On the eve of the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Winter Games, Vancouver has the look and feel of an Olympic city.

And downtown Vancouver is its beating heart.

Speaking to reporters after wrapping up his torch run Thursday night, crooner Michael Buble said the experience gave him goosebumps.

"I'm proud of being a Canadian but I'm proud of being a Vancouverite too. I'm proud of all these people that came out and showed their support," he said.

"What a great rush. This is one of those things in your lifetime you never really think it'll happen."

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After criss-crossing the country for 104 days, the Olympic flame finally arrived in Vancouver Thursday with massive crowds lining the route.

The relay has involved 12,000 torchbearers who have covered roughly 45,000 kilometres in every corner of the country.

Dave Cobb, deputy executive director for the organizing committee, estimated that a half million spectators came out in Vancouver to greet the relay.

Earlier in the day, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson said that nearly a decade of anticipation was finally over.

"We are ready to host the greatest Games ever, the greenest games, and hopefully the goldest games ever for Canada on home soil," he said.

Robertson praised the city for getting all the Olympic venues built on time.

He described the Athlete's Village as "world class."

In a speech delivered to the B.C. legislature, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said while Canadians generally shy away from patriotism, they should feel no embarrassment in bursting with pride during the Games.

"This is truly British Columbia's golden moment and it is also Canada's time to shine," he said.

A woman who was waiting in line for Olympic event tickets told CTV News that she could feel a different vibe in the city.

"People are getting very excited. I think even people who weren't excited before are starting to feel it," she said.

On Friday, the flame will be passed hand-to-hand among numerous celebrities, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Canadian icons, such as Walter Gretzky, Wayne Gretzky's father.

The flame will then be ushered to BC Place stadium where it will light the cauldron to start the Games.

The identity of the final torchbearer remains a tightly guarded secret.

With files from CTV British Columbia's Mike Killeen and The Canadian Press