Olympic Village
Olympic Village
4
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Top ways to experience Olympic Village
The area
Address
Neighborhood: East Vancouver
How to get there
- Main St–Science World[e] • 6 min walk
- Pacific Central Station • 9 min walk
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Best nearby
Restaurants
2,934 within 3 miles
Attractions
685 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
94 reviews
Excellent
22
Very good
39
Average
28
Poor
3
Terrible
2
PookyCake
Victoria, Canada14,734 contributions
Apr 2022
Based on most of the reviews for this attraction, it would appear folks come hoping to find some significant nod to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics . . . and then leave disappointed when they’re met with a bunch of condos. I don’t blame them for their disappointment. I’ve patronized this neighbourhood numerous times over the years and it still underwhelms. Don’t get me wrong: It’s a beautiful area – a far cry from what it used to be – but the lack of any sort of historical write-up, I think, is what “underwhelms.” When you come here, you probably know the condos were built to host the athletes and coaches participating in the 2010 Olympics, but there’s not much to contextualize it. The condos are just there, adjacent the False Creek Seawall. There’s not much directly referencing the important role this area played in “the games” less the name (“Olympic Village”), street sign (“Athletes Way”), and a congratulatory plaque honouring Millennium Development Group. In my view, that’s some pretty thin sauce, but then there’s always the Olympic Cauldron at Jack Poole Plaza, I guess . . .
Okay, rant done. The history of this neighbourhood – while only paid lip service at Olympic Village – is quite interesting. Knowing about it, I think, enriches one’s appreciation of the area. In a nutshell, this is a former industrial site, which mostly consisted of parking lots and some equipment. This seemingly distant past is paid homage to via nearby Hinge Park (also part of the Olympic Village neighbourhood). If you patronize this 2.3 acre park, the theme of “industrialization” makes itself all too evident. Does it enhance the area or detract from it? While some might poo-poo the concept, I personally enjoy it. It highlights, in a graphic and not to be forgotten way, what this area looked like in the days of yore while concomitantly demonstrating why we should do all we can to protect the environment. It’s beautiful, in its own way, and Olympic Village is all the better for it.
Inching closer to the more recent past, the Olympic Village we see today was built between 2006 and 2009. When the “Athletes Village” – as it was known at the time – housed the coaches and athletes for the 2010 games, this area was still relatively undeveloped, save for the housing units and a couple of small shops. It was only after the games concluded, and VANOC “returned” Olympic Village to the city, that a big push for further development was made. It took some time (businesses were initially hesitant), but within a few years of the games ending, Olympic Village began to look like the thriving mixed-use community we see today: Residential units (the “Olympic Village”), numerous shops and restaurants (think Ophelia Mexican Kitchen or Tap & Barrel).
In the current day, while I lament the lack of any significant nod to “2010,” I will nevertheless concede that Olympic Village is a nice place to visit – especially if you happen to be walking along the Seawall. While here, you can enjoy a bite to eat at one of the aforementioned restaurants; visit a shop; or admire some of the public art found along Olympic Village Square. Macleod’s “The Birds” is certainly eye-catching (see my earlier review on this site), as is the First Nations imagery. Once considered by some to be a failed Olympic-era project, this place is now a proverbial hub!
Okay, rant done. The history of this neighbourhood – while only paid lip service at Olympic Village – is quite interesting. Knowing about it, I think, enriches one’s appreciation of the area. In a nutshell, this is a former industrial site, which mostly consisted of parking lots and some equipment. This seemingly distant past is paid homage to via nearby Hinge Park (also part of the Olympic Village neighbourhood). If you patronize this 2.3 acre park, the theme of “industrialization” makes itself all too evident. Does it enhance the area or detract from it? While some might poo-poo the concept, I personally enjoy it. It highlights, in a graphic and not to be forgotten way, what this area looked like in the days of yore while concomitantly demonstrating why we should do all we can to protect the environment. It’s beautiful, in its own way, and Olympic Village is all the better for it.
Inching closer to the more recent past, the Olympic Village we see today was built between 2006 and 2009. When the “Athletes Village” – as it was known at the time – housed the coaches and athletes for the 2010 games, this area was still relatively undeveloped, save for the housing units and a couple of small shops. It was only after the games concluded, and VANOC “returned” Olympic Village to the city, that a big push for further development was made. It took some time (businesses were initially hesitant), but within a few years of the games ending, Olympic Village began to look like the thriving mixed-use community we see today: Residential units (the “Olympic Village”), numerous shops and restaurants (think Ophelia Mexican Kitchen or Tap & Barrel).
