Etiquette, Canadian Style

Manners in the Canadian Rockies

By Michele Kadison

Staff Writer

Rockies.com

Beautiful Lake Louise is one of the major attractions in the Canadian Rockies.

CANADIAN ROCKIES (Rockies.com) – Travel etiquette implies that you appreciate and understand the cultural differences in the country you are visiting. Accepting those differences can make all the difference in having a wonderful vacation.  Every country has its particular customs, and when you get them right you are not only acknowledged as a gracious guest, but you also enhance a fertile cultural exchange.   Here are some tips on etiquette, Canadian Rockies style.

Tipping

The custom is 15% before tax or 20% if the service was exceptional.  Most restaurants in Canada do not include gratuity in the bill, although sometimes for large groups a 15% charge will appear.  A tip is easy to calculate in Ontario along with provinces with a provincial sales tax (PST) by adding the GST (6%) and PST (8%) together and rounding the total off to make an even amount.  When in Alberta, which has a different PST, remember that 5% is half of 10%, which means that if you total bill comes to $80.00, add 10% ($8) and half of $8 to come to the 15% total of a $12.00 tip.

Tipping in Hotels

It is customary to tip valet service.  It is not essential that you give your valet a tip each time you get out of your vehicle, but make sure that your ultimate gratuity reflects your appreciation for the service.  Always tip the person who brings your baggage to your room.  And then, at the end of your trip, leave a thank you note with a tip for your room attendant.  The hotel’s concierge may also be worthy of a gratuity, especially if he or she has helped you get theatre tickets, restaurant reservations, or the like.

Amenities

A 10% minimum tip is customary for services such as taxi rides, hairdressing, manicures and any type of aesthetic treatment.

Tip Jars

In some eateries where there is counter service, such as coffee shops and ice cream parlors, you will see tip jars.  It is your choice if you wish to feed the jar.  If the service was good and you liked the place, you may want to put something in to reward the wait staff.

It is always your choice

Though it is common and considered good manners to tip in restaurants and for amenities, it is always your choice.  Wait staff is not paid highly in Canada, so your tip will definitely supplement your server’s income.  Most of the time bad food and slow service are not your server’s fault.  However if your server is rude or inattentive, withholding a tip as well as having a word with the manager will help the establishment improve their relationship with customers.

Common Courtesy

Jasper is a hot spot for Canadian Rockies attractions.

There is nowhere in the world where common courtesy doesn’t go a long way.  This is a perfect way to reap the benefits of the Golden Rule: as you care for others, so will they care for you.  Polite requests for attention or service, along with a smile, is always the way to success.

Language

Canada is a multicultural land where many different languages are spoken.  In Toronto alone, newspapers and periodicals cater to over 70 idioms.  Where the Canadian Rockies native is accustomed to speaking with people who do not have English as a first language, visitors may be daunted by accents that are unfamiliar.  Learn to be patient and you will find that communication is not as difficult as it sometime can seem.

With French as a very predominant language in Canada, especially in the province of Quebec, it is a great idea to learn a few helpful phrases before you arrive.  Once someone realizes that you do not speak the language, most likely they will switch to English, but your effort will be noted and appreciated.  What a wonderful way to spread good will.

Language sensitivities

Using the word “Indian” as in American Indian is considered offensive in Canada.  Canadians use the terms First Nations, Aboriginal peoples, and Inuit, rather than Eskimo.

Behavior

Wildlife abounds in the Canadian Rockies.

With their natural tendency to be polite, Canadians readily use the words “please” and “thank you.” Canadians are warm and helpful, so don’t hesitate to ask for directions or help as they are always ready to provide assistance.

As an extremely tolerant society, Canada is open, friendly and understated.  Boasting and ostentation can put off even the most tactful Canadian, as they tend to be more reserved than their American neighbors.

Francophones (French speaking people) often use expansive gestures and may touch you softly during a conversation to make a point.  Don’t let this throw you.  They are a naturally exuberant people, with a little bit of Latin flavor running through their blood.

Smoking

Most Canadian communities have restrictions on smoking; with bars, restaurants and other public places designated as smoke-free zones.  The jurisdiction is municipal, so the rules can vary depending on the city or town that you visit.

Forming a Line

It is customary in Canada for people to line up (queue) when paying for items in stores, buying tickets to the movies and boarding public transportation.  Be patient as Canadians are wary of people who try to push ahead of their turn in line.  When standing in line for automated bank machines, stand a few feet behind the person in front of you.

Being a Guest in a Canadian Home

In most Canadian homes, guests are expected to remove their shoes.  If you are unsure if your host requires this, just ask.

When at the table, ask for what you need, rather than grabbing it.  (“Please pass the salt!”)

Business Etiquette

In business situations, a handshake is used when making introductions.  Men will usually wait for a woman to offer her hand before shaking.

Canadian businesspeople are open and cordial.  Responding in kind will go a long way.

Driving

On major highways, the left lane is used for faster moving vehicles as well as passing.  Drivers in the right lane are expected to move one lane to the left if there is another vehicle entering the expressway on the right.

Pedestrians

Wait at intersection crossings for the light to change to green, even if there is no oncoming traffic.  Avoid jay-walking.  If you bump into someone on the sidewalk, a simple apology is the way to go.

Learn about the Country

Take some time before you take your Canadian trip to learn a bit about the history and geography of the country.  There are ten provinces (like states) and three territories, with climate, terrain and language varying as you go from one to the other.

Money

Canadian bills come in different colors and are clearly marked, making them easy to use.  Canadian coins are magnetic and come in the same sizes as American change, except for the $1 and $2 dollar coins, which are called loonies and toonies.

Note:  American coins will not work in Canadian machines.

For more information on Canadian Rockies accommodations: Click here!