Canada has refined many small systems you take for granted that make life run a lot smoother.
Tough money
Canadian bills are made of a durable plastic that never rips or tears. Even if they go through the wash by accident, they come out looking new. Each bill is also a different shade of color, making them easy to identify without reading the numbers.
Fair pricing
While there is sales tax added at checkout, calculations in Canada are fairly standardized. You don’t have to pay thousands of localized unexpected fees. When buying groceries or stopping for coffee, the price advertised is usually the price at the register.
Snow driving
Canada does not stop for snow. The roads and sidewalks get cleared and salted so quickly that life can function normally.
Every Canadian also knows how to drive in snow with an ineffable calm that most foreigners don’t possess.
Friendly banking
Canada’s banking system is simple and united. All of the big banks communicate with each other, so if you want to send money to your friend, all you need is their email address for the transfer.
There are no additional apps to download or waiting days for it to reach your friend’s account. It’s fast, secure, and universal.
Polite transit
Canadian buses and subway cars almost always have an implicit rule of politeness.
Riders typically allow others to exit before they enter, and it’s common to hear riders loudly thanking the driver upon departing. Pausing for a moment of kindness goes a long way in an overcrowded city.
Bagged milk
If you haven’t tried it before, milk in bags seems incredibly odd. It actually takes up less space and plastic than bulky milk jugs, and it lasts longer because you only open one small pouch at a time.
Get yourself a plastic pitcher to store it in, and you’ll wonder how you lived without it.
Organized groceries
Shopping at a grocery store just feels less hectic. Many chains allow you to bag your own groceries, allowing the cashier to scan items much quicker than if they bagged for you.
There is also an emphasis on quality store-brand products, so you don’t have to spend extra for a well-known name.
International cuisine
Because Canada is so multicultural, your average grocery store will have an extensive selection of international foods.
Fresh, high-quality spices, sauces, snacks, and ingredients from every corner of the world line the regular aisles. Exploring unique flavors becomes part of your normal grocery run.
Simple signage
As Canada is officially bilingual, signage has to be extremely easy to read. There is a heavy emphasis on symbol and pictogram signage that anyone can understand, regardless of language. Hospitals and airports use icons that are simplified so you can’t really get lost.
Futuristic libraries
Libraries in Canada go way beyond books on shelves. They’re modern spaces you can go to 3D print something, use recording studios, and borrow DVDs and video games for free. They feel open to everyone and truly attempt to serve the needs of the community.
Mixed measurements
Canadian measurements are the best of both systems. They use Celsius because it makes sense that 0 is freezing but will display Fahrenheit temperatures in an oven. Distances are technically in kilometres, but will usually be defined by how long it takes to get somewhere.
Personal space
Canadians are very polite when it comes to personal space. If someone brushes up against you or steps too close, they will often apologize. There is mutual respect when walking through crowded spaces that makes the city feel less hectic.
Winterwear
Canada cares about staying warm over dressing up. You won’t feel bad wearing a giant winter parka and boots to a nice restaurant or job interview. Canadians know how to layer clothes to stay cozy and have mastered the art of looking professional while still being warm.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.