Destination 2010 - Visitors' Guide

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• Cities & Towns
  • Vancouver (Host City)
  • Whistler (Host Mountain Resort)
  • Richmond (Venue City)
  • West Vancouver (Venue City)
  • Abbotsford
  • Burnaby
  • Chemainus
  • Chilliwack
  • Delta
  • Gibsons
  • Harrison Hot Springs

  • Hope
  • Langley
  • Mission
  • Nanaimo
  • Nanoose Bay
  • New Westminster
  • North Vancouver
  • Parksville
  • Pemberton
  • Pitt Meadows & Maple Ridge

  • Qualicum Beach
  • Saanichton
  • Sechelt & Pender Harbour
  • Sidney
  • Southern Gulf Islands
  • Squamish
  • Surrey
  • TriCities: Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody
  • Victoria
  • White Rock
• Transportation
• Accommodation

Pitt Meadows & Maple Ridge

Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows are approximately one hour east of Vancouver in an agricultural district on the Fraser River.

The communities sit in the southern reaches of the Coast Mountains and are set against a backdrop of pretty meadows, lakes, streams and rivers. The twin summits of Golden Ears Mountain rise majestically above Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, affording stunning views from just about anywhere in the area.

Both cities charm with their unique combinations of urban amenities, small-town lifestyle and rural surroundings. Visitors can take advantage of great outdoor recreation opportunities in the cities' immediate surroundings.

Transportation to 2010 Winter Games Venue Cities

Visit www.travelsmart2010.ca for the latest information on travel during the 2010 Winter Games.

There will be no spectator parking at any Olympic venue.

To Vancouver:
The drive from Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows to Vancouver takes approximately 1 hour.

SkyTrain rapid transit, public buses, and trains connect Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows with Vancouver.

The West Coast Express train and its companion motorcoach service, TrainBus, are the quickest public transit link between Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows and Vancouver. These operate primarily during peak commuter periods, but will have extended schedules during February, 2010.

During Games time it’s best to take public transit as there will be road closures and limited parking. Extended transit service hours will be in place during February, 2010.

Visitors can also take a Greyhound bus to Vancouver from the depot in Maple Ridge.

To Richmond:
Driving from Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows to Richmond takes approximately one hour.

SkyTrain and public buses link Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows with Richmond. Depending on the destination in Richmond, it may be quicker to take the West Coast Express train or TrainBus to Waterfront Station in Vancouver then transfer to a public bus or the Canada Line SkyTrain to Richmond.

The Richmond Olympic Oval can be accessed by the Canada Line rapid transit system and connecting public buses.

To West Vancouver:
It takes approximately 1 hour to drive from Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows to West Vancouver.

The West Coast Express Train and TrainBus are the quickest public transit links between Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows and Vancouver.  From Vancouver, passengers transfer to a public bus to West Vancouver.

Tickets holders can only access Olympic events on Cypress Mountain via the Olympic Bus Network.  View travel information and reserve bus tickets here.

It is also possible to get from Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows to West Vancouver by public buses, although this would be a lengthy trip involving multiple transfers.

To Whistler:
The drive from Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows to Whistler is approximately 2.5 hours and passes some of the prettiest scenery in the Lower Mainland.  Note that there will be driving restrictions in place along the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99) during peak Games times.

Ticket holders to Olympic events in Whistler will be transported to and from their event location via the Olympic Bus Network.  This bus network features departure points in Vancouver, Burnaby and North Vancouver.

Travelers without their own vehicle can take a Greyhound bus to Whistler from the depot in Maple Ridge, or travel to downtown Vancouver for direct coach service to Whistler.

Accommodation

Both Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows have several large chain hotels located along the main highway, each with restaurants nearby. There are also a small number of bed and breakfasts in the communities' residential neighbourhoods.

Want to talk to an accommodations expert? We'll be happy to help you with your search over the phone. Call us directly at 1-800-HelloBC or 1-800-435-5622. If you're calling from overseas, dial 1-604-435-5622.

Things To Do

Skiers and boarders have the choice of Hemlock Valley Resort or the North Shore Mountains' three excellent ski areas at Cypress, Seymour and Grouse mountains. Cypress Mountain will host the freestyle skiing and snowboard events during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

There are plenty of options for walkers and wildlife spotters as Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows has trails in and around nearby Regional Parks, Wildlife Management Areas and near Pitt Lake - the largest freshwater tidal lake in North America. Trails along the many dyke embankments are very popular with walkers, cyclists, birders and equestrians. Visitors who love to golf can play year round – there are several courses in the vicinity.

There are also a number of historic sites and beautiful buildings on Maple Ridge's self-guided Fraser River Heritage Walk. History buffs will also discover many heritage buildings in Pitt Meadows, including the Pitt Meadows Museum which focuses on the area's pioneers and First Nations peoples.

Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy visiting HoneyLand Canada, an educational bee farm with more than 1,000 bee colonies on site.

Read more about what's happening in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows and read more about what's happening in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows .