Crazy days in Vancouver (+whistler)

Hello all,

The last few days in Vancouver have been fun-filled, long, but sooo worth it! Before coming to the city we decided to get this sightseeing 'smart card' that would allow us to reap the benefits of everything that this city has to offer but for a fraction of the price!
We wanted to make sure we made the card worth it so we did the following things: Aquarium, Chinese Gardens, Boat Cruise, Sea Safari at Horseshoe Bay, Capilano Suspension Bridge, as well as topping off with a trip to Whistler yesterday!
All of these things were really awesome (except maybe the Chinese Gardens, which we were glad we did not have to pay for).
Vancouver is a really pretty city; at almost every glance you either see a body of water or mountains. It reminds me a lot of New Zealand because you had a lot of the same views.
All of our mornings since getting here have been really early and today is the first day that we have been able to sleep in (which has been lovely).
We are off to Kitts Beach today; which I am told is near the UBC campus and is like a mix of Queen West meets Bloor West Village (high park).
We've really seen all of the tourist-y stuff that Van has to offer but we've yet to really get a feel of the city. When I travel, I really like to get to know the city and stop feeling like a tourist. Hopefully that time is coming soon (after we head to Victoria, of course).
Before leaving I was told that a week and a half in BC was going to be too long but I'm beginning to feel like it won't be enough time. There are so many placs that I know I won't have the time to see because they are a little too far and don't really fit our schedule or the way we will be traveling.
I hope that all of you at home are enjoying the beginning of summer and that you have had some more pleasant weather.
The weather here has been stunning (they hit record highs when we first arrived) and seems as though it will be consistent.
Suggestions are always welcome but know that our time is limited.

Love and miss you all xxoxx

p.s: we saw a black bear yesterday!