In February 2010, ground zero for hockey fans in British Columbia will become the centre of the universe for hockey fans around the world. During the Olympic Winter Games, GM Place, the home of the National Hockey League’s Vancouver Canucks, will be renamed Canada Hockey Place and play host to the men’s and women’s ice hockey tournaments. (Preliminary rounds will also be staged at the University of British Columbia’s Thunderbird Arena). The arena sits on the edge of Vancouver’s downtown core, right next-door to BC Place Stadium where the Winter Games’ Opening and Closing ceremonies will be held. Also in the area is Chinatown with its exotic sights and smells, historic Gastown with its cobblestone streets and edgy eateries, and Yaletown with its upmarket shops, restaurants and nightlife. Here is a sampling of what visitors will find when they explore this Olympic ‘hood.

Do: Admire the Millennium Gate, a vividly coloured and carved landmark that identifies the entrance to Chinatown, then head east on East Pender Street to experience the rich architecture and restaurant offerings in the third-largest Chinatown in North America. Canada Hockey Place is also steps away from the seawall path that winds around False Creek. Go east to pass Science World and the Olympic and Paralympics Athlete’s Village or west to reach English Bay and Stanley Park. One of Vancouver’s most historic dance and theatre venues is the former No. 1 Firehall, built in 1906 and now home to the Firehall Arts Centre. This busy venue mounts over three hundred performances a year, offering audiences a variety of ways to experience Canada’s diverse and dynamic cultural mosaic.

Visit: Expect mystery, history and intrigue (along with exhibitions of rare weapons and classic police vehicles) at the Vancouver Police Museum, housed in the historic former Coroner’s Court. Visitors can contemplate the serenity of the first Ming Dynasty Scholars Garden built outside of China as they wander through the architecture maze of walls within walls, pavilions, bridges and covered galleries of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.

Eat: In the heart of Chinatown, Floata Seafood Restaurant is best known for its Dim Sum (bite-size Cantonese snacks), succulent Peking Duck and its size – with 1,000 seats it is the largest Chinese restaurant in Canada. On the edge of Chinatown—and of Chinese cuisine-- the stylish Wild Rice offers a modern take on traditional dishes, complimented by a global wine list and flirty cocktails. Chambar Belgian Restaurant offers fine dining without the formalities as well as an extensive Belgian beer list and a North African influenced menu that turns first-time locals into dedicated regulars.

Stay: Travelers will find options to fit every budget in this area. The affordable YWCA Hotel is a family-friendly place with single to quintuple rooms featuring private and shared baths. The C&N Backpackers offers cheap and cheerful hostel accommodations in two buildings on Main Street. Moving up the comfort scale, The Hampton Inn & Suites offers a welcoming lobby fireplace and cozy mezzanine with complimentary breakfast served daily. At the Sandman Hotel kids will love the indoor pool while hockey fans will flock to the in house sports bar. The boutique-style Georgian Court Hotel stands-out thanks to its understated elegance and contemporary approach to pampering guests.

Note: During the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games period some of the above attractions, restaurants or hotels may be closed for private events, or have changes to operating hours or programming. Please check with each individual business before visiting.