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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
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".
Lainie 3 years ago
I don't really get why would someone call a person from Canada an American?
Trevor Nicholson 3 years ago
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.
Karin Bougie 3 years ago
Canada is not the utopian it once was. Six years of a total bonehead PM will do that to a country.
Josias Sarquiz 3 years ago
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
Hime 3 years ago
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. :-)
phil blanque 3 years ago
In the western hemisphere, the Americas, we are all Americans. South of Canada live the Unitedstatesians.
RELATED:
#2
Don't underestimate the geese. Canadian Geese are a**holes and will attack you if you go near them.
Terilee Bruyere 3 years ago
Sorry to be 'that' person, but it's Canada Geese, not Canadian Geese.
Chrystal Carter 3 years ago
I dont mind being that person. As a Canadian I will clarify It's Canadian Geese or Canada Goose. 🇨🇦
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Jasper Cool 3 years ago
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.
Marlowe Fitzpatrik 3 years ago
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.
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Bear Hall 3 years ago (edited)
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.
Laura 3 years ago
now imagine that goose on meth - catch those things near a nest in the spring and they are scary
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Nathaniel 3 years ago
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!
#3
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.
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
I will say, though, the Brits have more creative wit. They can beat us at bantering.
Beatrice Multhaupt 3 years ago
Lived in Houston, TX for 10 years, a place with too many qualities to enumerate here. But what sent me back to the Great White North was people taking my jokes literally and then being mortally offended once they realized that the intent was ironic. I just couldn't hack it anymore. Seriously.
Dick Fletes 3 years ago
We'll see your problem there was that you were in Texass
Load More Replies... Anita Pickle 3 years ago (edited)
I love this! US Americans are always offended and looking to be offended, sarcastic or dry/dark humor is not usually received well
albernistuff 4sale 3 years ago
Unfortunately, the PCTP (politically correct though police) have begun digging into our universities and trying to change this. My politics are definitely toward the left, but I defend everyone's right to freedom of expression, and despise 'woke' and 'cancel' culture even if it means letting the bigots spew their crap. As many have noted in other postings, it lets us know who the idjits are.
Amy Stone-Chandler 3 years ago
We are British commonwealth. Generally most of us in this collective have a great sense of humor.
t'pols gay tea 3 years ago
we roast eachother over stupid s**t and tell eachother to kill themselves.... were almost british. we literally are so aggressive and for waht 😭💀
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.”
#4
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'.
K Miller 3 years ago
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.
The lion tamer 3 years ago
Ah, pre covid times, when you could smile and people would actually see it... *puts on a mask again*
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Shyla Clay 3 years ago
As someone with Asperger's, I appreciate the instructions. It's nice to know the appropriate response.
Bobert Robertson 3 years ago
This is why I enjoy my mask, I don't have to make that awkward "looks like i'm trying not to poop my pants" smile at people when I walk by
Lullabybecca 3 years ago
Ugh, who says that? That's even difficult to say.
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StrangeOne 6 months ago
People may or may not say hello as you pass by. I find it nice now and then.
Stymied Egan 3 years ago
We do this in the US. I call it the manly nod. Women will smile, men nod. My day was elevated to the utmost when an Amish man gave me a nod. Normally they do not make eye contact at all, which is fine so a nod wass wow.
#5
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.
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
One shock you might have as a non Canadian is that we do have some aggressive, bad drivers here. Manitoba is known for it's road rage. Just a warning. Many people don't know the concept of zipper merging and respecting the speed limit on the highways. Be careful out there.
Lorena Hamilton 3 years ago
America, especially in TX does that. I don't think that's unique to anyone.
Celtic Pirate Queen 3 years ago
That's a thing in the US as well. I hate being nice and not getting the "thank you" wave!
#6
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.
Deborah Rubin 2 years ago
We tend to do this around here too, even though the U.S. isn't nearly as big as Canada.
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Anjali Cooper 3 years ago
Yeah… I’m American and like being told the hours! I have no interest in the miles when I ask.
RJ 3 years ago
And what do they do anywhere else? "How far is it to Liverpool? Why it's 12 farthingcorns to the ferret's guffaw, init!"
Hannah Bridges 3 years ago
Nah from what I've seen people say, it's usually miles instead of hours.
Load More Replies... DonS 3 years ago
My friends from France made that mistake. They tried to rope me up in a weekend roadtrip going like this: Friday after work (5 PM) : Montreal - Quebec City and enjoy the night in Quebec (2h45 to 3h drive BUT after work you hit the weekend trafic so it's more a 4 hours drive). They arrived at 9:30 PM and were exhausted from the drive. So they didn't really enjoy the night at Quebec. Then, they wanted to go to Tadoussac for some whale watching on saturday morning (3 hours drive) then going to the Saguenay fjord afterward (half hour, that's okay). BUT, they didn't book in advance AND look up it was a three hours drive. They woke up too late and couldn't enjoy neither Tadoussac or the fjord either since it was already getting dark when they arrived at the park. Sunday, they wanted to go on a beach at the Lac Saint-Jean (2 hours drive) and come back to Montreal in time for dinner and go back to work on Monday. Lac St-Jean to Montreal is a 5-6 hours drive ! They didn't enjoy their weekend.
Nancy Jeckells 3 years ago
When we lived in Thunder Bay, Ontario, my mom's cousin Ron flew over from Newcastle, North East England, for a holiday. My dad asked him what he wanted to do one day, and he said Drive to British Columbia for the day ! Yeah, like it's a 3 day drive or more !!
Load More Replies... Amy Stone-Chandler 3 years ago
When my now step dad first came to Southern Ontario from England, he asked my mom if they could take A DAY TRIP TO ALASKA and back 😄 ftr Google maps didn't exist. The internet barely existed
Cathy Langtry 3 years ago
Then, there's beer-time. "When will you be ready to head home?"..."In a beer or two..."
Eunice Robertson 3 years ago
I live in Johannesburg, in Gauteng, South Africa. The province of Gauteng is literally made up of 2 cities, Johannesburg and Pretoria. Johannesburg is so spread out, it tales like, an hour to an hour and a half to get from one side to the other. If you ask someone how to get somewhere, and they say, "It's just around the corner", you know it's at least a 20 to 30 minute drive.
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.”
#7
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!
Hobby Hopper 3 years ago
That should be the obvious thing to do everywhere, but sadly, people don't do it.
Shoshana Sherrington 3 years ago
Lol most people don't do it in Canada either
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Lovin' Life 3 years ago (edited)
I cannot stand litter bugs! The planet is good to is to we all need to be good to it!
Requiem 3 years ago
YEAH! only in BC where they proceed to Than to take your packed out garbage and load it on to a barge and Dump it in the ocean where you can see it from land
Agnes Jekyll 3 years ago
That is Victoria. In Vancouver, they will YELL at you if you have an garbage/ dog poo in your hand and are heading to the garbage.
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#8
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!
Noah Lamens 3 years ago
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
K Miller 3 years ago
Yes! Princess Margriet of the Netherlands. But the government declared the maternity ward at the Ottawa Civic Hospital to be Dutch territory so that she would have Dutch citizenship. After the war, her mother sent 100,000 tulip bulbs in thanks and the royal family sends more each year. Not just for the territory declaration but also Canada's involvement in liberating the Netherlands during WW2
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Catriona Abuneke 3 years ago
My daughter was sent racist death threats by Canadians when we lived there and told to go back to her own country (so ironic), white teenage boys used the N word like they owned it and the immigration system is an international industry which takes peoples money and spits out. Also it's not uncommon to see people with confederate flags on their cars outside big cities. I was so tired of Canadian racism, fakeness and disgusted by the way the Indigenous people were treated I left. It's not all shiny, shiny. It's twisted.
