Local Customs

Customs in Canada

It has been muted that friendliness is Canada’s greatest export. Canadians are known for their ever-obliging, generous and hospitable nature. They are generally very patriotic and perhaps given their abundance of stunning natural resources, great lovers of the outdoors. They have an adventurous spirit – be it snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, snowplowing, kayaking – they’ll be into it. French Canadians are particularly passionate, creative and vibrant, living up to similar characteristics to their forebears.

Tipping is a common practice in Canada. Tips or service charges are not usually added to restaurant bills in Canada, but server salaries are based on the assumption that staff will receive a good proportion of income in tips. Some restaurants will also place a mandatory service charge on a bill for large groups. In general, you should reward good service by tipping 15-20% of the total amount. Barbers, hairdressers and taxi drivers are usually tipped 15%. Bellhops, doormen, porters and other staff at hotels, airports and railway stations are generally tipped $1-$2 per item carried. Tipping the server both at the bar and at the table is common in Canadian bars and nightclubs.

The predominant religion in Canada is Roman Catholic (approximately 43%), followed by Protestant (29%).