©
Jamie McCaffrey
Canada Travel Guide
©
Jamie McCaffrey
How to behave in Canada? Tips and tricks for an enjoyable holiday!
Taking a trip to Canada, is the perfect opportunity to discover a country with amazing landscapes, but also at the risk of finding yourself in a different culture, with different rules as far as social etiquette is concerned.
Canadians are a peaceful lot, who hate arguing, perferring to sit down and calmly talk around a table. They don't wash their dirty laundry in public, so to speak! They don't care for or give time to long, drawn-out debates in the same way that Brits do. Bear this in mind if you feel like losing your rag!
Canada is politically correct, more so than the UK and on a par with the US. Don't stare or point at people because they're from an indigenous group, religion or physically different. Canada is a very tolerant, welcoming country. So take care not to shock or hurt others by being too open, particularly if the subject is about indigenous peoples (the First Nations); indeed, it's best to avoid the subject, unless you're an expert.
Canadians aren't unfriendly but they're also not touchy feely and prefer to keep a certain distance. So don't think you're being frozen out - it's just the way they are. Handshakes are usual, hugs or kisses on the cheeks are not, if you don't know the person well. Don't take the mickey out of their accent - your British accent will sound just as wierd to them (plummy, is the word often used!). When in Canada, do as the Canadians do!
Canada is a contrasting place in that its nature is often highly protected - the national parks and wildlife reserves - whilst at the same time it has oil sands and ecologically destructive Artic projects. So be ecologically aware!
Don't discard rubbish wherever you like, bin things where you are told and follow the rules; certain areas attract bears so don't, for example, leave food out.
Don't be suprised if you see an inordinate amount of huge rubbish bins (often bear proof) all over the place - it's part of North American culture and local habit, as far a waste management is concerned!