- 3 years ago
What I also find egregious is bystanders telling the target "You have to grow a thick skin." No, people have to learn to treat others with respect. Bending over backward to be nice to prejudiced people can damage one's mental health. The stress can be detrimental to physical health as well.
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JuniorCJ82 3 years ago
So a couple... from Poland... complained in a foreign country... about immigrants. Okay, got it.
Bexx 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 3 years ago
We are a multicultural society! VS a “melting pot” like the US, etc. The vast vast majority of us are from immigrant families.
Nizumi 3 years ago
Wait - the couple from another country were complaining about *immigrants*? Yeah no - they were complaining about immigrants whose skin tone might be darker than theirs. I hear it a lot and generally shut it down with "But I'M a child of immigrants. Like, literally fresh off the airplane immigrants. First of my family not born in the homeland." And because I'm middle aged and white - that usually shuts them up. :)
Nicole Krenzler 3 years ago (edited)
I'm half immigrant. My mom emigrated from Scotland, married a Canadian, so my dad and I were the only Canadians in our family until just before my sister was born, and my mom received her Canadian citizenship.
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B Jean the Jelly Bean 3 years ago
Toronto has always been diverse..... One of the things I liked best when visiting.
#9
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.
Lainie 3 years ago
So, we should watch the "Feels like" temperature. Sounds like Netherlands also.
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
Definitely. Pay attention to the humidity levels, too, because -33C with a 30% humidity isn't as unbearable as 70% humidity. It's been like that all throughout winter this year. My parka is good down to about -40C. One day it was a feels like -23C but with a humidity index of 80%. The cold went right through all the layers. When you get into the open prairies the wind is often quite strong.
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S. Mi 3 years ago
Also, in western Canada in particular, thae coldest days, like -40 or even -50 tend to be clear, sunny days with beautiful blue skies. Do not be fooled into thinking it warmed up!
K Miller 3 years ago
It's so deceptive. You look out the window and think 'oh what a nice day', then walk outside and your face freezes lmao
Load More Replies... StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
Pay attention to that "Feels like" temperature. That will be what it feels like on exposed skin. -20C with a feels like -35C. That is getting dangerously cold.
Katrina Koelbel 3 years ago
Advice for a Canadian winter: no matter what it looks like, no matter what you heard the weatherman say.... wear atleast 3-4 layers of clothing. You can always take things off if youre too warm! And if you plan on being in a car, it still applies (see cars & Cdn winters subset 🤣)
Joshua Seaman 3 years ago
Literally any of those conditions would not affect the way I dress, as it would be full-gear for all of them for me.
Lauren Ward 3 years ago
So so SO TRUE! You also have to factor in if you're on one of the Great Lakes. The wind and humidity cut ALOT harder when situated close to the shores of a big body of water
Quirine van Mourik 3 years ago
My Dutch airforce wife mom used to dress me and my brother for an our to let is play outside for 15 minutes. All winter long. All her Canadian neighbours thought she was crazy. Crazy is part of Dutch dna I think
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
Don't drive around your truck with a Canadian flag on it. You look like a Yank or an idiot or both.
Requiem 3 years ago
"Yanks" dont do that and since the freedom convoy the Canadian flag is seen as something only crazies put on their vehicles.
Shashonie 3 years ago
I agree. I have seen a ton more flags on trucks recently. As an expat of the US, it makes my soul hurt. I left for a reason.
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Bobert Robertson 3 years ago
As a Canadian the "freedom" convoy has made me disappointed to see my own flag, and that's unfortunate. Now I look at people with it on their cars and get embarrassed by them. I just don't understand how people can claim our freedom has been taken away when they're still free to protest etc. To me, the vaccine mandate is similar to driving a car. You want to work? Get a vaccine. You want to drive? Get a license. All those truckers don't complain they need to have licenses to drive their trucks and work...
Leslie Harris 3 years ago
the only time you put the Canadian flag on your car is for Canada Day, and a few days either side of it. And just the small flag that clips to your window.
Dawn Soo 3 years ago
Yea they are idiots. Our constitution states that you shouldn't disrespect the flag or country in layman's terms. That it is illegal to change the shape in design or colour and size. Flying it on cars is one of those disrespectful things but what makes me tend to cringe a bit more is those who think to show their patriotism by wearing flag pins or shrunk down adapted to fit on clothes they wear. Organizations which take the flag and adapt the colors to represent them well obviously changed falls under that too. It shows that no matter their intent to have been conveyed to the public, to myself- they consider themselves above one of the simplest laws in our country.
Patti Vance 3 years ago
i hate to bring up the politics of this nation (U.S.) but it seems to me the only ones that fly american and/or confederate flags are those who are deep into the trump kool-aid. i don't lump all republicans in with that group because, yes, there are rational republicans. they just don't get the coverage that the others get because they don't act like jerks
Kimberley McMillan 3 years ago
This is recent. The KKKonvoy has made it really hard for a lot of us to love our flag lately.
#11
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.
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
Male black bears will prey on humans. Polar bears will attack for no reason. Respect our wildlife with your life, please.
Parmeisan 3 years ago
Don't mess with the beavers, either. They might look small and cute but they cant be dangerous when threatened.
Marlowe Fitzpatrik 3 years ago
Yeah. Look at those teeth, look at the TREES they bite down in one night and then add your bones and flesh into the imagination. They'll bite through your leg with no issue at all if they feel they need to. Huge, too!
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Amanda Lalonde 3 years ago
My ex bent a key 90° and almost ripped open stitches because he got startled by a couple raccoons
David Brown 3 years ago
Trash pandas can be as dangerous as any apex predator given the right circumstances.
#12
Don't leave your shoes on when you enter a house.
Lainie 3 years ago
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.
Zobi123 3 years ago
I don't expect my guests to keep my floors clean. We give them option. I think it's more important that my guests are comfortable than that I have clean floors!
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PSimms 3 years ago
Some houses do this, some do not, but either way it's not a Canadian thing.It's funny how people who live in no-shoes households seem to think that all households are the same. Where I grew up in Canada, and where I live today in another part of Canada, most households are "remove shoes if they're dirty or wet," but not if it's a dry, summer day.
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
Unless told to. But always assume you take your shoes off. We got disabled people here, too, and it's not been an issue. If you need accommodations or help we'll provide slippers and help you with your shoes.
JJ 3 years ago
Germany/Netherlands: it's common to ask before you enter. I don't expect my guests to take off their shoes, they can if they want, of course. When I visit someone, I usually ask. At my parent's and grandma's I do it, at friend's houses I am not expected to. But I guess it's also about whether they/ you have carpet or a wood/tile/stone-floor. The last ones can be cleaned easily, carpet not.
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Barb Singbeil 3 years ago
The reason we take off our shoes is because of our weather. You don't want to track snowy, wet boots into a home no do you want muddy boot, either. Many Canadians have gardens. September seems to me the only month your footwear isn't drastically affected by the weather but by this time, it's become a habit!!!@
Load More Replies... Talon 3 years ago
I was raised to always take my shoes off when I enter a home but I have one friend and their family often doesn’t care if you leave your shoes on. Like if it’s snowing ya don’t keep your shoes on but if you’re popping in and out of the house super quick then ya leave them on. It took me so long to get used to that at their house
Bob Stuart 3 years ago
I was a rare appliance repairman who would remove shoes to obey a sign. Then, I walked into one kitchen and just put them back on.
#13
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.
angry_waffle 3 years ago
a fun saying i've heard is "a bear fed is a bear dead". You can draw your own conclusions to what that means
Marlowe Fitzpatrik 3 years ago
"Do not teach bears that cars contain food!"
