Canadian Rockies

Stay at - Banff Springs Hotel
Chateau Lake Louise
Jasper Park Lodge (all part of the Fairmont Hotel chain, formerly Canadian Pacific Hotels)

Go shopping - in the gift shops of the hotels and in downtown Banff

Eat at - The Waldhaus Restaurant and Pub (Banff Springs Hotel)
The Banffshire Club (Banff Springs Hotel)
Bow Valley Grill (Banff Springs Hotel)
The Fairview Dining Room (Chateau Lake Louise)
Tom Wilson Steakhouse (Chateau Lake Louise)
Walliser Stube (Chateau Lake Louise)
*Edith Cavell Dining Room (Jasper Park Lodge) (if you have only one meal, have it here, and always ask for window tables in the dining rooms that have a view, including this one)

Take side trips to - Calgary (stay at the Fairmont Palliser if you need to overnight)

Be sure to visit - Lake Louise, even if you don't stay there
go rafting on the Bow River

Best time of year to go - mid-June through early September

Best things to buy - geodes, crystals, art work, photography, clothing

Best indulgence - getting a spa treatment at the Banff Springs Hotel overlooking the Bow River

Fly into - Calgary (YYC)

Transportation - Rent a car, or take a guided tour (Maupintour is excellent, and some Canadian Rail tours and Grey Line include the Canadian Rockies)