fondue tours are offered here, too—inquire about the Valentine’s Day chocolate fondue snowshoe tour at 7 p.m. on Feb. 14. Kids and adults alike love zooming down the peak at high speeds, whether in the tube park or the eight-run Toboggan Park. If you haven’t packed your own toboggan, purchase a sliding carpet for a dizzying spin down the mountainside.

For more details on local mountains, click here. For information on Whistler Blackcomb, ask your concierge for a copy of Where Whistler or click here.

Hot Attraction: Stellar Slope

Aerial view of Mont Tremblant. Photo credit: Mont Tremblant.

It may be two hours outside Ottawa, but the fabulous ski resort at Mont Tremblant is worth the drive. As the highest peak in the Laurentians, it offers spectacular views and activities for all tastes. Adrenaline junkies will love the 18 acres of ramps, rails, and jumps, but families with young children shouldn’t be dissuaded — there are plenty of options for budding ski bunnies as well. Like all popular destinations, the hill can get pretty congested at the expected busy times (avoid weekends if you can), even with 95 runs spread over 654 acres of skiable terrain and 14 ski lifts. Had enough skiing/snowboarding for one day? Sign up for any of the alternative activities, such as dog sledding, or wind down at one of the resort’s restaurants or spas.

Winter Wonderland

Skiing, snowboarding—and a whole lot of other outdoor adventures

By Sheri Radford

Photo by Bonny Makarewicz courtesy Tourism Whistler

Snow bunnies already know about the unparalleled snowboarding and skiing—everything from downhill and cross-country to para- and heli-skiing—on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, but those not addicted to schussing also find much to enjoy.

Tubing is ideal for klutzes, since no skill is required. As long as you can sit in an inner tube and let gravity lead the way, you’re set.
Ziplining requires a tad more ability, since you have to walk (or roll along in an all-terrain wheelchair) between launching platforms. But guides take care of the challenging parts, such as getting participants into climbing harnesses and helmets before clipping them onto ziplines.

Adrenaline junkies choose the thrill of bungee jumping or snowmobiling, while those yearning for a good old-fashioned winter opt for ice hockey on a frozen mountaintop pond or snowshoeing through a dense forest. Animal-lovers like to ride in a horse-drawn sleigh or get pulled across the countryside by a dogsledding team. (Whistler may not have the Iditarod, but it does have lots of eager huskies ready to recreate the exhilarating experience.)

The best part about a long day spent in the snow? Warming up afterwards, beside a crackling fire, with a steaming mug of cocoa.

For activities listings, click here.

20 Things We Love About Whistler

The gorgeous greens of Whistler Golf Club. Photo by John Henebry courtesy Tourism Whistler

1 Stunningly beautiful golf courses: there’s no better place to try for that elusive hole-in-one.
2 Skiing and snowboarding, even in the summer.
3 A leisurely hike through the mountains followed by a ride on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.
4 Flightseeing. The scenery is even more spectacular when seen from the sky.
5 The bustling Whistler Farmers’ Market, which carries produce fresh from nearby farms.
6 Hearing accents from around the world, from both visitors and locals.
7 The pedestrian-only village.
8 Enjoying a cold beer on a restaurant patio.
9 Enough events and festivals to keep you busy every day.
10 Wandering through the many art galleries.

Hikers walk by the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Photo by Paul Morrison courtesy Tourism Whistler

11 Friendly locals eager to point a confused visitor in the right direction.
12 Flying through the trees—with the greatest of ease, of course—on a thrilling zipline adventure.
13 A once-in-a-lifetime train trip with Rocky Mountaineer.
14 Dining on award-winning cuisine at Araxi.
15 Guided bear tours with local bear researcher Michael Allen.
16 Discovering the rich heritage of the local First Nations at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.
17 Gorgeous views. Whichever direction you turn, it looks like a postcard.
18 Buying fresh waffle cones overflowing with giant scoops of ice cream from Cows Whistler.
19 Shakin’ your groove thang at local nightclubs.
20 Anything and everything outdoors, from kayaking to fishing to mountain biking.

Go Play Outside

Bring a sense of adventure on these outdoor escapes

By Jennifer Patterson

No matter what type of activity you’re after, Where has you covered.
Daredevil cyclists barrel down the jumps and runs in Skiers’ Plaza. Looking for something not as reckless? Rent a bike to explore smoother, less vertical terrain, as mountain biking is the summer sport here.

