I have ridden Calgary to Banff several times and like it, though others say they don't so much.

For planning I use google maps. I plan using car mode but switch to bike mode to see elevation profiles (I don't trust the routing in bike mode as it gets bizarre and the time estimates are way out). Also use satellite and street view to check out stuff like shops or what intersections look like.

I like Hwy 1. Although it is busy it has good large shoulders all the way. The only part to watch are on/off ramps and a mirror helps a lot there. Just doing a shoulder check is not good enough. It gets more scenic as you approach the mountains but it's about 130km's to Banff which is a longish day for a new rider so consider that. You could stop at Canmore too. There are long rolling hills (not too big though) and you usually hit a good head wind in Kananaskis country but that drops away after Lac Des Arcs and there is a new bike path from Canmore to Banff. It is always nice to get up the longish Scott Hill, have lunch and then coast down into the mountains. Beautiful!

The other option is the 1a from Bowness through Cochrane to Lac Des Arcs where it then rejoins the Hwy 1. Quieter, also scenic but with narrower shoulders so you have to decide if you want less traffic with close passes or more traffic with wide passes. I choose the latter.

I've also done east to Regina. Rolling hills, wide open scenery, wind. There are enough small towns for supplies but don't expect luxury and do some google maps searching as many small services off the beaten path are no longer open even if they are shown.

You will definately want multiple hand positions for such long prairie rides so either add bar ends, a trekking bar or drop bars. Can't help with the conversion as I don't know those shifters but someone will.