Canada is an amazing country, both diverse and beautiful, with a unique culture and set of customs. Canadians are famous for their welcoming attitude and their polite way of life. Whether you are a visitor or a new resident, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the dos and don’ts to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
What to do in Canada:
Do learn about and respect Indigenous cultures. Canada has a long and complex history with Indigenous peoples, and it’s important to educate yourself about their cultures and traditions. This includes learning about First Nations, Inuits and Métis, as well as their language, customs, history, and showing respect for their land and cultural practices. It is no longer appropriate to call the Indigenous people “Natives” or “Indians”, so keep that in mind. This will allow you not only to fit in, but to discover a rich history.
Do plan your accommodation in advance. Finding an apartment in Canada can be tricky due to high demand, after all, a country so stunning is bound to be popular. To make things easier, use a property search engine such as Rentola, to search, filter and get an idea of what’s on offer in the area. With winters being cold in the country, find a well-insulated pad, to keep warm! Canada has plenty of cities to pick from as well as stunning rural areas.
Do use polite language and manners. Canadians are known for their politeness and friendly demeanor, and it’s important to show respect and appreciation for others. This includes using please and thank you, holding doors open for others, and standing in line patiently. This may seem quite simplistic, but not all cultures share these values, or emphasize them so much, so keep it in mind.
Do follow the law. Canada has strict laws and regulations, and it’s important to follow them to avoid any legal trouble. A few examples are respecting traffic laws, not carrying or consuming illegal substances, and respecting the rights of others. Whereas some countries are more relaxed with the consumption of Marijuana, it is not the case in Canada. It is also frowned upon to consume alcohol in public spaces such as the street or parks,even though this seems to be gaining popularity post pandemic.
Do be respectful of others’ personal space. Canadians generally value personal space and privacy, and it’s important to respect this. Make sure you avoid invading someone’s personal space, asking for permission before taking someone’s photograph, and not eavesdropping on conversations. This could rub the locals the wrong way, which is what you want to avoid. This doesn’t mean that Canadians are not open to getting to know visitors, but just display some restraint when it comes to strangers.
If working in Canada, make sure you greet everyone at the start of your day, otherwise you may be considered a bit rude! This may seem like a bit of an effort, but you soon get used to it and will end up enjoying this custom! Another tip is to arrive early for work. Canadians like punctuality, so keep that in mind.
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What not to do in Canada:
Don’t be too loud or boisterous in public. Canadians tend to be fairly reserved and value peace and quiet, especially in public spaces. It’s important to be mindful of this and avoid being too loud or disruptive in public places. This includes as mentioned, excessive alcohol consumption, not shouting in the metro or in a restaurant.
Don’t assume that everyone speaks English. While English is the dominant language in Canada, it’s important to remember that Canada is a bilingual country, and many people speak French as well. It’s also important to be respectful of the many other languages spoken in Canada and to try to communicate in a way that is inclusive and respectful.
Don’t assume that Canadian culture is the same as American culture. While there are certainly many similarities, Canada has its own unique culture and traditions. It’s important to be open-minded and respectful of these differences, and to avoid making assumptions based on stereotypes.
Don’t neglect to dress appropriately for the weather. Canada has a varied climate, and it’s important to be prepared for the weather. This includes dressing in layers and wearing appropriate clothing for the cold winters and hot summers. If going on a hike in the countryside, take all necessary precautions which include packing emergency food, extra layers, maps, charged phones and letting your friends and family know about the route you plan on taking.
Don’t assume that there will be cold weather all year round, summers can be very pleasant, so pack some t-shirts and shorts! In fact, packing sun cream is necessary in the height of summer.
By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay in Canada. Whether you are visiting or living in the country, it’s important to respect the customs and traditions of the people and to be mindful of your actions.
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Published by Holr Magazine.