Views abound on Whistler's biking and hiking trails. Photo by Toshi Kawano courtesy Tourism BC

Animal lovers feel at home on a dog sled as a team of huskies leads a snowy alpine ride. Hop in the back of a 4×4 vehicle and join expert Michael Allen on a bear watching tour, including stops at favourite feeding sites and daybeds—don’t forget your camera! Channel John Wayne on your own trusty steed with a horseback ride through the wild countryside. Prefer horsepower to horses? Kick up some dust in the backcountry on a quad or dirt bike.
Adrenaline junkies get their fix with a bungee jump, while slightly more sane individuals go ziplining through the trees. For the even saner, glass-bottomed cabins on two of the Peak 2 Peak Gondolas offer enough of a thrill—and don’t require harnesses.
Shutterbugs and sightseers, have your cameras at the ready: aerial sightseeing tours and helicopter rides provide the perfect opportunity to capture the sweeping panorama.
Those seeking peace and tranquillity need look no further than the stunning golf courses and fish-filled rivers. For a quiet getaway, rent a canoe or kayak, don some life jackets and explore the pristine lakes. Nature enthusiasts breath the crisp mountain air while hiking the meadows and trails surrounding Whistler.
Snow bunnies can still strap on skis and snowboards, as Horstman Glacier is open through July for sun-filled summer skiing.
For activities listings, click here.

Top 10 Reasons to Return

If you think Vancouver is beautiful right now, just wait until you see the city in the summer

by Sheri Radford, Jennifer Patterson and Kristina Urquhart

Downtown Vancouver and the North Shore mountains, as seen from the oceanfront between Kitsilano Beach and Vanier Park. Photo copyright Ann Badjura/Dreamstime.com

1 Gorgeous Scenery
Vancouver has no shortage of breathtaking outdoor escapes: the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean, the almost-year-round snow-capped mountains, and greenery as far as the eye can see. Wriggle your toes in the sand at one of the many public beaches, including Kits Beach—rated one of North America’s top 10 sexiest beaches by Forbes Traveler—or Wreck Beach, where clothing is optional. Head up the mountains for scenic 360-degree views, challenging hikes and glimpses of local wildlife. Grab your camera and visit one of the city’s many green spaces, including VanDusen Botanical Garden and Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Bike, walk or run Vancouver’s famous seawall, a 22-km (13.7-mi) shoreline stretch that wraps around Stanley Park, past Science World and Granville Island, finishing up at Kits Beach.—J.P.

2 Major Attractions
Seek refuge in Stanley Park, where you can see summertime displays of roses and rhododendrons, catch outdoor theatre

A team races in the annual Dragon Boat Festival in front of Science World at Telus World of Science. Photo by Tom Ryan courtesy Tourism BC

shows, frolic on beaches and ogle baby beluga whales at Vancouver Aquarium. Views abound at Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain, where observing the antics of Grinder and Coola—two orphaned grizzly bears—is a popular summer activity. False Creek forms the backdrop for Granville Island, a hub for artist studios. Impromptu street performances are common, the Public Market boasts seasonal bounty from local farmers and the public fish sales dock is a local favourite for buying fresh, in-season seafood. Closed through most of March, Science World is spending our Winter Games as the pavilion for the Sochi 2014 Winter Games. This iconic “golf ball” is a fixture in the Vancouver skyline; inside you’ll find hands-on exhibits, science demos and educational films in the OMNIMAX Theatre.—K.U.

3 Festivals & Special Events
July and August brim with outdoor events that take full advantage of the long, sun-soaked days. Bard on the Beach presents Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, Antony and Cleopatra, Falstaff and Henry V against a stunning ocean-and-mountains backdrop. Theatre Under the Stars mounts Joseph and the

The ferris wheel at the PNE. Photo by Sheri Radford

Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Singin’ in the Rain on alternating nights in Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl. The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) celebrates its 100th anniversary with rides, midway games, outdoor concerts, parades, the PNE prize home, mini-donuts and, of course, the Superdogs. The Vancouver Folk Music Festival brings musicians from around the world to Jericho Beach Park for three days of groovy sounds. Pride Week bursts with a rainbow of gay-pride events, culminating in the Pride Parade and Sunset Beach Festival. The HSBC Celebration of Light marks its 20th anniversary with fireworks over English Bay that light up Metro Vancouver.—S.R.

