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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!

This post may include affiliate links.

#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

Final score:
166points
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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

Final score:
165points
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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

Final score:
159points
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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

Final score:
135points
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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

Final score:
132points
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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

Final score:
129points
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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

Final score:
128points
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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

Final score:
127points
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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

Final score:
124points
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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

Final score:
122points
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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

Final score:
121points
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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

Final score:
118points
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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

Final score:
111points
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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

Final score:
111points
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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

Final score:
111points
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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

Final score:
103points
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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

Final score:
93points
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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

Final score:
81points
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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

Final score:
78points
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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

Final score:
75points
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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

Final score:
73points
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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

Final score:
67points
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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

Final score:
65points
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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

Final score:
63points
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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

Final score:
60points
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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

Final score:
60points
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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

Final score:
60points
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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

Final score:
59points
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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

Final score:
55points
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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

Final score:
54points
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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

Final score:
16points
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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

Final score:
15points
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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

Final score:
14points
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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

Final score:
14points
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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

Final score:
14points
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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

Final score:
14points
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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

Final score:
13points
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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

Final score:
13points
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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

Final score:
13points
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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

Final score:
12points
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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

Final score:
12points
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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

Final score:
12points
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#43

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

doghumpsleg , Remy Sharp Report

Final score:
11points
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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

Final score:
11points
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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

Final score:
11points
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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

Final score:
11points
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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

Final score:
11points
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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

Final score:
10points
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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

Final score:
10points
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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

Final score:
9points
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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

Final score:
9points
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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

Final score:
8points
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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

Final score:
8points
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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

Final score:
7points
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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

Final score:
6points
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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

Final score:
4points
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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

Final score:
3points
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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

Final score:
2points
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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

Final score:
-1point
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