The fair at the PNE is on from August 17 through to the end of the month.

The major summer exhibition at the VAG, Grand Hotel, looks potentially interesting.

"Places to definitely go?"

The main attractions here are excellent food with an Asian bent (too many to mention see Chowhound for details) and the outdoors.

In August Whale watching should be outstanding there are a number of companies leaving from downtown and some from the village of Steveston-a shuttle ride away but a shorter ride to the Orcas.

http://www.vancouverwhalewatch.com/

"Is it easy getting around Vancouver itself?"

Yes it's a snap-transit is cheap & pretty much ubiquitous-downtown is very walkable and safe as houses.

http://www.translink.ca/

"Places to avoid?"

No worries there although I do think that spending time in any museum but the Anthropology Museum @ UBC is a tragic waste of time in such a beautiful place.

http://moa.ubc.ca/

Pretty easy to get around Vancouver.
Places to check out:
Gastown
Vancouver Art Gallery
Grouse Mountain

I recommend the following in Vancouver:

- Stanley Park (world's largest urban park, far bigger than NYC's famous Central Park)

- The Bloedel Floral Conservatory (Massive dome that keeps a small area in Queen Elizabeth Park under tropical conditions, full of exotic plants, birds, and animals)

- Reifel Bird Sanctuary (huge bird sanctuary located in Delta, ~45 minutes drive from Vancouver)

Thanks everyone, you have definitely given me food for thought

thanks everyone too!
we will be there for a few days in feb...id like to check out the bird sanctuary..hope it is ok to see in winter