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Luna Rue 3 years ago
I lived in both places and it's the tourists that are the f*****g worst. Chasing bears or Elk into the woods while dragging their kids behind them to take photos.
Load More Replies... Id row 3 years ago
I made the idiotic mistake of going to a drive though wildlife park - in a convertible. The top was up, but still, it was just cloth. I bet the folks at the little gatehouse where I bought the tickets were laughing at me when I pulled away. I would have, knowing what I know now.
Deborah Rubin 2 years ago
They do that in America, too. Every year some stupid tourists get ground into mincemeat by bison or other animals.
Doug Parsons 3 years ago
In most Canadian provinces and municipalities a person must not intentionally feed or attempt to feed wildlife or leave an attractant on land with the intent to attract wildlife. Fines of up to $100,000 can be issued for each occurrence of the offence.
#14
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.
DonS 3 years ago
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!"
Suzy the observer 3 years ago
Hahaha!!! Les jurons québécois sont tellement cool!
Load More Replies... Bored Seb 3 years ago
And don't think the french speakers are only in Quebec. There are french speaking community all over Canada
Hawkmoon 3 years ago
Yep. I am French-speaking and sometimes I have trouble understanding what a French Canadian is saying, especially swear words when I ask if they miss their President Trump in their north part of the US.
fandomprincess (any pronouns) 3 years ago
Adding on to this, if you're French, don't come to Québec expecting to understand ANYTHING!!! Quebecois french is SO different from French french, in terms of slang, sayings, accents, etc. I speak fluent French and being from Canada with a teacher from Montreal, I can mostly understand both Quebec french and France french, but even understanding both, they're still so different. Even the different cities in Quebec (Montreal, Quebec city, etc.) have different accents and slang.
Sam Wallace 3 years ago
So just like the rest of the French speaking world? I learned French in Belgium and had a Quebecois classmate. I got to travel a lot in Europe. Later, I worked with folks from different African countries who were French speakers. All spoke it differently.
Load More Replies... Amy Stone-Chandler 3 years ago
Yeah and outside of Quebec, most people cannot speak French. If in Quebec, they WILL judge you if you speak in English lol
Benita Valdez 3 years ago
I am from U.S and was told that French in Canada is an older form (archaic to be exact) no longer used in France. Is that true?
MarmotArchivist 3 years ago
Well, there are words that are still used in Canada, that changed or fell out of use in France, so there is that component. Québécois also has had more English influence on the vocabulary and pronunciation. But formal written texts are not that different. Ironicaly, there are some English words used in France like 'le week-end' that are not used in Canada, they use the more French 'fin de semaine'.
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Judy Meade 3 years ago
Raised in Canada, I took 3 yrs. of French in H.S. Our French teacher told us that the language we were learning would not be understood if we went to France and used it. Nice to know.
#15
Obvious one I guess but don't refer to our indigenous population as Indians.
Jay Broderick 3 years ago
Also, don't refer to them as "our" indigenous people. They are not "ours".
Amy Stone-Chandler 3 years ago
I don't think they meant ownership. We are WELL past that crap. Ours-like Canada. Our country
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Catriona Abuneke 3 years ago
Lived in Canada for five years. Many,many 'Canadians' called the First Nations people 'Indians' and the 'Indian Act', which is still in force, is a repulsively racist system of apartheid.
At 3 years ago
We legally cannot give the Indian Act a new title, and therefore when First Nations history & culture is taught in high school, the word Indian is used (but only when we talk about the act). The Indian Act is the primary law the federal government uses to administer Indian status, local First Nations governments and the management of reserve land. It also outlines governmental obligations to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.
Load More Replies... S. Mi 3 years ago
While it's not technically correct, doesn't hurt to capitalize Indigenous and First Nations
At 3 years ago
I’m gonna bet that the person who wrote that part was born in eastern Canada. As someone who moved from Ontario to Yukon when they were 8, the respect towards First Nations, Inuit, and Métis culture was absorbed into my everyday life, but I knew only of the Algonquins before living in Yukon.
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At 3 years ago
Aboriginal/indigenous refers to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples
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Marilyn Russell 3 years ago
There is unfortunately a lot of systemic racism against our native Canadian people. Not sure why people don’t realize their traditions and culture could teach us so much.
Gladys Hayes Southerland 3 years ago (edited)
Indians live in India. We really need to show more respect, find out their tribal names & use them. Italians don't want to be called French. Greeks don't want to be referred to as Polish. We need to "see" indigenous ppl & show more respect.
RoseAnne Hutchence 3 years ago
You can if you want to, really. It's how they refer to themselves a lot of the time. The semantics involved with calling them indengous or Indigenous are nothing more than a continuing (and detrimental for everyone) attempt at apologizing for history.
Cat Banning 3 years ago
ROFLMAO, as a Comanche I find this so funny. I love this whole “First Nation vs. Indian” debate, cause honestly if you’re not gonna let me call my people Turtle People (since we come from turtle island) then just call us all Americans since we were here first and leave us alone with you PC b******t to make yourself feel better.
Ben Watson 3 years ago
Also, don't refer to ANY indigenous population as 'Indian' unless they personally tell you otherwise. They are not from India, and to do refer to them as such is extremely racist and stereotypical
#16
Don't underestimate the weather it can be both cold or hot enough to kill people depending on the season.
1.21Gigawatts?! 3 years ago
I live in a town, sometimes it’s brown and probably tastes like a depleted life span. Nummy nummy nums :)
Load More Replies... StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
Yup. Don't worry about how you look, either. No one will care how you look in extreme temperatures. You might see some pretty weird ways of wearing a scarf, toque and earmuffs. All we care is we're warm/cool and going to survive the outdoors for the bit of time we have to be out there.
Stephanie Goadsby 3 years ago
As someone who works outdoors, the pandemic has brought something to light and in such focus that I can't believe it hadn't dawned on me before. The surgical masks we've all been wearing, keep your face so warm and dry in the bitter cold, your nose doesn't even run. Better than a moist scarf any day! I will be wearing them every winter now.
David Brown 3 years ago
Sounds like north Carolina weather. I've seen it freezing rain in the morning, t-shirt weather at lunch, and snowing by dinner. Damn near impossible to dress for.
1.21Gigawatts?! 3 years ago
Very true. It can go a full pendulum swing from -40 to +40! Celsius not Fahrenheit
#17
Don't assume everyone here is polite and nice. This country is full of horrible, racist, rude people
julie son 3 years ago
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.
Shashonie 3 years ago
It isn't just the immigrants. Canada is full of people, end stop. Rudeness and racism will follow.
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Paola Martz 3 years ago
I've been to Canada a three times, and all three times I've just found amazing and kind people! I've been always helped out when I'd try to figure out public transportation or addresses, and overall I felt a vibe of "easy going-ness"
Trevor Nicholson 3 years ago
This is 100% accurate and yes FULL is the correct term. But a lot of people are "polite" racist. Like how every white person I've met from Vancouver complains privately that the housing is so expensive because of Chinese buying up all of the properties. They'd never openly do or say anything, but they harbour racist feelings, because it's completely false that Vancouver is expensive because of Chinese investors. Canadians are, at best, indifferent to race issues because we like to bury our heads and pretend they don't exist, seeing it at an attack on our country if you acknowledge it.
Mioux Mioux 3 years ago
The reason why we have fewer assholes than America is we have 10x fewer people. Canadians are not inherently nice. They were born nice and became assholes just like everyone else.
RoseAnne Hutchence 3 years ago
We are, however, typically well-read and sometimes opinionated (as are people from every country). If we have one "national" trait, it is courtesy.
#18
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.
