I'm American and have lived in Canada for 30 years. One day I went to Whole Foods and when I returned home and pulled into my driveway I got a call from the police. I had dropped my wallet in the parking lot, someone found it and took it to the police station. This all in a span of 15 minutes. That's a Canadian for you.
Same thing happened to my dad once. He tried to give the finder a reward, but the man refused saying he was just happy that he was able to return my dad's wallet.
When I was in New Zealand, someone asked me if I was American. I said no, I'm canadian and they apologized for calling me American. We had a good laugh.
When I was in the UK in the 80’s, I was in a village pub where someone commented on my being American, then when I told him I was Canadian he says to me, “ah, it’s all the same”. To this day I’m still offended! 😂
My mom went on a trip to Israel and Jordan a long time ago. In Jordan, some guy asked if my mom was available for sale. She had completely red hair and green eyes. The guy considered these things to be good luck. My grandfather said no but, men kept asking for her. Once the group that they travelled with went to a restaurant. The staff assumed they were American. When they saw the malpe leaf on my mom, the manager came out to apologize and they quickly took away the US flags and brought them Canadian ones, constantly apologizing and gave them free desert to make up for the error.
@@ruby11 I'm guessing he was English. 🤣 Call a Scot "English" and you'll get told he/she is Scottish. Much the same as calling us American or US, or a Kiwi an Aussie. We have a distinct identity and don't like being lumped in with our neighbours.
I was on a plane from Vancouver to Seattle once, and one flight attendant said to another one, "You can always tell the Canadians on this flight. They are the only ones who line up when boarding and who remain seated when the plane lands."
I'm Canadian and once I saw a video of someone imitating a Canadian accent, and I was like, "What? Where did you hear that?" There's probably some places in Canada that talk like that, but I've never actually heard of any and I've never actually heard the accent genuinely spoken.
The closest thing to it is some places in the really rural areas of far Southern ontario. Even then, it's no where near that exaggerated and varies a lot between each individual.
The only times I’ve heard “aboot” have been in British movies and their comedic programs.I really don’t watch them much because I do not catch most of what they are saying. And I don’t often follow their humour. I guess I am probably missing out on a lot of good entertainment?
I recently went to Labrador and had to fly through gander on the way home and two newfies were standing outside chatting and I was in awe. I’m also a huge fan of coke from away so being on the landing strip in gander I’ll never forget it lol
Ha! Queue jumping is not only frowned on but people argue about who should go first i.e. i was at a restaurant recently waiting for a table. Another man was waiting as well when he was directed to the next empty table. He refused saying that I was there first. We then had a little back and forth "are you sure"? And i finally took the table. 😂
@@miraleatardiff8543 as a Canadian this is so relatable my mum and my daycare provider use to argue when my mum tried to tip them because they didn't want to except the extra money lol
I have travelled a lot in my life and have been asked many, many times "Am I from America?" When I say I am from Canada, the demeanour of the person changes immediately to a welcoming smile. This happens mainly in Europe.
if it is around the lowland countries because they are still thankfull for canadian soldiers during ww2 my grandpa was in the belgium during ww2 and he is still thankfull to this day
It's to help with a legal statement of admission of fault. Just because you say sorry in a accident or any other offense. It's not a admission of guilt. It's seen a empathy for someone else.
As far as I know, not many in Canada say "a boot" when they say "about", we don't talk about The Mounties or moose, nor do we say "hoser" or "hose head" anymore. That went out in the 80's with Bob and Doug MacKenzie !! 🙄
@@dankelly5150 Been in Canada for 56 years. Never heard anyone say "aboot" ever. Anywhere. Not on TV. Not in music. Not even in the billions of videos on UA-cam! Unless it is Americans talking about fantasy Canadian accents!
@@charlenebrissette3348 I used to watch a fishing show from Newfoundland and they have a very strong Newfie accent that made it hard to understand them! But the fishing was great !! 🐟 🐠
Something else that wasn't mentioned, if we are going in or out a door and we see you coming we're holding that bad boy open for you. Sometimes from an inordinately far distance away that will make you feel pressured to pick up your pace. Doesn't matter if you're young or old, man or woman either. Also Canadaians can occasionally nearly come to blows over "No, you go first. No, after you sir. No, I insist." 😅
@@KOZMOuvBORG OMG..this made me laugh. I am married to a man from the Netherlands and constantly makes fun of me and my family when we have a "Canadian argument". As a direct and straightforward Dutchie, it kills him to listen to us...haha.
