I went last year. The best holiday I’ve ever had. Flew to Vancouver, drove straight up to Whistler as we’d been to Vancouver before (great city). Had been to Whistler for the day previously and always wanted to go. Lovely place.
We then stayed in Canmore. Was told previously this was less touristy but easy to get around the rockies. The drive up from Whistler to Canmore was nothing short of stunning.
Absolutely adored Canmore and so glad we did that instead of Banff. Was basically smaller, cheaper and just as beautiful. Went to Banff a couple of times and did like it but was very busy.
Stayed in a fantastic place in Canmore and our Whistler accommodation was excellent too. Happy to recommend if you wish.
If you like a walk, walking in a whistler I can recommend a walk to the train wreckage in the woods. Very strange to see and has become an art installation
Best tip in the rockies is go to Lake Louise first then Moraine Lake. The latter is truly a stunning location and takes your breath away. Louise was lovely but not a patch on Moraine for me and as we’d gone there first we kept comparing. Moraine is a lot smaller than Louise though. Some of the walks are just phenomenal.
Also take the free shuttles from the parking area as opposed to driving up there yourself. Parking fills up extremely early (by 7am) at the lakes so the shuttle service is great. Old yellow school buses and it’s free.
So much to see and do in the Rockies I can’t wait to go back. Going for my 50th in 2yrs.