Olympics Information
Where to Stay during the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games
Whether you plan to stay in Vancouver or Whistler during the Olympics, there are plenty of options to explore. To help you begin your search for accommodations during the Games, we've put together a list of popular and convenient places to stay, from traditional choices to more adventurous options.
Though Vancouver and Whistler will obviously be top choices for places to stay during the games, a host of other nearby cities also have convenient options, among them: North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Langley, Abbotsford and Squamish. Other good choices are Victoria, B.C., Vancouver Island, and the Sunshine Coast, which are only an scenic ferry ride away from all the Olympic festivities.
1. Hotels
The best place to find hotels and other accommodations during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games is www.2010destinationplanner.com. This website makes it easy to search for places to stay in your area of choice – or even close to an Olympic event or celebration of your choice. Inventory is regularly updated, but is expected to move quickly, so we advise you to check the site on a regular basis to make sure you find the rooms you need. Remember: the closer a room to an Olympic event, the more quickly it will book, so plan ahead!
Here are a few links to other tourism websites with additional inventory information:
2. Bed & Breakfasts
For a cozy, memorable stay during the Olympic Games, bed and breakfasts like The Albion Manor (room pictured, right) are a smart choice, both for their comfortable amenities and their warm, personal service. The Greater Vancouver area, Vancouver Island (including Victoria, B.C.), Whistler, and the Sunshine Coast are all good places to find that perfect bed and breakfast for your Olympic holiday. Keep in mind that stays on Vancouver Island will require a ferry ride to the Mainland – check the BC Ferries Schedule to get more information.
The B.C. Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers Guild has an easy-to-use website that allows you to easily search for B&B's in each region, with convenient information on room rates and availability. For basic information, see BCsBestBnBs.com. To search directly and even make reservations, see the Guild's B&B Directory.
3. Cruise Ships
For luxury accommodations during your 2010 Olympic Vacation, a stay onboard the Norwegian Star might be exactly what you're looking for. With ten cruise accommodation packages available during the Games, each guest can expect gourmet dining, shipboard activities, nightly entertainment and 24-hour complimentary room service as part of their package. This deluxe ship has 13 restaurants, 8 lounges, a spa and fitness center, and countless other ways to make your stay unforgettable.
For more information on Vancouver 2010 Olympic cruise ship accommodations, visit the NewWest Travel website.
4. Vacation Rentals & Housing Swaps
Some residents of Vancouver, B.C., and surrounding areas are offering their private homes as rentals during the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. The Destination 2010 website recommends preferred suppliers EMR Vacation Rentals and Breakaway Vacations to find Vacation Rentals for the 2010 Olympics. Going through a licensed agency means you can have additional peace of mind and protection.
One popular option is to search the Vancouver B.C. Craigslist for vacation rentals and housing swaps, but our advice is to proceed with caution, or utilize another option altogether. Though some listings on Craigslist are the real deal, some are scams – keep in mind, there's no verification required to post listings. Keep your eyes open for red flags: if a person will only accept a certified check or a bank wire, or if they use a messaging service rather than being available via phone, it's likely a scam. Check out rentals & landlords in person beforehand, avoid large deposits before you arrive, and when you do pay, use your credit card, which often offers you some protection in case of fraud. Perhaps most important to remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
5. RV Campgrounds
Spanish Bank and Jericho Beach, Vancouver, B.C.
The City of Vancouver has made 350 non-hookup RV sites available for use February 10th to March 2nd at Spanish Bank and Jericho Beach. Potable water, sewage removal service, and propane will be available for purchase at this site.
Rates are $95 per night plus 5% GST, and a minimum 4-night stay is required. Sites can accommodate RV's up to 30 feet, and each site is 20 feet wide. Please visit the Vancouver 2010 RV Park website for more detailed information and to make reservations.
Please note: these sites cannot accommodate fifth-wheels and other towed RV's, but see Brae Island Regional Park below for more options.
Brae Island Regional Park, Langley, B.C.
Another option for RV camping during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games is Brae Island Regional Park in Langley, B.C., roughly an hour from Vancouver. Shuttle service is available from the campsite to the Games festivities.
Sites here are full-service, with power, water, sewer, cable TV, and WiFi, and there is no extra charge for towed RV's such as fifth-wheels. Showers and laundry facilities are also on-site. Rates are $50 per night plus GST, with a minimum 1-week stay. To get more information about staying here during the Olympics, visit the Brae Island Regional Park 2010 Accommodation page.
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