Hobby Hopper 3 years ago
I completely agree with the OP, but I don't thinks it's common sense, not in family's/cultures where feeding guests is the expected norm.
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Requiem 3 years ago
who the hell is this guy making up stupid s**t? Hospitality in Canada is offering alcohol, and no country has people who walk in and go through your fridge
s. vitkovitsky 3 years ago
You must also stand on one foot while reciting The Cremation of Sam McGee. Yeah, this one about the fridge is idiotic.
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Roxy Eastland 3 years ago
This is so specific it sounds like someone has their own hang ups and/or bad experiences. I'm not Canadian and I've never been into someone else's fridge and started eating the contents. Who does that?
Gary Davidson 3 years ago
Wow, I can't imagine anywhere on the planet where it would be acceptable for someone to be so bold as to help themselves in such a way to someone else's property. Avoiding this type of behavior is common courtesy, common sense.
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
A good idea is ask if there's anything you should bring. Snacks, drinks, a game. You can ask what the plan is for the visit. If no food or drink is involved it's likely a short visit or they're just very tight on the grocery budget. Bring some snacks, like a box of cookies or something you can share of others wants something. It's okay to bring your own coffee from Tim Hortons.
Marilyn Russell 3 years ago
Huh? Hospitality here is offering you a beer first and foremost. And we’d feed you before we eat, whatever we have, like most other cultures around the world.
Lydia Languish 3 years ago
Not sure where this person lives but in my part of Canada hospitality is helping yourself to the communal ketchup chip battered caribou nuggets, while enjoying a delicious lukewarm glass of maple syrup poutine beer. The children get Tim Hortons coffee with a side of Bloody Caesar bacon butter tarts.
weterdalida D 3 years ago
All that what you've mentioned is a food? You can toss inside of you whatever you want but be responsible and sensible of what you feed kids with!
Load More Replies... #19
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.
Leet_loves_space 3 years ago (edited)
hold up, I know the guy in the picture he was my youth pastor and his wife.
The Deez 3 years ago
My mom and my Aunt Linda were at a restaurant while on vacation in Canada and, when an appetizer was delivered to a table close to them, my mom remarked to Linda, "Oh, that looks good! I wonder what it is?" The couple at the other table overheard and were like, "Oh, it's _______ and it IS really good! Would you like to try it?" which I think is awesome!
Hobby Hopper 3 years ago
I'm starting to feel like Canada and the southern US have this in common, the striking up conversations with strangers thing.
angry_waffle 3 years ago
negatives, it's supposed to be spring but it snowed a couple days ago. Anyways how has your day gone? :D
Load More Replies... Gary Davidson 3 years ago
I found that to be very true. I was waiting for my flight back to the states in the Winnipeg airport and started chatting with two elderly ladies seated next to me going to visit their relatives. This was my first time in Canada (2013) and they were interested in my first impressions since this had been an unusually cold Winter week with 70 mph winds and temps of -40*C. We all had a good laugh when I said I was beginning to worry if the stereotype of igloos and polar bears was going to be true! We had the nicest conversation I've experienced between people who'd never met before, and yes, we parted ways when the plane was called, wishing each other a sincerely pleasant trip to our destinations.
fandomprincess (any pronouns) 3 years ago
This is less common in big cities though. Still happens sometimes and most people will definitely answer and continue a conversation if you start one out of politeness, but it's not as common for people to just start an entire conversation.
Angela Sibbald 3 years ago
That level of openness and willing to engage in open conversation is also more likely to happen in certain places than others. For example, the prairies like Saskatchewan and Manitoba are very engaging people.
Brent Hollett 3 years ago
As an Australian in the US, people asked this and I started to answer properly, which made them panic.
Sandrapocalypse 3 years ago
I have had so many wonderful conversations this way. People are so interesting and everyone has a story to tell!
Shoshana Sherrington 3 years ago
Growing up in toronto, opposite experience. The brand of politeness there was designed to keep interactions short. No one ever wanted to help or talk to anyone
#20
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.
Ellie 3 years ago
As an American who was raised on Fahrenheit, I find Celsius harder to use because with isn't what I am used to. I mean, sure, I can convert it, but I don't associate the temp I feel with a number in C like I can in F. Again, it's just cause the way things happen here. It is harder for people who aren't used to it, like everything else
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2x4b523p 3 years ago
I never thought cold water can actually hurt you. I sometimes shower in cold water (in UK) when the kids use up all hot water and I can’t wait for the tank to refill. Then I tried the same when we went skiing in the mountains, -20C outside and the water was barely liquid. Not possible. Could not even bear to wash my hands in it.
fandomprincess (any pronouns) 3 years ago
The sinks water at ski resorts! 🥶
Load More Replies... StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
Be very careful with the hot water, actually. Especially if the building is heated with water. The water may change if someone flushes the toilet or uses the water from somewhere else in the building if the water is shared. Just an FYI.
Doesn’t Care 3 years ago
Only people from Ontario would be dumb enough to do this. if it's that hot you'll see steam. If it's that cold you won't get frost bite instantly. You have to hold your hand in there for an entire minute. Happens to 20 million people in Ontario every other day. FYI, there's 20 million people in Ontario.
#21
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.
Nicola Roberts 3 years ago
"interesting" can cover pretty much everything too
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szu szu 3 years ago (edited)
Basically, if you get within arm's length, murmer "sorry!" and get out of the way. If you both do it and end up dancing, stop, chuckle and make eye contact so you can sort it out. That's usually a nod in the direction you're going, or a side step and gesture to usher them past.
Cat Banning 3 years ago
Again in America it’s common courtesy to say ‘excuse me’ in a respectful way for this situation, you’re acknowledging that for whatever reason you had to step into their space, you are aware of them and 99.9% of the time you’ll get a response of “no problem” which is them saying they understand you didn’t have a choice. Other .1% is what the rest of the world hears and thinks we all do.
Thomas Sweda 3 years ago
You must be from the French part. Don’t say nothing, means, say something!
#22
Not checking the weather before leaving the house. A day can begin sunny and end with a blizzard. You should always check the weather.
Beatrice Multhaupt 3 years ago
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.
frederick clause 3 years ago
I went golfing on a spring morning. Started out in short sleeves in the sunshine, then it rained, hailed, snowed and then the sun came out again. That was just in 9 holes.
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Hobby Hopper 3 years ago
I'd probably carry a backpack with a warm jacket and/or rain gear. Do Canadians do this?
Karen McDowell 3 years ago
Unfortunately mother nature does not always follow the forecast script.
Marilyn Russell 3 years ago
I’m Canadian, live in a rural area, but now I am over 50, I seem to have forgotten how to do this. Luckily I have 4WD.
Laura 3 years ago
If you get it just as the seasons are changing - If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes.
GFSTaylor 3 years ago
Just like the UK. Don't like the weather ? Wait a few minutes.
Load More Replies... albernistuff 4sale 3 years ago
There is a town here in Canada, where you can ski on a mountain, play a quick nine holes, and surf in the ocean (without head-to-toe swim suit) , all within 20km, all on the same warm, sunny day
#23
I recommend you learn defensive winter driving and learn the signs of black ice. Shine no spray from tires
Mary Lou Caswell 3 years ago
I live in East Ontario and black ice is a common occurrence and sometimes you can see it ahead, but not always
Load More Replies... Bob Stuart 3 years ago
It was practice sliding around where it was safe and fun that saved me from both black ice emergencies. They were at night, so there were no visual cues. Learn car handling as well as traffic safety.
Pamela Blue 3 years ago
Ice is ice. You cannot steer on sheer ice. You just have to take your foot off the accelerator and hope you come to a stop before you hit somebody. Now learning to drive in snow is fun.
