Mixed experience in Canada — beautiful but overhyped

Canada is undeniably beautiful. Icefields Parkway and the area around Quebec City have a visual quality that photographs don't capture fully. I enjoyed butter tarts and appreciated stunning national parks. That's all real.

But very expensive in tourist towns was more of a problem than I expected based on reviews I'd read. It coloured parts of the trip in ways I hadn't prepared for. I'd still go back, but I'd approach certain aspects differently. A 4 feels generous on a bad day but fair overall.