A new neighbourhood is emerging in Vancouver, and Olympic and Paralympic athletes competing in the 2010 Winter Games will be the first to call it home as it takes on it’s role as Olympic and Paralympic Village Vancouver. Located on the southeast shore of False Creek, this former industrial zone is being transformed into a model for sustainable living that will become a vibrant community with parks, activity centers and shops after the 2010 Winter Games. From this prime location, it’s a short mini-ferry ride to Yaletown’s chic streets or an easy walk or bus ride to South Main Street’s funky boutiques and cafés. The following is a sampling of what visitors will find when they explore the neighbourhood.

Visit: Relaxed strolling is the name of the game on Granville Island, another former industrial zone that sits on the southwestern shore of False Creek. With an exceptional public market and kid-oriented market, the island is home to restaurants, cafés, theatres, shops, a marina and a thriving artist and artisan community. It seems fitting that one of the most recognizable landmarks from Expo ’86 -- the 17-storey geodesic dome that housed Expo Centre -- is in the same neighbourhood as the village that will be a lasting legacy of the 2010 Winter Games. The giant silver ball is now home to Science World where visitors of all ages enjoy interactive, mind-bending and delightfully educational exhibits as well as movies on the oversized OMNIMAX screen.

Do: Put on your walking shoes or rent a bicycle from Cycle BC Rentals and follow the scenic seawall that winds along the shores of False Creek to Granville Island. Check out the new pedestrian bridge that spans an inlet in front of the village development, and Habitat Island - a man-made island that is aiding efforts to re-introduce flora and fauna to the area. From Granville Island, take the “Cyquabus” (an Aquabus that takes bikes) across False Creek to meet the seawall on the northern shore. Heading east you can bike past the edge of historic Yaletown, BC Place Stadium and Science World before arriving back at your starting point. If you’ve got kids in tow, consider making stops at the Museum of Vancouver, Vancouver Maritime Museum and H.R. MacMillan Space Centre.

Eat: “Meet you at Monk’s” is a phrase you’re likely to hear from jazz-loving locals and visitors who flock to Monk McQueen's Fresh Seafood & Oyster Bar for contemporary seafood dishes and stunning views of False Creek and the downtown skyline. At the casual Chutney Villa, be prepared for a flood of flavours and textures drawn from the rich heritage of South Indian cuisine. Campagnolo restaurant serves up delizioso rustic Italian dishes in an invitingly casual room that boasts original old-growth wood beams, exposed brick and tables made from recycled butcher blocks.

Stay: The Olympic & Paralympic Village neighbourhood is a mini-ferry ride away from two boutique hotels, the waterside Granville Island Hotel and the luxurious Opus Hotel in historic Yaletown. For a different style of stay consider Douglas House, a bed and breakfast manor located in a circa 1900 heritage neighbourhood close to Vancouver City Hall.

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.