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Bren Scott 3 years ago
This is actually how we can tell when someone isn't from here in Saskatchewan, terrible winter driving and being pushed into the ditch by the wind
L1z 3 years ago
But some residents still drive the highways like it's summer after fresh snow.. then they wonder why their vehicle hit the ditch 😕
Load More Replies... Marilyn Russell 3 years ago
Yes. My dad taught me to always test my breaks in new wintery weather. You have to know your stopping distance. I also take my foot off the gas while I’m passing an oncoming car when the weather is dicey. You don’t want to hit said black ice and spin out (it happens and is scary) right in the path of that car.
Kathy Librarian-Fugere 3 years ago
One year it was safer to walk on the street than our sidewalks. 200 people ended in Emergency, before the lockdown
Doesn’t Care 3 years ago
Also learn to avoid being around anyone with Ontario plates. Not one in 20 million of them can drive. They will kill you... And just drive away after.
#24
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.
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
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.
Parmeisan 3 years ago
I've never been to a restaurant that doesn't expect tipping, so you can probably save yourself the asking in that case. Also there ARE some fancier restaurants where a minimum tip is required or even just tacked onto the cost automatically, but that's pretty uncommon. (PS. Your server's wages assume tips, so if you choose not to tip you ARE stiffing them. Yes it's the restaurant's fault things are this way and they shouldn't be this way, but they ARE this way and you're not fighting the system you're just screwing somebody over.)
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Susie Elle 3 years ago
As a Dutch person I forgot this one time while in Canada and the waitress honestly believed we were personally upset with her, I felt really bad about it :(
Melanie Rose 3 years ago
It's like this is the United States too. It's how most waiters/waitresses and bartenders earn their living.
Kathy Librarian-Fugere 3 years ago
They better check downtown and now with food deliveries , not all tips
Hobby Hopper 3 years ago
I read about someone (maybe it was on BP?) that didn't tip on principal. That to me is incredibly naive, like okay, Steve, because you don't tip, the whole system is going to see the error of their ways. I do think the system of not paying a living wage and expecting the customers to pick up the slack is ridiculous, but it's going to take businesses leading the way by increasing their workers' pay and notifying the customers that tipping is not expected. Unfortunately, this might mean increasing prices, but those of us that tip are already paying more anyway.
Cat Banning 3 years ago
In some states in the US the tip is required by law and you can be arrested for not paying it. In my state that is not the case and I get that a lot of the wait staff live on those tips because the owners are too cheap skate to pay a living wage, but honestly I prefer states where the tip is optional because some waiters don’t deserve it. Tips are supposed to be a gratuity for doing a good job, I shouldn’t be forced to give you extra money if you ignored me all night.
Rosemary Booth 3 years ago
There is absolutely no states where tips are required by law. That is absurd.
Load More Replies... #25
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.
Jasper Cool 3 years ago
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.
Gretchen Esquilin 3 years ago
Honey, I'm 42 & still get this issue. Sometimes I'm able to have a nice meal alone in a restaurant w/o the husband & kids. (ME time!) As SOON as I open my book (I like to sit at the bar), it never fails that the man next to me wants to hold a conversation. Dude, just leave me be, I'm not looking for company or any parts of you as a person. Go away! Ugh! I guess I need to start making lunch/dinner reservations in Canada now! LOL
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Melanie Rose 3 years ago
It is very annoying when men do this! Dude, I'm grocery shopping, I'm not trying to find a date.
Captain Synaptic 3 years ago
No, it’s not really that prevalent in the US, either. It’s looked down upon here just as it appears to be in Canada.
Anita Pickle 3 years ago
If you make eye contact and smile in the US people think you made the first move and will now harass you. It is really sad, you have to learn to no longer politely pass people with any type of polite acknowledgment.
#26
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.
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
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.
Soosh_tr 3 years ago
yeah we never complain as much verbally to their faces when we travel lol we are so polite.
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Agamemenon Triforce 3 years ago
Europeans are extremely ethnocentric. They're also every bit as racist, sexist and homophobic as the rest of the world.
Huddo's sister 3 years ago
Why would you do that anyway, except if you have to apologise for doing something wrong because you do it differently at home?
Susie Elle 3 years ago
In Europe universities are NOT free, only in Scandinavia :') I hope you just met a rude person, my experience from European people (though that's putting a LOT of countries on one pile) is that when they make the comparison it's out of wonder and not out of superiority.
Danie G 3 years ago
I'm half Canadian, half German and have spend about half my life in each country. I admit I do this all the time, but honestly, it's because Canada thinks it does everything right because things are better than in the US. But there are so many problems that are solvable if people just change that mindset. As someone who is a citizen of both places, it's SO frustrating to watch your friends pay $1,000 a month for daycare (daycare is heavily subsidized in most German states), working insane overtime with limited sick days and paid holidays (German working hours are better regulated, there are unlimited sick days, and the legal minimum for holidays is 4 weeks), pay high university fees, need private insurance to cover prescription drugs, etc. And whenever the issue gets raised, people say 'well who's going to pay for it?' Admittedly, you, through taxes....but taxes aren't that much higher in Germany than in Canada so the difference is pretty marginal for the quality of life it gets you.
Zach Click 3 years ago
I'm American and I don't even bother with TV. 7+ minutes of each 30 minute block is commercials anyway.
GadgetGirl 3 years ago
"In Europe, we don't...." Then why are you here instead if it's so great? Sheesh. Everyplace has good things and bad things and 'different from my home' things.
#27
When someone offers you a beer you accept regardless of preference. The best beer is free. The second best is cold.
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
... 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.
K Miller 3 years ago
I think that's what they meant too - if you're not a beer drinker you shouldn't feel pressured to accept a beer. If someone offers you a free beer you can't get picky about the brand or whatever though.
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Doesn’t Care 3 years ago
Not true at all. If it's not bordering frozen refuse it. If it's American open it and poor it down their drain.
Marilyn Russell 3 years ago
That’s not true. When we have a party, we have everything we can think of people wanting. But men will offer beers first of course.
Kimberley McMillan 3 years ago
I decline politely. All beer is gross to me so I don't drink it.
Bonniebluebutler 3 years ago
But God forbid you get a DUI in the US when you were young and stupid, because you will not be allowed admittance to Canada. It's considered a criminal felony.
Kathy Librarian-Fugere 3 years ago
Not really, now with people fearing spiked drinks , plus most ho in their circles, very few talk to strangers now downtown. Very few on digits ho alone
Joanne Lawrence 3 years ago
Nahhhh offer me a half decent Canadian whisky and we'll talk. Offer me a beer and you're as good as dead to me.
#28
Don't assume we are just like Americans or that everything is like America.
Kimberley McMillan 3 years ago
That certainly explains the shape of Florida.
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Nat Nat 3 years ago
So.....you just go and put down ALL Americans? And YOU are speaking for ALL of Canada? You are a disgrace to Canada. If Canada is so great, believe me, they are not all like you. I'm an American. I don't put down other people of other nations, and I especially don't label an entire nation because of a few people (who might be just like you). And if I have something opinionated to say about someone, I will speak for myself; not for my entire nation. So proud to be an American....and at the same time....God bless Canada.
Curry on... 3 years ago
So the problem I'm having is that North America is considered a continent. Wouldn't it be more informative to say not from the states?
Khobie Alexander 3 years ago
Well that's a great way to segregate yourself and not try to do better as people as a whole.
- 3 years ago
There are different ways to interpret the statement above ("Don't assume..." etc.). 1: Discussing and acknowledging differences will cause conflict because each side will insist that their way is the only right way. 2: Recognizing differences will help a tourist adjust their expectations and adapt to the place they visit.
