I wouldn't recommend any museums in Vancouver-the couple we have are incredibly tiny and way too expensive to get into for what's available. The Museum of Anthropology out at UBC is nice, but it's very out of the way and I only went there when I was a student and could get in for free-I don't think it's worth paying for.
Just a tip-I would not drive up to Whistler yourselves that time of year-try to get a charter bus instead. It's an incredibly windy, narrow road and if you are not used to snow it will be a very difficult drive. They expanded the highway during the Olympics to make it safer, but you still have to be very careful driving up it in the snow. But if you can take a bus up, it's definitely worth it!
If you like "quaint" areas, I would definitely go to Granville Island. They have great markets and local artisan shops. Victoria is a great day trip/1 night trip as well-the downtown is very cute an right next to the water.
It will be dark, cold, and wet here. Unfortunately, although we are mild compared to the rest of Canada, don't let the temperature fool you. It's a very damp cold here, so lots of layers are a must as the cold goes right through you, especially downtown Vancouver and Victoria when you are close to the water and there is always a bit of wind.
