Medium term accommodation for an Aussie on holidays? also any Site/Activity Ideas?

Hello r/Vancouver!

Sorry ahead of time for the long-winded post but I would love some help to have a kick-ass time over in Canada. I am not a big fan of commercially planned holidays that only see the major sites. I love holidays influenced by locals because after all, you grew up/live there.

I am an Aussie who graduates (Bachelor Mining Engineering) at the end of October and have approximately two months off before I start work in the mines in mid January.

I have been saving up for the last four years to be able to head over to Canada for the break for some relaxation and site-seeing. I have had a long term love for Canada and ever since I was a child I have wanted to visit and potentially spend a few years there working after I get some experience. My girlfriend may also be accompanying me on this holiday, depending on her funds at the end of the year.

To start my holiday I want to stay in/near Vancouver for 1.5 months and just take day/weekend trips away to see sites.

I have been looking for accommodation that wont break the bank for this length of time and have been coming up short of options. Many sites recommend me to places such as the Budget Inn Patricia Hotel however upon further investigations they are all located in shady districts. I would love something secure, self contained and near transport to get my self around. I don't mind being around an hour from central Vancouver if transport is close by.

I ask r/Vancouver as locals. Do you know of any gems in or out of Vancouver whether it be hotels, short term rental, house sitting. I am trying to stay out of backpackers as I am after a bit more comfort as I feel I have saved up enough for this. Ideally it would average between 50 and 100 a night, the less the better.

I also ask for any sites/attractions/activities that I must see/do while there. I would love any redditors that reside in that area to message me with activities that you could show me/teach me or locations they recommend.

Two major activities I would love to do are ice fishing!!! and a game of pond hockey! I have been a long-time fan of the NHL (Red Wings Supporter) and a big factor of me heading over there are to watch some games. (use to play a bit of roller hockey down under). I plan on attempting to purchase a few tickets for Canucks games so if anyone would want to head to a game with me it would be a great time! (Canucks play Detroit at Vancouver in late Oct, hopefully get to that game.

Few other questions

• Good ski fields out of Vancouver (Banff is the obvious one) for a week on the slopes?
• How far north could I reasonable get on a bus/train during winter for a weekend trip?
• Christmas/New Years ideas in Canada/North U.S.A? Any good events on anywhere around this time?
• Best travel method in the winter? are buses more reliable than air. We all saw on the news what happened last winter.

After Vancouver I plan on heading over the Michigan for the winter classic however it looks like getting those tickets might be a bit of a challenge in it self. Can't wait to give it a go though.

Once again sorry for the long post but any information, especially on accommodation would be a great help in the planning of this holiday and I look forward to hearing from you!

Cheers
An excited Aussie