Life in Canada: 10 proven tips to adjust as a newcomer

Adapting to Life in Canada: What You Need to Know

Moving to a new country like Canada can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially if you’re encountering unfamiliar cultural norms and practices for the first time. Adjusting to a different environment and culture can feel challenging when you’re unsure of what to expect. In this article, we’ll share practical tips, useful resources, and thoughtful advice to help you smoothly transition into life in Canada while minimizing culture shock.

1. Embrace politeness: Use “please,” “sorry,” and “thank you” often

Canadians are renowned for their politeness, which is deeply ingrained in their culture. Phrases such as “please,” “thank you,” “sorry,” “may I,” and “excuse me” are commonly used in everyday interactions, whether you’re speaking to acquaintances or strangers. These courtesies aren’t necessarily signs of friendship but are considered standard social etiquette. Adopting these habits will help you navigate social interactions more comfortably and show respect for Canadian cultural norms.

2. Respect punctuality

Being on time is a fundamental aspect of Canadian culture. Punctuality demonstrates respect for others’ time and commitments, whether in social, professional, or personal settings. Arriving late can be perceived as inconsiderate or disrespectful, and it may cause others to worry about your well-being or assume you’ve forgotten the appointment.

If you anticipate being late or need to cancel an engagement, it’s important to inform your host, colleague, or meeting organizer as early as possible. This practice ensures you’re respecting their schedule and maintaining good relationships.

3. Build your professional network

Canada is a hub for talent from around the globe, making it a diverse and multicultural society with a highly competitive job market. While many individuals possess impressive qualifications and experience, networking can be a critical tool for standing out.

Networking provides access to the hidden job market—positions that are filled without being publicly advertised. In fact, approximately 65–85% of jobs in Canada are not posted online, and around 40% of roles are secured through referrals. Actively building your network can help you gain referrals, discover unadvertised opportunities, and make meaningful professional connections.

4. Utilize settlement services for support

Canada offers a robust network of settlement services to assist newcomers in integrating into the country. These services, which are partially or fully funded by the Canadian government, aim to make the transition as seamless as possible.

Settlement agencies provide free assistance in key areas such as employment, housing, healthcare, immigration, and education. Many newcomers are matched with a dedicated settlement worker who offers personalized support throughout their integration journey. Whether you need guidance pre-arrival or after settling in Canada, these services are a valuable resource to help you navigate life in your new home.

5. Understand cultural differences and maintain an open mindset

Canada is celebrated for its diversity and multiculturalism, bringing together people from various countries, each with distinct traditions, values, languages, cuisines, and cultural practices. Adapting to life in Canada requires an openness to learning about these differences and a commitment to living harmoniously in such a vibrant and varied society. Embracing cultural diversity with a positive attitude and an open mind is essential for this journey.

In Canada, equality and respect are foundational principles. Regardless of gender, profession, race, religion, or sexual orientation, everyone is treated with dignity. To integrate successfully, it’s important to avoid letting stereotypes, biases, or preconceived notions influence your interactions with others.

• Respecting personal space and privacy: Canadians place a high value on personal space and privacy. Topics such as income, family matters, body weight, religion, and political views are generally considered private and are best avoided in casual conversations. Behaviors like cutting in line, speaking out of turn, or raising your voice in public are often viewed as disrespectful. Additionally, always seek permission before using or borrowing someone else’s belongings to show consideration.

• Awareness of allergies and sensitivities: Allergies are notably common in Canada, with approximately one in 13 Canadians experiencing at least one food allergy. Shellfish, nuts, milk, fish, eggs, wheat, sesame, and soy are among the most prevalent allergens. Always check with others about potential food allergies before offering them food. Beyond food allergies, sensitivities to strong scents like colognes and perfumes are also widespread. To be considerate, it’s best to avoid using heavily scented products in shared spaces.

6. Make volunteering a priority

Volunteering is a deeply ingrained part of Canadian culture. From a young age, children are encouraged to volunteer, and high school students must complete a certain number of volunteer hours as part of their education. Adults also frequently volunteer at charities, non-profit organizations, faith-based institutions, community groups, and political organizations. According to Statistics Canada, 44% of Canadians aged 15 and older participated in volunteer activities in 2013.

