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Ah, Canada. This beautiful patch of land is full of quirky stereotypes, kitten-friendly bookstores, and annual hair freezing contests. Let’s not forget the mesmerizing scenery, incredible wildlife, burning love of maple syrup, and extreme politeness for other human beings. Well, it’s definitely one of the most desired bucket list destinations for many.
And Reddit user GOLDEN_GOATY seems to have a sizzling urge to visit. Recently, they asked people to reveal the lesser-known “do’s and don’ts” of Canadian culture. Hundreds of people decided to share their priceless wisdom and help a fellow Ask A Canadian community member get ready for their trip.
From the dangers of the Canadian wilderness to weirdly specific etiquette rules, these helpful comments can make anyone fully equipped to enter the “Great White North”. Below, you’ll find some of the best pieces of advice we handpicked from this thread. So continue scrolling and be sure to share your own suggestions in the comments!
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#1
You may refer to us as Canadians or even North Americans. NEVER refer to us as just 'Americans'. That's the people to our south, not us.
Former Prime Minister of Canada, Paul Martin, once said "a big part of being Canadian, is that you're not American".
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#2
Don't underestimate the geese. Canadian Geese are a**holes and will attack you if you go near them.
Terilee Bruyere 2 years ago
Sorry to be 'that' person, but it's Canada Geese, not Canadian Geese.
#3
Don't be surprised by Canadian humour: we use a lot of sarcasm and irony. We have our own special way of making a mockery of everything and everyone. We get along pretty well with the Brits on that.
Canada is one of the most preferred destinations to enjoy the great outdoors. But even with its spectacular national parks, deep forests, and fascinating wilderness, it did not escape the dire consequences of the pandemic. Covid-19 and all the restrictions that came with it had a significant impact on the country’s tourism.
Statista reports that international trips to Canada significantly decreased in 2020. “The following year, in 2021, the number of international tourists from the United States to Canada was roughly 3.3 million, reflecting a decline of 15.5 percent from the previous year,” the researchers explained.
But when many countries now are easing up travel requirements, Canada seems to be one of the easiest places to travel to, especially for Europeans. You see, with an EU passport, you can enter visa-free. The creator of this thread, GOLDEN_GOATY, mentioned they’re from the Netherlands, so they should have no problems planning their upcoming trip. They also wrote in their post they simply wanted to find out the things people shouldn’t do in Canada “apart from the relatively obvious ones you shouldn’t do in any country.”
#4
It's common that if you catch someone's eye while passing in the street you give a little yes nod or a smile. It's not strictly necessary etiquette but don't be surprised if someone does that to you.
Or here in Newfoundland where you'll also get a 'how ya gettin on der buddy' to which you reply 'best kind'.
#5
If you're driving and someone slows down to let you into traffic, give them a little wave. It might not be as common in big cities, but it is most definitely a thing is most areas.
#6
Don't underestimate travel times. Canada is a big country. Also, when asked how far away something is, we tend to answer in time units. It's "a ten hour drive" or "a two hour ferry ride" or "a five hour flight.
We managed to get in touch with GOLDEN_GOATY, and they were kind enough to have a little chat with us. “Well, I’m going to move to Canada in a few years, and I’m going there on vacation sometime next year. Every moment when I’m bored or don’t have anything to do, I look up things about Canada,” they revealed to Bored Panda how they came up with the idea to raise this question on the Ask A Canadian subreddit.
The user mentioned they definitely did not expect the thread to blow up like that. “Most questions I ask on Reddit only have a few answers,” they said and added they still have quite a few comments to respond to.
When asked whether the comments people have been writing were helpful, the user said they were just what they meant by “less obvious don’ts”. “I want to live off the grid in Manitoba, so I usually research laws, nature, wildlife, etc. So all the tips about the etiquette and stuff are really useful because I usually don’t look those things up.”
#7
Do not litter. Carry your trash with you until you find a garbage can. This means if you are in a park or wild area with NO services: you pack out your garbage!
Hobby Hopper 2 years ago
That should be the obvious thing to do everywhere, but sadly, people don't do it.
