Here are 10 timeless Canadian etiquette rules that prove your nana was right all along.
Removing shoes
No matter where you live in Canada, it is likely that there is mud, snow, or slush on the ground most of the year. Removing your shoes at the door is a sign of respect.
Even if someone insists you keep your shoes on when you arrive at their house, the polite thing to do in Canada is to insist on removing them anyway. Your hosts will appreciate that you care about their hard work, keeping their home clean and cozy during our brutal winters.
Apologizing
It’s no secret that Canadians say sorry way too much. In Canada, sorry doesn’t always mean that you are wrong or apologize for a mistake. Canadians say sorry to show empathy or acknowledge that everyone is involved in an awkward situation.
If someone bumps into you at the grocery store, you both may say sorry even if it was clearly their fault. Basically, Canadians say sorry to keep things running smoothly and ensure our communal spaces stay neighbourly.
Queue
A queue means something in Canada. Your nana probably taught you that skipping ahead in line is about the rudest thing you can do in Canada.
Whether you’re waiting for the bus after school in below-zero temperatures or waiting for your morning coffee, you wait your turn.
Trying to cut in line is basically telling everyone around you that your time is more important than theirs. Being willing to wait patiently and hold your spot shows that you respect Canadian ideals of fairness and order.
Double-Doubles
“If anyone wants something, let me know,” were Nana’s words every time she left to grab coffee. Canadians go by the rule that if you’re going to the local coffee shop, you should always ask if anyone else wants anything.
Canadians just have a group-first mentality when it comes to buying treats. Buying for others is a way of looking out for your group and making sure no one is left out.
Doors
Door holding is practically Canada’s national sport, and your Nana probably made sure you looked behind you for at least ten feet.
In many places, people only hold the door if someone is right there, but Canadians wait an extra second or two to catch the person coming up behind them.
When you hold a stranger’s door, you’re taking a moment out of your day to recognize they exist. It is a small gesture that will make everyone feel like they live in a friendly and helpful country.
Names
Speaking to someone using their name is one of the tried-and-true methods of making someone feel unique. Whether it’s the cashier at your local store or someone you have just met, using their name instantly lets them know that you see them as a person.
In other words, you have made exchanging goods and services a personal interaction. Remembering that little bit of effort to use someone’s name is old-fashioned Canadian kindness.
Driving
Speaking of driving, zipper merging (where traffic alternates taking turns from each lane) is huge in Canada. Being a zipper on the highway is the only fair way to keep traffic running smoothly.
Blaring your horn is also incredibly rude in Canada unless it’s an emergency. Being a considerate driver means having patience for the person who missed their exit in the snow and always waving thanks to someone if they let you into their lane.
Volume
Your nana probably taught you to keep your voice down in public. Whether you’re in the library or the quiet car on the train, shouting into your phone is rude.
Canadians will do their best to keep their voice down and their personal conversations private when around strangers.
Drawing attention to yourself is considered making a scene. Keep your volume down, and your neighbours will know that you respect their right to quiet peace of mind.
Thanking
A simple thank you will do, but your nana may have taught you the wave of Gratitude. You’ll see this often when someone lets you off at your bus stop or stops at a crosswalk for you.
It’s common courtesy in Canada to wave or shout thank you to your bus driver before you get off at your stop through the back door. Not only does it let that person know they’re helping you, but they are also doing you a favour by doing their job or keeping you safe.
Neighbors
Meeting your neighbors might be the first Canadian rule you learned. When Nana saw someone working on their front lawn or shoveling their driveway, she would say hello. Walking right past your neighbor is considered rude.
Canadians believe that saying hi to your neighbors is how we build good communities. Making the effort to say hi might just make you some new friends (and trustworthy neighbours).
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.