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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

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada 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".

SinisterCanuck , Jakayla Toney Report

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#2

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Don't underestimate the geese. Canadian Geese are a**holes and will attack you if you go near them.

landothedead , Amit Talwar Report

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Terilee Bruyere
Terilee Bruyere
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry to be 'that' person, but it's Canada Geese, not Canadian Geese.

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#3

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada 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.

radiorules , Brian Lundquist Report

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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.

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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

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada 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'.

Mirror_hsif , Obi - @pixel6propix Report

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K Miller
K Miller
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mainly that smile that doesn't show teeth - I kinda feel like it's a way of acknowledging someone without the pressure of interacting with them. Rather than walking past and pretending they don't exist.

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#5

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada 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.

MamaK1973 , Brian Evans Report

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Lainie
Lainie
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's also not a Canada thing, it's like that all over Europe.

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#6

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada 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.

BlargTheGreat , Nate Foong Report

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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.

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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

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada 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!

ruthie_imogene , Nicholas LabyrinthX Report

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Hobby Hopper
Hobby Hopper
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That should be the obvious thing to do everywhere, but sadly, people don't do it.

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#8

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada 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!

ItzGrenier , Alexander Popov Report

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Noah Lamens
Noah Lamens
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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#9

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada 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.

jales4 , Will Swann Report

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Lainie
Lainie
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So, we should watch the "Feels like" temperature. Sounds like Netherlands also.

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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

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Don't drive around your truck with a Canadian flag on it. You look like a Yank or an idiot or both.

klimaz , Mel_DJ Report

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Requiem
Requiem
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Yanks" dont do that and since the freedom convoy the Canadian flag is seen as something only crazies put on their vehicles.

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#11

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada 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.

Nolleezz , Quentin Bounias Report

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Lainie
Lainie
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You have to respect them! Small organized, skilful and intelligent bandits. :)

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#12

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Don't leave your shoes on when you enter a house.

curmudgeonchief , Mattia Belletti Report

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Lainie
Lainie
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my opinion, this is no longer a matter of cultural differences but a matter of general culture. If I respect someone, I'm certainly not going to want to get their floors dirty.

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#13

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada 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.

u/Owldove , Manuel Cosentino Report

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#14

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada 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.

lacontrolfreak Report

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DonS
DonS
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was having fun teaching the swear word to my French friends since you can use most of them as a verb, a noun, an adverb... name it! At the end, one of them could shout a convincing "crisse qui est épais ce gars-là!"

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#15

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Obvious one I guess but don't refer to our indigenous population as Indians.

randyboozer , Nadine Shaabana Report

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Jay Broderick
Jay Broderick
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also, don't refer to them as "our" indigenous people. They are not "ours".

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#16

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Don't underestimate the weather it can be both cold or hot enough to kill people depending on the season.

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskACanadian/comments/tdeey2/comment/i0jeg7o/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 , Farrel Nobel Report

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#17

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Don't assume everyone here is polite and nice. This country is full of horrible, racist, rude people

isaidack , Many Wonderful Artists Report

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julie son
julie son
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#18

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada 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.

Moon_whisper , Leon Seibert Report

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#19

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada 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.

IntertelRed , Priscilla Du Preez Report

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Leet_loves_space
Leet_loves_space
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

hold up, I know the guy in the picture he was my youth pastor and his wife.

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#20

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada 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.

AUniquePerspective , Marco Verch Professional Photographer Report

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#21

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada 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.

Girl_Dinosaur , Bradley Gordon Report

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#22

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Not checking the weather before leaving the house. A day can begin sunny and end with a blizzard. You should always check the weather.

howareyouall , Hello Lightbulb Report

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Beatrice Multhaupt
Beatrice Multhaupt
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#23

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada I recommend you learn defensive winter driving and learn the signs of black ice. Shine no spray from tires

boldtic , Jason Thibault Report

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#24

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada 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.

kstops , Sam Dan Truong Report

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StarmanWaitingInTheSky
StarmanWaitingInTheSky
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#25

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada 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.

kstops , Yolanda Suen Report

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Jasper Cool
Jasper Cool
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#26

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada 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.

