the best time i would have to say is the summer.
fairtime (pne), fireworks, night market, etc...

there are many good restaurants here, but it really depends on what you like to eat: stephos (greek food that is really cheap), antons (pasta), griffins (dessert buffet)

there are different places to shop too: metrotown (more hs and 20's people shop there), downtown, etc...

site seeing: must go to whistler, gastown, BEACHES and MOUNTAINS