4 Outdoor Adventures
When the temperature rises, outdoor enthusiasts take to the seas for kayaking, scuba diving and whale watching. From late April through October, the waters surrounding Vancouver and Vancouver Island are abundant with orcas (formerly called killer whales). Whale-watching trips offer glimpses of other wildlife, too, including porpoises, sea lions, harbour seals and eagles. Thrill-seekers in both Vancouver and Whistler ride high above the treetops of rainforests while

A pod of orcas. Photo copyright Lazareva Evgeniya/Istockphoto.com

harnessed to a cable called a zipline. Avid cyclist? Participate in myriad bike races, or head to the Whistler Mountain Bike Park for 1,507 m (4,946 ft) of bike trails and a jump park. Hike the mountains and nearby national parks, or take a low-key stroll around the seawall. After a long day in the sun, relax like a Vancouverite with a yoga session on the beach.—K.U.

5 Golfing, Sailing & Skiing
You might have heard a rumour that it’s possible to golf, sail and ski in Metro Vancouver, all on the same day. Unlike most rumours, this one is true. Highly rated courses such as University Golf Club, Westwood Plateau, Furry Creek Golf and Country Club, and Nicklaus North Golf Course boast views so stunning that it may be difficult to keep your eye on the ball. Local companies such as Sewell’s Marina can take you on a sea safari or—if you’re up to the job of captain—rent you a boat to go exploring on your own. As for catching

Nicklaus North Golf Course in Whistler

some powder in the summertime, Whistler Blackcomb’s Horstman Glacier stays open for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders through July.—S.R.

6 Winter Games Sites
Relive exciting moments from the 2010 Winter Games with a tour of Olympic and Paralympic venues, either by yourself or guided by Enjoy Tour and Travel. Canada Hockey Place, otherwise known as GM Place, is home to our NHL team, the Canucks, and sits alongside BC Place. Up on Cypress Mountain, take in the view of the Vancouver Convention Centre. To the east is the Pacific Coliseum, the showcase for figure skating. Experience your own medal-worthy moment with a lap around the Richmond Olympic Oval, open to all levels of fitness after the Games. In Whistler, follow the path of gold-medal bobsledders with a guided tour of the Sliding Centre and Olympic/Paralympic Park.—J.P.

7 Sports Teams
You’ll hear the hoots and hollers of Vancouver Canucks fans until regular-season games wrap up Apr. 10—but if the team advances to the Stanley Cup playoffs, ’Nucks fever can last into June. September marks the start of the 2011 game season for both the Canucks and the Vancouver Giants, the city’s major junior hockey team. Football fans root for the BC Lions

Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo. Photo by Jeff Vinnick courtesy Vancouver Canucks

(Jun. to Nov.), and the Vancouver Canadians play the ol’ ball game at historic Nat Bailey Stadium (Jun. to Sep.). The Vancouver Whitecaps don their cleats this summer (Apr. to Oct.) before beginning their major-league soccer career in 2011.—K.U.

8 Day Trips
Head to Squamish and Whistler for outdoor activities aplenty, including windsurfing, mountain biking and canoeing. Hop aboard BC Ferries for a trip to Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia and home to our historic parliament buildings. A skip-and-a-jump between Vancouver and Vancouver Island are the Gulf Islands, and there’s no shortage of charming getaways on Salt Spring, Galiano and Mayne islands. The Fraser Valley is the perfect spot to grab farm-fresh cheese and u-pick raspberries. The province’s wine region can be found in the Okanagan, known for its dry, sunny climate. South of the border is Seattle, home to rock legends Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix, as well as the iconic Space Needle.—J.P.

9 Restaurants
Vancouver boasts world-class cuisine, but many of our best restaurants are rented out or booked solid during the 2010 Winter Games. Return in the warmer months, then, for an eating-and-drinking tour of the city featuring summer’s cornucopia of fresh

The seaside neighbourhood of Yaletwon, with Burrard Bridge in the background. Photo copyright KWest/Fotolia.com

local produce and sun-kissed patios with breathtaking views. Your stomach will thank you.—S.R.

10 Sunshine
Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t always rain in Vancouver. But July and August are especially bright for sun worshippers.

15 Things We Love About Vancouver: February

1 The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. After years of preparation, the biggest party this city has ever seen is starting.

Olympic mascots Quatchi and Miga don their cheerful red mittens. Photo copyright VANOC/COVAN

2 Our cuddly Games mascots Quatchi and Miga, especially when they’re wearing their Vancouver 2010 Red Mittens.
3 The fact that it’s only a short car or bus ride from the beach to the snow-capped mountains. How many other cities can claim the same?
4 Walking along the shoreline in a pair of rubber boots.
5 The world’s largest Canadian flag, near the Olympic Countdown Clock.
6 Celebrity spotting. Rumour has it that supermodel Cindy Crawford, swimmer Michael Phelps, actor George Clooney and NASA astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Thomas Stafford and Eugene Cernan will all be in town during the 2010 Winter Games, as well as U.S. president Barack Obama.
7 Pedestrian corridors along parts of Robson, Granville, Beatty, Hamilton and Mainland streets.

The massive Canada flag behind the Olympic Countdown Clock is a perfect photo opportunity. Photo by KK Law

8 The large inukshuk that sits in English Bay.
9 The love and appreciation for all things local and sustainable, including food, drink and even clothing.
10 Skiing and snowboarding on local mountains.
11 Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world.
12 Enjoying a hot drink while people-watching on South Granville, Robson Street or Granville Island.
13 The clean, crisp winter air.
14 Public art installations that make our city even more interesting than it already is.
15 Red and white everywhere. The Canadian Olympic Committee has invited local residents and businesses to proudly wear and display our national colours.

Building the Games

The athletes may be the stars of the 2010 Winter Games, but the backdrops for their amazing feats are these equally impressive venues

by Sheri Radford // Photos by KK Law

The twin domes of BC Place (left) and Canada Hockey Place (right)

CANADA HOCKEY PLACE
Ice Hockey
Though it has a new moniker during the Games, GM Place is still the same arena Vancouverites know and love. Completed in 1995, downtown’s 19,300-seat venue serves as home ice for the Vancouver Canucks during hockey season and hosts big-name concerts ranging from Britney Spears to The Police. Its NHL-sized ice, which is smaller than international-sized ice, is being used during the 2010 Winter Games, marking a first in Olympic history.

UBC THUNDERBIRD ARENA
Ice Hockey, Ice Sledge Hockey
This 6,800-seat arena on the University of British Columbia (UBC) campus opened in 2008. You might call UBC the birthplace of Canada’s Olympic hockey dreams: in 1963 at UBC, in preparation for the 1964 Olympic Winter Games in Austria, Bob Hindmarch and Rev. Father David Bauer established Canada’s first national hockey team. The newborn team almost scored bronze.

VANCOUVER OLYMPIC/PARALYMPIC CENTRE
Curling, Wheelchair Curling
This eco-friendly building, completed in 2009, recycles energy and minimizes water use. Post-Games, it will become a community centre housing a curling rink, ice arena, aquatic centre and library.

PACIFIC COLISEUM
Figure Skating, Short Track Speed Skating
The newly renovated home of the Vancouver Giants hockey team has been used for everything from concerts and basketball games to ice shows and circuses. Opened in 1968, this 14,200-seat arena was home ice for the Vancouver Canucks until GM Place was completed in 1995.

The award-winning Richmond Olympic Oval

RICHMOND OLYMPIC OVAL
Speed Skating
Named the 2010 Winter Games’s “sexiest” venue by Omega Lifetime magazine, this new building on the Fraser River keeps racking up awards for its stunning design and eco-friendly building practices. The extraordinary 2.6-hectare (6.5-acre) roof, made from pine-beetle-damaged wood, collects and funnels rainwater, while energy required to make the speed-skating ice is captured and used elsewhere in the building. During the Games, you might notice 13 million cranberries floating in the shapes of a maple leaf and the Olympic rings in the river outside the Oval; this is a tribute to Richmond’s iconic berry. Post-Games, the Oval will house fitness and sports medicine centres, as well as ice rinks, hardwood courts and running tracks.

WHISTLER CREEKSIDE
Alpine Skiing
After several unsuccessful attempts over four decades, Whistler (in partnership with Vancouver) finally won the bid to host the Winter Games. Now Whistler Mountain’s original base, which opened in 1966, has undergone more than $30 million in upgrades to prepare for the monumental event. Men’s alpine skiing events take place on the black-diamond Dave Murray Downhill, the world’s second-longest downhill course, while Franz’s Run hosts the women’s Olympic and all Paralympic alpine events.

WHISTLER OLYMPIC/PARALYMPIC PARK
Biathlon, Cross-Country Skiing, Nordic Combined, Ski Jumping
Opened in 2008, after years of work and $120 million spent, this sprawling park in the picturesque Callaghan Valley hosts a third of all the Olympic events and half of all the Paralympic events. The park’s elevation ranges between 840 and 930 m (2,756 and 3,051 ft).

