There are other opportunities as well. Resorts generally have under performed from a sales perspective. In any economic downturn, vacation places are sold first. That market just hasn't seen the price recovery. Whistler overall is still down. BUT there are a plethora of places depends on what you are looking for. Option as always, include lakes/waterfront, ski resort, cabin/hiking and their proximity to airports, ferries and the distance from YVR. Each of these considerations affect the price.
Tofino is amazing, but a long slog from YVR unless you fly in.
Whistler is beautiful (and close to YVR) but there are properties dotted along the sea to sky highway and after Whistler that are affodable but then you are driving in to ski (downhill anyway)
Tullameen, lovely but again 4 hours away from YVR. However, it is a remarkable spot for dirt biking, hiking and has some smaller lakes. This is our version of cabin country.
The journey TO Tullameen has many cabin options as well.
Wine country - Osoyoos, Penticton, Kelowna and Kamloops all provide close access via plane and a 4-5 hour drive from YVR. Remarkable, beautiful and feature many amenities
Cabin country in the US is more affordable now. People are buying in Whatcom County and Point Roberts (Washington). Point Roberts has amazing homes with ocean access and boating, 25 minutes from downtown YVR.
And we haven't even talked about houseboat country up in the Shushwap.
I could go on but you get the idea... We relax hard in YVR :)