With so many choices for meetings and with so much happening there—especially in Vancouver, which is ramping up for the 2010 Winter Olympics—that we have asked two of our top writers to cover it for one of our biggest destination stories this year.

British Columbia, particularly the Vancouver-Victoria-Whistler matrix in the southwest corner, is a veritable haven for meeting planners. For a metropolitan scene bustling with the many cultures of the Pacific, planners would do well to set their sights on Vancouver. If a more intimate destination, nestled among imposing mountains and old-growth forest, is what’s called for, Whistler beckons. A happy medium would be pristine and charming Victoria, where architectural sophistication and seaside charm have coalesced to earn the city the honor of being named among Condé Nast Traveler’s top 10 international cities.

Large groups convene at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre (VCEC; vcec.ca). Designed like a ship under full sail, its “bow” juts out into the harbor, like the cruise ships that dock alongside.

Another excellent meeting venue would be the facilities atop Grouse Mountain (grousemountain.com). Attendees embark on a gondola for a spectacular ride to the top, where a variety of interesting meeting facilities await. Whether a planner books the rustic Timber Room, the scenic Observatory, the chic Altitudes Bistro or the outdoor plaza, Grouse Mountain is a sure bet for parties of up to 500. A 15-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, yet 3,700 feet above the city, the mountain also offers full catering capabilities. For just a visit or tour, special admission prices are available to groups of 15 or more.

In fact, this area of the world has become so sought-after that the notoriously picky International Olympic Committee (IOC) selected it to host the 2010 Winter Olympics (vancouver2010.com). Vancouver and Whistler won this honor despite competition from Bern, Switzerland, Salzburg, Austria and four other heavyweight cities. 

Getting There

Vancouver International Airport (YVR; yvr.ca) has nonstop service to most major U.S. cities and is served by nearly all principal U.S. airlines. The airport is located 20 minutes’ drive north of the downtown.

Victoria International Airport (YYJ; victoriaairport.com) is served from the US primarily by Horizon Air (Alaska Airlines). West Coast Air (westcoastair.com) offers floatplane service between Vancouver and Victoria. Ferry service is available between Seattle to Victoria’s Inner Harbour via the Victoria Clipper’s high-speed catamarans (victoriaclipper.com).

The Whistler Mountaineer (whistlermountaineer.com) will begin daily service between North Vancouver and Whistler, starting May 1 through October 14, 2007.

Edmonton International Airport (edmontonairports.com) serves as a travel hub for all of Alberta, and is one of Canada's busiest airports. A Sky Shuttle provides frequent service between the airport and downtown and other parts of town.

Edmonton Transit System (ETS; takeETS.com) is also an efficient option.

Calgary International Airport (calgaryairport.com) is about 20 minutes from the city center. Once on the ground, getting around is easy via Calgary's Light Rail Transit (calgarytransit.com).

Not To Be Missed

Eagle Spirit Cultural Experience (eagle-spirit.ca), guests can participate in a “smudging ceremony,” with traditional native chants and drumming, visit a sweat lodge and journey to discover their spirit animal.

Edmonton Canoe (edmontoncanoe.com), which offers guided and unguided trips on remote rivers.

Altacan Tours (altacan.ab.ca)- Viewing the northern lights in Winter 

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