Golden to Lake Louise is approximately 45-55 minutes. There might be minor delays for road construction just before Yoho Park.

Having teens along, I would tend to plan a few activities along your Van/Calgary drive just to break up the drive , rather than add Jasper for even more of a drive. There are lots of wonderful options, in the Okanagan Valley to fill an hour or so, or an afternoon . I think the rafting is a great idea! You will see all the trailers with rafts piled on as you drive the highway near Golden. So cool if you decide to go.