#8
This is an obvious "Don't do" but I thought I would share it anyway
I met a couple from Poland at a bar who were visiting family in the GTA and they made a comment about Canada being "Over run" with immigrants. Needless to say they were chewed out for the next 20 minutes until they left the bar.
We are extremely proud of our diversity and our welcoming of all immigrants. We were built on immigration and we like it like that.
Some less obvious "dont's" would probably be calling Canadians "Americans" because we live in North America. I have heard that so many times and it always annoys me. Don't do that, we are Canadians
Side note! I just want to tack on that we also love the Netherlands, as our countries have a special relationship stemming from WW2. If you visit Ottawa during May you should go see the Tulip festival! Your country sends us tulips every year and we love you for it.
DO discuss the Netherlands!
Noah Lamens 2 years ago
Yay. As a Dutchie myself I will say that I also love Canada. I even think that someone's princess got born in Canada but I will need more information
#9
When dressing to go out, don't just look at the temperature. -20 can be cold, really cold, or dangerously cold depending on wind and humidity.
It turns out that Canadians certainly helped GOLDEN_GOATY to form a better image of their homeland. The user told us they already knew Canadians are quite polite, yet had no clue there were so many unspoken rules regarding their manners and etiquette standards. “I’m totally not social (introverted), so I don’t even know these rules in my own country,” they mentioned.
When people consider moving abroad or decide to take a quick and memorable trip, it’s important to learn the little details about the country you have in mind. “I think you should know the culture, the customs, habits, the mindset, so you know what to expect” the user agreed. “If you’re on vacation — then you’re the guest, so you have to adapt.”
#10
Don't drive around your truck with a Canadian flag on it. You look like a Yank or an idiot or both.
#11
Don't underestimate the wildlife. Deer can attack w deadly results and raccoons have sharp teeth, claws and opposable thumbs. Think of them as 10–20kg bears that can grab your face.
#13
Please DO NOT feed the wildlife. The number of times I’ve seen tourists feeding bears along the side of the road is staggering. That puts everyone at risk all because people want to stage a fun photo.
#14
Don’t equate French Canadian culture with French Culture. The sayings, expressions and swear words have evolved separately over centuries, just like new world English speakers.
#15
Obvious one I guess but don't refer to our indigenous population as Indians.
Jay Broderick 2 years ago
Also, don't refer to them as "our" indigenous people. They are not "ours".
#16
Don't underestimate the weather it can be both cold or hot enough to kill people depending on the season.
#17
Don't assume everyone here is polite and nice. This country is full of horrible, racist, rude people
julie son 2 years ago
I feel the need to amend this: I don't think 'full' is necessarily true, but, as everywhere, there are racist, rude people in Canada, too. The sad part is that many immigrants come with learned racism, or rudeness, or bad manners here (and I can state that because I am an immigrant, and I can say for a fact that many people that came from my country are, indeed, racists, though they tend to voice that only among themselves). However, I find Canada to be a much more accepting country that many others. Unfortunately, the ugliness of U.S. under Trump has spilled here, too in the last years.
#18
Never go into someone else's fridge unless you know them so well you can walk through their front door without knocking. And even then, NEVER eat anything, just get milk/creamer for the coffee...and put it back in the same spot when you are finished.
If you are hungry, mention it casually. If they do not offer food, do not mention it again. Arrange to leave and get your own food/go home. Hospitality in Canada is offering a non-alcoholic beverage (even water). You are not entitled or to expect anything else. Do not assume somebody else's finances can afford to feed you.
#19
If you want something pretty culturally unique (this is more of a do) ask anyone how their day is or has been going or make a remark like cold today
You have a friend for as long as your conversation lasts then they walk off and your never see them again.
To maximize effect find someone older they usually love meeting friendly people. It will however start a genuine conversation with most Canadians and it's not like small talk.
It's an actual conversation where they care about you and how your days going.
Leet_loves_space 2 years ago (edited)
hold up, I know the guy in the picture he was my youth pastor and his wife.
#20
It's good to note that the cold tap water might be cold enough to hurt you and the hot tap water might be hot enough to hurt you.
#21
Don’t say nothing when you enter someone’s personal space or vice versa… okay it’s hard to write in ‘don’t form. It’s more of a do. This is where our famous ‘Sorry’ comes from. You’re not apologizing, you’re just acknowledging someone else’s existence and voicing consideration in their general direction.
