state and canada. gordon campbell watching as the canadian relay runner handed the torch to an american runner at the peace arch state park. this was the only time the torch was in the u.s. ahead of the games. the city of vancouver is making its final preparations for the opening ceremony. matt lauer has the top five things you should know about the largest city to ever host the olympic winter games. there are just three days to go until vancouver swells from a population of about 2 million to almost 3 million. as the world arrive force olympic winter games. whether you are coming to see the games in person or just watching them on tv, there are about five things about this city that just might surprise you. vancouver a city of glass, a skyline of window condos so you see through to the spectacular view. which leads us to number one. vancouverites live important the outdoors. even the mayor bikes to work.