If a Honda Civic is a compact, yes it is gutsy enough. I've driven one over the Rockies and the Coquihalla hwy and never had a problem with the hills.

I don't know where I got the idea that Radium Hot springs was affiliated with a hotel. Good to know we can just go for an afternoon.
Now that you mention it, we may very well have a problem gatting twin beds at B&B's. I had forgotten, but a couple of years ago we went to South Dakota and had that very problem. We never did find any and ended up staying in motels. HOpefully we will have better luck in Alberta. Even a King would probably be ok....anything smaller ...no way!!
Judy, thanks so much for all the info on Calgary. I appreciate it. YOU brought back a fond memory. I flew into Calgary once, years ago, and stayed one night and met up with friends who lived in Lethbridge at the time. Anyway, they took me to Earl's and nothing doing, but I just had to bring home one of those big parrots on the plane. I wonder if they still have them.
Joey Tomato's sounds great...our kind of place!
Thanks to April . I drive a HOnda , so know what you mean. Unfortunately, the car rental web sites that I've been on say they cannot guarantee a particular make of car.

If you are still considering B&Bs (and I am certain that you will be able to find something suitable; there is such a wide variety available out there), here are some websites for B&Bs in Alberta:

http://www.discoveralberta.com/Where...BedBreakfasts/

http://www.bbalberta.com/

http://www.bbcanada.com/associations/abba/

One more thing - of course you can drive the Coquihalla and the Icefield Parkway in a compact car, many people do, but having driven those two highways both ways, I have to say that it is definitely MUCH easier with a more powerful motor, no question about it.

And here's a link to Radium Hot Springs:

http://www.rhs.bc.ca/

Borealis, you are a gem! . I'm off to work but will check out these sites later. I think that there will be so much more of a selection in Alberta than in SD, so , we should be successful.
And I think we'll go for a midsize car. They really aren't that much more money.
Thanks again.