Cell phone providers - Vancouver/Island... My first smart phone

[Coasting]

All right canreef! I have never owned (or for that matter used) a smart phone! I will be working on the Island soon and I think its about time I get one. Hey my phone is 5 years old and still flips, it sends basic texts and calls people, nice and simple and it still works!

I am looking to hear about your experiences with different service providers.

I want something that does Canada wide calling with decent roaming as I do frequent the US. Does it count as roaming if its a vancouver number/phone being used on the island? I will be going back and forth fairly often...

No idea what I need for Data... What do you go through on Data a month? I might want to upload pics to facebook, check e-mail, use msn, check my forums, that kind of stuff.

Unlimited calls/text would be nice as this would be my only phone.

I dont even know where to start This is all new to me... leaning towards an iPhone just for use of apps and what not.

Any help would be much appreciated, thanks guys!