I was there in September and I don't believe Vancouver has much snow. We were told many Canadians retire to that area because of the "warmer" winters. However, Whistler has snow almost all year round. It is about 90 min north of the city.

Vancouver is a "walking" city with great public transit. Whistler is a great little town, but if you only have one day, I would skip it as it's quite a drive there & back. Instead, I would enjoy Stanley, Granville Island & exploring Gastown, Yaletown & downtown! Cypress Mountain & Grouse Mountain are both great options, but again a little time consuming so maybe not worth considering with only 1 day to explore!

I presume you are renting a car, since you have 8 days to tour around I would suggest that you see Vancouver first, google "Sites in Vancouver" and it shows an array of things and places to see. Stanley Park is a must, Canada Place where the cruise ships leave from and then it is walking distance to Gastown where there are lots of shops and restaurants. In between Canada Place and Gastown there is the Seabus station right on the water it is easy to find and you can take the ferry over to North Vancouver to the Market. On Georgia and Granville that is the shopping area The mall is called Pacific Centre and there is the Bay, Neiman Marcus, and the new Nordstrom's and a block over is Robson Street where there are lots of high end shops and restaurants and coffee shops. It is a nice walk and there is lots to see in both areas. Also, there is Granville Market across the water from downtown and there are little ferry boats that you can get on and off and see Yale Town etc. It is also on the water and has lots of shops and some days outdoor entertainment. in the evening there are some very good restaurants with lots of variety and prices depending on your taste and pocket book. Chinese, Japanese (Sushi) and lots more to chose from. Vancouver has a very large Asian population so there is a lot of good Oriental restaurants. If you like Italian, I recommend Francesco's on 860 Burrard Street the food is really good and so is the service and ambience. Then take the ferry to Victoria, see the Parliament Buildings, (Victoria is the capital of British Columbia) I am not sure if you can still take a tour but your hotel could find out for you. The Empress Hotel is nice to walk through but their afternoon tea is pricey. The Inner Harbour is right there too and just up the street is the Royal Museum and then go to Beacon Hill Park along the water and then there are the beautiful Butchart Gardens that is outside of town. Also take a half hour drive to Sydney and spend the day there, it is a lovely town right on the water and you drive past it when you get off the ferry going to Victoria. There are lots of really good restaurants and coffee shops and shopping is on Yates Street where you will find the Bay one of our department store. Another nice area is Fisherman's Wharf that is not far from he Ferry Terminal and it is the other way from downtown I think it is on Dallas Road but anyone can tell you. It is full of floating homes and you can walk around and get a good look at them. Instead of driving to Seattle on the Freeway (I-5) take the ferry from Victoria to Seattle and the sites are lovely along the water and then while in Seattle see Pike Place Market , the Space Needle and you can drive to Boeing Field and take a tour of the plant and the planes. I hope this helps and have a wonderful and safe vacation.