Aaron Lowe and Megan Wing, Ice Dancers

Vancouver-born ice dancers Aaron Lowe and Megan Wing realized a lifelong dream when they competed at the Olympic Winter Games in Turin, Italy in 2006. Ten-time national medalists, Lowe and Wing have retired from competition and are now coaching aspiring Olympians at Skate Canada’s B.C. Centre for Excellence.

You were both born and raised in Vancouver. What were your favourite things to do growing up in the city?
Megan: For me it was going to the beaches. We’d often walk our dogs at Spanish Banks (home to three of Vancouver’s best beaches, near the University of British Columbia). Seeing the natural side of Vancouver, rather than the city side, was great.

Aaron: Playing sports at Little Mountain (home to Queen Elizabeth Park and numerous sporting facilities, including the newly constructed Olympic/Paralympic Centre). That’s where I started figure skating and played soccer and baseball. I’d ride my bike all around the area. The Park is always something I remember as a kid.

When friends come to Vancouver to visit, where do you send them?
Megan: Definitely Granville Island and the market there. It’s touristy but it’s a nice place to go to see the artists blowing glass, the unique shops, the food market. Of course there’s Stanley Park. And Robson Street is fun when it’s busy. Also, we always recommend Fourth Avenue because we like doing this ourselves, just walking and shopping and stopping for a bite, maybe taking something down to Kits (Kitsilano) Beach.

What is an underrated tourist draw in Vancouver?
Aaron: I’d have to say Commercial Drive. It’s a totally different feel. There are different ethnic groups represented with some really good restaurants, some nice cafes and interesting shops. There’s an Ethiopian restaurant there that we just love.

What’s a great souvenir of Vancouver?
Megan: I’m a jewelry fan so I’d recommend going down to the Vancouver Art Gallery and finding something in the Gallery shop that’s unique. A piece of jewelry or a scarf would be a really cool souvenir.

You competed at the Turin Winter Olympics. What do you think it will be like to be spectators in Vancouver in 2010?
Megan: I think the opening ceremonies will be more exciting to watch now. Before we went [to the Turin Olympics] openings seemed like they dragged on forever but when you are actually there in the stadium it goes by so, so fast. It’s just incredible. I think it will be more exciting this time to watch people’s faces very closely and see how excited they are.

Aaron: Turin was an amazing, remarkable experience for us. This time around it will just be fun to see the other guys get the opportunity.