Vancouver has a great transit system. You do not need to limit yourself to downtown.
I tend to shop for fashion fabrics when I am there, others will have to chime in about quilt shops.
I do have to mention Dressew, the fabric store with just about everything. Make sure you bring cash, they do not accept credit cards, I think they may accept debit cards now. They do have quilting cottons, but I have not checked them for quality. A visit to the basement is a must. The variety of notions, findings, elastics, trims and clearance fabric is incredible. 337 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1H6
<nobr>(604) 682-6196</nobr>