So you’re moving to Canada – congratulations! 🇨🇦 Whether you’re headed to Vancouver, Toronto, or anywhere in between, you’ll find Canada is familiar in many ways, yet there are subtle cultural quirks that might surprise you. Don’t worry – this informal guide will walk you through everyday etiquette differences (and similarities) between Canada and the U.S., from tipping at restaurants to saying “sorry” on the sidewalk. Let’s dive in!
Tipping is not as culturally entrenched in Canada as it is in the U.S.
Many roles which you’d tip in the U.S. you are not expected to tip in Canada.
In Canada, 15% is the standard tip at restaurants for good service. You won’t usually get a dirty look for sticking to 15% in Canada, whereas in some parts of the U.S. people might consider 20% the baseline now. In fact, American tipping culture has been creeping upwards (18-25% is common in big U.S. cities), while Canada’s remained a bit more conservative on tips.
There’s less social pressure in Canada to tip exorbitantly.
For instance, point-of-sale machines at fast food places will usually prompt for a tip. It is perfectly fine to tip $0 if you prefer. Frankly, it’s the norm.
Canadian servers earn a higher minimum wage than American servers, who often rely on tips for a livable income. So while Canadian customers definitely tip (it’s seen as polite and part of the bill), you won’t see the same push for 25-30% tips that has popped up in some U.S. restaurants.
Canadians will appreciate the gesture, and no one will chase you down because you gave 15% instead of 20%.
In Canada, being on time is seen as a basic courtesy and sign of respect. Showing up late to a meeting, class, or even a coffee hangout without notice can come off as rude.
For casual social gatherings, Canadians can be a bit flexible (friends won’t crucify you if you roll in five minutes late to a casual party), but it’s still polite to aim for on-time or slightly early.
If you do find yourself delayed, just let people know. Canadians appreciate the heads up and will usually respond with a very understanding “no worries.”
This should be obvious, but there are always stories of Americans who think their laws (first amendment, roadside drunk driving screenings, etc.) apply in Canada.
They do not. We have our own laws. They may be quite a bit different than what you’re used to.
If you’re a smoker (or vaper), be prepared for rules that are quite strict, often stricter than in many parts of the U.S. Smoking in Canada is banned in virtually all indoor public spaces, public transit, workplaces, bars, restaurants. That may sound familiar since many U.S. states have similar laws, but Canada tends to be pretty rigorous about enforcement.
You usually can’t smoke within a certain distance of doorways or open windows of public buildings (commonly about 5-10 meters, depending on the province). Lighting up on a restaurant patio or at a bus stop is a no-go and can land you a fine. Essentially, only smoke outdoors in permitted areas, and be mindful of others around you.