My husband and I will have 3 days in Vancouver at the end of August before an Alaska cruise, celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary. We will be staying at the Marriott Pinnacle (using up my Marriott points). We would like to make the most of our brief stay without spending a lot of extra money. What do you natives/experienced travelers recommend as must-see (or must-do) activities that are fairly inexpensive? We would like to get by without renting a car if possible. Is that realistic?

In reading the threads on this forum, it seems like Stanley Park is a must. I would also love to go to Victoria, but it seems like most people recommend against a day-trip on the ferry. What other activities would give us the true flavor of Vancouver without breaking the bank?

Thanks much,
Karen