1

The best route:
Calgary -> Highway 22 South -> Hwy 3 East -> Hwy 6 South / Rt 17 South -> Rt 89 -> Going to the Sun -> Whitefish -> Hwy 93 / 95 North to Radium -> Hwy 93 To Castle Mountain -> Hwy 1 East to Canmore.

The second best route:
... -> Hwy 93 North -> Hwy 3 East to Coleman -> Hwy 40 North to Kananaskis Lakes -> Smith-Dorrien North to Canmore.

Because part of Hwy 40 and all of Smith-Dorrien are gravel (well maintained, though), it's a relatively quiet and unusual route, but the scenery is pretty much just as good as the other route. Due to the mountains, the weather is often different between the two routes (Hwy 93 tends to be hotter/drier), so play it by ear if you can.

2

As the West side of Going to the Sun Highway has been closed by a rock slide... Logan Pass is only accessed from the East side until it gets cleared... carracar

3

If you can tolerate a bit of gravel, try this:

Waterton/Glacier north on #6 to #3.
West on #3 to North Burmis Road. Easy to miss! Watch for a sign to Castle Resort ski area (left turn). You want to go north (right).
Gravel road meanders along underneath the Livingstone range. Breath taking place.
Carry on to junction with Willow Valley Road and go east to #22.

That connects you with the other routes suggested above. If you do it in reverse, take #22 south to Oldman River crossing. Willow Valley Road is the first one heading west, about 5 minutes south of the river.

And BTW, it's pronounced living stone as in the mountains are alive with djinns. A very magical mysterious place.

4

Yes, Going to The Sun has been closed in part due to slides. But the rest of the advice is spot on.

5

Thanks everyone. I got my map out and will follow these routes if we have enough time. Looks like Going to the Sun is up and running again. Now, since it seems some of you are from the area, are there any good places to eat along the way? We try to stay away from chain restaurants. I know there is a place in Coram, MT known for their diner food and huckleberry shakes. (YUM) But, I can't seem to find anything for the Canada side other than trip advisor for Banff/Canmore. That doesn't tell me where the real "hidden gems" are. Any ideas?

6

Whitefish and Fernie have some good restaurants, which Tripadvisor covers well enough. Cinnamon Bear in Coleman is quite a good little deli/bakery. The Old Bauernhaus in Kimberley is unique and one of the best spots on the west side of the Rockies. Elsewhere there's nothing all that special that I've encountered.