The-Figurehead , Adrian Swancar Report

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StarmanWaitingInTheSky
StarmanWaitingInTheSky
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#27

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada When someone offers you a beer you accept regardless of preference. The best beer is free. The second best is cold.

Limited_U , Giovanna Gomes Report

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StarmanWaitingInTheSky
StarmanWaitingInTheSky
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

... 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.

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#28

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Don't assume we are just like Americans or that everything is like America.

renslips , Mimi Thian Report

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#29

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada 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.

L3plusD2 , David Orban Report

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StarmanWaitingInTheSky
StarmanWaitingInTheSky
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not everywhere. Most places have jugs or cartons of milk. You'll be okay, here, with milk. Don't worry.

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#30

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada 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.

BrightDegree3 , Ricardo Arce Report

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#31

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Don’t be unprepared if you go into the wilderness. Even if you are just planning on doing a small hike in the forest wear proper attire and make sure you are paying attention to your route and which way you came. Charge your phone or have other means of communication that don’t require a cell tower. There’s lots of different terrain and rural/wilderness settings so talk to locals and research whatever area you’re in do you can properly prepare. Rescue services are very burdensome on the tax payer and there’s no guarantee you will be found if lost so rely on yourself and know you’re limits. Also, bear mace.

RedLaserFlashes , Austin Ban Report

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Jake 1
Jake 1
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A VERY important point, but also INSECT REPELLANT. Our northern landscapes are beautiful and isolated but the insects will absolutely murder you without the right repellants. Seasonal ticks are especially bad - wear the proper clothes and be prepared when enjoying the wilderness!

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#32

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Don't put ketchup on poutine....we'll kill you!

thejesuslizard74 , Brooke Lark Report

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#33

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada We love our alcohol here, however don’t be a twat and be loaded drunk in a shopping mall or in a city street acting a fool.

KyleTone9 , Mario A. P. Report

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#34

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Be careful who you talk to about politics. Especially right now. I have found that, especially in rural areas, people get, for lack of a better word, angry about differing political views. I personally don’t know how people would react to this is cities and the east coast, but rural areas are quite easily upset about this stuff. We have a major political divide between the the area’s east of Ontario and west of it that causes lots of conflicts. Best to avoid anything political.

Anto_Br , Paul Cross Report

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StarmanWaitingInTheSky
StarmanWaitingInTheSky
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was always taught to never bring up politics, religion and ... something else I can't remember. Just don't.

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#35

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Don’t stand still on an escalator and take up all the space. If you want to stand, keep to the right, those who want to walk up or down need room to pass you on the left.

Don’t be an escalator hog ;)

I think this goes under the heading of: be aware of others and acknowledge that they are using the same space as you are.

WendyFromAccounting , Annie Spratt Report

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Brenda
Brenda
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Escalators are not supposed to be walked, you are supposed to ride them. Its a safety issue

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#36

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Don't honk. Like honk if someone is about to have an accident or a polite little beep for attention but otherwise it's considered pretty rude to toot your horn.

TheSadSalsa , William Bayreuther Report

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#37

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada It's considered rude if you don't respond to 'thank you' with 'no problem!' or 'you're welcome'. Likewise for holding the door open if you see somebody or saying 'have a good night' when leaving the lift.

abu_doubleu , Jonah Brown Report

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#38

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada The water in rivers is no joke. In my part of Canada, there are lots of places to wade into different rivers and each year there are people who need rescuing or who sadly get hurt or die. The river can seem calm on second and then you hit a patch that is strong and it’s too late.

Owldove , Ali Kazal Report

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#39

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Don’t drive anywhere without potential survival gear. This mostly goes for the rural areas, especially in the parries where there is a long way between towns/cities, but, as I’m sure you’ve heard here, the weather is unpredictable. You should always be ready in case you get stuck somewhere or crash during a storm.

