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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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".
A holes come in all flavors, including Canadian. But as a group, generally nice people.
Load More Replies...I don't really get why would someone call a person from Canada an American?
Because the Americas are two continents, therefore technically Canadians are Americans, as are Cubans, Argentinians, Mexicans, etc. Think European, or Asian, rather than attempting to guess (and potentially offend). E.G.: it's ok, and quite accurate to say that somebody is Asian, but it could be offensive to assume that every Asian person is Chinese. Ironically, with the term 'Americans' is exactly the other way: you will find that many nationalities will be offended to be told they are not American, probably because many people in US send the message that " US American" is somehow superior. Please note that this is just an explanation, and not a put down, or criticism, and I'm not trying to provoke an emotional response in anybody.
Load More Replies...I think it's so funny how people think Canadians aren't jerks even after the whole world watched anti-vaxxers hijack our capital city and actually inspire people in other countries to copy them.
Canada is not the utopian it once was. Six years of a total bonehead PM will do that to a country.
All the Canadians I work with in my USA office space are so polite and sweet, but can tell some seriously dirty jokes... and I love them for that. Like when my Spanish speaking grandmother would call us these sweet little endearing things when we were kids and we all loved her for that. Then we found out later (like in my 30s) she was calling us dumba$$ daughters and such and laughing at us being dumb the whole time. I miss her so much. :-)
Kinda we are all Americans (Brazil here), the US Americans just stole the continent's name. Or you gonna say ALL your States are IN America? Huh!? LOL
In the western hemisphere, the Americas, we are all Americans. South of Canada live the Unitedstatesians.
Same applies to "British". Britain is not a country, it's a Union of three countries occupying the same island.
For some reason, people of the United States believe they are the only Americans. It's North America. 3 countries, all from America
I've got to take exception to this. Canada is part of the Americas, so like it or not, Canadians are also American, just like people in Mexico or Argentina. The people to the immediate south of Canada are also Americans and should correctly to be referred to as in the U.S. or "the States."
Well Canada, thinking America is a country, rather than a continent, IS AMERICAN culture ahah
It's like being a New Zealander and being called Australian, argh!
I'm an American and I think it's rude to be called an American too. Lol.
"Not American" is kind of a sad way to define yourself. I think Canadians are more than that though!
Imagine you lived next door to an illiterate, delusional racist who abused their children. You'd be quite keen on telling people you weren't associated with them.
Load More Replies...Pierre Trudeau said that being next to the US was like sleeping next to an elephant.
It's quite easy to tell them apart. "Americans" can be identified by their flat earth/qanon t-shirts, obsession with guns and domestic violence, and total lack of basic human decency.
Only an idiot would paint 330 million people with the same brush.
Load More Replies...Don't underestimate the geese. Canadian Geese are a**holes and will attack you if you go near them.
Sorry to be 'that' person, but it's Canada Geese, not Canadian Geese.
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.”
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'.
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.
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.”
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!
That should be the obvious thing to do everywhere, but sadly, people don't do it.
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!
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
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.”
Don't drive around your truck with a Canadian flag on it. You look like a Yank or an idiot or both.
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.
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.
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.
Obvious one I guess but don't refer to our indigenous population as Indians.
Also, don't refer to them as "our" indigenous people. They are not "ours".
Don't underestimate the weather it can be both cold or hot enough to kill people depending on the season.
Don't assume everyone here is polite and nice. This country is full of horrible, racist, rude people
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.
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.
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.
hold up, I know the guy in the picture he was my youth pastor and his wife.
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.
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.
Not checking the weather before leaving the house. A day can begin sunny and end with a blizzard. You should always check the weather.
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.
I recommend you learn defensive winter driving and learn the signs of black ice. Shine no spray from tires
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When someone offers you a beer you accept regardless of preference. The best beer is free. The second best is cold.
... 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.
Don't assume we are just like Americans or that everything is like America.
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.
Not everywhere. Most places have jugs or cartons of milk. You'll be okay, here, with milk. Don't worry.
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.
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.
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...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.
The gist: 1) (Most) Canadian people are nice and expect the same in return. 2) But Canadian weather isn't and can kill you even indoors.
