The 2010 Winter Olympics kick off today in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. So here’s my travel guide on the host city’s good and bad tourist sites.

Don’t Miss: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

An authentic representation of a Ming Dynasty scholar’s residence, the garden is a calming oasis in the midst of the city’s hustle and bustle. Read the article I wrote about the garden in The Journal Record.

Dismiss: Gastown

Vancouver’s historic center, Gastown is mostly a collection of tourist shops and restaurants. The architecture is somewhat interesting, and the old steam clock is so-so. Just don’t venture outside Gastown’s core area, as we found the surrounding streets a bit rough to say the least.

Don’t Miss: Museum of Anthropology

Located on the campus of the University of British Columbia, the Museum of Anthropology’s authentic totem poles and sculptures are only a small part of its interesting collection of art and artifacts examining the area’s coastal Native American heritage.

Dismiss: Granville Island

If you’ve never before visited a big public market then stop by Granville Island. Otherwise, it’s just another market.

Don’t Miss: Japa Dog and Tojo’s

Unique and tasty grub is one of the best parts of travel to a foreign destination. Two Japanese-inspired, but very different Vancouver options should not be missed. For lunch, stop in at the Japa Dog stand (see my earlier Japa Dog post here). For dinner, grab some sushi at Tojo’s. Fresh ingredients and a modern flare make Tojo’s the best sushi I’ve eaten outside Japan.

Sports fans who travel to British Columbia should take the opportunity to check out a unique and tasty bite of Vancouver that would surely grab the gold in any street food culinary competition.

If you’re too good to eat at a hot dog stand, stop reading now. But if an outstanding hot dog with a Japanese flair turns you on, then Japa Dog  is your place.

More than a hot dog, Japa Dog offers turkey, beef, pork and veggie sausages covered with creative and crazy combinations of Oriental garnishes like seaweed, Teriyaki and soy sauces, grated raddish, bonito flakes, fried cabbage, plum sauce, edamame and Japanese mayo.

It may seem strange to be in Canada standing in line for a Japanese take on an American icon, but it’s worth the wait. You can find the Japa Dog stand on the corner of Burrand and Smithe Streets in downtown Vancouver.