Canada is one of the most egalitarian countries in the world, with a strong French and English influence. If you believe in stereotypes, then Canada is a land of politeness, poutine, and apologies, a country where people hate arguments. However, this doesn’t mean that they can never get annoyed or find anything rude. And why would you want to annoy some of the coolest people on Earth?
So, if you are ready to excel in the next step of your career and are planning to study in Canada, there are several customs and unwritten rules of etiquette you should be aware of. In this blog, we will provide a comprehensive guide to manners and etiquette that students should be aware of while studying in Canada.
Table of contents
Also, Check out 100 Interesting Facts about Canada! In one of the most interesting blogs about Canada.
Greetings Etiquette
How you greet someone is one of the most important things you do. It leaves a lasting impression on the mind of the person you are meeting. It doesn’t matter in which country you are, you should be aware of basic greeting etiquette like how to shake hands, how to make eye contact, and how to answer back when someone greets you. Let’s point out some of the greeting etiquette to be followed in Canada.
- Canadians are quite particular about the etiquette to be followed while greeting each other. An introduction is one of the most important things to strike up in any conversation. In your stays in student accommodation in Canada, initiate your conversation by shaking hands and introducing yourself.
- While sitting in the room, there are basic etiquette rules which should be followed, like whenever women enter or leave the room, the men should stand.
- Generally, kissing on the hands or cheeks is a polite way of greeting each other. The elderly people prefer to kiss the woman’s hands, and she should accept it with politeness.
- Canadians prefer calling friends and family by their first names, but for strangers and known people, they prefer calling them by their last names. They are very particular about academic titles and degrees.
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Basic Etiquette
There is a set of basic etiquette which should be followed irrespective of the country you are in. The most important of them are being punctual, being hygienic, and using humble words like please and sorry. These are some of the basic things that are expected in Canada as well.
- There are several questions that you can’t ask women, like the age or weight of the women. However, it is equally important to respect the privacy of men as well.
- Asking about salary or age from men is considered as poking your nose in somebody’s private matters. Apart from this, questions like those enquiring about the relationship status or marriage life should also be avoided.
- The people of Canada don’t feel comfortable sharing their political inclinations or ideologies. Avoid investigating political affiliations as it may lead to hot talks. Also, don’t disclose your political liking or disliking, whatever the situation may be.
- While walking on the road, several etiquettes should be kept in mind, irrespective of the country you are in. Spitting in public is considered rude. So, better to avoid spitting in public places.
- Clearing of the throat loudly annoys people in Canada. It is better to avoid public places. Move to the nearest washroom or a private place if it is required to do so.
- There are basic etiquette rules while being in restaurants. You should never yell at the waiters or waitresses hosting you in the restaurants; rather, nod or raise your hand to call over the waiter. You can also gently say “Excuse me” as they pass by.
Visiting Etiquette
It is mandatory to have some basic etiquette while visiting someone, stranger or known. First and foremost, the etiquette of visiting is that the host person should be aware and well-informed about your visiting details.
- Canadians are very particular about timing and schedules. Reaching on time is also preferred by them and is considered polite behaviour. Being 15 minutes late, with information conveyed to the host, is quite okay, but being late after 15 minutes is considered a rude and irresponsible attitude. Also, Canadians don’t like it if you reach earlier. In this case, 15 minutes is okay, but more than that is considered presumptuous.
- If you are taking someone along and the host is not informed about that, be ready to face the heat. Taking someone along, that too without any prior information, is considered rude and annoying. Always inform and get permission regarding your companion.
- The shoes should be taken off at a certain place. Always inquire about the place to take off your shoes. Never enter the living area with your shoes on.
Dining and Eating Etiquette
Dining etiquette is something which should be followed in whichever country you are in. Canadians generally follow a three-meals-a-day schedule, which may vary from family to family. If you are invited for lunch or dinner, always be on time.
- Don’t assume that the person who called you up will be clearing all the bills. If he does not specify that he is going to pay, never consider the bill on his side. While dining in groups, it is acceptable to pay for the individual on the basis of your order.
- Notifying prior to billing is important. If you are invited to a pub, it is expected that each person will pay for a round of drinks. Never neglect your round of payment, as it is considered rude.
