I haven't checked this thread in a while! Hello, fellow Vancouver newbie!
I've been casually apartment hunting on craigslist, kijiji and AMS, but since I'm also planning to move in August, I'll only start being serious/desperate around mid June/early July. Because I've never lived with strangers before, I haven't decided if I'd like a roommate or if it'd be better to pay a little extra to be on my own; I think it'd be great if I can find a group of graduate students living together and squeeze in with them, but it doesn't seem too likely. (Wishful thinking inspired by too many sitcoms? )
I'm also planning a short visit in early July over Canada day weekend to look at places!