Here are some tips for planning a trip to Vancouver.Weather Winter in Vancouver means rain, so pack an umbrella. February temperatures in Vancouver are usually in the 30s and 40s, while temperatures at Whistler are typically in the 20s and 30s, often with snow or rain. In December 2008, a snowstorm paralyzed Vancouver International Airport, and Air Canada, which is the official airline for the Winter Olympic games, canceled hundreds of flights. Currency The US dollar has lost more than a third of its value against the Canadian dollar, known as the loonie, since Vancouver was awarded the 2010 Games seven years ago. In July 2003, a US dollar was worth $1.40 in Canadian money. Today, the US dollar is roughly at parity with the loonie, worth about $1.03 Canadian. Getting there You can fly into Vancouver International Airport from many international destinations. You can also drive to Vancouver, crossing the land border with Washington State in several places, or come by ferry from Washington's Olympic Peninsula. Getting around The city's newest light rail line connects the airport with downtown. A ride on the Skytrain is great for an initial exploration, as well as for incredible views. Buses are generally efficient, but the best way to explore Vancouver's city center is to walk. Even if it's raining (and there's a good chance it will be), the city core has plenty of underground malls. The figure skating arena is about 20 minutes by bus from the city center. Event tickets will include local transit fares. Snowboarding and freestyle skiing events on the city's North Shore will be tougher to reach. Alpine events are 90 miles away in Whistler but an Olympic fleet of buses will be running. Traffic will be strictly limited on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, which was recently redeveloped at a cost of nearly $500 million. For local transit, officials are warning of long delays during the games. A trip planner is available online at http://www.translink.ca with more information at http://www.travelsmart2010.ca. Where to stay During the Olympics, even mountain-lovers may have to stay in Vancouver, because of the shortage of shelter in the hills. Both Vancouver and Whistler tourism officials are expecting more accommodations to open up as the Games approach. Olympic tickets In Canada, Olympic tickets have already been sold by lottery through the 2010 Games Web site, http://www.Vancouver2010.com. A list of ticket agents for countries outside the Canada is also available through the spectator information and ticketing link at that site. The site is also hosting ticket re-sales to avoid scalping problems.
