I have to be honest, I've always thought it kinda cool that the Olympics were coming to my hometown but never really thought it was that big a deal. I mean, it barely feels like winter these days and I don't have tickets to any sporting events. How could this event be that exciting for me?

This past Saturday, I went for a walk down Main Street toward Science World to enjoy the sunny weather. On my way down, I noticed a number of people wearing bright blue jackets with the Olympic rings emblazoned on the back. Upon reaching Science World I realized where they had come from.

They were patrolling the area around the Athlete's Village. The athletes had moved in and adorned the buildings with their countries' flags - with the exception of the Australians who opted to hang a giant flag featuring a fighting kangaroo.

McDonalds has gotten into the spirit (I suppose this goes without saying being that they're a major sponsor) but their new restaurant design was quite impressive.

I guess Burger King also wanted to show their support...

The various pavillions were coming together in interesting shapes and designs (Quebec has a cube, another unknown province has a perfect sphere).

Russia, the next Winter Olympics host country, had taken over Science World with their pavillion.

Brightly coloured Olympic fencing and flags bordered the entire seawall. People wearing Olympic hockey jerseys cycled amoungst pedestrians snapping photos (that's me being a tourist in the photo below :).

The atmosphere was really quite electric. This Olympics stuff is exciting after all - and the Games haven't even started yet!

So I continued on to the downtown area near the Vancouver Art Gallery and the soon-to-be BC House. What other fun stuff might I find?

Bright blue lights and spotlights surround Robson Square and the outdoor skating rink. Huge Olympic billboards and decorations hang from tall buildings (ok, some of these have been there for a while - but there were a number of new ones I hadn't seen before).

Interesting sculptures and lanterns fill Granville Street. Many of these sculptures feature cut-outs of athletes and tourists and locals pose in the cut-outs for pictures.

This looks like it's going to be one amazing party! I can't wait until next weekend when it all begins and I can wander inside the pavillions and take part in the free LiveCity events.

And I wonder if I might be able to score some last minute tickets to any of the sporting events? This Olympics thing IS a big deal!

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Featuring North America's highest lift-serviced vertical, plus cat, heli and backcountry skiing all from a single village base, Revelstoke is an exciting up-and-comer in the BC ski resort scene. With 3,000 acres of terrain and 40 runs serviced by two high-speed quad chairs and an 8 person gondola it's just the beginning for this soon to be mega-resort.

Billion dollar plans for the development of Revelstoke have been in the works for years. Reliable dumps of dry powdery snow (averaging 40-60 feet each season) and amazing terrain have earned the area the unofficial title as the world's top heliskiing destination. With the expansion of lift service that makes the mountain accessible to more people, it is predicted to rival some of the world's top ski resorts. Hear what The Independent's Simon Usborne had to say about his trip to Revelstoke last month.

Over 20 lifts and 100 runs will dot the resort's landscape when development is complete. Over 5,000 new housing units will provide accommodation to Guests of the resort. Many homes are already complete and are just now appearing for rental. Check out the first Revelstoke vacation rentals listed on alluraDirect.com!

As a town full of adventure, rich heritage and natural beauty, Revelstoke is a favourite summer destination as well. Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, whitewater rafting, canoeing and ATVing. With terrain that is suitable for all skill levels, anyone can enjoy the town's rumbling creeks, soothing waterfalls and fields of alpine flowers.

Not the outdoorsy type? Take a guided tour of the Revelstoke Hydro Dam or relax and rejuvenate at one of the areas three Hot Spring Resorts.

What better way to celebrate the day of love then taking your sweetie on a romantic mountain getaway?

Many of BC's top ski resorts have done all the mushy Valentines planning for you with heart-melting activities and events that are guaranteed to impress.

Big White

Big White ski resort offers an enchanting Valentine's experience with horse-drawn sleigh rides including chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne. See the Activities desk for details. Roses can also be ordered at the activities desk (before February 12th, 2010) and picked up on Valentines morning.