THE WHISTLER SLIDING CENTRE
Bobsleigh, Luge, Skeleton
Completed in 2007, this slick new venue is part of an extremely elite club: there are just 15 international-competition sliding tracks in the world. And if the secret to a building’s success is location, location, location, then it has a bright future, indeed. It sits on an area of Blackcomb Mountain called Wild Spirit Place (Kwekwayex Kwelh7aynexw) by the Squamish people and Spirited Ground (A7x7ulmecw) by the Lil’wat people.

CYPRESS MOUNTAIN
Freestyle Skiing, Snowboard
A 30-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, this area is popular with locals for

The Olympic and Paralympic Village Vancouver, on False Creek

skiing, snowboarding, tubing and snowshoeing. In case of mild weather, a snowmaking system (complete with 35 snow guns) guarantees a winter wonderland.

OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC VILLAGE VANCOUVER
Forget about the cost overruns and financing snafus: this billion-dollar village is a wonder to behold. Located on the waterfront in False Creek, with a view of downtown, the low- and mid-rise apartment buildings are housing 3,000 athletes and officials in style during the Games. After, they will be sold as eco-friendly condos.

OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC VILLAGE WHISTLER
In the gorgeous Cheakamus Valley, bordered by forests and the Cheakamus River, this mix of apartments, townhomes and hostels comprises the home-away-from-home for more than 4,000 athletes and officials during the Games.

BC PLACE
For the first time ever, the Winter Games’s opening and closing ceremonies are being held indoors. The nightly victory ceremonies, featuring a stellar line-up of musical acts, also take place inside downtown Vancouver’s 55,000-seat domed stadium, which opened in 1983. Better take a snapshot of the venue’s marshmallow-like roof, since it won’t be around much longer: a state-of-the-art retractable roof will replace it next year.

WHISTLER MEDALS PLAZA
After the Games’s medal presentations and nightly concerts are a mere memory, this outdoor venue’s amphitheatre, children’s play area and performance spaces will still attract locals.

WHISTLER MEDIA CENTRE
Journalists lucky enough to be assigned to Whistler are headquartered in the

The newly expanded Vancouver Convention Centre is the Main Media Centre during the Games

Whistler Conference Centre, which underwent a huge renovation in 2003. The building is now larger—and kinder to the environment.

MAIN MEDIA CENTRE
Media assigned to Vancouver are in for a treat at the newly expanded Vancouver Convention Centre. Its east building, which showed off the city to the world during the Expo ‘86 World’s Fair, and its brand new west building now cover 111,500 sq m (1.2 million sq ft), or four city blocks. Approximately 40% of the west building juts out over the ocean. Its interior walls, made from renewable Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast hemlock, resemble artfully stacked lumber. And its 2.5-hectare (6-acre) living roof—complete with four beehives, a bee-keeper and 400,000 plants—helps the environment.

The Faces of the Games

Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls have big dreams

By Lucas Aykroyd

Competing at home in front of family and friends in the Winter Games is a dream come true for Canadian athletes. Yet it also means pressure. Only once before has this scenario unfolded, at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta. There, Canadians such as figure skater Elizabeth Manley and alpine skier Karen Percy achieved memorable medals, but none were gold. Will Canada’s brightest stars end the gold drought during the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler?

Joannie Rochette

Figure Skating

Jumping is something figure skaters do every day, but Joannie Rochette now wants

Photo by Brett Barden courtesy Skate Canada

to make the biggest leap of her career. The 24-year-old Montrealer has been a perennial Canadian champ since 2005 and claimed silver at the 2009 Worlds. In her second Winter Games, she’ll look to do what no Canadian woman has done since Barbara Ann Scott in 1948: land on top of the Olympic podium for singles figure skating.
Facing stiff competition from rivals such as South Korea’s Kim Yu-Na and America’s Sasha Cohen, Rochette has had mixed results in the 2009-10 season, including lower-than-desired finishes in competitions in Asia. Yet the petite blonde realizes that a fine showing in Vancouver is what people will remember, and she’s consistently shone on home ice.
“I know the key is for me to do a lot of run-throughs, and a lot of repetitions [in training], so that when I get to competition, I have confidence,” she says.

