The Olympics are no time to be a tourist, so we went right to the experts for the best picks from Whistler and Vancouver: 11 plugged-in local Olympians who know their epic West Coast playground better than anyone.

Heed their advice and roll like an insider while cheering on the home team in February. Just remember to yell extra loud for these generous hometown heroes.

The Olympians
 

Davey Barr

Best Dinner: "Rimrock Café, for sure. The three-course special will stop anyone in their tracks."

Read all of Davey Barr's favourite Vancouver Olympics spots

Britt Janyk

Best Drinks: "Amsterdam Café is a little more casual. If the patio is open, you can sit outside and watch the main square in the village."

Read all of Britt Janyk's favourite spots

Mike Janyk

Best Nightlife: "Buffalo Bill’s is a great nightclub because it’s more laid-back, which is nice for us locals, and it goes off on the right nights. No attitudes, just a lot of fun."

Read all of Mike Janyk's favourite spots

Justin Lamoureux

Best Drinks: "The Howe Sound Inn and Brewing Company is a classic after-climbing pub.”

Read all of Justin Lamoureux's favourite spots

Roberto Luongo

Best Nightlife: "AFTERglow at Glowbal. It’s a good atmosphere and you can have some privacy even though you’re out in public."

Read all of Roberto Luongo's favourite spots

Ashleigh McIvor

Best Breakfast: "Southside Diner. It’s a classic. It’s also one of the few places in Whistler where you can park right out front."

Read all of Ashleigh McIvor's favourite spots

Denny Morrison

Best Breakfast: "Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe on 4th Avenue in Kitsilano has a unique atmosphere and serves up a good brunch."

Read all of Denny Morrison's favourite spots

Maëlle Ricker

Best Breakfast: "Zephyr Cafe in downtown Squamish. They have a yummy egg dish called Standing Rock that is to die for—it’s a bit of a hippie version of eggs Benny."

Read all of Maëlle Ricker's favourite spots

Jeremy Ten

Local Hangout: "If I want to get away from it all, I’ll go hang out at the park around the Trout Lake Community Centre. It’s really beautiful and peaceful."

Read all of Jeremy Ten's favourite spots

Kelly Vanderbeek

Best Splurge: "For me, any splurge involves pampering my body. The Four Seasons Whistler Spa might hurt your budget, but it definitely won’t disappoint."

Read all of Kelly Vanderbeek's favourite spots

Lauren Woolstencraft

Best Dinner: "Umberto's. It’s a Vancouver institution. I try not to order the same thing, because it’s all so good.”

Read all of Lauren Woolstencraft's favourite spots

Behind-the-scenes Photoshoot

Watch behind-the-scenes as up! Art Director, Robert Biron directs December's feature photoshoot with three 2010 Olympians: Justin Lamoureux, Kelly VanderBeek and Maelle Ricker.