For those swinging solo, find a date just in time at the Speed Dating event on Saturday, Februrary 13th. Located in Happy Valley from 7:00pm-8:30pm, you can meet Mr/Ms.right in a matter of two minutes!

Later on, check out the Traffic Light party at the Happy Valley Day Lodge. Don't forget, the colour you wear says if you're single or part of a pair. Green for single, yellow for undecided and red for taken. The party begins at 8pm and goes til late.

It's easy to dine and dote with a variety of Big White restaurants featuring special Valentine's menus:

• The Kettle Valley Steakhouse
• Coltino's
• Globe
• Snowshoe Sam's
• The Swiss Bear
• Madame Gigi's

Silver Star

Sweep her off her feet at the Sweetheart's Chocolate Dreams night at Silver Star resort. Snowshoe under starlit skies or soft snowflakes while surrounded by Silver Star's majestic wilderness. Stop by the Horseman's Cabin for a romantic and delectable chocolate fondue. Top off the night with a return trip via horse drawn sleigh. This event goes from 7-10pm on Valentines Day only!

Roses are also available for purchase at the Info Desk. Red for love, white for friendship and pink for secret admirer!

Red Mountain

Spend a relaxed afternoon with your special someone at the Paradise Lodge at Red Mountain resort. Sit back and indulge in appies, beverages and live music from 3-5pm. Tickets are available for purchase at Guest Services for $28/couple.

Make this Valentines Day one to remember and treat your sweetie to the events and cozy, romantic accommodation at Big White, Silver Star or Red Mountain

Who says you need a ticket to experience a piece of Olympic excitement?

Take part in the enthusiasm and entertainment of the 2010 Olympics for free at LiveCity Vancouver.

During the Olympic Games (February 12-28, 2010), the City of Vancouver in cooperation with the Government of Canada, is hosting LiveCity Vancouver in two Olympic celebration sites (LiveCity Yaletown and LiveCity Downtown) located right in the core of the city.

Both locations will feature live Olympic sporting coverage on big screens, performances by local national, and international artists and appearances by Olympic athletes from around the world.

At LiveCity Yaletown, you can also experience the magic and emotion of the official medal presentations or watch the Olympic torch as it reaches it's final destination.

During the day, LiveCity Yaletown will offer educational sports programs for Vancouver schools on weekdays and family-friendly Olympic broadcasts on the weekends. Make sure to also stroll through Vancouver House and check out showcasings of Vancouver's leaders in the environment, new media, green technology and the creative sector. LiveCity Yaletown can be found on the water's edge at David Lam Park.

At LiveCity Downtown, you can visit the 2010 Canada Pavillion and Centre Place Manitoba. Kick back and enjoy the food and drink at LIVE@LiveCity Downtown, the official chalet-style lounge of the 2010 games. Mere steps away from BC Place and General Motors Place, LiveCity Downtown will be located on Georgia and Cambie streets. This will be the closest you get to Olympic action without spending a fortune on tickets!

Need Vancouver Accommodation to Take Part in the Olympic Celebrations?

There's still options available, and as the dates draw nearer some great deals are on offer from vacation rental owners:

• Book 5 nights starting February 22 or 23 at a stylish studio for $200/night.
• Book 5 nights starting February 12, 22 or 23 at a spacious two bedroom condo in Kitsilano for $280/night.
• Book a room in a centrally-located False Creek Guesthouse for 3 nights at $249/night or 7 nights at $199/night , arriving any date during the Olympics.
*rates/availability current as of 11am, January 28, 2010

Search all Vancouver vacation rentals.

Celebrate the 2010 Cultural Olympiad by bundling up for theatrical magic at Whistler's Lost Lake.

NiX, Canada's first theatre of snow and ice, will entertain audiences with an end-of-the-world love story featuring flaming tubas and a snowman death scene!

Performances run from January 22 - February 27, Tuesday through Sunday starting at 7:30pm (no Monday shows).

Tickets range from $20 - $50. Learn more about NiX and book your tickets now.

Check out a preview of NiX: