If you enjoy day hikes, but want to get to some more remote areas, check out one of the backcountry lodges. My wife and I spent a couple of nights at
Brewster's Shadow Lake Lodge, and I can't recommend it highly enough. Hike in during the day, sleep in a cabin, and do day hikes that you'd only be able to get to by backpacking, otherwise. I'd do the hiking in and out a little bit differently if I were to go again, and can be more specific if you'd like.
For the gondola at Banff, if you hike up first thing in the morning, the ride back is free up to a certain time. Can't remember the details, though.
Hiking to the tea houses in Lake Louise was great. We did a loop, hitting both on the same day. On the recommendation from a local staying at Shadow Lake Lodge, go to the Lake Agnes tea house first, as the views coming back from the Plain of Six Glaciers tea house are better.