Anto_Br , Warren N. Barnes Report

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Catherine Côté
Catherine Côté
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Traction aid and a shovel!! Helped me a lot this year even in my driveway.

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#40

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Don’t drink in public places. We have pretty strict laws on where alcohol can be consumed.

WhiskyTangoNovember , Marie-Michèle Bouchard Report

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StarmanWaitingInTheSky
StarmanWaitingInTheSky
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is regional. Check with the province's liquor laws. 3 provinces have legal ages of 18, everywhere else it's 19. It's not like there's no patios you can sit and chill with a cold brew. You just can't take open liquor with you onto public property and continue to drink it.

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#41

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada (Not a brag) - our country is massive.. don't underestimate the distance between stops on your road trips... and fuel stops between stops can be sparse at times.

drinkdrankpunk101 , https://unsplash.com/photos/P0UukzoEwwc Report

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angry_waffle
angry_waffle
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yep, you have to plan out your path and alternatives if your path is on fire

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#42

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Announce when you're going to the toilet. I grew up in Britain where 'just popping to the loo' is such a normal thing to say. Even saying 'toilet' seems rude, they say 'wash room' here. Now I've lived here for 5 years I find it absurd/kind of gross that Brits do that.

ravetapes_ Report

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Uber Mensch
Uber Mensch
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Possibly a bit of influence from us U.S. types: our country being founded by religious types (for the most part), we have the sex, nudity, and body-function taboos to deal with. Sorry about that.

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#43

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Don’t be a prick.

doghumpsleg , Remy Sharp Report

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#44

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada I’ve seen some representations in media that show Canadians as pretty sharing with food. While we do generally try to be polite in social situations as others have stated, do not expect Canadians to share their food or drinks with you or one another.

Quirky_Job_7205 , Herson Rodriguez Report

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Requiem
Requiem
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NO we dont "share food" with strangers, stop making up things to sound insightful

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#45

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada More of a do than a dont but if you ever visit Quebec, a little french can get you a long way. Pretty much any place that offer a service can serve you in english so dont worry about it but if you need some help in a less touristic spot, trying to speak french or learning strategic words like "Bonjour" (hi) is a good way to get a lot of quebecers on your side. For example, you can open the conversation with a "Bonjour" and then asking if the person speaks english.

To keep it simple, a lot of Quebecers are really proud of french and you making the effort to try to speak in french will get you the respect and solidarity of a lot of people in Qc. Its a small gesture that can mean a lot for some of us.

srgtpookie , Clay Banks Report

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Catherine Côté
Catherine Côté
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can confirm! A simple bonjour will unlock a person's kindness in Québec. If you don't make an effort to speak french you'll get our rude side.

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#46

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Dont point your fingers on anyone. I usually point a lot and when I came here I was shocked that you cannot point at anyone.

Tayjayjay , Artem Beliaikin Report

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StarmanWaitingInTheSky
StarmanWaitingInTheSky
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a good safety tip. We have a meth addiction problem in Manitoba, particularly the cities. It's not uncommon those tweaked out are highly paranoid about being looked at or pointed at. They may even assault you.

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#47

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Don’t stare at people, it’s considered rude and many people dislike it

Greatstorms , James Timothy Report

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Andrew Thornton
Andrew Thornton
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in Manchester UK you can literally start a fight by looking at someone!

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#48

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada The word c**t is offensive here

kstops , pisauikan Report

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KJ
KJ
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cart? I'm going to go with cart, can't think of any other word it could possibly be, honest.

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#49

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Don't expect to pay the price you see on items in stores or ads when you get up to the cash register. And don't expect an easy time calculating what the actual price is before getting there.

Provinces add provincial tax, there is the GST or the HST, green (carbon, recycling) taxes of different amounts on different items, deposits on bottles and milk cartons, environmental fees on electronics, special taxes on tires......

