Because of historic connections, diplomatic relations, military alliances, and Canada’s reputation abroad, these countries are especially welcoming towards Canadians.
The Netherlands
Relations between Canada and the Netherlands are deeply rooted in emotion. Canadian troops were pivotal during the bitter Liberation of the Netherlands. Canada offered sanctuary to the Dutch Royal Family while they were in exile in Ottawa.
Dutch appreciation for Canada’s help during that time still runs deep. Public gestures such as gifting Ottawa several thousand tulips each year are symbols of that gratitude, but it can also be witnessed by Canadians travelling in the Netherlands.
Belgium
The sacrifices paid by Canadian troops on Belgian soil during both world wars, from the mud and blood of the Flanders Fields and Ypres trenches during WWI to liberating the Scheldt estuary during WWII, created an everlasting bond between Belgium and Canada.
Any Canadian visitor traveling through these historic battle areas, especially those who are following in family footsteps or visiting a gravesite, will immediately receive special treatment from proud Belgians. Count on museum curators, your B&B host and even average citizens, opening their homes to share personal accounts and hospitality.
South Korea
Canada’s close ties with South Korea began during the Korean War, where over 26,000 Canadians served to help protect the Korean Peninsula. Since then, bilateral relations have grown into a mature partnership with large educational and cultural exchange programmes.
South Korea has been consistently ranked among the top countries in the world that young Canadian university graduates choose to travel to for teaching English. South Koreans think very highly of Canadians abroad because the tens of thousands of Canadians who have moved to Korea have earned an excellent reputation for being polite, hardworking, and flexible.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a world leader in sustainable practices, ecotourism and green living, so it makes sense that Canadian visitors would feel right at home. Costa Ricans (Ticos) value deeply what Canadians seek when it comes to community-minded living, conservation efforts and preserving our planet.
As many Canadian travellers aren’t the type to spend their vacation holed up in a large hotel-style all-inclusive resort (i.e. big business), but rather soak up the authentic experiences that align with their values (i.e. locally owned eco-friendly rainforest lodges, guided tours through coffee plantations, sea turtle sanctuaries), they have gained a well-deserved reputation as conscientious travellers.
Australia
Our mutual Commonwealth background, similar large and remote landscapes, and a shared dry sense of humour mean Aussies and Canadians typically get along instantly. The Australian government maintains this friendship by targeting Canadian youth with incredibly accessible and lenient Working Holiday Visas.
Thousands of Canadians fly to Australia each year to work on farms, in beachside cafes, hostels, and ski resorts, allowing Australians to know Canadians as some of the most dependable, adventurous, and friendly travelers.
Brazil
Although Brazil welcomes visitors from all nations, Brazilian natives often point to Canadians specifically when commenting on the friendliness of tourists. This is because Canadian travelers are known to be quite easy-going, respectful, and humble.
They aren’t afraid to jump right in and experience what Brazil has to offer, whether that means eating the local cuisine, attempting some Portuguese language skills, or showing interest in the music and dancing.
New Zealand
Canadians and New Zealanders tend to share great public admiration for Native peoples, love of nature and quiet reserve in their mannerisms. Both tend to also enjoy relaxed-paced societies where rushing around isn’t the norm.
With generous youth mobility agreements and reciprocal working holiday visas, NZ receives large amounts of Canadian youth annually. Canadians are looked upon favorably on both islands as being model eco-tourists.
Ireland
The familial, historic and cultural ties between Ireland and Canada are stronger than most. Not only do millions of Canadians trace their roots back to Ireland, but Canadians abroad in Ireland have gained an impeccable reputation. Irish tourism authorities have even created travel campaigns targeted at Canadian travelers.
And Irish people will tell you that Canadian visitors are among the friendliest. They are known to be inquisitive about the history of the places they visit and are highly respectful of their traditions and culture.
France
France and Canada maintain one of the strongest legal bonds in official language-and-culture friendship in the world, strongly upheld by Quebec, as well as formal ties with global Francophone organizations.
Both countries maintain simplified youth agreements allowing Canadian citizens to live, study, and work in France with relative ease in order to maintain this historically strong connection.
Speaking in the native French language (even with a Canadian accent) is usually met with great delight, and your efforts to speak someone else’s language are greatly appreciated.
Japan
Stemming from a profound respect for one another’s social construct, sense of civic responsibility, and especially extremely courteous day-to-day mannerisms, Canada and Japan’s relationship has grown beautifully over the years.
Order, cleanliness and being respectful of your surroundings when you’re in public are absolutely pivotal to Japanese culture. This makes Canadians the perfect travel partner and Japanese hosts love Canadians’ typically quiet, polite, and low-key nature when they visit the country.
Iceland
Canada happens to hold the largest Icelandic population outside of Iceland. In fact, most Icelanders who immigrated to North America ended up in Canada, particularly in Manitoba. Gimli, Manitoba even hosts an Icelandic festival.
This diaspora means Icelanders themselves tend to view Canadians with great warmth, as relatives they didn’t know they had. Iceland’s tourism agencies and flight companies have also openly catered to Canada with direct flights and stopover programs in Canadian airports.
Spain
As Canadians venture to destinations outside of their traditional sun and sand vacations, they seek meaningful cultural experiences. In historical hotspots like Seville, Granada, and Barcelona, and coastal communities in Mallorca, Canadians are regarded as extremely polite travellers who take the time to enjoy life at a Mediterranean pace.
Visitors from Canada aren’t inclined to cram in every item on a tourist itinerary while speeding through each activity or blatantly flout local customs. Spanish hosts appreciate that Canadians will patiently wait during siesta closing hours and are respectful of locals.
Samoa
Samoan culture operates under Fa’a Samoa (The Samoan Way), an ancient way of life that values hospitality towards travelers above almost all else. Canadians in particular are cherished guests, welcomed far and wide for our global reputation of being kind-hearted, quiet, and respectful visitors. As Canadians show humility and respect towards Fa’a Samoa and village life in Samoa, they are warmly accepted as part of the village.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.