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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!

#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

#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

#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

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.

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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
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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
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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

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.”

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#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
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1 year 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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

#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
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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

#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

#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
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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

#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
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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

#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
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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

#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
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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
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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
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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
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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

#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
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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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