Canada is COLD! The only comparable country in Europe would be Russia I would say. Yes the roads are big and the vehicles too. I don’t know why everyone needs to have massive trucks. They are like homes on wheels! Also as a traveller, you can claim the GST (federal sales tax) that you spent on goods back when you leave. But you are out of luck with PST, which is provincial sales tax. Canadians know these prices are added on and we calculate it in our heads before purchasing.
Glad you made it to Banff! I was born there and grew up in Canmore:)