I just got back from Vancouver myself. Victoria was a little too Santa Monica for me, but we were only downtown and for a few hours so that is really a 'first impression' assessment.
I liked vancouver quite a bit and the whole area up there is beautiful.
Maybe try craigslist vancouver too, at least read the rants and raves and get an idea of whats on peoples minds. I know the locals seemed less than pleased about the Olympics in 2010. Lot's of construction going on too.
Good Luck, it is a beautiful area.
94prez
ps. if they dont let you in, I did notice that there is this funny little peninsula (forgot what it was called) which is accessible only via Canada by land, US by boat. It is US, connected to Canada.