- Generally, table manners are quite relaxed and informal in Canada. Never call a waiter by shouting or yelling. To call a waiter in Quebec, quietly say “Monsieur” or “S’il vous plate.” When calling a waitress, “Mademoiselle” is the word you can use.
- The fork is always held in the left hand, and the knife should be in your right hand. Eating while walking or standing is considered rude and ill-mannered. You should not speak while eating; finish off the food in your mouth first, then only speak.
- Always remember that normally the host offers the first toast. So don’t begin until the host or hostess starts. Also, never rest your elbows on the table.
- If you are invited to someone’s home, try helping the host in arranging and placing the food on the table. Also, offer help in cleaning the table after eating. Always enquire first before entering the kitchen, generally, Canadians find it quite rude to enter the kitchen before any for permission or getting information.
Tipping Etiquette
Tipping Etiquette is something which is expected by the person who is hosting your party. There are several etiquette rules which you should follow in Canada.
- The restaurants generally don’t include service charges in the bill. So, service attendants generally expect tips from the visitors.
- Canadians usually tip 15-20% of the cost of the meal, which may vary depending on the quality of food and services offered.
- Taxi drivers, hairdressers and barbers also expect 15-20% tip percentages. Bellhops or valet parkers only expect about USD 1 as a tip.
Gifts Etiquette
Gifts are basically a sweet gesture which actually strengthens the bond and relationship between the two. There are some etiquette tips which should be followed while giving gifts to each other in Canada.
- CAD 25 is a modest value to offer as a gift to someone. Generally, the gifts should be opened in front of the givers, when it is received. Canadians generally exchange gifts on birthdays and at Christmas.
- Sending flowers is one of the most important and best protocols Canadians follow. In Quebec, flowers are commonly sent to the host before holding dinner parties. Never send white lilies to anyone as it is sent at the funeral.
- When you are invited by a Canadian to their home, always bring a gift, which may include chocolates or a bottle of wine. Token gifts are preferred when visiting each other’s home. Also, Canadians find it rude to accept cash or money as a gift.
Understanding manners and etiquette in Canada is essential for blending into the culture and making a good impression. Canadians value politeness, respect, and inclusivity in daily interactions. Whether it’s greeting people, tipping at restaurants, or following social norms, being mindful of etiquette helps you adapt smoothly and build positive relationships.
FAQS
Canadians value politeness, respect, and friendliness. Saying “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry” is common. People respect personal space and follow queues properly. Punctuality is important in social and professional settings.
The basic tips you should consider before moving to Canada are:
– When in Quebec, learn a little French as Québécois appreciate it when you speak French.
– Never use the term “Native Americans” as they don’t like their comparison with the United States.
– Never participate in debates about contentious national issues.
The basic tips that you should follow being in Canada include:
– Try dressing in modest clothes, as Québécois generally dress decently and conservatively.
– Women should wear conservative suits or dresses and avoid revealing clothes.
– Men should wear suits and ties for business meetings.
There are various gestures which you should always avoid in Canada. These basic gestures include:
– Some of the bad gestures like raising the middle finger, should be avoided.
– A thumbs down is a mild gesture of disapproval.
– Placing elbows on the table while eating is considered rude in formal settings.
– Eating with an open mouth is not a good gesture.
– Speaking while eating is considered gross.
– Always cover your mouth while yawning.
– Never point fingers at strangers.
– Staring at strangers is considered rude and a form of leering.
Canadians celebrate birthdays and holidays with family and friends. They respect cultural diversity, so different traditions are welcomed. Public holidays like Canada Day and Thanksgiving are widely observed.
Canadians respect public spaces and avoid loud conversations. Littering is frowned upon. People wait in lines and hold doors open for others. Saying “excuse me” when passing someone is polite.
Students are expected to participate in discussions, be punctual, and respect different opinions. Asking questions is encouraged. It’s important to call professors by their title unless told otherwise.
Canadians respect different opinions, but political and religious discussions can be sensitive. It’s best to avoid such topics in casual conversations unless you know the other person well.
Canadians prefer to resolve conflicts calmly and respectfully. Aggressive arguments are avoided. Apologizing and finding a middle ground are common ways to handle disagreements.
Yes, tipping is a common practice in Canada. In restaurants, a tip of 15–20% of the bill is expected. Taxi drivers, hairdressers, and hotel staff also appreciate tips.
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