The apartment is great with a beautiful small garden and a place to sit outside if you want. Richard had brouchures and compass cards (not loaded, this needs to be done at the skytrain stations) at the ready and the bus stops were just at the corner of the street, which takes 20-25 mins into downtown. I would suggest on arrival going straight to waterfront from the airport and getting the number 3 (which is just across the street, outside the lookout tower on the left of the waterfront station) getting off at the 20th Ave stop.
We went to the supermarket on 12th Ave but found there is one closer to Richard's apartment further around 24th Ave!
Vancouver itself is a great city and we can see the attraction of many moving to here from elsewhere. Our best days were going to Grouse Mountain (ziplining, lumberjack show, bears and birds), also Capilano Suspension Bridge both these days took at least the 4 hours so enjoy and take in the views. Also Stanley Park seawall walk to English Bay and Granville Island Market great.
Plenty of walking so bring comfy shoes!