Around 100 demonstrators, protesting over the financial and environmental impact of the Winter Olympics, blocked the torch relay Friday, sparking a security headache just hours before the opening ceremony.
The incident took place in one of the city's poorest areas as protesters targetted the support vehicles which have accompanied the torch relay on its 45,000 kilometre (27,961 miles) journey spread over the last 106 days.
In a tense 20-minute stand-off, the group faced up to security personnel before police reinforcements dispersed them without further incident.
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The torch was carried by ex-movie star, and now California governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as Sebastian Coe, the head of the 2012 London Olympics organising committee, on Friday.
It will be used to light the cauldron in front of a 60,000-crowd at BC Place Stadium later in the day at the opening ceremony of the Games.
On Thursday evening, around 150 people prostested as the torch passed by the city's university as unsuccessful attempts were made to disrupt the relay.
"The protests were peaceful," said police spokesman Peter Thiessen.
In pouring rain, demonstrators, angry at the two billion Canadian dollar cost of the February 12-18 Games as well as the environmental impact, brandished placards bearing slogans such as 'Poverty is not a game' and 'The Olympics destroy host cities'.
"We aren't really against the idea of the Games, just what they lead to," a student, who gave his name as Jeremy, told AFP.
"They are expensive, especially for security and while the Olympics are taking place here, the number of homeless on the streets increases."
