Congrats to Alexandre Bilodeau on winning the 1st Olympic Gold, and congratulations to all our Canadian Athletes, as well as the athletes from around the globe!

Allow me to ask you again, Where were you when Canada won its 1st Gold medal? What were you doing? Was there an eruption of Canadian Pride?  Comment, and share your experiences for us all to enjoy!

Opening weekend in Vancouver = one big party. The various Country and Provincial Houses are open, sections of streets were closed for pedestrians and retailers were offering FREE samples.

Yale Town

Yale Town is a great place to hang out and party. There are wonderful pubs, an artsy feel and one of the biggest party Venues in Vancouver with free shows every night, along with fireworks.  If you’re looking for a free show, take the Aqua Ferry to David Lam Park, but get there early, like 5pm. If you’re looking for something different, take the Aqua Ferry to Yale Town where the streets are alive with music, people and good times.

Dancer at the start of the Coke Parade through Yale Town

Yahoo has a venue in Yale Town. Check it out, get a FREE photo, use their internet & relax.

Granville Street

Granville is a great place to go for a good time on any night of the week. The street is lined with funky shops, bars and clubs.  But during the Olympics it’s closed off between Nelson and Robson for pedestrian use. That means wall to wall people yelling, cheering, giving high-fives and sharing their countries pride, whether they be Canadian, French or any other country attending the Olympics.

Crowd following a parade near the Granville & Robson intersection.

Different viewpoint of the same parade.

British Columbia Place

This was by far the coolest (Okay, Irish House is beyond wonderful for drinking and having good times, but the $10 cover charge is a sour moment when you’ve been in line for over an hour thinking it was free). They had an incredible skating rink, plus great shows.

If you’re in Vancouver and you’re looking for a free fun, there is plenty to see and do.  It’s best to leave your car at your hotel and take public transit. Follow the crowds, they’re a great indicator of where the action is. I know, I didn’t research anything before or during this trip. Everything I experienced was due to following the crowds!