In the current day, while I lament the lack of any significant nod to “2010,” I will nevertheless concede that Olympic Village is a nice place to visit – especially if you happen to be walking along the Seawall. While here, you can enjoy a bite to eat at one of the aforementioned restaurants; visit a shop; or admire some of the public art found along Olympic Village Square. Macleod’s “The Birds” is certainly eye-catching (see my earlier review on this site), as is the First Nations imagery. Once considered by some to be a failed Olympic-era project, this place is now a proverbial hub!
Written April 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dima I
Vancouver, Canada294 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
Yes, you read it right... There is a Beaver Habitat at the Olympic Village in Vancouver. The dam is in the middle of the pond, North end of the Village between West 1st Avenue (at Columbia) and the Sea Wall. The animals are nocturnal and thus they come out after the sun comes down. There are 12 of them now, with 4 new babies just arrived recently.
Written August 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David B
Boulder, Colorado1,855 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
Really not much to see. The village was returned to the city after the Olympics and sold off as condos. It became the centerpiece of more development. There is some interesting urban streetscape but not really much to see
Written June 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WorldTravelers34
Chicago, IL2,283 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
We walked around this area on a recent trip to Vancouver. This is a pretty cool and neat neighborhood. It doesn't have the crazy downtown busy vibe. Located in Southeast False Creek, the Olympic Village was built for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, to house athletes and Olympic officials coming from across the world. After the Olympics, the Olympic accommodate on became residential housing. The development aligns with the City's goals, addressing environmental, economic, and social issues. The Olympic Village is a mixed-use community, with approximately 1,100 residential units, area parks, and a growing number of retail and service outlet
Written April 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joe-chicago-23
Chesterfield, MO1,273 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
Expected to see artifacts of the 2010 Olympic Games. All that is there is a sign discussing repurposing the apartments and open spaces in an environmentally friendly way.
That said, there are nice biking, hiking and dog walking areas. Some stores and restaurants and beautiful views of False Creek.
That said, there are nice biking, hiking and dog walking areas. Some stores and restaurants and beautiful views of False Creek.
Written June 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Devon P
Oakland, CA32 contributions
Dec 2017 • Solo
Had a nice jog around Olympic Village, I would estimate it is about 3mi long. It is right on the water -- I happened upon it when I went to visit a Crossfit Gym in the area and they were closed unexpectedly. You have Olympic Village, Rogers Arena, Science Museum and Yaletown that intersect along the path. I recommend trying to do the full walk. You get a great view of the City this way, with a bike path, walking path and it is very family friendly. Looks like they have canoes and boats available during the warmer months that you can use too.
Written March 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JourneyCycles
Vancouver, Canada280 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
Came here on a sunny July Sunday and the place was packed-- families, cyclists, walkers, diners and shoppers. Not surprising, this burgeoning neighbourhood is a great place to call home and a great place for a day out. There is a focal village square with two giant bird sculptures for photo taking. There are parks with playgrounds, nice fragrant wild roses, interesting giant deck loungers and fun swivel chairs to amuse kids. We have come here for coffee at Urban Fare, tea at Terra Breads and beer at Craft. It is a good place to bring visitors.
Written July 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryan G
Vancouver, Canada655 contributions
Jan 2016 • Friends
I recommend Tap & Barrell if you're looking for a nice place to enjoy a drink or meal in Olympic Village. The restaurant has some amazing views of False Creek as well.
Written February 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James C
Fairbanks, AK98 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
I asked Hostel staff about it and she didn't know so I took water taxi (another thing to avoid another complete waste of money and time take a ferry boat instead if you want a boat ride it's longer and even cheaper if you return within transfer time) there's nothing to see or do ,there are plenty of other places to walk even just down local streets with interesting views.
Written September 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jjcoffman
Parker, CO1,083 contributions
Oct 2019 • Family
It’s a nice place but I expected more about the Olympics. It’s a good view of the science center, and most waterside spots are gorgeous in Vancouver.
Written October 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the Olympic Village close to one of the hop on hop off bus routes or trolley routes?
Written October 24, 2024
Yes - the Main Street bus stops at Terminal Avenue, about a 5 minute northeast of your destination. Depending on your starting point, you may wish to consider Skytrain. I find Google Maps very helpful. Hope you enjoy Vancouver.
Written October 26, 2024
how far is the Olympic village from the train station? Planning to visit in February for an event
Written November 27, 2016
Depends on which station you're talking about if it's the Canada Line Olympic Village skytrain station you are technically about 3 blocks away from the seawall walk where if you walk eastward to the Telus Science Centre ball it's another 7 minute walk.
If you are coming to the Via Rail Pacific Central actual train station you'll see the Telus Science Centre ball from the front of the station which is a block and a half away.
If you end up going on the other Skytrain line and end up stopping at the Main street station you'll also see the Telus ball and the walk is only a few minutes from there.
Written November 28, 2016
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