Same Continent, Different Customs
Despite being neighbors, Americans and Canadians differ in many ways, from the way they speak to the things they celebrate. Some of their unique quirks might even make you do a double-take (wait, Americans wear their shoes indoors?). If you're curious to see how lifestyles differ on each side of the border, we've compiled some fascinating highlights. Here are 20 cultural differences between Americans and Canadians.
1. Shoes Indoors
Americans wear their shoes indoors. That's right—if you're not an American, you're probably balking at this, because who would ever think to do that? Canadians, on the other hand, (thankfully) take their shoes off before stepping inside.
2. Patriotism
While both Americans and Canadians tend to be fairly proud (and loud) about the country they're from, Americans are generally more patriotic than Canadians. They're more likely to toot their own horn, while Canadians generally try to stay humble and polite, even when they're talking about how great their country is.
3. Canadians Say Sorry a Lot
It's not that Americans don't say sorry, but Canadians just... say it far more than necessary. You could probably bump into a Canadian and get a sorry in return, even if it wasn't their fault, or you might overhear them apologizing to a table.
4. Ordering at Restaurants
When ordering at restaurants, Americans are more likely to be direct and to the point: "I'll have this one." Canadians, though, tend to phrase their orders as requests: "Can I get this one?" You might also hear Canadians say "please" more.
5. "You're Welcome" vs. "Yeah"
Building on Americans' directness, they're also more likely to respond to a thank-you with "Yeah," "Yup," or "Uh-huh." Canadians will generally reply with "You're welcome," "No problem," or "Don't mention it."
6. Health Care
One major difference between the US and Canada is the health care system. While Canadians get access to free health care, as it's considered a right for citizens, in the US, health care is considered a business. Without insurance, fees can be so astronomically high to the point Americans may treat themselves at home than head to a hospital.
7. Americanized
Canadians respect the different cultures that make up the fabric of their country, and they celebrate their diversity proudly. While Americans generally hold the same sentiment, people typically feel more of a need to become "Americanized" than to keep their cultural roots.
8. Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day in Canada falls in October; in the US, the holiday is in November. The reasons behind the observation are different, too: American Thanksgiving commemorates the first feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people in 1621, while Canadians generally treat it as a way to celebrate the fall harvest and give thanks.
9. Hockey vs. American Football
While American football (NFL) is arguably the most popular sport in the US, Americans are big fans of other sports as well, including baseball, basketball, and soccer. Ice hockey (NHL) is widely popular there, too, but being a Canadian sport, it's no surprise that Canadians are more passionate about it than anyone else.
10. Loud & Brash vs. Quiet & Polite
Americans tend to be fairly loud and brash when they talk, meaning they might sometimes get into your personal space or talk thunderously in small, enclosed spaces, such as trains and restaurants. Canadians, on the other hand, are typically quieter, polite, and will respect your privacy.
11. State vs. Country
While Americans and Canadians are both proud of where they're from, Americans are generally more haughty about the state they're from, though they're still extremely nationalistic about their own country. In contrast, some Canadians might think highly of the province or territory they live in, but they're more patriotic than anything.
Leonhard_Niederwimmer on Pixabay
12. Measuring Units
Another major difference between Americans and Canadians is how they measure things. Americans follow an imperial system (inch, pound, foot, gallon, miles) while Canadians follow a metric system (meter, liter, gram, kilometers). Temperatures are also measured differently: Americans use Fahrenheit while Canadians use Celsius.
13. Politics
Politics is generally a more popular topic in the US, and news about leaders, presidents, legislations, and the White House generates bigger headlines. In Canada, politics is important, but usually not to the scale of how it is in the US.
14. Tipping Culture
Both countries have a prominent tipping culture, but Americans generally tip more because more is expected. Gratuity fees are typically upwards of 18-25% in American establishments, while in Canada, the standard is lower, around 15-20%.
15. Higher Education
Despite the US' many prestigious institutions—Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, MIT, Yale—a larger percentage of Canadians pursue a higher education compared to Americans. In fact, Canada stands as one of the most educated countries in the world.
16. Official Languages
While English is declared as the official language in the US, Canada has two official languages: English and French. Canadian students are generally taught both languages in school, with a French immersion option that allows them to develop full bilingualism.
17. Spelling
American and Canadian English differ in spelling as well. For example, color would be spelled as "colour" in Canadian English, the same way it's spelled in British English. Other examples include defense (US) vs. defence (CAN), center (US) vs. centre (CAN), and traveling (US) vs. travelling (CAN).
18. Slang Phrases & Words
Additionally, despite being next-door neighbors, Americans and Canadians have different slang phrases and words. A good example is the way Canadians talk about alcohol; a "two-six" refers to a 750ml or 26oz bottle. "Monday Morning quarterback," in turn, is a saying more Americans would be familiar with.
19. Cuisines
While both American and Canadian cuisines tend to lean toward fast food, Americans are more known for burgers, French fries, and greasy fried eats. Canadians are more known for maple syrup and poutine.
@withlovefromchile on Unsplash
20. Different Lingo & Pronunciation
More than just different slang phrases, Americans and Canadians also differ in the way they name certain items. If a Canadian were to say "pencil crayon" or "toque" to an American, they'd likely get an odd look. To Americans, they're called "colored pencils" and "beanie."
