I just returned from my first visit (and not the last!) to Vancouver, BC in Canada. I went up with a group of friends and a few people from the area. My first impressions:
1. The food is ridiculous - The best chinese (shanghainese) food I've had outside of China. It was ridiculous.

Lin's amazing Chinese restaurant
Hapa Izakaya was amazing too.2. Very low key city - Everyone I met was super friendly, even random people in clubs
The Republic - We bumped into Cuba Gooding Jnr. here3. Young city - I saw so many young (sub-40) people in the city.
4. Cold - It was a bit cold and snowed 6 inches 1 night, which of course led to an epic snowball fight (everyone versus me!)
5. Fairly inexpensive - From the hotel to the dinners, it wasn't as expensive as San Francisco certainly. A suite for $100/usd a night right downtown!
6. Tons to do! Karaoke, clubs, shopping, crafts, Vapo-lounge - I wouldn't get bored easily here.
Granville Island - Lots of crafts and great food
Some very cool private Karaoke clubs
Good times with good friends :)
Not that cold out on the hotel room porch I'm going back for sure in the spring/summer and hope to explore more of this place.