Beyond the Maple Leaf: What Newcomers Often Get Wrong About Canada

By Vikrant Singh, July 12 2025

Planning to move to Canada soon?

Canada, often fondly called the Great White North, is a country full of surprises—many of which newcomers might not find in typical travel guides. So, to celebrate Canada Day, here’s a deeper dive into some essential yet often overlooked facts every newcomer should know.

Canada is Vast—Really Vast While you might already know Canada is big, grasping its actual size can still be surprising. As the second-largest country globally, Canada spans over 9.98 million square kilometres. To put that in perspective, Canada’s major cities, like Toronto and Vancouver, are separated by a nearly five-hour flight. This vastness means that planning a short trip to visit Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver all in one week isn't realistic.

Provinces Can Feel Like Different Countries Canada’s size means significant diversity between provinces. Each province controls essential aspects of life such as education, healthcare, taxation, driving laws, and even the drinking age. For instance, Quebec predominantly speaks French, while Ontario is primarily English-speaking, with bilingualism being a valuable asset. Your Canadian experience can vary significantly depending on where you settle.

Weather Isn’t Just Cold—Prepare for Heatwaves Yes, Canadian winters are notoriously cold, and being prepared with appropriate winter clothing is crucial. However, newcomers often underestimate Canadian summers. Temperatures frequently range between 25°C and 30°C, sometimes soaring beyond 35°C in cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Calgary. Ensure your wardrobe includes suitable clothing for both extremes.

Politeness Isn’t Always Niceness Canadians are famous for politeness, but polite doesn’t always equal friendly. Smiles, open doors, and frequent "please" and "thank you" are everyday occurrences. However, Canadians' politeness shouldn't be mistaken for weakness or an overly friendly demeanor.

The Many Meanings of “Sorry” In Canada, "sorry" has multiple meanings beyond a simple apology. It might be used to politely ask someone to move, express sympathy, request clarification, or even show mild disbelief. Understanding this nuance can greatly enhance your interactions with locals.

Mind Your Manners in Public Spaces Newcomers may be surprised by Canadians’ adherence to public etiquette. Canadians generally speak quietly in public spaces, respect personal boundaries, queue patiently, use headphones in public areas, and avoid unnecessary staring. Adhering to these unspoken rules helps you blend in smoothly.

Always Remove Shoes Indoors Removing shoes when entering homes is customary due to Canada’s weather variability. It prevents tracking mud, snow, or dirt inside and is considered respectful when visiting someone’s home. Unless explicitly told otherwise, removing your shoes is expected.

Beware of Canadian Geese Canada’s wildlife is undoubtedly charming, but not all animals appreciate human interactions. Geese, in particular, have a reputation for aggressiveness, especially when protecting their young. Giving these birds plenty of space is wise to avoid any unwanted encounters.

Understanding these lesser-known aspects can make your transition smoother and help you truly appreciate the depth and diversity of Canadian life.

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