Plan now, enjoy this winter

The 2010 Winter Olympics return to North America on February 12th, when the world of snow sport enthusiasts descend upon one of North America's most beautiful cities, Vancouver, British Columbia. Meanwhile, the more than 500,000 residents of this peninsular city that separates the Strait of Georgia (locals simply call it the ‘ocean') from the Coast Mountains have endured six years of inconveniences. The Sea to Sky Highway, the main road from the city to Whistler, was widened to accommodate those traveling between the two primary Games locations, while Cambie Street was outfitted with the aptly named Canada Line, a new underground mass transit line.

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And while many cities have famously undergone huge facelifts in preparation for hosting the Olympics, Vancouverites by their nature would rather party than pout. Thus, construction frustrations and budgetary consternation will be ancient history when the world marches in to B.C. Place Stadium for the Opening Night Ceremony. Van's nightlife shimmies and shakes on any given Tuesday, so be prepared for one massive street party throughout the entire Games from Richmond, home of the gorgeous Speed Skating Oval (and over 350 Asian restaurants), to Whistler Village, 65 miles away.

"Practically every neighborhood has a few great gathering spots," says native David Foot, Executive Chef of the recently arrived Shangri La Hotel's Market by Jean-Georges, which boasts a hanging patio with a great view. Chef Foot frequents the Salt Tasting Room in GasTown's luridly titled Blood Alley and also recommends its neighbor, The Irish Heather Gastropub, purveyor of over 250 scotch whiskies.

Blood Alley flows into Maple Tree Square, which in turn will flood with nightly revelers spilling from bistros and bars like The Diamond, where Josh Pape, 2009 Bartender of the Year, claims home ice advantage. Get out of the cold after leaving the Opening or Closing Ceremonies by reserving a table around the corner at perennial favorites Chambar or Café Medina.

Chef Foot suggests that visitors use the mass transit system, i.e. leave the rental car unrented at the airport. The new Canada Line runs from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to downtown in under 30 minutes, with strategic stops in Yaletown, home of the two huge screens displaying live action (ever watch curling with a partisan crowd?), sponsorship tents and many of the 400 plus cultural events that comprise the nine-week 2010 Cultural Olympiad. A pedestrian-only corridor will link the sites.

"The Canada Line's incredible!" says über chic Opus Hotel's General Manager Nicholas Gandossi, affirming that you can get to YVR to Yaletown in 22 minutes.

Entrée Canada provides another easy entry to the Winter Games. The Vancouver-based tour operator regularly provides custom Canadian vacation itineraries for the global who's-who in entertainment and business. True to form, Entrée Canada has secured accommodations at Vancouver and Whistler's finest properties including the Shangri La, Four Seasons and Fairmont hotels, as well as numerous private homes.

Whistler Village will also be in full celebration 65 miles away and one mile above Vancouver. You can lift off for the sky via Blackcomb Aviation's helicopters or travel the stunning Sea to Sky Highway, though best to travel after 6 p.m. says Vanessa Murphy from Tourism Whistler. Hard to imagine the Village Stroll containing more joviality during the Games than on any random winter's eve. National venues like the Jamaica House (yes, the famous bobsled team is back) host team meals and events but also invite guests to delve into the host nation's culture.

Let the five-ring circus begin!

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In pictures: Winter Olympics 2010 trip guide