Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Canada. While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in Canada, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do during your Canada vacation!
Don’t Compare Canada to the United States
Yes, the US and Canada are similar in many ways, our love of Kraft and great comedians for example. However, don’t call Canada the 51st state, or say Canadians and Americans are the same. This won’t make you any friends in Canada, as they are proud of their individual culture and heritage. And you will definitely find quite a few differences (and similarities) while you are there.
Ten Ways the USA and Canada are Similar
Don’t Use a Canadian Accent
People (Americans) love to mimic the Canadian accent (eh, buddy, what are you talking aboot, etc.), but don’t do it. It’s rude and the Canadians won’t appreciate it any more than you would appreciate having someone mock your accent. Unless you are traveling to remote regions and very small towns, that stereotypical Canadian accent isn’t really something you’re going to hear as much as you would think if your Canada travel preparations are just watching Strange Brew.
Don’t Line Jump
Canadians are pretty polite overall, and that means they respect the line and don’t skip ahead of others. Line jumpers are not appreciated in Canada and it’s considered rude, so make sure you are following the locals and waiting your turn.
Don’t Rush on Public Transportation
Along with that Canadian politeness, it’s also considered rude to rush on to the train or bus as soon as it arrives. This isn’t other countries where there is a lack of space; you can let all of the passengers off before you board the bus. Canadians are quite civilized, so there’s no need to rush the people who are trying to exit.
Don’t Expect to Hear Much French Outside of Quebec
Although French is an official language of Canada, it’s not widely spoken outside of Quebec and the nearby provinces. French is more common in the eastern areas of Canada, but you aren’t likely to hear any French if you are in Vancouver or in the western provinces. New Brunswick and Ontario will give you some French practice too if you are looking to brush up.
Differences between Canadian French and French in France
Don’t Forget Your Basic Travel Safety Rules
Canada as a whole is a pretty safe travel destination. But there are basic travel safety precautions you should use anywhere you travel, even in Canada. The larger cities of Canada have some undesirable neighborhoods that you should try to avoid. Ask your hotel if there are any places you should not go.
Don’t Feed the Animals
Canada has a lot of amazing parks and wildlife, which is a big reason people visit Canada. You are bound to see a lot of cool animals in Canada, and you may even see other tourists feeding them. But don’t even be tempted. It’s a good way to get hurt yourself, and it’s not good for wild animals to become accustomed to humans and human food.
Don’t Forget to Take Advantage of Gas Stations
Canada is also known for wide-open spaces, and if you are driving through Canada, you should plan to take advantage of the gas stations and rest stops when you see them. I always fill up when I can because you just never know when the next gas station will be. And sometimes there is a Tim Horton’s at that rest area/gas station.
Don’t Miss Out on Tim Horton’s
Tim Horton’s is a Canadian legend. It’s a fast food place/coffee shop/donut shop/Canada, but so much more and is one of the best places to visit in Canada. They are often found along the highway, making a perfect place for a rest stop. They have sandwiches, coffee, and donuts that are all really tasty. Don’t forget to grab some Tim-Bits for the road! And if you are not road tripping through Canada do not worry. Tim Horton’s can be found in towns and cities as well. Though many locals will tell you to visit local coffee shops instead.
Don’t Eat at International Chains in Canada
Sure, you can get Pizza Hut and Subway in Canada, but Canada has its own chains (like Tim Horton’s) to check out, plus all the great mom and pop restaurants. Some of the other chains we like are Swiss Chalet and Harvey’s, and of course, Tim Horton’s. Canada has a really diverse mix of immigrants, so the food is great everywhere you go. Make sure you try poutine at least once, and beaver tails are a sweet treat the whole family will love.
Don’t Forget to Tip Your Waiter
When you eat at a sit-down restaurant in Canada, it is customary to tip them 15-20%. You don’t need to tip at a fast food place, but if you have a server taking your order and bringing your food, you should expect to tip them. And you know they will be nice anyway as they are Canadians after all.
Don’t Expect to Pay the Sticker Price
Canada charges a sales tax, and it varies by province and city. Just like in the US, there’s a provincial tax, a goods and service tax, and so on. So, if the item you are purchasing has a tag for $10, you will end up paying $11.50 or $12.00, depending on where you are in Canada. The tax added on to your purchases will be different by province so do take care.
Don’t Miss the National Parks in Canada
Not only does Canada have diverse cultures, but the landscape as you travel across Canada is amazing and diverse. Wherever you are staying, if you see that there’s a National Park or a Provincial Park nearby, don’t miss it! Experiencing nature and wildlife is one of the best things to do in Canada. Canadian cities are fantastic, but the real beauty lies in the natural areas of Canada.
Don’t Freak Out About the Prices
If you watch HGTV, you know that prices in Canada are insane. However, this mostly applies to real estate. Traveling to Canada isn’t necessarily expensive. It’s not a budget destination, but I find the prices in Canada to be comparable to the US or Western Europe.
Don’t Throw Away Canadian Coins
In Canada, the coins go up to two dollars, so they are more valuable than American coins. You can actually buy something with your Loonies and Toonies in Canada, so pay attention to what coins you have before tossing them out or giving them away.
Don’t Forget Your Manners
This really applies anytime you are traveling or at home, but Canadians are known for being polite. You’ll hear “sorry” more times than you can count and you’ll find yourself saying it a lot more after a few days in Canada.
Don’t Think Canada is All Ice and Snow
Many people tend to think of Canada as the Great White North, covered in ice and snow. Yes, some areas are cold and icy, especially in the winter. However, we spent a summer exploring Canada and we had great weather that was warm and sunny. We even spent a few days at the beach!
We love to visit Canada and find it to be an excellent family travel destination. When you do visit, don’t forget to chat with the locals! I hope this helps you known some of the things to avoid doing when you visit Canada. Looking for more of our Canada vacation tips? Check out these blog posts!
