How to Learn Canadian Etiquette

When business people, students or tourists from overseas make plans to spend time in Canada, they will want to become familiar with customs and basic etiquette of the country. Learning what to expect and what is expected of them is an interesting beginning to the whole adventure. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Shake hands when greeting someone in Canada but avoid the cheek-kissing unless you're close friends or family, even in the French-speaking areas of Canada. Remember that you're in still in the North American continent, not Europe.

2. Remove your hat or head covering when entering a room if you're a man. The only exception is if you're wearing a head covering for religious beliefs or reasons, or due to hair loss from illness.

3. Take off your shoes when entering a home. This practice is fairly common so observe local custom for any home you may enter. If there's a pile of shoes at the door it may be assumed that you should remove your shoes, or ask when in doubt.

4. Learn Canadian flag etiquette to show proper respect when needed. There is the National Flag of Canada, as well as flags for provinces and territories. When the National Flag of Canada is raised, lowered or carried in public, face the flag, remain silent and remove your hat if you're a man. You don't need to show allegiance to the Canadian flag, but it's proper etiquette to respect the Canadian flag when it's presented.

5. Watch for the keyword "Francophone" to give specialized information about French-speaking areas of Canada. Expect that public utilities and many businesses in Canada offer the option of conducting business either in French or in English. Businesses located in the province of Quebec may expect that communications will be conducted in French. Follow proper Canadian business etiquette and come prepared with a translator if needed when doing business in this province.

6. Be conservative, at least at first, and be respectful and formal until you know otherwise to avoid an Canadian Etiquette faux pas. When you're more familiar with the Canadian environment, you can observe or even sense what actions and manners are entirely appropriate.

7. Understand that Canadian etiquette includes consideration of the different native groups. While visitors to Canada are not necessarily expected to know all about the many groups of Native people, you will want to be aware of their history, rich cultures and some present-day issues. An excellent resource on the Web is Culturecanada.gc.ca.

Tips & Warnings

• Realize that a very large portion of Canada's population includes new immigrants from many different European and Asian Countries. As a result, you may find that some Canadian residents are still in the process of learning Canadian etiquette themselves.
• Consult the Canadian Embassy or Information Centre located nearest to you. Contact information for these offices can be found at Dfait-maeci.gc.ca. Explain the reason you need information about Canadian business or travel etiquette and ask for appropriate brochures.

Resources

• Get basic facts and information about Canada here.
• Learn more Canadian facts here.
• Read more about Canadian etiquette here.