>Does the free shuttle within the park
>operate any more

I work in Downtown Vancouver, and haven't seen the "free" shuttle for a while. Note that it's not technically free - You an read more here:

http://www.stanleyparktours.com/shuttlebus.html

The #5 Robson Bus will take you from 'near the edge of Stanley Park' to 'near your hotel' as will the #19 (see below):

http://www.translink.bc.ca/bus/50/routemap/r005.pdf

>will need to know how best to get there otherwise and to get back

The easiest method would be to take SkyTrain from The Stadium Station to Waterfront Station. Gastown is just east of Waterfront Station.

>Same transportation question.

If the tour is 75 minutes, and you're comfortable with that, then I would just walk from your hotel to the CCC as it's not too far:

http://www.cccvan.shawbiz.ca/index.htm

Walk north on Beatty street (downhill) to Pender street, then turn right and walk down Pender to the CCC.

>That would include a long walk to the ferry (False Creek Ferries) and over?

It's not too far... The Aquabus has a dock at the Plaza of Nations, which is a few blocks from your hotel:

http://www.theaquabus.com/images/FERRYMAP.pdf

>Can one walk across the Granville bridge?

Yes, you can walk over all the bridges in Vancouver. The walk over the Granville bridge is very nice, but note that there are a couple of crosswalks across bridge on and off-ramps where you've got to pay close attention to the traffic.

>The Vancouver Zoo is a long ways away.

Yes - Only option here is really a rental car. If you do venture out that way the Fort Langley National Historic Site is interesting:

http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/bc/langley/index_E.asp

> The main attraction is the Museum of Anthropology.

Correct. Well worth visting.

> We will likely pick b) or c)

You can get out to UBC and the Museum of Anthropology on the Bus. You can get close to Queen Elizabeth Park on the bus, but you'll need to walk up the hill into the park. It can be a bit strenuous for some.

>I found the Smart visit card on the internet.
>At $119 +tax, not sure it will benefit us?

I've never heard of it.

>Saw the Stadium skytrain station near
>our hotel, but don't really understand it?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SkyTrain_(Vancouver)

>Big question, is the XYZ bus to somewhere also the XYZ bus back?

Yes and no. The bus NUMBER stays the same, but the name of the bus route may be different.

For example, to work in the morning I take the "#3 Downtown" bus and then home I take the "#3 Main" bus. Exactly the same route, with the same number, but a different destination description.

>What time can I expect it to be light enough out to find our way?

In June it's usually light out until 9:30pm. However there are street lights everywhere.

>How safe is the area around our hotel at night?

Very safe - It's near the sports stadiums. You will likely encounter panhandlers, particularly in events nights, but they're not dangerous. You'll encounter them all over Vancouver, particularly in the summer.

>Told the Yalestown strip (10 minute walk SW
>of hotel) has many eateries to choose from. Any suggestions?

What kind of cuisine? Yaletown has everything from fine dining to casual.

>Any comments about Kingston Taphouse & Grill
>(755 Richards ST) or Jimmy's Tap House (783 Homer st)?

I'd pick Jimmy's over the Kingston.

>Understand there is a "7-11" type mini
>store along Robson, close to the hotel for
>buying food stuff. Also a liquor store next to
>Jimmy's to buy wine for the room?

Yes and Yes.

>Finally, I read somewhere about an express
>bus from Downtown V to Stanley Park

I haven't heard about this? You could also take Bus #19 that runs along Pender and Georgia Streets right into Stanley Park:

http://www.translink.bc.ca/bus/50/routemap/r019.pdf