Following the 1976 Montreal Summer Olympics and the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics were the third time Canada played host to the Olympic Games. On October 30, the torch relay began in Victoria, British Columbia, and after traveling for over 100 days, it finally arrived at the main event site on February 12, 2010, officially igniting the exhilarating sports celebration.
The 2010 Winter Olympics showcased the diverse charm of Canada. During the torch relay, not only was the longest relay route in Olympic history created, but the entire country was also presented to the world. The Olympic torch was carried by 12,000 torchbearers over a distance of 4,500 kilometers, visiting 1,000 communities; by sea, land, and air; from Victoria to Yukon, Newfoundland, and Labrador; from the east coast to the west coast... Through the torch, the Olympic spirit was spread to every corner of Canada, while also putting British Columbia in the global media spotlight.
Throughout the torch relay, there were 200 regional celebrations that blended the Olympic spirit with tourism. For those wishing to visit Vancouver during this period for an exciting top-tier sports experience, the Vancouver Convention Centre can serve as the starting point of your journey. The newly expanded Vancouver Convention Centre opened in April 2009. Spanning both land and water, the venue features a floor-to-ceiling glass curtain wall offering visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the ever-changing landscape.
Vancouver has recently seen the opening of new hotels, including the Loden Vancouver Hotel and the Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver. The Coast Coal Harbour Hotel and the Fairmont Pacific Rim are also set to open in January 2010. Meanwhile, in Whistler, the Aava Whistler Hotel and the unique Le Scandinave Spa will begin operations just before winter arrives.
In winter, Canada is blanketed in thick snow, offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy a wide range of snow activities. During the Winter Olympics, 90% of ski resorts remained open to the general public, with vast ski areas covering 2,800 hectares providing endless fun for skiers. With the Olympics approaching, you can witness the stunning chalk landscapes of Alberta, chase the aurora borealis in Yukon, or attend music festivals in Nova Scotia—experiencing firsthand the excitement and inspiration of the torch relay across Canada.