Beachfront RV sites
during the 2010 Winter Games

Travel and recreational vehicle media: Story starters and photo galleries about Vancouver's unique accommodation option during the 2010 Winter Games

The Vancouver Park Board is opening two of its beachfront parking lots to RVs during the 2010 Winter Games. Only 350 RVs can be accommodated and spaces are filling fast as word gets out about this extremely unique accommodation option.

Travel and recreational vehicle media are invited to use stories and photos available here to tell their followers about this opportunity.

Media enquiries can be directed to Barb Floden, Communications Coordinator, 604-257-8438.

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Beachfront accommodation for 2010, Vancouver style

"This is a million dollar view," said Philip Josephs, Vancouver Park Board's manager of revenue services. "And to think it can be yours for under a hundred dollars a night. During the Olympics!"

Josephs is standing on the edge of the beachfront parking lot at Jericho Beach, located on the south shore of English Bay adjacent to Vancouver, British Columbia's upscale residential west side. In February this parking lot -- and another down the road at Spanish Bank Beach -- will become the most exclusive RV park in the country with up to 350 RVs setting up camp during the 2010 Winter Games which take place February 12 to 28, 2010.

The Park Board had the idea last year to turn parking lots that see little use in winter into temporary accommodation for RVs during the 2010 Winter Games. Josephs saw the potential, too, and has worked to make that a reality. Duckworth Management Group was contracted to oversee the reservations and day-to-day operations at the sites.

"Imagine being able to stay right here during the Games," said Stan Duckworth, gesturing toward the bay and snow-capped North Shore mountains. "We've been getting enquiries from all over B.C., Alberta, the Pacific Northwest and several calls from Europe."

Public transit is being strongly encouraged around Games venues, downtown and along main roads. So parking your ride and taking the bus and SkyTrain make perfect sense. The sites will be serviced by a regular free shuttle service that will whisk park patrons to and from public transportation connections along West 4th Avenue. RVers can find amenities such as washrooms, showers, on-site food services and pump-outs. The Jericho Sailing Centre will be open with food services and a comfortable licenced lounge with TVs, perfect for getting together with the other travelers and catching up on the day's action. And each location will have on-site staff available 24 hours a day.

Don't have tickets to the events? Don't worry, there is plenty more to do. "One word: pins." said Josephs. "Pin trading is huge at the Games and you can take part by simply going anywhere other pin traders might be." That includes the two LiveCity sites downtown that feature free entertainment, massive TV screens that will be streaming competitions and ceremonies, food and refreshments. LiveCity Yaletown will be family oriented and LiveCity Downtown will be licenced so will have more of an adult vibe. Bring your ice skates because the new outdoor rink at Robson Square will be open and will no doubt be a happening place to be.

The RV accommodations are available February 10 to March 2, 2010. Reservations are now being accepted with a minimum stay of four days. Rates are C$95 per night plus 5% GST. RVs must be parked for the duration of the reservation – guests are strongly encouraged to use the shuttle services and transit connections to get around Vancouver. Fifth wheels and towed units over 30 feet cannot be accommodated. www.vancouver2010rv.com (link no longer available)

5 reasons to RV during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games

RV parking with room for 350 vehicles will be set up at Jericho and Spanish Bank beaches adjacent to Vancouver, British Columbia's upscale residential west side during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games. With a waterfront 'room' setting you back only C$95, this is the best kept secret in Vancouver.

5. Did we mention the view? It's the million dollar view for less than one hundred dollars a night. The parking area is located right next to the beach and the beach is on the south side of English Bay. The long, sandy shore provides views across the bay toward the snow-capped North Shore mountains, Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver. Talk a walk along the beachside path. The sunsets are amazing.

4. Convenient. Drive in and put your RV in park. With driving and parking restrictions in place during the Games you'll want to rely on public transit such as SkyTrain and buses to get around. Comfortable, regular shuttle services will ferry guests between the RV area to transit connections on nearby West 4th Avenue all day. There will be a variety of other RV services available on-site including food, washrooms & showers, a licenced lounge, propane sales, 24-hour-a-day on-site staff, and black water pump-out.

3. No tickets required. Don't have tickets to the competitions or ceremonies? No worries, you can catch all the fun and excitement at the many free and unticketed events and parties. LiveCity sites at Yaletown (family friendly) and Downtown (licenced) will offer live entertainment, massive TV screens, refreshments and more. Mingle with visitors from all over the world, for free!

2. Pins. Those crazy commemorative pins created by Olympic sponsors cause more excitement at Olympic Games than some of the sports competitions. Get 'em, trade 'em. Even if you think you are immune to pin trading, think again: You will end up trading pins whether you want to or not.

1. It's the Winter Olympic Games! The biggest winter party on the planet happens only once every four years and in 2010 it will be in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. If you've never been to Vancouver now is the time. If you've never been to the Olympics now is the time. And if you've done one or both before plan another visit and soak up the excitement and energy the Games will unleash on this town.

The RV accommodations are available February 10 to March 2, 2010. Reservations are now being accepted with a minimum stay of four days. Rates are C$95 per night plus 5% GST. RVs must be parked for the duration of the reservation – guests are strongly encouraged to use the shuttle services and transit connections to get around Vancouver. www.vancouver2010rv.com (link no longer available)