Ticket-resellers like Stubhub.com were advertising tickets for individual events such as curling and biathlon for $180 to $400 each. (If the Beijing Olympics is any predictor, prices should fall as the event draws closer.)

Canadians can buy tickets more cheaply through www.vancouver2010.com.

Tourism Vancouver's Vallee says it's possible - but not guaranteed - that more tickets will come up for sale if sponsors return unused tickets just before the Games.

Transportation. Fly into Vancouver or try Bellingham, Wash., or Seattle (a 21/2-hour drive). Border crossings will have extra agents on duty.

No matter where you're staying, you will be able to get around on public transportation - buses, trolleys, subways, or ferries.

In addition, the Canada Line, a new subway/light-rail line, will open in September, connecting the Vancouver airport with downtown.

Highway 99 (Sea to Sky Highway) will be closed to private cars unless you have a parking permit from a hotel in Whistler. But shuttle buses will run continually between the cities.

Accommodations. Downtown Vancouver hotels are sold out. You can still rent a condo, house, or room, or stay on the Norwegian Star cruise ship docked in Vancouver harbor, at a hotel in the suburbs, or even at an RV park - an option not available at previous Winter Games.

Whistler has a smidge of accommodations left.

Explore lodging options at www.2010destinationplanner.com. For reservations for the cruise ship (starting about $700 a night) call Tourism Vancouver at 1-877-826-1717. Try www.rent2010.net, www.rentatthegames.com, or http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca for private rentals.

"No Olympics city has ever been sold out completely," Emery says. "Usually, they're about 85 percent booked."

Attractions. The best news is that Vancouver will be open. Whistler will be open. Even visitors without tickets to the events can mingle with the crowds and join in parties, outdoor events, and general hoopla.

And if you can't get here on Olympics week, try coming for the Paralympics on March 12-21. Quatchi would like that.

Gearing Up for Winter Games

Air Canada, Continental, Northwest, and US Airways fly to Vancouver International Airport from Philadelphia International Airport, with one stop. The lowest recent round-trip fare was about $649.

Places to stay

Try the Web sites www.2010destinationplanner.com and www.tourismvancouver.com. Hotels scheduled to open early next year are the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel (www.fairmont.com/promo/pacificrim) and Hotel Indigo.

Things to see

Vancouver Aquarium. Canada's biggest. Highlights: beluga whales and dolphins. 604-659-3474, www.vanaqua.org.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden. Gorgeous classical Chinese garden open year-round. 604-662-3207, www.vancouverchinesegarden.com.