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Kathy Librarian-Fugere 3 years ago
But if you took off the border line in some area you would not know the difference. We do share the Appalachian mountains
Cat Banning 3 years ago
Love this one after a list of statements that literally could be from any where in the US except the driving ones cause y’all are SLOW!!
Catherine Hone 3 years ago
Ok as a Canadian this has to be said. Here in Canada when you go to a movie, do not talk or shout. Be silent except for laughing. I went to New York to and went to a movie theater to watch snakes on a plane and I couldn't believe my ears and eyes. There were people shouting to the screen and each other and throwing popcorn. I was astounded.
Captain Synaptic 3 years ago
Actually my natural presumption is that Canadians are nothing like Americans.
Doesn’t Care 3 years ago
If they're from Ontario it's ok. They are Americans. They are not Canadian at all.
#29
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.
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
Not everywhere. Most places have jugs or cartons of milk. You'll be okay, here, with milk. Don't worry.
Ellie Rosser 3 years ago
I guess if buying milk in bags was genuinely worrying someone then perhaps travel is not right for them.
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Unnamed Hooman 3 years ago
The stereotyping milk in a bag is getting old. I have NEVER seen milk in a bag, and I am Canadian. Not once. Not all of Canada uses this.
Suzy the observer 3 years ago
Very common in QC but only in sets of three bags. Usually bought by families. Pic for example of choices. Screenshot...ff-png.jpg 
Sam J 3 years ago
It should. I hate it and I've lived here for five years. Why can we not use what the US does? Way less chance of leakage.
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Brightheart 3 years ago
lots of people don't know that milk in bags even exist yet we have been using them out entire life.
Trevor Nicholson 3 years ago
Love how people from Ontario literally think they are what Canada is. I know milk is sold in bags in other places, like here in Quebec where I moved to, but I always hear people from Ontario talk about this as if it is a universal thing in Canada because they don't understand Toronto isn't all of Canada.
Bexx 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 3 years ago
Yeah so many Canadian stereotypes come from Ontario & eastward - the PNW is a whole different world honestly!
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#30
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.
Tamara Ric 3 years ago
The bus drivers like to keep their own schedule nowadays...
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Hugo Palencia 3 years ago
Toronto is actually full of bike lanes and has a transit system that is very extensive, you are right about the not on time part…
Doesn’t Care 3 years ago
Only an issue in Ontario. Because people there can't drive to save their lives.
Marilyn Russell 3 years ago
Yes, when I lived in the GTA and didn’t have a car, we called it the Mississauga Chance-it instead of Transit.
Nizumi 3 years ago (edited)
Have you ever tried cycling along De Maisonneuve in Westmount? At least once a week I'm nearly hit by some driver turning down Greene Avenue, or having to go around someone parked in the bike lane. And they will SWEAR at you if you even look at you sideways. Heck - I lightly tapped the hood of a car angled right across the bike lanes at a red light, and the old lady, with a child in back seat, stuck her head out the window and coldly said, "I hope you get crushed by a truck like that other cyclist."
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Barb Singbeil 3 years ago
is such a huge land mass, the differences can be quite striking and very different. Please excuse my previous mistakes in typing! I actually fell asleep while typing. While Canada loves being Canada, they also love their differences within the whole of the country.
Barb Singbeil 3 years ago
One of the biggest points I'd like to make is that each province has something a littmn mmm. N. Non. I O Each province or territory all have a few different, unique things about them and each of the different areas will be pointed out to visitors very proudly!!! Because Canada is
#31
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.
Jake 1 3 years ago
A VERY important point, but also INSECT REPELLANT. Our northern landscapes are beautiful and isolated but the insects will absolutely murder you without the right repellants. Seasonal ticks are especially bad - wear the proper clothes and be prepared when enjoying the wilderness!
LynzCatastrophe 3 years ago
Water. Insect repellent. Bear mace. Something sharp and pointy and easily carried. Warm clothes. Comfy back pack. And for the love of everything good, WEAR PROPER SHOES!!!
#32
Don't put ketchup on poutine....we'll kill you!
Parmeisan 3 years ago
A stock photo of a goose was too hard, poutine was completely out of the question. (Note to those who don't know, yes poutine is french fries and yes it can have many many different things on it, but it requires the cheese curds and usually also the gravy in order to be poutine).
Load More Replies... Captain Awesome 3 years ago
I've tried poutine all over Canada, I just never got the love for it
LynzCatastrophe 3 years ago
Whatever it is, it looks good, but it isn't poutine. And I won't kill you.
#33
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.
#34
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.
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
I was always taught to never bring up politics, religion and ... something else I can't remember. Just don't.
WarpedThoughts 3 years ago
Or just any type of 'controversy'. Rural ontario is frustratingly ignorant on most topics. The weather is safe, it's either good or bad.
LynzCatastrophe 3 years ago
British Columbia is rather liberal, though small towns here in the northern part seem to be more conservative. I spent 10 years living in Alberta and it's definitely conservative, people are legitimately concerned that their jobs are going to be taken away.
#35
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.
LynzCatastrophe 3 years ago
AND DONT STAND AT THE LANDING CHATTING WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND THEN BE SURPRISED WHEN I YELL AT YOU!
Uber Mensch 3 years ago
I have long said that if people would follow vehicular traffic rules while on foot, it would simplify things immensely: keep right, pass after alerting the other person, check behind you before turning across traffic, etc, etc.
John Yaskowich 3 years ago
And for G-d’s sake, when you get to the end of the escalator GET OUT OF THE WAY!!! Nothing worse than some idiot standing at the end making it impossible for others to pass.
#36
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.
#37
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.
Nancy Jeckells 3 years ago
No, it isn't a universal thing. I've lived in England for 35 years, and people will sometimes STILL comment that I actually say You're welcome if someone thanks me ! And sometimes, this causes the person to be unsure whether they have to then say something in response, so it goes like this. Thank you. You're welcome. Thank you so much, you're very welcome......
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Monday 3 years ago
What about if I respond with "of course"? "Hey thanks for holding the door", "Of course" type of thing?
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
You always thank people for holding the door open, but maybe don't say "Of course". It's a bit pretentious sounding... kind of like you're throwing the thank you back at them, or that the favour was an expectation rather than an act of voluntary kindness.
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Elliot Fowler 3 years ago
I have never heard the lift thing be done anywhere. Neither on TV nor in any of the countries I visited. Is it actually a thing in canada?
Rissie 3 years ago
I just did it today... Not even in Canada and sure it was good day not good night.
Load More Replies... #38
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.
angry_waffle 3 years ago
If you don't know it's safe, look to see if locals are swimming there. If they aren't, you better stay out of that water
Bexx 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 3 years ago
BC has some amazing lakes and rivers but some of the deadliest in Canada too!
Load More Replies... K Miller 3 years ago
Same with going on the ice in like March - it may be below freezing but we just had several days of warmer temps which weakened the ice. There was a rescue or two recently on a large river near me - there's usually at least one a year smh - not always tourists or new Canadians either, people who've been here all their lives can make stupid decisions.
#39
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.
Catherine Côté 3 years ago
Traction aid and a shovel!! Helped me a lot this year even in my driveway.
Parmeisan 3 years ago
If anyone is confused, I'm pretty sure by "parries" they meant "prairies" aka the prairie provinces Saskatchewan and Manitoba (and a bit of Alberta). You want to drive from Regina to Saskatoon, the two biggest cities in Saskatchewan, it'll take you 2.5 hours in good weather (3 with ice, blowing snow, or lots of construction) and expect an hour at a time where the only civilization you see is tiny town after tiny town where they may or may not have various amenities.
