Zip Over to Vancouver's Robson Square for Free First-Rate Activities

by  Celeste Moure | Feb 15, 2010
Robson Square, Vancouver
Robson Square, Vancouver / SvetlanaSF/iStock

2010 VANCOUVER OLYMPICS
Join our Vancouver stringer, Celeste Moure, for daily updates and happenings from the host city.

Designed by Arthur Erickson, one of Vancouver’s best-known architects, Robson Square is the place to be for some of downtown Vancouver’s best shopping, food, drink, and entertainment options. On Sunday, perched high above the Provincial Law Courts that make up part of the square, two brave souls were zipping some 550 feet across Robson Street as a jocular crowd cheered them on. This little bit of adventure is offered free during the Games by Ziptrek Ecotours, which also runs tours in Whistler. I fueled up on caffeine from Caffe Artigiano, whose staff often wins international barista competitions, and headed to the Vancouver Art Gallery to snap some photos in front of the vibrant floral patterned fabric that covers the Gallery’s entire northern exterior. Admission is (you guessed it) free during the Games and, from the looks of it, everyone who was not watching an Olympic event was lined up to get into the new Leonardo da Vinci: The Mechanics of Man exhibition (open through May 2). Not one for hour-long queues, I decided to check out Robson Square's new $2-million skating rink (yep, also free; skate rentals $3). I was probably 13 the last time I got my blade on but, in the spirits of the most popular Olympic event, I did a little figure skating of my own.

For hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and general trip-planning advice, check out our Vancouver Travel Guide and Whistler Travel Guide. Score cheap airfare and bargain hotel rates with our Vancouver travel deals.

 

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