A couple of weeks ago, I was romanced for the first time by the mountains and harbor of Vancouver and Whistler, two cities ready to host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.  This was my first visit to both cities, and both stops were highlighted by amazing sites. Allow me to tell you about a few. 

Vancouver is a walkable city, and a foodie’s delight, including the art of food on Granville Island (courtesy of Edible British Columbia). In fact, an increasing number of Vancouver restaurants are signing on to a new sustainable fish industry initiative spearheaded by the Vancouver Aquarium, called Ocean Wise.

The off-and-on again rain, so typical of the Pacific Northwest finally stopped long enough on my last day for the sun to pierce the skies and romance me with the amazing views of a bustling Canadian city that continuously buzzed with the landing and take-off of the Floatplanes -- even during the drizzle.

I was wowed by the ribbon cutting at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The centre  tripled in size with its newly expansion to a 1.1 million square foot facility. From just about anywhere, the centre offer spectacular views as  40% of the centre is suspended over the harbor, specially designed to recreate a natural shoreline and act as a marine habitat for sea urchins, stafish and sea lettuce. (My group even caught a glimpse of a seal — or some sort of marine life…) 

The top of the centre, its “living roof,” is a six acre grass and wildflower roof similar in design to an infinity pool (sans the pool) – only this is a meadow that gives the illusion of stretching and dipping into  the harbour and mountains horizon. I was entranced by the centre’s green design team that created a eco-friendly structure that will not only serve as home base of the 2010 Winter Olympics & Paralympics but also host a potpurri of meetings and conventions, bringing an inflow of business to a welcoming city. There’s plenty of hotels (more than 24,000 in Greater Vancouver, 13,000 in downtown core) to cater to the meetings and conventions business.

Meeting planners and leisure travelers alike can choose from the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel, where I stayed to familiar brands like the Westin, Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harborside, and Fairmont; to budget hotels like the Victorian Hotel, all dotted throughout this harbor-centered city. Special room rates and packages are frequently offered online.

Another first for me was a visit to Whistler, a 2+ hour scenic and surprisingly comfortable bus ride on Pacific Coach Lines from Vancouver to my hotel, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

Great deals are available here in Whistler and anywhere, and it was spring skiing like it should be. (Consider visiting during the very exciting 2010 Winter Paralympics, room rates are more reasonable and you’ll still get to see top athletes compete.)

My first step in Whistler was an exhilirating step — off a tree top on the Ziptrek Ecotours. If five incredible zipline rides in a network of ground based boardwalks and trails, aerial stariways and bridges of over 80 feet in the tree canopy zipping along as far as 2,200 feet doesn’t get your adrenaline junkie love going — well nothing will.

The next day’s continued high on dizzying heights when I rode the 11-minute PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola (glass bottom). Read more statistics here. I followed that with a more sedate ride down Whistler’s mountain strapped into my own sno-limo. Ah the thrills of Canadian mountain adventures.

I continued my eating frenzy in Whistler, apres ski drinks at Monk’s at the base of Blackcomb; dinner at Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s fabulous on-site signature restaurant, The Wine Room; breakfast at Ciao-Thyme Bistro (Love the eggs benedict); Irish lunch at Dubh Linn Gate Pub; and a steak dinner complimented by local British Columbia wine and beer in Whistler Village at Earls…

Whew! and now I’m home, and packing up to leave again. This time, heading to another Pacific Northwest destination, Seattle and the surrounding Washington Wine country, including stays at Hotel 1000; Willows Lodge; Cave B Inn at SageCliffe; and the Woodmark Hotel, Yacht Club & Spa. Stay tuned for blogs from the road.

Until the next time,  Diana
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And two-wheels up…

Since landing (after a 90 minute crawl through customs), Vancouver has welcomed me by feeding me. This city knows how to get to a traveler’s heart, through her stomach, and it’s been quite an eating adventure. If I’d known the amazing amount of food awaiting me, I might’ve paced myself.

After checking in the Pan Pacific Hotel, I met with a fellow traveler at the bar, ordered a much needed glass of chardonnay, mango salsa shrimp and cheese plate. The food was exactly what I needed, but the views of the harbor were the frosting! 

That was just the beginning.

The opening reception for me, ten other writers, and dozens of meeting planners was at the Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside. The top floor was decked out in hors devoures, but I only had eyes for the sushi.

Then we’re off for round 2 of eating at LIFT Restaurant, Vancouver’s waterfront dining next to Stanley Park.

Not only was the food amazing (loved their seared tuna,

and don’t get me started on their dessert medley!)

but the view of the water netted another interesting view — rowers from the Vancouver Rowing Club. Yes, it was raining and foggy, but at one time, there was a half dozen boats with rowers.

Besides Vancouver, I’m also adventuring up to Whistler.

That was just the first night…more coming soon.

Happy trails, Diana

More on Vancouver soon at Denver Travel Examiner

It’s my first trip to Vancouver, and western Canada.  Leaving this morning, actually heading to the DIA airport in 2 minutes.

Vancouver (Canada) is home to the 2010 Winter Olympics, and it’s also perfect destination for meetings or incentives. I leave tomorrow for the ribbon-cutting of the recently renovated and expanded Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre. 

I’ll be staying at the Pan Pacific Hotel. I’m totally stoked about my first trip to this area. I’ll post pictures and updates as frequently as possible.

Then Saturday I’ll head to another 2010 Winter Olympics site — Whistler. 

Until soon, Diana
Denver Travel Examiner