@evie yes!! I lived and worked in that area for 39 years and my heart still belongs there. Nature-y neighbourhoods to stay: North Vancouver, or West Vancouver (those are actual neighbourhoods, not just regions of the city), or the Dunbar region near Pacific Spirit Park. You could also get a place near Stanley Park, but that's probably $$$ and while gorgeous, might be better as a daytime visit. Further out, there's Port Moody / Anmore / Belcarra.

@evie Stuff to do: Granville Island!!! That's a full day or two of walking or biking, shopping, eating, and sight-seeing. There's Davie Street, which is the official hub of the city's queer culture. If you walk or cycle along the Seawall (30 miles of public pathway that basically wraps around half the city), even in small segments, you'll see something interesting or beautiful constantly. There's countless hikes and wilderness sightseeing. You could take a day trip to Victoria via ferry.