So, you’ve touched down in Canada, land of breathtaking landscapes, super polite humans and weather that enjoys jump-scaring newcomers. Before you start exploring lakes that look photoshopped and eating enough poutine to question your life choices, let’s talk about what not to do.
Canada is wonderfully welcoming but even the friendliest country has a few unspoken rules that tourists occasionally break with the confidence of someone who has never met a moose. To help you avoid embarrassing yourself or becoming a cautionary tale told by park rangers, here are the top 10 things you definitely should not do in Canada.
1. Don’t Ignore the Weather Forecast
Canada’s weather has more mood swings than a soap opera.
If you head out in shorts because it looked sunny at breakfast, you might return three hours later in a snowstorm questioning your entire trip.
💡 Avoid by: Carrying layers at all times. Yes, even in July.
2. Don’t Feed the Wildlife
Yes, the squirrels look adorable and yes, the deer seem friendly but this is not a Disney movie.
Once animals associate humans with snacks, chaos follows.
💡 Avoid by: Admiring wildlife from a safe distance and keeping your trail mix to yourself.
3. Don’t Expect Everything to Be Close Together
Canada is massive. Like, “takes hours to drive between towns” massive.
Thinking you can see Toronto, Niagara Falls and Montreal in one day is a fantasy.
💡 Avoid by: Planning realistically and packing snacks like a responsible adventurer.
4. Don’t Forget About Sales Tax
The price you see is never the price you pay.
You’ll think you’re getting a bargain until the register adds tax and your wallet cries.
💡 Avoid by: Adding around 13 percent in your head before committing.
5. Don’t Block Pavements to Take Photos
Canadian cities are busy and nobody wants to dodge tourists doing a full photoshoot in the middle of a walkway.
💡 Avoid by: Stepping aside before you become an unexpected obstacle.
6. Don’t Skip Tipping at Restaurants
Tipping is standard and not leaving one is considered rude.
If you don’t tip, your waiter will still be polite because it’s Canada but they will absolutely judge you internally.
💡 Avoid by: Adding 15 to 20 percent automatically.
7. Don’t Underestimate the Wildlife Warnings
If a sign says “Bear in Area” it is not a cute decoration.
Ignoring it is the fastest way to appear on a rangers’ radio callout.
💡 Avoid by: Following trail rules and keeping food sealed.
8. Don’t Call It “America”
Canada is its own proud country and locals will politely correct you while wondering how you passed geography.
💡 Avoid by: Simply saying “Canada” and everyone stays happy.
9. Don’t Walk Into Someone’s Home With Your Shoes On
In many Canadian households, shoes come off at the door.
Walking inside with muddy boots is a bold move that no one appreciates.
💡 Avoid by: Removing footwear like a respectful guest.
10. Don’t Assume All of Canada Is the Same
Toronto is not Vancouver and neither is anything like Quebec City.
Each region has its own vibe, culture and food that deserves appreciation.
💡 Avoid by: Exploring with curiosity and not making sweeping statements.
✨ Final Snow-Dusted Thoughts:
Canada is stunning, friendly and full of surprises that will leave you smiling or shivering or both. Avoid these common mistakes and you’ll enjoy the country like a seasoned traveller who knows better than to feed a raccoon or judge the weather by looking out the window.
Stay curious, stay polite and if in doubt, say “sorry” and everything will work out just fine.
