First trip to Vancouver
 

We would be driving from Nevada to Vancouver. What are must sees, areas to steer clear of, fun things to do, lodging, etc. very flexible and no set times or days for travel and sights. Any suggestions are appreciated

Are your passports up to date? Are you going by way of Bend or Boise?
I would wait until sometime in May. For a cheap place to stay in Vancouver, try one of the two HI hostels.
I think there is a HOHO (hop on hop off) bus that goes through Stanley Park. I haven't been there since before the Winter Olympics. Is is probably even better than I remember.
Get a bus up to Whistler while in the area.

We stayed at the O'Canada House in Vancouver last year and absolutely loved it! Great rates, free onsite parking, walking distance to everything in downtown, and excellent gourmet breakfasts. Will absolutely stay there again!

Stanley Park is a must. We used the Hop On Hop Off bus to get around but that was in March so not a crowded time. I would NOT use this at all in the summer months!

We enjoyed Capilano Suspension Bridge. There is a free shuttle that runs from downtown to there, then you pay to enter. We spent about 90 minutes or so there, and really enjoyed it.

Gastown is interesting. Lots of restaurants around there. Really liked The Flying Pig for happy hour here.

We did the Fly Over Canada, which was really good. One day the lines were insane, but another day it was a short wait so we did that.

Canada is celebrating its 150th birthday this year. the crowds will be insane on Canada Day (July 1).
Check with your car insurance agent for the liability card for Canada. In most cases it is free but you would need it if you had any type of accident in Canada.
Be sure to see the totem poles in Stanley Park.

Of course, you have already gone to the Destinations section of this website (see the button at the top of this page?) to begin your planning. I particularly endorse, in its list of top attractions, the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia, a breathtaking collection of First Nations artifacts and ceremonial artworks, which shows off its on-going research.

Hello BC is a great website to help with planning.

On a recent visit in Oct we stayed in N Vancouver in the Lonsdale Quay area.
There are a couple of hotels on the water and a sea taxi that will take you over to Canada Place.
Many nice restaurants in the area.