Canada Isn’t What You Think—Here’s Why

Thinking of starting a new life in Canada?
You’re not alone! Every year, thousands of people from all over the world arrive in Canada with big dreams, full hearts, and packed suitcases. But no matter how many YouTube videos you watch or guides you read, Canada has its own way of surprising newcomers.

From weather shock to public etiquette, there are things you only learn by living here. So, before you pack those snow boots and hop on a flight, here’s a friendly guide on what newcomers often misunderstand about life in the Great White North.

1. Canada Is Massive—Really Massive

Many newcomers know Canada is a large country, but very few understand just how big.
It’s the second-largest country in the world, stretching over 9.98 million square kilometres. But what does that mean for you?

It means you can't treat Canadian cities like European cities. A “quick trip” from Toronto to Vancouver? That’s a five-hour flight. Want to visit Halifax, Toronto, Calgary, and Montreal in one week? You’ll spend most of your time at airports.

Driving across provinces can take days, not hours. And don’t be surprised when people say, “It’s just two hours away”—they really mean it.

2. Each Province Feels Like Its Own Country

Newcomers often expect Canada to offer a unified experience, but that’s far from the truth.
Each province has its own rules, cultures, and ways of doing things.

For example:

• In Quebec, French is everywhere. In some jobs, it’s mandatory.
  
• In Ontario, English is the norm, but bilingualism is always a plus.
  
• In Alberta, you’ll find lower taxes compared to British Columbia.
  
• The legal drinking age? It’s 18 in Quebec, 19 in most other provinces.
  

Everything from education to healthcare, road laws, and even daily habits can differ depending on where you live. It’s like living in different mini-countries under one flag.

3. Canada Isn’t Always Cold

Yes, Canada has cold winters. That part is true.
But many newcomers pack only for snow and forget about summer.

Surprise! Summers in many parts of Canada can be scorching.
Cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Calgary can hit 30°C or even 35°C during heat waves. And because summers are short, people make the most of them with BBQs, patios, and festivals.

So pack your winter jackets—but don’t forget your sunscreen and shorts.

4. Polite Doesn’t Always Mean Friendly

Canadians are known for saying “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry” at every turn.
But don’t mistake that for deep friendship.

It’s part of Canadian politeness, which is more about respect and kindness than forming close relationships right away. While neighbours may smile and say hello, it might take time before you’re invited over for dinner.

This doesn’t mean people aren’t friendly—they’re just private and take their time to build trust.

5. “Sorry” Doesn’t Always Mean Regret

In many parts of the world, saying “sorry” is often a way to admit fault or express regret. But in Canada, the word carries a much broader meaning, depending entirely on the tone and context. A simple “sorry” could mean “excuse me,” or it might be a polite way of asking someone to repeat themselves. Sometimes it’s just a gentle way of saying “I didn’t hear you,” and other times, it’s used to acknowledge someone’s discomfort without taking responsibility. 

Canadians use “sorry” so often and so casually that it becomes part of everyday speech. It's not always about being guilty; it's more about showing politeness or keeping things smooth in a social setting. So, if you hear it often, don’t read too much into it. It’s just part of how people communicate here.

6. Public Etiquette Is A Big Deal

One thing that takes many newcomers by surprise is how important quiet and respectful behaviour is in Canadian public spaces. Whether you're on a bus, in a train, or even sitting at a café, people generally avoid drawing attention to themselves. You’ll notice that phone calls are kept short and voices stay low. Listening to music or watching videos in public? That’s always done with headphones. Jumping ahead in line is seen as extremely rude, and something as simple as holding the door open for someone is not just appreciated—it’s expected. 

Canadians also value personal space, especially in small or crowded places like elevators or waiting rooms. These might seem like small things, but they go a long way in showing respect for others. Understanding and following these quiet social rules helps newcomers settle in smoothly and feel more accepted.

7. You Must Remove Your Shoes Indoors

Planning to visit someone’s home in Canada?
The first thing you do is take off your shoes.

This isn’t just a habit—it’s a strong cultural norm. The weather plays a role too. Snow, rain, mud, or dirt can easily get tracked inside. Leaving your shoes at the door is a way to keep things clean and show respect to the host.

Even if the floors look clean, wait until the host says “You can keep them on” before walking in.

8. Canada’s Wildlife Isn’t Always Cute And Cuddly

You’ll hear lots of newcomers excited about spotting a moose, beaver, or even a bear. But one creature surprises almost everyone—the Canadian goose.

These large birds are found in parks, lakes, and near school grounds. They look calm, but they’re known for being protective, especially during spring when goslings hatch.

If you see a goose hissing, flapping its wings, or blocking your path, give it space. Really. Geese attacks are not a myth, and they don’t care how new you are to the country.

Final Thoughts

Moving to a new country comes with a learning curve.
Canada is a land full of friendly faces, natural beauty, and exciting opportunities—but also a few surprises along the way.

From unexpected weather to cultural habits, it’s all part of the journey. The more you understand these small differences, the easier your life in Canada will become. And the best part? Canadians are patient and kind. If you ever mess up, you’ll probably hear a friendly “sorry” before you even realize your mistake.

So get ready to experience Canada for real, beyond the guidebooks and travel reels.
It’s not perfect, but it’s a place many newcomers proudly call home.