Legendary cinnamon buns. Exceptional First Nations art. An authentic Japanese garden. These are just three of the treats that visitors can discover when they explore the university neighbourhood around UBC Thunderbird Arena (the hockey and sledge hockey venue during the 2010 Winter Games).

Visit: Take in a classical recital or an avant-guard theatre performance in the striking Chan Centre for Performing Arts. Wander through the peaceful grounds of the Nitobe Japanese Gardens where the Crown Prince (now Emperor) of Japan once commented: "I am in Japan". Ogle the towering totems and exquisite First Nations carvings at the Museum of Anthropology.

Do: Swim and dive (from a 10-metre tower!) with the champions at the UBC Aquatic Centre, home to the winning-est university swim team in Canada. Or hike down cliffside trails that lead from campus to Spanish Banks and Wreck Beach, Vancouver’s clothing-optional beach.

Eat: UBC’s large and legendary cinnamon buns, available at various campus outlets including the Pacific Spirit Place cafeteria in the Student Union Building, have fuelled UBC students since 1954. Infinitely more refined west coast cuisine and spectacular ocean and mountain views are on offer at the casually elegant Sage Bistro.