LynzCatastrophe 3 years ago
My husband's old job was a delivery driver for a truck warehouse in Alberta. It's basically ingrained in him. We have 3 different types of survival packs in the back of our car.
#40
Don’t drink in public places. We have pretty strict laws on where alcohol can be consumed.
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
This is regional. Check with the province's liquor laws. 3 provinces have legal ages of 18, everywhere else it's 19. It's not like there's no patios you can sit and chill with a cold brew. You just can't take open liquor with you onto public property and continue to drink it.
Nancy Jeckells 3 years ago
When I first came to live in England in 1987, I was STUNNED to see people drinking on the tube (London Underground, or subway to North Americans), like beer !! I commented to a friend and she said it's perfectly fine ! I was gobsmacked !
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
I thought so. I saw a similar thing when I was visiting some English friends. We left a restaurant and a couple of them just walked out with their beers and continued drinking as we were walking down a busy street. It made me nervous, thinking for sure the police would come and give them trouble. They were reassuring me it was all cool as long as we're not in a big crowd. I had mentioned this before on a site and Brits were chewing me out, saying it's not true and it isn't legal, and how my friends must be idiots. I was confused. Now reading your experience maybe there is something to it or maybe the bylaws are different there, depending on the region. Like in Canada.
Load More Replies... #41
(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.
angry_waffle 3 years ago
yep, you have to plan out your path and alternatives if your path is on fire
#42
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.
Uber Mensch 3 years ago
Possibly a bit of influence from us U.S. types: our country being founded by religious types (for the most part), we have the sex, nudity, and body-function taboos to deal with. Sorry about that.
SilentBob731 3 years ago
Exactly, do not mention the room. Just say "I gotta take a wicked s**t, eh" and be on your way. ;-)
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago (edited)
When I was in UK I found it a bit of a shock how casual they are about washroom talk. Not that I found it necessarily rude, but just jarring. I'll be whispering to my boyfriend that I have to go to the washroom and he'll just announce it to the rest of the group in the middle of Piccadilly that I have to go to the toilet, while I'm beet red in embarrassment. lol. Idk why that is.
Vanta Black 3 years ago
Safety. If there's a fire or something people know where we are. If we randomly disappeared it could mean others may put themselves at risk to find us.
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Huddo's sister 3 years ago
How do you tell you group you need to go but will be back soon then? Or do you just walk off and leave people wondering if something has happened to you?
#43
Don’t be a prick.
#44
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.
Anita Pickle 3 years ago
Is there a country where it is common the share food off of your plate with complete strangers? Is it custom in some places to just walk up to people eating and ask for a bite? Really curious.
Hobby Hopper 3 years ago
Oh no. You try to take food off of my plate, you're going to get some dirty looks, or worse.
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
This is situational. If someone's ordering a party platter appetizer, just ask if that's for everyone.
#45
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.
Catherine Côté 3 years ago
Can confirm! A simple bonjour will unlock a person's kindness in Québec. If you don't make an effort to speak french you'll get our rude side.
Bexx 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 3 years ago (edited)
When my BC family visited Quebec one summer when I was 9, I remember going into a gas station alone and stumbling over “hello comment ça va, can I use your bathroom, you have a lovely store, vendez-vous du Coca Cola?” trying to remember my classroom French - the nice lady chuckled at me, told me that I had a great French accent (she was lying hehe) and directed me to the bathroom in French :) that meant a lot to me because it was my first “multilingual conversation” hahaha. I’ve always been really big into languages and I’ll never forget this lovely Canadienne woman letting this little western girl babble French Canadian phrases to her without being rude, she made me feel proud for trying! :) Now I speak basic Russian and learning Ukrainian, and I’m a lot better at Canadian French but this conversation was really important to me
BarBeeGirl 3 years ago
But don’t use a perfect accent or they will think you’re fluent. I used to have to answer the phone with a “Bonjour” and people ALWAYS responded in French. I learned to pronounce it the way it’s spelt. No one ever spoke French to me again lol
angry_waffle 3 years ago
learning basic words and sentences help a lot. yes/no, sorry, hi/hello, do you (formal) speak english, and thank you are words you probably want to learn
Uber Mensch 3 years ago
Can verify this works almost anywhere. Travelled a bit in Asia, and always tried to learn at least a _little_ of the local language - and was *always* welcomed because of it. Key phrases include "Hello", "Thank you", "Please", and "Where is the bathroom/WC/toilet".
#46
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.
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
This is a good safety tip. We have a meth addiction problem in Manitoba, particularly the cities. It's not uncommon those tweaked out are highly paranoid about being looked at or pointed at. They may even assault you.
Lainie 3 years ago
We were taught from birth that it was very rude, and in college I heard from some professor that pointing fingers at someone was like shooting a gun. So it's a big no no.
Bexx 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 3 years ago
Weirdly it is kinda rude - it feels like being confronted even if the pointer is talking about very reasonable things. We gesture lightly with a wave of the hand but never full on jab a finger at anyone while we speak, that’s weird and rude. Thank you for listening to my Canadian Opinion :)
Load More Replies... Unnamed Hooman 3 years ago
Being pointed at is kinda scary. Sometimes people will snap to fet someone’s attention, that’s a HUGE no-no.
Thomas Sweda 3 years ago
Here in the States, we don’t point fingers, we shoot people, with guns.
#47
Don’t stare at people, it’s considered rude and many people dislike it
Andrew Thornton 3 years ago
I live in Manchester UK you can literally start a fight by looking at someone!
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago (edited)
I find people are just too paranoid with that. If someone seems like they're staring their mind is likely completely elsewhere. If that's the case, just wave your hand to snap them out of it or move, or you're sitting in front of window and someone is trying to look at the view. I can't tell you how many times someone has gotten made at me over this.
Hobby Hopper 3 years ago
I do that too, but I'm not sure I'm 100% "neurotypical".
Load More Replies... #48
The word c**t is offensive here
KJ 3 years ago (edited)
Cart? I'm going to go with cart, can't think of any other word it could possibly be, honest.
Lainie 3 years ago
It's cult, and you are aware of it! Though, I know that cults are bad, didn't know about offense policy. :p
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Cecily Holland 3 years ago
Yes and Kevin Bl00dy Willson an hilarious Australian comedian was told just that by the tour promoter. He opened in Toronto with the song “You can’t say C—T in Canada
Bexx 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 3 years ago
Canadian here - c**t is a very offensive word unfortunately but you’ll always find a handful of people who embrace the word like the Aussies :) don’t shout it in public but you’ll probably find some friends you can call c***s
Hobby Hopper 3 years ago
Here too (US), but I'm starting to hear it said more and more ironically or even as a term of endearment.
Vanta Black 3 years ago
It's not offensive in Scotland. "Wee c**t" is a friendly expression there.
Load More Replies... #49
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.
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago (edited)
GST is Goods and Services Tax. Some provinces have additional Provincial Sales Tax (PST) along with GST. Other provinces have the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). It's a percentage of the total cost of the bill and it can add up, especially on more expensive purchases.
Nicola Doyle 3 years ago
HST is provincial tax and GST. You don't then add GST on top as it is already there.
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Shiny J 3 years ago
I've never been to Canada but I found this to be ridiculous in the USA. What is the problem with labelling it with the amount you are going to pay? Where's the logic in not doing it? Discovered this very quickly when buying a laptop!
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
It has to do with each province and territory having their own rates and ways they charge on taxes, and instead of tailoring prices to fit them all companies just leave it up to retailers and the provincial government to deal with it.
Load More Replies... #50
Traffic laws can vary a lot particularly for pedestrians. In particular, making yourself visible in the dark and using marked crosswalks wherever possible.