Can be quite a shock to see an extra $30 in taxes/fees on an item when you get to the till.

jales4 , Ernest Ojeh Report

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StarmanWaitingInTheSky
StarmanWaitingInTheSky
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

GST is Goods and Services Tax. Some provinces have additional Provincial Sales Tax (PST) along with GST. Other provinces have the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). It's a percentage of the total cost of the bill and it can add up, especially on more expensive purchases.

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#50

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Traffic laws can vary a lot particularly for pedestrians. In particular, making yourself visible in the dark and using marked crosswalks wherever possible.

Canuckinfortybelow , Behzad Ghaffarian Report

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Lsai Aeon
Lsai Aeon
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't understand people who don't make sure they can be seen in the dark (Unless they are up to something nefarious) I'm a wheelchair user, I have lights, working on figuring out how to get reflectors on the back, etc. I want to be seen in the dark, I'm small and easily missed. DON'T HIT ME! But even down here in Texas, people are out, crossing streets and parking lots and you straight can't see them in the dark. Like what gives?!

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#51

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Avoid the word "goof". It's fighting words for small-town White Canadians. (Goof is a kiddy diddler).

bored_toronto , Dev Asangbam Report

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Jennifer Lynn
Jennifer Lynn
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

not sure where you live but I'm from small town Canada (was primarily white) and that's not a thing. It isn't anywhere out West and you hear people being called that all the time

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#52

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada We don't have enough access to public toilets in most cities compared to Major European cities.

drinkdrankpunk101 , Sung Jin Cho Report

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K Miller
K Miller
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For sure, unless you're in a really touristy area. You can ask pretty much any business if you can use their washroom in an emergency - they might not always let you but there's no harm in asking. Personally though, I'd wait til you got home or back to your hotel room if you can. Public washrooms can be so gross here...

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#53

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Don’t ask for sliced American cheese at the deli counter. My mom did this while we were vacationing in Montreal, and when we got back to our rental, we discovered that it wasn’t sliced. It was one big block of cheese. We’ve since learned it’s called “processed” or “square” cheese. She said, “that’s what I get for asking for American cheese in Canada”. We all had a laugh over it, and maybe it wasn’t even intentional, maybe the deli guy misunderstood what she wanted

Outrageous-Divide472 , Alexander Maasch Report

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Lydia Languish
Lydia Languish
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not sure why one would even bother buying American cheese in Canada, especially in Montreal- Canadian cheese is delicious

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#54

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada If in a classroom setting, don't speak answers aloud unless asked or in a discussion setting. For example, if the professor puts a problem up on the board like "2+2=_" then don't say 4 unless asked directly that way other people have a chance to answer it in their own time as well.

Canuckinfortybelow , Tra Nguyen Report

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Catherine Côté
Catherine Côté
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Raise your hand the teacher will give you the right to speak. I thought that was common sense! lol

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#55

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada If you’re in Halifax, don’t ask for lettuce on Donair.

KyleTone9 , Sandie Clarke Report

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#56

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Do not under any circumstances become a Toronto Maple Leafs fan over 50 years and no cup.

ExaminationOk3907 , Pat (Cletch) Williams Report

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#57

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Don’t pronounce Toronto as 'Toe-Ron-Toe'. It’s more like 'Churronno'.

DevilManCoop , Jessica Da Rosa Report

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#58

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Toilets here can/can't flush the same things as in other countries, so just be aware of that.

Canuckinfortybelow , Giorgio Trovato Report

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#59

People Share 30 Things You Should Never Do In Canada Cars are turning right on red traffic lights, and drivers don't look for pedestrians; don't get hit from the left even if you got green (white)! Also cars don't understand cyclists, like in NL, so don't go bike until you see how poorly people drive. Remember, in Canada it's not required to properly learn how to drive, like in Europe.

hoimeid , Gunnar Madlung Report

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julie son
julie son
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where in Canada is not required to properly learn how to drive. This is an absurd statement!

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