Got to say, even though I enjoy markets, I'm not a huge fan of the quays myself. They'd fall under secondary attractions like gglave mentions about Steveston.

I was just at Lonsdale Quay a few weeks back, wandering around after Caribbean Festival at nearby Waterfront Park and I found it meriting just a short walk through. The attraction IMO would be taking the seabus over as suggested and the views of the harbour/downtown from the north shore along the water.