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Welcome to Canada
Not sure if you are heading for the town of Banff or to Banff National Park in general. The route you have outlined - North on 95 in Idaho, crossing at the Kingsgate border crossing, on to Cranbrook and then North on 93/95 - is one that I have travelled many times. It's the shortest distance from Spokane.
If you want to reach the town of Banff in the shortest time, turn right at the Radium Junction (93). The first few miles are a steep climb into the mountains and the last few miles before joining highway 1 are a steep descent. No problem for the Volvo. It is a very good 2 lane highway with passing lanes on the steep parts and very scenic.
Your alternate route would be to continue north on 95 to Golden and then head east on Highway 1 to Banff. This route is about 1 1/2 hours longer. Good way to go if you plan on seeing more of the park. Once past Golden and heading east, the scenery is quite impressive. You will pass Lake Louise - a must see. At Lake Louise is the junction of highway 93 north to the Columbia Ice Fields and Jasper.
Highway 95 between Radium and Golden is a little more twisty (best word I could think of) than the 93 between Radium and Banff, but not a bad drive. At this time of year, Highway 1 near Golden is prone to closure due to occasional mud slides caused by the snow melt - It just re-opened this morning after a slide yesterday. You say you are coming in a few weeks so the slide problem should be over by then.
Whether you are just going the Banff townsite or plan on seeing more of the park you can count on some incredible scenery.
Funny thing - I live 80 miles away from Banff in Calgary and don't spend near the time I'd like to in the mountains.
Enjoy
Bruce
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