#22
Not checking the weather before leaving the house. A day can begin sunny and end with a blizzard. You should always check the weather.
Beatrice Multhaupt 2 years ago
This can spell trouble if you,re checking from a far-away location like India. Met a South -East Asian man lost in a March snowstorm. He had looked up ''average temperature for Montreal in March'' only to realize that Canadian weather doesn't believe in averages.
#23
I recommend you learn defensive winter driving and learn the signs of black ice. Shine no spray from tires
#24
Tipping is a thing here. 10-20%. This always starts an argument on the sub when this is brought up. I serve/ bartend and 98% of people tip and tip 15-20%. It’s how it is and it’s not going away.
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 2 years ago
Okay, but nothing will happen, really, if someone decides not to. No one is getting chased or made to feel ashamed. If that is the case then the tip is no longer deserved. Tipping is starting to pop up in services that used to not have tips. Some places the tips aren't going to the person you're intending it for. Ask about the tipping policy at that establishment when you get there or before you make the reservation so you know what's expected and budget accordingly. I think that would be fair enough.
#25
Hitting on a person in public. I find it prevalent in the US where guys will just come up and flirt/ hit on you in a grocery store lol. It’s weird.
Jasper Cool 2 years ago
Canadian bars and pubs were also so much more laid back and not a meat market from limited experience, at least where we visited. I hate how going to the bar in the U.S. involves constantly being hit on or harrassed if you're a youngish woman.
#26
Don’t take this the wrong way, but don’t act superior about Europe vs. North America. It can get really tiresome. “In Europe we would never eat dinner this early.” “In Europe our universities are free” “in Europe we don’t have TV ads for lawyers or prescription drugs” “in Europe our beer isn’t served so cold” “in Europe we don’t put so much ice in our beverages”.
You seem like a nice person who wouldn’t do it, but it seems second nature to Europeans.
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 2 years ago
Those TV ads are often shown on American channels we get here. I get making comparisons, but, yeah, after a while we get it. Now enjoy your time experiencing Canada.
#27
When someone offers you a beer you accept regardless of preference. The best beer is free. The second best is cold.
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 2 years ago
... You make it sound like we pressure people to accept a beer whether they can have one or not. I think what you mean is the kind of beer when someone wants one. That I can understand. You get what is available to you.
#28
Don't assume we are just like Americans or that everything is like America.
#29
Don’t cut your milk bag unless it’s secured in a pitcher. Milk is sold in bags here. It’s easy and tidy and great until it’s not. Also don’t cut the hole too big. And don’t cut it with an old dull serrated knife.
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 2 years ago
Not everywhere. Most places have jugs or cartons of milk. You'll be okay, here, with milk. Don't worry.
#30
Do not expect public transit to be on time or actually go everywhere you want to go. Do not expect to be able to safely ride your bike everywhere you want. Bike lanes are too few and cars will use them.
What do you think ?
Leo Domitrix 2 years ago
If you coem to the US, please don't think we're all armed. In fact, 2/3 of us aren't. ---- things I've said to my fam in Canada so often I gave up.
- 2 years ago
My American folks might be armed with invective, at worst. Otherwise, perfectly fine and harmless. Just don't discuss certain regional politics and the conversation will remain civil. :)
Load More Replies...
PSimms 2 years ago
Don't go around saying "aboot." I've never in my Canadian life heard a Canadian say "aboot." The only people I've ever heard say "aboot" are Americans who think they're imitating Canadians. Nope.
Leo Domitrix 2 years ago
If you coem to the US, please don't think we're all armed. In fact, 2/3 of us aren't. ---- things I've said to my fam in Canada so often I gave up.
- 2 years ago
My American folks might be armed with invective, at worst. Otherwise, perfectly fine and harmless. Just don't discuss certain regional politics and the conversation will remain civil. :)
Load More Replies... PSimms 2 years ago
Don't go around saying "aboot." I've never in my Canadian life heard a Canadian say "aboot." The only people I've ever heard say "aboot" are Americans who think they're imitating Canadians. Nope.
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