Whistler British Columbia Canada

The Vancouver-Whistler 2010 Winter Olympics are upon us. While the weather outside in Greater Vancouver is mild and wet, the spirits of Canadians, fans and athletes from around the world are hitting a high point. You can feel the excitement building.

Much has been made of the cost over-runs and of American workers being brought in to do jobs Canadians expected they would be doing. The weather has been a huge focus the past few weeks as the snow that makes a Winter Olympics just that is noticeably absent. That’s not to be unexpected for those of us who live in Vancouver, as we see many years with nary a trace of snow except at the higher elevations. But even there this year the lack of snow has brought about plan b type measures.

Snow has been trucked in from far and wide to ensure the sporting events are in great shape and presentable to the world. With the weather being so warm even man-made snow has been a bit of a challenge. Up at Whistler though the prospects are much better as the snow pack is certainly deep enough at this point.

I watched the Olympic Torch Relay come through my suburb today and the streets were packed with thousands of onlookers and everyone was giddy with excitement. Sporting heroes, celebrities and others have been carrying the flame as it makes its way closer to the opening ceremonies.

For tourists on their way to Vancouver there are still hotel rooms available. You can also find deals on rooms for rent as many of those too are still empty. Whistler is a different story as it has very few spaces left.

Anywhere you go in Vancouver or Whistler you should leave much earlier than you expect. Vancouver traffic is terrible without the extra Olympic crunch so plan accordingly. Transit and private services are going to be put to the test.

Canada has worked hard in preparing their athletes to “Own the Podium” these games. The event facilities are all a go and waiting to see the Olympic spirit personified.

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