Ah, brings back memories. Grew up on the border. Nice day? Bundle up, you'll die in a few hours when it changes.
Load More Replies...I'm not sure if this post really accurately conveys life here haha. Was interesting to read through, but the thing about Canada is it's just such a big country too. Similar to the USA, the culture defers a LOT from the east to the west. Even more so from the North to the south. I think what I like about being a Canadian personally (perhaps ironically), is I don't really wear "Canadian" like a title. I just live here, like to appreciate the life around me, I feel very lucky to have this corner of the world to share with my friends and family, and I love to travel and meet others in other countries too to learn of their culture
A very big thing in Canada people from Québec we're very proud and protectrive of our culture. Most of us we consider ourselves. quebecers before canadian! When we travel we like to say we're from Québec. Thread aroud lightly on questions about our independence though we have a history of wanting our own country and failling, that is not conversation you wanna have casually.
I would say that, some wanted the independence, most didn't (2 failed referendum).
Load More Replies...It is a for-profit thrift store, after all. Haven't been there since before they got rid of their dollar days.
Load More Replies...Also please never call our food, like poutine, gross if you have never tried it.
I only know that from the Oh Canada song. No idea what it is. https://youtu.be/x6bwQAUFLWk The maple leaf syrup on a pancake was delicious btw.
Load More Replies...This list is NOT a Canada only list. So much of it applies to anywhere and North America as a whole.
If you live in the US close to the Canadian border, this list may not be very useful or interesting to you. However, BP headquarters are in Lithuania and its readers are from all over the world, so the site doesn't cater strictly to North Americans. Plus some people enjoy adding their own knowledge, answering questions from other commenters, others want to express opinions, etc. You've expressed yours, as is your right. Some Canadians do notice differences when they go to the US, but some of those differences may be regional. The US is quite varied (different landscapes, climate, cultures and subcultures, etc.).
Load More Replies...I absolutely LOVE Canada. If I were to move countries, I'd move to West Canada. I'm not moving countries, but still :')
I sincerely hope you do your research before you move as since the lockdown and covid the prime minister have lost their minds, even in Quebec
Load More Replies...Here's another one. Never go to Niagra Falls. It sucks. It used to be great back in the 70s, now it is like f***ing Las Vegas.
I enjoyed it, but I went in winter so we didn't get stuck in crowds or anything.
Load More Replies...I'm American; I've been to Canada a couple of times, and found it to be an exquisitely beautiful place, although I won't go in the winter (can't handle cold anymore). Found most people back then (been decades) to be friendly, but so was my whole family, something my parents emphasized to the four of us constantly...."Be polite at all times," "Never assume anything is meant for you to touch/take..." etc. We had very pleasant times there, and I'd love to go again---in the spring or fall.
Driving around Ottawa's downtown core with a flag on your car makes you very unwelcome. Don't be surprised if random strangers flip you off and tell you to go the f*ck home Why show bagged milk that is definitely NOT Canadian? Couldn't be bothered to actually do a quick Google search to find a real Canadian example of how milk bags work? Also - another "don't" for the list... don't say "eh" if you don't know how to use it right. It isn't just a thing to add at the end of a sentence crop-626de...797f9d.jpg
Further to #10 - Don't drive around downtown Ottawa with a flag on your car unless you want 3 our of every 4 people to tell you to go the f*ck home - you're not welcome here anymore And is there a reason #29 talks about Canadian milk being sold in bags, but the picture is definitely not from Canada? crop-626de...5e3417.jpg
To be honest all provinces have their distinct culture or style like we could say about the 50 States all are different, plus we have territories and the States have Puerto Rico , many lakes .We do have cold but can be compared to Minneapolis or winds like Chicago .East Canada's cold has more humidity than West Canada, so it gets to your bones
Know the difference between winter and summer tires I'd say, it can snow like a bastard here and be solid ice under all that so you gotta know the difference, and if you got traction control, forget it, that s**t does more to hurt than help
Any country who votes in Justin Trudeau again, after he wrecked your country should get no respect. Now go salute your monarchy.
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.
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...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.
