Editor’s Note: Gold Medal Getaways

Seattle magazine editor rediscovers Vancouver in anticipation of the 2010 Olympics, finding n

By Seattle Mag December 31, 1969

Category: Articles

 

Seattle magazine editor rediscovers Vancouver in anticipation of the 2010 Olympics, finding new Olympic venues, emerging neighborhoods such as South Main Street, and the best waffles in Yaletown

Earlier this year I took a trip to Vancouver, B.C., with my family. In the B.K. era (before kids) my husband and I used to visit off-season regularly, usually in February, when hotel rates were low and the absence of tourist hordes allowed us to explore the diverse, gorgeous cosmopolitan town comfortably. We hadn’t been back since baby number two…who turns 5 this month.

A lot has changed since we last visited, most notably, preparations for the 2010 Winter Olympics, to be held in Vancouver and Whistler next year (February 12–28). I’ve loved the Olympics since I was a kid and having watched the last couple of Olympics with our boys (who now think Michael Phelps should be president), we wanted to take them to Vancouver with an eye toward doing some pre-Olympics sightseeing.
Although some new venues have been built for the Olympics—a speed skating oval in Richmond, a sliding center in Whistler—I was impressed that many of the Olympic events (such as where the opening ceremonies will be held), will be housed in pre-existing facilities. Could this turn out to be one of the most eco-friendly Olympics ever?

If you’re looking to get a sneak peek at the action before the events begin, this issue’s cover story on B.C. getaways was produced with you in mind.

Beyond the development for the Olympics, many other parts of Vancouver look different from my B.K. days. One of my favorite parts of this recent trip was exploring emerging neighborhoods like South Main Street, home to several clothing boutiques that carry the wares of independent Canadian designers. The strip itself is un-assuming and semi-industrial—much like what you see driving up 15th Avenue Northwest in Ballard/Crown Hill. But discovering the creativity within was worth the wait at the border crossing.

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