Must Dos Winnipeg to Lake Louise

Thanks to all for your input. However, we have decided to go to Jasper, via Glacier National Park, and then on to Prince Rupert for a northbound ferry trip, stopping at several places before arriving in Haines.

See you on the road, we hope.

Much to see and do depending on your route. Hwy 16 (Yellowhead) a much more interesting route north through Edmonton, but not as dramatic as through Banff/Jasper. One way going and return the other.
Winnipeg has much to offer, however with time considerations, I would recommend Lower Fort Garry for history as well as the Forks. Definitely the Human Rights Museum (on the Forks grounds). One of a kind worldwide; architecturally and historicly.
There is so much artistic and cultural festivals and events here, you could spend all summer, but then you would miss the amazing Yukon and Alaska.
Enjoy your trip.
Barry

When I was a kid, that prairie seemed featureless and boring. And almost endless! I was so thrilled when we got past Calgary and saw the snowy peaks rising ahead.

Probably every town and city has their own 'story' and attractions as you head west from Winnipeg. If you are going through Rocky Mountain House, you will miss Lake Louise (unless you backtrack). As previously mentioned, you don't want to miss the entire length of the Icefields Parkway that winds through the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
From Winnipeg, stay on Hwy 1 all the way to Calgary. If you don't want to travel through this city of 1.2M population, there is a ring road around (look for Stoney Trail just after you go past Chestomere). After returning to Hwy 1 west of Calgary, there are many quaint towns and sights to see: Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise are the main ones.
From Lake Louise, take Hwy 93 (Icefields Parkway)north to Jasper. There are many viewpoints and attractions along this road, as well as campsites.
This route won't disappoint and you can plan as many diversions along the way as your time and curiosity allows.

Howie

Check out Big Valley. Can't remember which highway it's on. It's just a little northwest of Drumheller. The scenery is relatively flat, then the valley opens up in front of you.

Also check out highway 93 between Banff and Jasper if you have time. The scenery I second to none.

You can catch part of it heading west from Rocky Mointain House. But it is worth the trip to do all of it.

There a lot of small "hole in the wall" types of places in Alberta. Check out Okotiks. There is a Massive rock there. I won't ruin it for you. It is a little bit of a wonder.