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".
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.
I dont mind being that person. As a Canadian I will clarify It's Canadian Geese or Canada Goose. 🇨🇦
Load More Replies...I don't care I love Canada geese. One adopted my dad when they lived across from a pond. She would come and look into the front windows for him and follow him up and down the yard when he mowed. When she mated and had babies she brought her family over. Obviously goose poop sucks but I've been privileged to live near a lot of ponds/rivers where I get to see geese and their goslings. They're everywhere in the spring on the Missouri River near where I grew up.
I like them, too. Although they're suspected to interfere with native (European) wildlife and chase away the native geese from suitable breeding-grounds, I've often seen Canada geese nesting right next to Grey geese and they seem to get along fine. Or at least tolerably.
Load More Replies...Canadian gees being mean? Every goose in general is mean when approached. I knew a house with a giant goose acting like a guard "dog". It was enough to walk by and it came running around the corner, wings spread, head high, singing its battle hymn. By the time it reached the fence it grew fangs like a vampire.
now imagine that goose on meth - catch those things near a nest in the spring and they are scary
Load More Replies...Just looking at the picture, WTF? Sharp saw teeth things to cut you up? I know geese and beaks are deadly, but not this deadly!
I support deportation of these demonic hellions back to Canada. They are evil monsters.
We have those in America too. They like to settle in parks, even business parks, where there's lots of grass and a lake or pond. They can get pretty pissy during nesting season, so you gotta watch out walking in to work. Even if they didn't have teeth, they can pinch like hell!
They are flying terrorists. I hate them. They're bigger than I am and I fear for the lives of myself and my little dog whenever I see them.
My first encounter with Canada Geese was in Washington State. We were camping at a lake populated by several Canada Goose These geese are HUGE, I'm 5'3 and they're taller than me. They made the mistake of chasing, biting & scaring my 4 year old Grandniece. As a bonafide lifelong Alaskan I was not going to allow this behavior to continue. As he was chasing my grandniece, I grabbed the SOB by the neck, I did NOT hurt the Goose, although I literally scared the Poop out of him.🙃 I pulled his head down to eye level, shook him briefly, then yelled "DO NOT CHASE MY NIECE! (shake), "EVER!" (shake), " You got it?" (shake) "Now get out of here before I put you on a rotisserie!" (shake) then thrust him away in disgust from me They decided avoiding any further contact with me or anyone in my group was in their best interest. Funny, they didn't set foot on our side of the lake for the rest of our trip! 🦹♀️🦹♀️🦹♀️
The reasons Canadians are so nice is easily explained. Once a year, on the sixth full moon, all Canadians gather together beneath the stars to perform a ritual that sucks out all of their meanness and cruelty – and transfers it to their geese.
In preschool, I had chased after some geese with my friend. The next day they remembered me and attacked me.
Not in my area of Lachine, people walked by or on their bicycles, they kidt stayed and enjoyed the sun ,people don't feed them at Lac St.Louis . We had 50 one year
all geese are assholes i got chased by a flock of them everyday on my way home i had a neighbor who thought it was funny and put them out there to watch them chase me
I live in a bordering stopover state and agree, Canada geese are very much so. Them things are mean and give no fuskc about running YOU off 😳
Oops… there are plenty pf canada geese where i live and ive gotten way too close to them sometimes…
Especially death metal geese like the ones in this video https://linktr.ee/FullyDecarbed/
Don't look now, but photo is not Canada geese (the part about attacks is right on, though)
This is not a Canada goose! It may be a Canadian goose, but that’s a different species!
They can be friendly if you are feeding them. Plus, they tend to be more aggressive if baby geese, goslings, are near.
I am so afraid of any kind of bird. I don't know why but I always have been. This would scare the hello out of me. I think they are beautiful from a distance and I love to watch them but if they get close to me I'm out of there.
Sorry to be ‘that’ person, but it’s a Canada Goose if it’s just one or if you’re shopping for a warm winter jacket for your visit. It becomes Canadian Geese if you are pluralizing them and want your sentence to sound correct. Warning: if you see a bunch of these beautiful creatures resting on a pristine beach. As you were warned above, stay away! If you see these beautiful creatures leave that pristine beach. Stay away! You do not want to discover the biological land mines that they leave behind. Especially if you’ve removed your sandals or shoes prior to hitting the water. Just saying…
From experience, geese are geese. They will agro if you mess with them.
And that photo is a barnyard goose - not a Canada Goose. Lazy wankers!
Ah, the beloved cobra chicken! No one holds up traffic like the endless train of geese and they know it.
They are known as Devil Birds. Attitude & they do not give a s**t if you are a kid. Ask me how I know.
NOT a Canadian Goose folks, they are meaner looking and have bigger teeth LOL
Just never underestimate geese period. Those things will mess you up no matter where you are
And that is NOT a Canada Goose. You really should change pictures. OIP-624388...42c61d.jpg
US geese are jerks too. I think it's a general thing for geese of any nationality.
Once a year, all Canadians get together and send all their bad thoughts/feelings/juju into the Canadian geese before they fly south. That, my friends, is why Canadians are so polite and the geese are such a$$holes!
When my daughter was feeding the ducks at a local pond she cried out that she had been bitten. I was all prepared to give her a speech about ducks not having teeth and I saw little serrated pin pricks across her thumb. Sorry mate, you were right - well maybe not teeth, but the same outcome!
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.
Note: this post originally had 59 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
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.