Jean Labonté

Ice Sledge Hockey

Defending Canada’s 2006 ice sledge hockey title won’t be easy, but Jean Labonté has

Photo courtesy HockeyCanada.ca

faced and overcome even greater challenges. Despite losing his left leg to bone cancer in 1990, the native of Hull, Quebec didn’t lose his passion for sports. He made the national sledge hockey team in 1996 and is now team captain.
The defenseman has targeted the opponents Canada must beat to repeat: “Right now, the U.S. is world champion. They have a young, talented team. Norway is our eternal rival, with lots of experience and smarts. The Japanese have a shot at the podium, too.”
Paralympic sports don’t always get the attention they deserve, but Labonté hopes to change that and gain new participants in 2010. “This is the opportunity of a lifetime,” Labonté says. “We want to show people that this is a great sport: hitting, skating, hard shots. It’s hockey.”
Beyond the action at the 6,800-capacity UBC Thunderbird Arena, Labonté looks forward to soaking up Vancouver’s beauty. “I love seeing the mountains everywhere,” he says. “In 1986, I came to Vancouver to participate in Rescue ’86, the world lifeguarding championships. That was the first time I’d been so far from home, and it brings back great memories every time I return.”

Regan Lauscher

Luge

“At my first Olympics in 2002, all I wanted to do was get there and have a great

Photo courtesy Canadian Luge Association

race,” notes this feisty Calgarian, now heading into her third Winter Games. “In 2006, I was considered to be in the top group. For 2010, my challenge is that I’ve been on the ice about half as much as everybody else in the last four years.”
Regan Lauscher, Canada’s most experienced female luger, suffered a bad concussion in Germany in 2007 and underwent surgery on both shoulders in 2008. Lauscher would love to improve on her 10th-place finish in Turin four years ago. But her main goal now, as she puts it, is to “walk away from my Olympic race saying that’s the best I could do, whatever the outcome.”
She’s done the necessary work. Even in the summer, national luge-team members train twice daily—everything from cardio and strength circuit training to rowing and sport-specific, on-ice exercises geared to generate fast starts. Every millisecond counts at the Whistler Sliding Centre, where female lugers can exceed 140 km/h (87 mi/h).
“The payoff is the moment they clear the track and you know there’s 1,200 m (3,390 ft) of ice waiting for you,” Lauscher says. “It’s the adrenalin and the mental challenge. No two runs are ever the same.”

Jeremy Wotherspoon

Speed Skating

Excelling in both the 500-m and 1000-m sprints, Jeremy Wotherspoon

Photo by Jeff Bough

unequivocally ranks among speed skating’s legends. The 33-year-old, who grew up in Red Deer, Alberta, is the winningest World Cup speed skater of all time, and is also a four-time world sprint champion. In November 2007, he powered his way to a new 500-m world record of 34.03 seconds.
But he still hungers for the ultimate prize of Olympic gold, having claimed silver in Nagano in 1998. There would be no sweeter place to get it done than at the Richmond Olympic Oval. Coming back from a broken arm, Wotherspoon plans to retire after the current season.
“Everyone I know who has competed in the Olympics in their country has said it’s an incredible experience,” Wotherspoon says. “It’ll be a great way to culminate my career.”

Britt Janyk

Alpine Skiing

Britt Janyk is one of the Canadian “Speed Queens” who’s aiming to follow in the

Photo copyright ACA/Pentaphoto

tracks of Olympic champs such as Nancy Greene and Kerrin Lee-Gartner. But the 29-year-old Whistler resident, who ranked third overall in the 2008 World Cup downhill standings and won gold that year in Aspen, hasn’t always ruled with ease.
“A couple of years ago, I had to requalify for the team,” Janyk recalls. “I was struggling, and I’d lost my confidence.” While her favourite event remains the super giant slalom, with its speed and technical flair, making the podium in downhill got her career back on track. “It gave me confidence that I can work through things when it gets tough,” she says.
Janyk isn’t discounting home-mountain advantage, with female Olympians competing on Franz’s Run at Whistler Creekside. “We’ve trained quite a bit on the race hill, and we’re really familiar with it,” she says. “I grew up skiing on Whistler Mountain, and it just feels like home.” In her downtime, she shops at Lululemon or grabs breakfast at the Wild Wood Cafe.
Janyk’s grandfather Peter, mother Andrée and brother Michael (a fellow Olympic hopeful) all have fine international ski resumes. She’s raced with fellow “Speed Queen” Emily Brydon since age 12, fostering good team chemistry. No wonder Janyk hopes her 2010 Olympic debut will be her crowning glory.