Olympic Fever

As the countdown to the 2010 Winter Olympic games in Vancouver reaches single digits, the anticipation of travelers and news outlets grows stronger by the minute. Despite the nearing rush towards the epicenter of the games continues, there are still many opportunities to see the rest of British Columbia, outside the Olympic bubble that is.

• In nearby Whistler, BC, Talking Totem Tours offers an in-depth Sea-to-Sky Aboriginal Cultural Journey that includes pick-up and drop-off from downtown Vancouver. Tours run from February 12th-28th.
• Aside from the mainstream Olympic Games, check out the Richmond Olympic Oval for total coverage of all long-track speed skating events. Because the Richmond facility is only hosting this event, Vancouver hustle and bustle will seem worlds away.
• Finally, learn a bit more about Vancouver itself. From February 11th-27th, Vancouver House provides information on the cities leading green-initiatives and its environmental history.

Here's a list of other (free) activities to do while waiting for your favorite Olympic event.