I live in Richmond and like to play/ski in Whistler, so maybe I can answer your questions.
You didn't mention when in November you will be travelling here. The Whistler/Blackcomb mountains typically open up the second to last weekend in November. Last ski season, it opened up to great snow. This ski season, it opened on Nov. 23; however, there was no snow till mid Dec. So, as you can see, Mother Nature is unpredictable. They have awesome ski lessons, if you don't know how and want to learn. I must warn you that Whistler is an expensive place. Hotels are pricey, but world-class. The Chateau Whistler is beautiful with a nice casual restaurant downstairs called Portobello's. Other places to stay are the Westin or Pan Pacific Lodge. If you want a B&B, the Durlacher Hof is wonderfully comfortable with a great Austrian breakfast. Overall, Whistler Village is a great place to wander around to people-watch, shop, and eat.
If you are looking for places to stay, Downtown Vancouver is central to everything. Sutton Place Hotel, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Wedgewood Hotel, and the Westin Bayshore are really nice. You can get to Stanley Park easily from Downtown. Stanley Park is also where you'll find the Vancouver Aquarium. Also, don't miss Science World.
But don't forget about Richmond, which is the suburb city close to the Vancouver Int'l Airport. Previous poster is right about Richmond's No. 3 Road strip. It's an awesome mini Chinatown that boasts great food (try Kirin restaurant for an awesome dim-sum lunch or dinner; Hon's for noodles/Chinese fast-food; Yaohan to get great snacks; Thai House for good spicy dishes and curries; Anna's Bakery for baked goods; and etc...). There are 2 large malls to shop in--Lansdowne Mall and Richmond Centre. Hotels in Richmond are not as expensive as Downtown Vancouver yet are very nice. In fact, two of them have been built in the past 3 years. They are the Marriott and Hilton, both of which are kitty corner to Richmond Centre, and the Fairmont Airport Hotel which is connected to the airport. The Fairmont Airport Hotel is known for their awesome Sunday brunch buffet. The Hilton also has a good Sunday brunch buffet. Other hotels in the area are the Radisson, Executive Inn, Ramada, Richmond Inn, Hampton Inn, and Holiday Inn Express. You might want to visit a good local pub called the Foggy Dew (awesome pub fare!!!).
While you're in Richmond, visit Steveston Village, which used to be an old fishing pier, now a village with quaint shops and fish 'n chips restaurants. Pajo's is famous locally for their fish 'n chips.
Post again if you have other more specific questions.