Hi there -

Just got back from my own cross-country road trip, which covered many of the same sights you're planning on seeing.

I echo the comments about Niagara Falls - main attraction there is walking along the boardwalk/roadway to catch a look at the falls. There are also the 'Maid of the Mist' boat tours that you could do as well. The falls are definitely doable as a day trip only, if you home base it out of Toronto and take the train out. Another bonus to taking the train - you can hit up as many wineries as you like

Also went through Lake Louise, Banff, and Jasper National Park on our way back to BC, and they were definitely highlights of the trip. You mentioned you were doing Banff as a day trip out of Calgary, which is certainly possible. What we did was stay in Banff, and took trips outward to see the glaciers in Jasper and to Lake Louise. Not sure if it's necessary to stay in Lake Louise as much of it can be seen/accomplished in a day (unless you want to spend $$$$ at the Fairmont).

Personally haven't seen any bears on the Sea-to-Sky or along 99 up to Whistler, but it's possible. I'd say the Rockies are your best bet for wildlife. We had a grizzly cross the road right infront of our car on the morning drive from Banff to the Jasper icefields! Lots of mountain goats and rams along the drive as well.

Hope this helps!