Wondering if anyone has suggestions as to what to do in/around Vancouver after our Alaska cruise. We're thinking about a couple of days in the city and a day with a rental car to venture out to the countryside. Also, any recommendations for hotels? We'll need one before the cruise (closer to the dock) and then one near the city sights. Thanks!

Vancouver is a very walkable city. There is, I believe a HOHO bus that goes west from the area of the docks to and through Stanley Park. I haven't been there since the Olympic venues were constructed. Also hike to Gastown the learn about "Gassy Jack" and see the steam powered clock.
There are 2 HI Hostels in the city. I have stayed in each of them. They are somewhat cheaper than some of the fancy hotels down near Canada Place.
There are Amtrak buses and trains to Seattle if you want to visit that city on the way home.

There are tons of things to do in Vancouver.
I recommend checking out:
Stanley Park
Grouse Mountain
Downtown/Gastown
Vancouver Art Gallery
Capilano Suspension Bridge

Science world & the aquarium.

We can recommend the Blue Horizons hotel, good sized rooms, nice restaurant and pleasant staff. From there, we could easily walk to Stanley Park, Gastown, Granville Island and the cruise terminal (although you'll need a taxi with your luggage).

The museum at BC University is fabulous!!!! It is all about the indigenous people & their arts & way of life. The totum poles are incredible and the building is just about perfect. It is a little way out from town but well worth the effort to go there.

Thanks! This should help! Any other thoughts are welcome!

I live in Vancouver. Hotels completely depend on your budget. There are incredible 5 stars all the way down to hostels as mentioned above. More details on what you are looking for?
A gorgeous day trip could be up to Whistler. Depends on the weather - what time of year are you coming? If you can stay one night then you can venture to Vancouver Island of the Gulf Islands as well. Need a bit more info.

So far it looks like we will probably be reserving at the Days Inn Downtown before the cruise and then maybe the Quality Hotel at False Creek for afterwards. (We're two recently divorced women who do not have endless funds, but also deserve a little comfort!)
We're leaving for our Alaskan cruise in late June, back on the 3rd of July for a few days.
I was in Vancouver way back in 86 on way back from a summer in Alaska and stayed at the hostel at Jericho Beach and went to the Expo (World's Fair) -- long time ago! Beautiful city! Looking forward to seeing more! Thanks for your help!

That hostel is still there!

Typically, June is wet in Vancouver. July is not.
There seems to be some sort of law of nature that the sun doesn't come out until after the July 1st (Canada Day) celebrations have been soaked.

We've been to Vanc. umpteen times and the last time did something we had never done before..Off the cruise ship for a day we took the hop on hop off and really enjoyed it. A nice overview.. Victoria would be neat also.. the sea and mountain combo can't be beat!!!