Cultural No-Nos And Taboos In Canada You Must Know

With lots of opportunities and a diverse melting pot culture, Canada is a top choice of study destination for students from all over the world.

If you’ve been planning to head to the Great White North to further your studies, it helps to learn more about important things such as cultural taboos. After all, you don’t want to unnecessarily get yourself into trouble.

From not forgetting to leave your waiter a 15% tip to conversation topics to avoid, here’s a list of cultural taboos you should take note of before going over!

7 Cultural Taboos To Avoid Living While Living In Canada

1. Avoid Pointing & Staring At Strangers

Once in a while, you may use your index finger to point at objects. However, be careful to not use it all the time and definitely avoid pointing and staring at people. This is because it is considered rude and a form of leering.

Also, even though in some countries it is considered “peace” to make a “V” sign with your index and middle fingers, this isn’t the case in Canada.

Doing this sign might offend people so be sure to keep this in mind even when you’re posing for photos!

2. Do Not Forget To Tip At Least 15%

It might be a habit to leave the restaurant without tipping after getting the bill.

However, during your stay in Canada, it is crucial to remember to tip your waiter at least 15% of the bill. Failing to tip or under-tipping is considered extremely rude and will be noticed immediately. When in doubt, it is better to over-tip than under-tip.

Apart from restaurant staff, other professions that expect tips include taxi drivers, bellhops, pizza delivery men and hairdressers, among others.

3. Avoid Talking About Politics, Religion Or Sex

While politics, religion or sex can make for interesting conversation topics, these are three topics that are off-limits in Canada!

For starters, Canadians consider politics a very private matter.

With varying views on government principles and programs such as taxes, gun ownership, drug legalization and more, sharing strong opinions on such topics publicly is perceived as an invitation for argument, which Canadians find insensitive.

Like politics, sex is also considered very private, and in some contexts, sexually explicit conversation is actually illegal and can be grounds for a lawsuit! Hence, avoid engaging in discussions of your own or others’ bedroom habits and interests.

Religious views are rarely discussed openly in Canada due to the widely different beliefs and opinions on life and society. Having said that, Canadians are usually fine when it comes to openly self-identifying as a member of a certain faith.

However, attempting to explain your religious belief in any uninvited setting is deemed irritating and self-righteous.

4. Do Not Be Rude Or Confrontational

No one (we’re pretty sure that includes you too) likes to deal with a rude or confrontational person.

In the event you’re triggered for whatever reason, take a deep breath and avoid becoming argumentative or rude.

When you approach the conversation with openness and calmness, Canadians are more likely to engage with you and remain respectful.

5. Do Not Be Late

It is pretty much universal to be punctual or even a little early when showing up for social gatherings or business meetings. After all, this suggests that you respect others’ time.

In Canada, this is no exception. However, one thing to take note of is that being early for more than 15 minutes is considered presumptuous as they are very much literal about time and schedules – so they truly mean 5:00 pm on the dot when they say 5:00pm.

If you happen to be running late, it helps to give a head’s up and show up 15 minutes late at the maximum. Anything beyond that without an explanation or apology is considered rude.

6. Do Not Publicly Display Anger

In most countries, it is better to settle disputes in private rather than in a public space. After all, causing a scene can be disruptive to those trying to go about their day.

Canada is no exception to this, with Canadians mostly not raising their voices or crying in public. Thus, it helps to follow suit and avoid public displays of anger or any other emotions that might cause a social distraction.

7. Do Not Be Stingy When It Comes To Gift Giving

In general, Canadians give gifts on occasions such as birthdays and Christmas.

In the event you’re invited to someone’s home for a meal, make sure you bring along flowers, a box of chocolates or a bottle of wine.

If you’re in Quebec, it helps to know that you should send flowers before the dinner party in advance. Also, if you’re opting to give wine, it should be of the highest quality you can afford.

Two things to absolutely avoid giving are white lilies and cash.

Successfully Pursue Your Studies In Canada With IDP

Have you been thinking of heading to the Great White North for the next chapter of your studies?

If so, it’s time to take the next step toward turning your dreams into reality!

At IDP, we have a team of qualified education counsellors who can offer valuable advice and help navigate the application process with you – so that you choose the best course that is aligned with your career goals.

Fill out the form to get started with your free counselling session today!