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Basic Etiquette

• Politeness is highly valued in Canadian society. It is customary to say “please” when making requests and “thank you” when receiving help. Canadians also frequently say “sorry” in minor social situations, even when they are not at fault. In these contexts, “sorry” often serves as an expression of courtesy or acknowledgement rather than a genuine apology, helping to ease minor social awkwardness and keep interactions moving smoothly.
• It is generally considered impolite to ask direct questions about a person’s salary, wealth, weight, or age. Questions about romantic relationships or political views (e.g. voting preferences) may also be seen as an invasion of privacy unless there is an established relationship and they have indicated that such topics are acceptable to discuss.
• When someone is using an ATM, it is customary to stand back and avoid looking at the screen to protect their privacy.
• If there is a queue, wait your turn in line rather than trying to move ahead.
• It is common to hold doors open for others, including strangers, and to say “excuse me,” “sorry,” or “I’m just going to squeeze by” when passing someone in a crowded space.
• When trying to attract the attention of a waiter or other service staff, avoid shouting or waving. Instead, wait until they make eye contact, then politely raise your hand, nod, or say “excuse me” as they pass.
• Excessively loud or disruptive behaviour in public is often viewed negatively. Yelling, aggressive conduct, and strong emotional outbursts are not considered appropriate in most public settings.
• Loudly clearing one’s throat may be considered discourteous and can be perceived as antagonistic.
• Spitting in public is generally regarded as rude behaviour.
• Canadians are generally patient in everyday social situations and do not typically appear rushed or overly time-pressured in casual interactions. However, punctuality is highly valued, and people are generally expected to arrive on time for appointments and social engagements. Lateness can leave a negative impression. If a delay of 10–15 minutes or more is expected, it is considered courteous to notify the other person in advance.

Visiting and Eating

• Visits to someone’s home should be arranged in advance. Arriving without prior notice is generally discouraged.
• It is considered impolite to bring additional guests to a private home without checking with the host beforehand.
• If you are running more than about 10 minutes late to a small gathering, it is customary to inform the host.
• When entering a home, it is polite to ask whether you should remove your shoes.
• During shared meals, food is often passed around for each person to serve themselves. If you do not wish to take a particular dish, it is acceptable to simply pass it along.
• Basic table manners are expected. Speaking with one’s mouth full is generally regarded as impolite.
• If a host offers more food, it is acceptable to either accept or decline, depending on your appetite. Neither response is considered impolite.
• After a meal, it is considered polite to offer assistance with clearing or cleaning up.

Tipping

• In Canada, servers and service staff generally earn the provincial minimum wage. Tips are considered a customary way to recognise good service rather than a substitute for wages.
• At full-service restaurants, it is common to tip 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for good service, although some people tip 10–15% for satisfactory service or more for exceptional service. Leaving no tip at a full-service restaurant is generally reserved for cases of very poor service.
• Many card readers and payment terminals prompt customers to tip in settings where it is typically not expected, such as cafés, fast-food restaurants, or retail outlets. It is common for customers to decline these prompts without causing offence.
• Typical tips range from 10–20% depending on the quality of the service. Tipping $0 at a full-service restaurant usually only occurs in cases of extremely poor service.
• Tipping is also customary for services such as taxis, hairdressing, barbering, food delivery, and hotel services.
• Small tips (e.g. CAD $1–2 per bag) are common for bellhops, while valet attendants typically receive around CAD $2–5 when retrieving a vehicle.

Gift Giving

• Gifts are usually given on special occasions and are almost always accompanied by a card.
• People generally open gifts in front of the giver, either when they receive them or later alongside other presents.
• For occasions such as birthdays, weddings, or baby showers, gifts are typically chosen for their usefulness or meaning. The expected value varies depending on the relationship between the giver and recipient, but invitations to weddings and baby showers generally imply a closer relationship than those for casual social occasions. Handmade gifts are often appreciated.
• Cash gifts are common for weddings and other milestone celebrations and are generally considered appropriate, although some people prefer the thoughtfulness of a carefully chosen gift. Gift cards are also widely accepted, particularly when they reflect the recipient’s interests or needs.
• Gifts given outside of special occasions are often intended to express appreciation or celebrate a personal milestone. For example, someone may give sports tickets, take a person to a special restaurant, or offer another thoughtful gesture to thank them for a significant favour.
• When visiting someone’s home, it is common to bring a small token gift, such as wine, flowers, or chocolates.
• In Quebec, it is common to send flowers to the host before a dinner party. A bottle of good-quality wine is also considered an appropriate gift for the occasion.