The gist: 1) (Most) Canadian people are nice and expect the same in return. 2) But Canadian weather isn't and can kill you even indoors.
Ah, brings back memories. Grew up on the border. Nice day? Bundle up, you'll die in a few hours when it changes.
Load More Replies...I'm not sure if this post really accurately conveys life here haha. Was interesting to read through, but the thing about Canada is it's just such a big country too. Similar to the USA, the culture defers a LOT from the east to the west. Even more so from the North to the south. I think what I like about being a Canadian personally (perhaps ironically), is I don't really wear "Canadian" like a title. I just live here, like to appreciate the life around me, I feel very lucky to have this corner of the world to share with my friends and family, and I love to travel and meet others in other countries too to learn of their culture
A very big thing in Canada people from Québec we're very proud and protectrive of our culture. Most of us we consider ourselves. quebecers before canadian! When we travel we like to say we're from Québec. Thread aroud lightly on questions about our independence though we have a history of wanting our own country and failling, that is not conversation you wanna have casually.
I would say that, some wanted the independence, most didn't (2 failed referendum).
Load More Replies...It is a for-profit thrift store, after all. Haven't been there since before they got rid of their dollar days.
Load More Replies...Also please never call our food, like poutine, gross if you have never tried it.
I only know that from the Oh Canada song. No idea what it is. https://youtu.be/x6bwQAUFLWk The maple leaf syrup on a pancake was delicious btw.
Load More Replies...This list is NOT a Canada only list. So much of it applies to anywhere and North America as a whole.
If you live in the US close to the Canadian border, this list may not be very useful or interesting to you. However, BP headquarters are in Lithuania and its readers are from all over the world, so the site doesn't cater strictly to North Americans. Plus some people enjoy adding their own knowledge, answering questions from other commenters, others want to express opinions, etc. You've expressed yours, as is your right. Some Canadians do notice differences when they go to the US, but some of those differences may be regional. The US is quite varied (different landscapes, climate, cultures and subcultures, etc.).
Load More Replies...I absolutely LOVE Canada. If I were to move countries, I'd move to West Canada. I'm not moving countries, but still :')
I sincerely hope you do your research before you move as since the lockdown and covid the prime minister have lost their minds, even in Quebec
Load More Replies...Here's another one. Never go to Niagra Falls. It sucks. It used to be great back in the 70s, now it is like f***ing Las Vegas.
I enjoyed it, but I went in winter so we didn't get stuck in crowds or anything.
Load More Replies...I'm American; I've been to Canada a couple of times, and found it to be an exquisitely beautiful place, although I won't go in the winter (can't handle cold anymore). Found most people back then (been decades) to be friendly, but so was my whole family, something my parents emphasized to the four of us constantly...."Be polite at all times," "Never assume anything is meant for you to touch/take..." etc. We had very pleasant times there, and I'd love to go again---in the spring or fall.
Driving around Ottawa's downtown core with a flag on your car makes you very unwelcome. Don't be surprised if random strangers flip you off and tell you to go the f*ck home Why show bagged milk that is definitely NOT Canadian? Couldn't be bothered to actually do a quick Google search to find a real Canadian example of how milk bags work? Also - another "don't" for the list... don't say "eh" if you don't know how to use it right. It isn't just a thing to add at the end of a sentence crop-626de...797f9d.jpg
Further to #10 - Don't drive around downtown Ottawa with a flag on your car unless you want 3 our of every 4 people to tell you to go the f*ck home - you're not welcome here anymore And is there a reason #29 talks about Canadian milk being sold in bags, but the picture is definitely not from Canada? crop-626de...5e3417.jpg
To be honest all provinces have their distinct culture or style like we could say about the 50 States all are different, plus we have territories and the States have Puerto Rico , many lakes .We do have cold but can be compared to Minneapolis or winds like Chicago .East Canada's cold has more humidity than West Canada, so it gets to your bones
Know the difference between winter and summer tires I'd say, it can snow like a bastard here and be solid ice under all that so you gotta know the difference, and if you got traction control, forget it, that s**t does more to hurt than help
Any country who votes in Justin Trudeau again, after he wrecked your country should get no respect. Now go salute your monarchy.