Benefits of volunteering

Volunteering involves giving your time freely to help others or support a cause, and it offers numerous personal and professional benefits:

• Build and expand your network: As a newcomer, you may initially have a limited social circle. Volunteering is an excellent way to connect with like-minded people, whether they are fellow newcomers or locals, and establish both social and professional relationships.
• Gain Canadian experience: Employers in Canada often value “Canadian experience.” Volunteering can help bridge employment gaps and provide this highly regarded experience. It also allows you to learn new skills, improve your English or French, and earn reference letters, which can enhance your job applications.
• Integrate into the community: Beyond career benefits, volunteering in non-traditional settings—such as at local schools, parks, or community organizations—can help you deepen your connections within the community and ease your transition to Canadian life.

7. Tipping is part of Canadian culture

Tipping, or leaving a gratuity, is a common practice in Canada and is often viewed as a way to acknowledge the quality of service you’ve received. While tipping is not mandatory, it is customary in many situations, and neglecting to tip may be perceived as impolite. Be sure to include tips in your monthly budget, as they are an expected part of life in Canada.

Why tipping is important
In Canada’s service and hospitality industries, workers such as servers, bartenders, and delivery drivers are typically paid minimum wage. In some provinces, there’s even a lower minimum wage for hospitality workers, with the assumption that tips will supplement their income. Tipping helps bridge this gap and ensures workers are fairly compensated for their services.

Who to tip
Tipping is common in the hospitality industry and applies to various services, including but not limited to:

• Restaurant servers and bartenders
• Food or grocery delivery personnel
• Taxi drivers and ride-share drivers (e.g., Uber, Lyft)
• Hotel staff, including housekeeping, valet, and bellhops
• Hair stylists, beauticians, and massage therapists
• Coat check attendants

Leaving an appropriate tip shows appreciation for good service and helps you align with Canadian customs.

8. Tailor your resume and cover letter for each job application

Creating a one-page, Canadian-style resume and cover letter is a good start, but it’s not sufficient to secure a job. To make a strong impression, you should customize your resume and cover letter for each position you apply for. This involves aligning your professional experience, skills, and other qualifications with the job description and requirements of the role.

Use keywords from the job posting to highlight your suitability and ensure your resume passes applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by many employers. Incorporate action-oriented verbs such as “spearheaded,” “achieved,” “managed,” or “trained” to describe your accomplishments. Also, include a compelling summary at the top of your resume to give recruiters a quick snapshot of your expertise and career objectives.

When detailing your work experience, focus on quantified achievements rather than excessive information about every position you’ve held. This makes your resume more impactful and concise. A helpful strategy to structure your accomplishments is the CAR method:

• C = Challenge: What problem or challenge did you face?
• A = Action: What steps or actions did you take to address it?
• R = Result: What was the outcome of your efforts?

Employing this framework ensures your resume highlights not only what you did but the value you brought to your previous roles.

9. Learn common Canadian slang

Familiarizing yourself with Canadian slang is a fun way to integrate into the local culture and communicate more naturally with others. Canada has its own unique set of slang terms, which may initially sound unusual but are widely understood across the country. Some popular examples include:

• Toque: A beanie or winter hat
• Loonie: A $1 CAD coin
• Toonie: A $2 CAD coin
• Klick or click: A kilometer
• The 6ix: Toronto
• Timmies: Tim Hortons, the iconic Canadian coffee shop chain
• Double-double: A Tim Hortons coffee with two creams and two sugars
• Mickey: A 375 ml (26 oz) bottle of liquor
• Two-four: A case of 24 beers
• Pop: Soda or any carbonated beverage
• That’s jokes: Used to describe something funny or hilarious
• Darts: Cigarettes
• Mounties: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
• Parkade: A multi-level parking garage
• Washroom: The Canadian term for a restroom or bathroom
• Beavertail: A deep-fried pastry shaped like a beaver’s tail, often served as a dessert

Learning these terms not only helps you understand conversations better but also gives you an opportunity to connect with locals on a cultural level.

10. Master small talk and ice-breakers

Small talk is an essential part of Canadian social interactions and a common way to start conversations, meetings, or casual chats. It’s an excellent way to build rapport and ease into conversations, so don’t hesitate to initiate it.

Common topics for small talk in Canada include:

• The weather (a favorite among Canadians!)
• Hobbies or weekend activities
• Travel experiences or your commute to a meeting
• Fitness or outdoor activities
• Food or favorite local spots
• Sports (especially hockey, which is a Canadian favorite)

While engaging in small talk, steer clear of sensitive topics such as politics, religion, physical appearance, or age, as these may make others uncomfortable.

Adapting to Canadian culture takes patience, curiosity, and active participation. If you’re unsure about anything or feel confused, don’t hesitate to ask those around you. Canadians are generally friendly and willing to help. With time, effort, and an open mind, you’ll find yourself navigating social situations and local customs with ease.

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