What Not to Do in Canada

Canada brims with beauty and character from coast to coast. Its landscapes captivate travelers, with snow-capped peaks, sapphire lakes, cosmopolitan cities, and abundant wildlife. Canadians, famed worldwide for their politeness, warmth, and inclusive spirit, set the stage for memorable adventures. Yet, as with every destination, there are essential do’s and don’ts that visitors should know.

Understanding these will ensure your trip through Canada is respectful, enjoyable, and free of cultural missteps. Here’s an evocative guide to navigating Canada without crossing lines or running into unexpected trouble.

Respect the Wildlife: Keep Your Distance

Few places allow travelers to connect with nature quite like Canada. Majestic animals such as bears, elk, and moose often wander close enough for memorable photography. However, enthusiasm can quickly shift into danger if you fail to keep an appropriate distance.

A surprising number of visitors mistakenly leave their cars, cameras in hand, attempting selfies with wild bears or elk lounging near roadways. Beyond being illegal, approaching these creatures threatens both human and animal safety. Bears accustomed to human presence lose their natural wariness, increasing the risk of harmful encounters and ultimately jeopardizing their lives. Parks Canada advises clearly: remain in your vehicle and quietly observe from afar.

The allure of wildlife extends beyond bears. Canada’s squirrels, deer, chipmunks, and birds may appear harmless, even charming, but feeding these animals even accidentally has lasting repercussions. Feeding wildlife disrupts natural feeding habits and makes animals dependent on humans for food. Over time, animals lose fear, venture into roads, or approach dangerous human environments. Responsible travelers ensure that wildlife remains wild, untouched by snacks or breadcrumbs.

Be Bear Aware: Preparation Saves Lives

Canada’s mountains and forests invite outdoor enthusiasts from around the globe, particularly in celebrated regions like Banff, Jasper, and the Icefields Parkway. But spectacular scenery conceals genuine risk. Travelers venturing into these landscapes must take bear safety seriously.

Always carry bear spray and understand its proper use. Campers must diligently store food and scented items like toothpaste and toiletries in secure, bear-proof containers. Leaving garbage out or improperly storing food attracts bears into campsites, endangering not just campers but also the animals themselves. Authorities use a strict three-strike system: a bear repeatedly attracted to human habitats may ultimately face relocation or worse, euthanasia. Taking the necessary precautions shows respect and care for Canada’s remarkable wildlife.

Mind Your Manners: Don’t Forget to Tip

Canadian etiquette places significant importance on tipping, particularly in restaurants, cafes, bars, and service industries. Travelers unfamiliar with North American tipping customs sometimes unintentionally offend their servers or hospitality workers by leaving insufficient gratuities or none at all.

Standard tipping practice across Canada ranges between 15-20% of the pre-tax bill. Taxi drivers expect a 10-15% tip, hotel porters generally receive $2-5 per bag, and housekeeping staff appreciates similar recognition each night of your stay. Guides, hairdressers, and spa employees also expect gratuities around 15-20%. Skipping the tip may appear frugal but will seem thoughtless, impacting those who rely heavily on these contributions.

Canada is Distinct: Never Call Canadians Americans

One quick way to offend your Canadian hosts involves lumping them together with their southern neighbors. Canadians pride themselves on cultural, historical, and political distinctions that define their identity. Though similarities do exist, Canadians value their separate nationality fiercely. Visitors will find quick forgiveness for small slip-ups, but mistakenly referring to Canadians as Americans rarely receives an amused response.

Navigating the Cultural Landscape: Indigenous Respect

Canada’s identity proudly includes its rich Indigenous history. Travelers who respect Indigenous cultures significantly enhance their own experience and understanding of Canada. However, visitors should carefully avoid insensitive language or generalizations. Terms such as “Indian,” “Eskimo,” or even “Native American” can be considered outdated or disrespectful. Instead, referencing specific tribal names or simply using “Indigenous peoples” or “First Nations” shows awareness and respect.

Additionally, visitors should approach conversations about Canada’s complex colonial past carefully, particularly with Indigenous communities. Many Canadian museums and cultural centers thoughtfully document this history. Travelers benefit from learning there, avoiding inadvertent offense through uninformed remarks.

