[font color=\'#000000\']I lived in Calgary all my life until moving to the mountains two years ago. I now live in the Crowsnest Pass (very south-western Alberta). If you want to avoid the Trans-Canada, try Highway 3, the Crowsnest highway. The Pass is unbelievable, and offers unlimited opportunities for everything from awesome mountains, Big Horn Sheep to old mine ruins, historic buildings and the famous Frank Slide and Burmis Tree.
Highway 3 goes from beyond Cranbrook BC, to Fernie, through the Pass, to Lethbridge, to Medicine Hat, etc. Calgary is 2 1/2 hours from the Pass. Waterton is about 45 minutes south of us, and Glacier is right across the US border from Waterton. We are on the southern edge of the Kananaskis. About 45 minutes east of the Pass on Highway 3, you will find badland-like terrain, similar to what you'll see in Dinosaur Provincial Park.
If you're coming north from Waterton, take the highway to Pincher Creek, then head west on Highway 3 for twenty-five minutes to the Pass. Make sure you drive far enough west (past Coleman) to see the amazing Crowsnest Mountain and Seven Sisters. From there, it's a short trip back east to Highway 22 which takes you to Bragg Creek, then either east to Calgary, or north and west to the Banff/Lake Louise area.
The detour to the Pass would be more than worth the little bit of time it would take.
About the weather, yes it *can* get cold, but for the last four days, we've had temps in the mid-high 30's (celcius). Very hot. So take lighter clothes as well.
For photo stores, in Calgary, go to Robinson's Camera on 9th Avenue SE, or South Centre Mall (south end), Saneal Cameras, second floor.[/font]