Common things newcomers get wrong about Canada

Planning on moving to Canada?

From details on what the weather is really like to geographical surprises, there are some things about the Great White North that every newcomer could benefit from knowing but aren’t always found in travel guides.

So, in celebration of Canada Day, here’s a closer look at some lesser-known facts about Canada.

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How big is Canada really?

While many newcomers are aware that Canada is geographically vast, the sheer scale of the country often comes as a surprise.

Canadians frequently point out that distances in the country are so vast that they prefer giving directions in time, not miles/kilometres.”

Canada is the second-largest country in the world by land area, covering more than 9.98 million square kilometres. Its size means that many Canadian cities are closer to U.S. cities than to each other. To put it in perspective, Toronto and Vancouver, two of Canada’s largest urban centers, are a five-hour flight apart.

So don’t assume you can visit Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver during a seven-day trip.

The nuances between provinces

Given the size of Canada, it's no surprise that life can differ depending on the province in which you live.

Every province has significant jurisdictional power to make decisions that affect daily life, from the education system and healthcare to taxes, road rules, and even the legal drinking age. For example, in Quebec, French is the predominant language used in most workplaces (especially customer-facing roles), whereas in Ontario, English is the primary language (although bilingualism is considered an asset).

It can almost feel like each province functions as its own separate country in some ways, so it’s hard to find a “universal Canadian experience.”

So, your experience in Canada will vary greatly depending on which province you call home.

The temperature fluctuations

Canada is often portrayed as a cold country, and newcomers are frequently advised to prepare for chilly winters. Warm attire and winter accessories are an absolute must.

However, some also pointed out that, while newcomers are typically prepared for the cold, it’s the hot summers that can catch them off guard.

In fact, many regions of Canada see summer temperatures reaching between 25°C and 30°C, and occasionally soaring above 35°C during heatwaves, especially in cities like Toronto, Calgary, and Ottawa.

It’s crucial to have clothing suitable for both winter and summer.

Politeness doesn’t always mean niceness

Canadians are well known for their politeness, but that politeness doesn’t necessarily mean they’re always “nice.”

Smiling, holding the door open for others, and saying “please” and “thank you” are key aspects of Canadian life. However, while manners are essential, it doesn’t mean Canadians are pushovers.

The meaning of “sorry”

In Canada, the word “sorry” can mean much more than an apology.

In Canada, saying “sorry” can be a way to say, “excuse me,” “I feel bad for you,” “can you say that again,” or even “did you really just say that?”

So, when Canadians say “sorry,” it’s often less about expressing regret and more about politeness.

Etiquette in public spaces

Many newcomers are surprised by the unspoken rules of Canadian etiquette, especially in public spaces.

For example, Canadians pride themselves on being quieter than Americans, especially in public spaces.

Other common etiquette practices include respecting personal space, holding doors open for others, not cutting in line, using headphones while in public spaces, and avoiding unnecessary staring.

Shoes need to be removed in the house

A lesser-known aspect of Canadian life is the cultural norm of removing shoes when entering a home.

This practice is often followed because of Canada’s variable weather conditions and landscape. Removing shoes helps prevent tracking dirt, snow, and mud into the house. It is also seen as a sign of respect when visiting others' homes.

For these reasons, it’s often considered polite to take your shoes off when entering someone’s home, unless told otherwise.

And lastly, watch out for the geese

While Canada’s wildlife is one of its biggest attractions, it’s best not to get too friendly with the wildlife, particularly the geese.

There have been numerous instances over the years of geese getting aggressive towards humans.

That's why giving Canadian geese a “wide berth” is a common warning, especially if there are baby goslings in the vicinity as this makes the geese more protective.

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