Tim Hortons is Sacred: Critique with Care

Tim Hortons holds a special place in Canada’s heart. Founded by a legendary hockey player, this ubiquitous chain has become synonymous with daily life and Canadian culture. From bustling cities to quiet towns, Tim Hortons appears around nearly every corner, serving up coffee, doughnuts, and Canadian comfort. Even if the coffee isn’t your cup of tea or you find the pastries average, openly criticizing Tim Hortons is rarely met with appreciation. Canadians may joke internally, but it remains a beloved cultural institution worthy of respectful acknowledgment.

Leave Your Shoes at the Door

Canadian households commonly practice removing shoes when entering a home. Guests who trudge through living rooms or hallways in muddy boots or wet sneakers will quickly feel the polite, silent judgment reserved for cultural faux pas. The tradition protects clean floors and carpets from Canada’s often wet, snowy climate. Hosts may offer slippers or indicate politely where shoes should remain. A simple question when entering—“Would you like me to remove my shoes?”—sets a positive tone for your visit.

Weather Wisdom: Expect the Unexpected

Canada’s weather defies assumptions. Travelers often envision consistent sunshine during summer months, yet mountain climates notoriously change without warning. You might find yourself hiking under sunny skies one hour and seeking shelter from icy rain the next. Always carry layers and waterproof clothing, especially when exploring mountainous areas like the Canadian Rockies. Winter also demands respect, with temperatures dipping far below freezing, often reaching extremes of minus 40°C or colder. Underestimating Canada’s climate quickly turns adventures uncomfortable or even dangerous.

Border Preparedness: Don’t Underestimate Security

Canada’s border security maintains strict rules and diligent screening. Visitors sometimes assume entry will be swift and straightforward, but failing to prepare properly can result in delays or denial. Ensure your travel documents such as passports, visas, identification are current and complete. Declare any cash amounts over $10,000 CAD, as well as food or goods requiring disclosure. Be aware that prior criminal records, even seemingly minor offenses, can bar travelers from entry without special permission. Politeness and honesty go far at the border, smoothing your entry.

Transport Etiquette: Wait Your Turn

Public transportation in major Canadian cities—Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal—becomes crowded during rush hour. A social expectation exists that passengers exiting buses, trams, or trains be allowed to do so fully before newcomers board. Visitors unfamiliar with this protocol may unwittingly commit a major faux pas, pushing forward while locals exit. A short pause, allowing others off first, showcases courtesy greatly appreciated in Canadian urban settings.

Mind Your Maple Syrup and Poutine Opinions

Two culinary symbols define Canadian cuisine: maple syrup and poutine. Criticism or dismissive remarks about either food will rarely win favor. Maple syrup, traditionally harvested by Indigenous peoples and now predominantly produced in Quebec, remains a national pride. Poutine, hot fries topped with cheese curds and rich gravy, represents comfort food at its most indulgent. Even travelers hesitant to sample these items should approach their opinions tactfully or remain diplomatically silent.

Keep Canada Beautiful: No Littering Allowed

Canada’s reputation for natural splendor thrives because travelers and locals uphold rigorous cleanliness standards. Littering, even inadvertently, can result in significant fines. Visitors should pack out trash from campsites, parks, beaches, and trails. Ensuring no trace remains behind preserves Canada’s pristine landscapes for future generations.

Adventure Responsibly: Respect Hunting and Fishing Laws

Canada offers remarkable fishing and hunting experiences, subject to strict licensing requirements. Tourists must acquire appropriate permits before participating. Neglecting to follow these rules could result in substantial fines or even criminal penalties. Responsible adventuring ensures safe, lawful, and enjoyable experiences for everyone.

Canada generously offers travelers experiences filled with natural wonders, cultural richness, and genuine warmth. By knowing what actions to avoid, visitors can engage thoughtfully with this remarkable nation, ensuring memories remain positive for all involved. With awareness, courtesy, and respect, Canada’s charm unfolds gracefully, offering unforgettable moments in every province and territory.