There is a way of getting a visa for a year. It's easier if you are a student, however if your not (and your under 35) then you can get one through bunac (www.bunac.com). These are working visas and are valid for a year. (There are other companies doing the same thing, its just a matter of finding them on the net.)

Other than that, as you rightly said you would need to be sponsored (which I'm now lucky enough to have through the winters), but this is nt going to happen until your already working in the country realistically.

I was in Vancouver for the first time in May......its a real nice city....good luck!!