Lsai Aeon 3 years ago
I don't understand people who don't make sure they can be seen in the dark (Unless they are up to something nefarious) I'm a wheelchair user, I have lights, working on figuring out how to get reflectors on the back, etc. I want to be seen in the dark, I'm small and easily missed. DON'T HIT ME! But even down here in Texas, people are out, crossing streets and parking lots and you straight can't see them in the dark. Like what gives?!
Uber Mensch 3 years ago
On reflective materials: most auto stores (or auto departments in BIG stores) will have reflective tape that will stick (!!) to almost anything. Even draping a cheap Hi-Vis vest over the back would do SOME good.
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StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
Don't assume drivers will stop just because you're at a crosswalk of any kind. Wait for them to stop and wait for others, too. Look both ways, including one way streets. Always be on the lookout for bicycles. Almost got hit by a cyclist that blew through a red light.
Agnes Jekyll 3 years ago
In Alberta, drivers will stop for you the minute you step on to the road, which can be dangerous for the drivers. In Quebec, it is a game of frogger.
#51
Avoid the word "goof". It's fighting words for small-town White Canadians. (Goof is a kiddy diddler).
Jennifer Lynn 3 years ago (edited)
not sure where you live but I'm from small town Canada (was primarily white) and that's not a thing. It isn't anywhere out West and you hear people being called that all the time
BarBeeGirl 3 years ago
I think it’s more the younger generation. I learned from my daughter not to call people goofs
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Jennifer Wieland 3 years ago (edited)
I grew up in rural Renfrew, Ontario and my Dad told me to never call someone a Goof. But my bf who grew up in an even tinier town off Kingston never heard of it. I think it originated from drug/prison circles.
Thomas Sweda 3 years ago
And don’t say,” kiddy diddler”. Almost nobody will understand what it means.
LynzCatastrophe 3 years ago
I grew up in a small, primarily white town in Northern British Columbia, never heard of this being a thing.
#52
We don't have enough access to public toilets in most cities compared to Major European cities.
K Miller 3 years ago
For sure, unless you're in a really touristy area. You can ask pretty much any business if you can use their washroom in an emergency - they might not always let you but there's no harm in asking. Personally though, I'd wait til you got home or back to your hotel room if you can. Public washrooms can be so gross here...
#53
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
Lydia Languish 3 years ago
Not sure why one would even bother buying American cheese in Canada, especially in Montreal- Canadian cheese is delicious
Bexx 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 3 years ago (edited)
Yeah with all the incredible cheese options here - I thought in Canada “American cheese” was that sliced “processed cheddar food” Kraft Singles stuff with all the plastic wrap? Or is “American cheese” something else? (Not sarcastic, real question)
Load More Replies... Les Izmore 3 years ago
American cheese is a derogatory term for an edible oil product fake cheese like processed slices
Chamber Laine 3 years ago
American cheese is gross & tastes like the plastic it's wrapped in. Actually, I find that Cheese wiz (which is weirdly salty) & velveeta is gross too. I'm not even sure it's actually cheese.
#54
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.
Catherine Côté 3 years ago
Raise your hand the teacher will give you the right to speak. I thought that was common sense! lol
#55
If you’re in Halifax, don’t ask for lettuce on Donair.
#56
Do not under any circumstances become a Toronto Maple Leafs fan over 50 years and no cup.
Fiona Aitch 3 years ago
57 1/2 - Don't use the word "then" when you mean " than". It makes you look uneducated.
Load More Replies... StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
50 years is better that 0 at all. Look at the Winnipeg Jets stats. Other than 3 Avco World Trophies in the '70s.
Huddo's sister 3 years ago
Ooops, my sister is one, and she dragged me to a game when we went to Canada. I was amazed how much they charge, even for the seats in the back row!
#57
Don’t pronounce Toronto as 'Toe-Ron-Toe'. It’s more like 'Churronno'.
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
People can pronounce it how they want. Either way is not wrong.
Lsai Aeon 3 years ago
Yeah, my Texas twang is gonna mess all the pronunciations up. I'm not trying to be rude and you're more than welcome to laugh at how badly I mess it up. I know my accent is going to butcher it, not much I can do about it. Besides I'd rather people around me be happy and laughing
StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
Tbh, it's understandable. Idk who really corrects anyone or gets that offended when someone from somewhere else in the world pronounces words differently. Some of us enjoy hearing different accents.
Load More Replies... Nancy Jeckells 3 years ago
If you pronounce it properly, as in Toe Ron Toe, you're not from there. If you pronounce it like Tronna, you're a real Torontonian !
#58
Toilets here can/can't flush the same things as in other countries, so just be aware of that.
SilentBob731 3 years ago
Nope, you have to take it home with you and flush it there. It's a national law. ;-)
Load More Replies... Spittnimage 3 years ago
Isn't anybody going to screech about the amount of water in the toilet bowl like you do about the US.
#59
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.
julie son 3 years ago
Where in Canada is not required to properly learn how to drive. This is an absurd statement!
Requiem 3 years ago
hes an idiot with a bike who got hit by a car for doing what I stated above. Stay away from the big heavy vroom vrooms and you will live to see another day
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MyOpinionHasBeenServed 3 years ago
What you do is make sure you have eye contact with the driver and you know they can see you. Put your arm out so they know you intend on crossing.
Jennifer Lynn 3 years ago
I think it's more you learn to drive and take a test in a small town which has 2 streets and a stop sign, then go to a city and have never seen/driven when there are bike lanes, roundabouts, traffic circles, multiple turning lanes, etc.
Requiem 3 years ago
cars dont understand cyclists because cyclists think they can go from driving on the road very slowly in the middle of the lane and than switch to the cross walk at red lights. YES WE DRIVE JUST FINE NUMPTY,
Cathy 3 years ago
Oh over here (Netherlands) the rule is that cyclists and scooters and e-bikes etc should drive in the middle of the road otherwise it is dangerous 🤔
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Becky Moore 3 years ago
What do they mean you don't have to properly learn to drive?! That seems ridiculous & dangerous!
SilentBob731 3 years ago
"in Canada it's not required to properly learn how to drive, like in Europe." Who's the sanctimonious sack of monkey sh*t who wrote this?
What do you think ?
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
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.
- 3 years ago
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. :)
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PSimms 3 years ago
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.
Kurtis Wethington 3 years ago
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.
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
Ah, brings back memories. Grew up on the border. Nice day? Bundle up, you'll die in a few hours when it changes.
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Squish y 3 years ago
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
Catherine Côté 3 years ago
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.
LOttawa 3 years ago (edited)
I would say that, some wanted the independence, most didn't (2 failed referendum).
Load More Replies... StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
It is a for-profit thrift store, after all. Haven't been there since before they got rid of their dollar days.
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1Dpanda🇨🇦 3 years ago
Also please never call our food, like poutine, gross if you have never tried it.
joop 3 years ago
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... Khobie Alexander 3 years ago
This list is NOT a Canada only list. So much of it applies to anywhere and North America as a whole.
- 3 years ago (edited)
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... Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
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.
- 3 years ago
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... PSimms 3 years ago
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.
Kurtis Wethington 3 years ago
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.
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
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... Squish y 3 years ago
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
Catherine Côté 3 years ago
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.
LOttawa 3 years ago (edited)
I would say that, some wanted the independence, most didn't (2 failed referendum).
Load More Replies... StarmanWaitingInTheSky 3 years ago
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... 1Dpanda🇨🇦 3 years ago
Also please never call our food, like poutine, gross if you have never tried it.
joop 3 years ago
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... Khobie Alexander 3 years ago
This list is NOT a Canada only list. So much of it applies to anywhere and North America as a whole.
- 3 years ago (edited)
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.).
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