Canada has an amazing reputation for being friendly and hospitable. In fact, so many people to Canada every year because of its amiability. With mesmerizing sceneries, rich wildlife, and , the country loves to host immigrants and tourists.
However, sometimes tourists are unaware of the cultural aspects and unwritten rules of the country. So, recently a Redditor turned to the r/AskACanadian community on Reddit and “I’m from The Netherlands and I was wondering if there were some things you shouldn’t do in Canada apart from the relatively obvious ones you shouldn’t do in any country.” Many Canadians replied to the post by sharing interesting things about their culture and lifestyle. Scroll below to find out some dos and don’ts for visiting Canada.
More info:
#1
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Don’t drive around your truck with a Canadian flag on it. You look like a Yank or an idiot or both.
#2
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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!
#3
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You may refer to us as Canadians or even North Americans. NEVER refer to us as just ‘Americans’. That’s the people to our south, not us.
Former Prime Minister of Canada, Paul Martin, once said “a big part of being Canadian, is that you’re not American”.
#4
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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.
#5
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Don’t leave your shoes on when you enter a house.
#6
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Don’t underestimate the geese. Canadian Geese are a**holes and will attack you if you go near them.
#7
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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.
#8
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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.
#9
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Don’t assume we are just like Americans or that everything is like America.
#10
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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’.
#11
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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.
#12
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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.
#13
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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.
#14
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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.
#15
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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.
#16
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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.
#17
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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.
#18
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Obvious one I guess but don’t refer to our indigenous population as Indians.
#19
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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.
#20
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Don’t assume everyone here is polite and nice. This country is full of horrible, racist, rude people.
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