I was born and raised in Canada (35 years) and have almost spent as much in the US. "Sorry" doesn't go away, it is deeply ingrained . I apologize to my dog frequently and in the middle of the night if I walk into the bathroom door I say sorry as well.
One time there were a bunch of us waiting for an elevator and when the door opened, I waved to an elderly woman and said "you first", and she waved at a woman with a stroller and said "no, you first", and it went on like this until the door closed and none of us were on the elevator lol. Uniquely Canadian problem, I think...
As a young hockey player, we often went to tournaments in the US. We always wore suits and ties and were polite knowing we were ambassadors for our country and our sport. Of course, we still knocked hell out of them on the ice.
Hahaha, well that’s just Canada for ya! As a Canadian, we can be absolutely harmless sometimes, but oh lord help your soul when we get on the ice… no mercy
One of the funny things about Canada is that we tend to measure distances in time. For example. I live roughly 3 hours from Quebec City. Toronto is about 16 hours away. Wal-Mart is 30 minutes away on foot or 10 minutes away by car, if the lights are against you.
That is because the time it takes you to travel in a spread out country is easier to describe. If you tell them the kms you might still be asked how long will it take. Also, it depends on the weather. If it is winter it will take longer than in the summer for example.
True and I think it make more sens, like on 10 km you could have a 50k/h or 100km/h signalisation so it impact your trip. I don't know if it make sens 😅
Talking to the locals is good advice but they will also be interested in you. We love to learn about different places and ppl. We were on Granville island and sat at a table where some German ppl were talking. We struck up a conversation and they were so excited to talk with Canadians. They laughed when they said here in America and we said no, your in Canada. They laughed and said oh yes, you don’t like to be called Americans. I said because we’re not, we’re Canadian. They said ah, yes now we understand.
It's not about dissing Yanks (though we do enjoy that a lot); it's about recognizing our own, unique identity. If you were speaking with a German citizen, would you call them a mere "European" or someone "from the Old Country"?
I live an hour away from Minnesota and North Dakota, kind of a tri-state area but one is a province, and there is very little difference in accent and attitude. Some places even accept Canadian money.
I’m Canadian and my daughter once left her purse in the ikea restaurant. This was before we all had iPhones, but she did have a digital camera and a couple other things of value in it. Oh and it was a Coach bag, so not cheap. Anyway, once we realized that she had “lost it” we started walking around the store to see if anyone was carrying it. Sure enough we found it! A lady had picked it up, looked in the wallet and the only piece of identification that was in there was my daughters YMCA membership. She had ALREADY called the Y and made arrangements to drop it off there (1.5 hours away from where we were). She said that she didn’t trust the people working at the store enough to leave it in the list and found. When I got home there was a message from the YMCA telling us that someone had found my daughters purse! Thankfully we were able to track down her purse before that sweet woman drive it to our town!
Another tip: when you get off a public transport bus, don’t forget to thank the bus driver. Here in Canada, we thank the bus driver before getting out of the bus (unless you use the back doors), and usually the driver will wish you a nice day in return.
7:21 I live in Toronto, literally the biggest Canadian city. We ALWAYS let people get off first and then get on as neatly as possible. Unless someone isnt paying attention and accidentally tries to step on before everyone gets off, but in that case they'll usually step back out of the way when they realize their error.
Yeah, I live in montreal and once I was with my friends taking the metro and we got in immediately without realizing. J then heard someone say like "they didn't let us get out" or something and I felt very bad.
LOL LIES, there's always someone who tries to walk through your body and soul to get on before you get off and then have the audacity to be mad when you turn out to be a solid 😂
Legit here in Calgary if you don't wait for people to get off the c-train first before boarding yourself, we consider it rude and frowned upon in social context
I'm Canadian, and I admit to having said sorry to inanimate objects when I've bumped into them, haha. Another thing is that, while in a crowded place where people bump into each other, both parties often will say sorry to each other even if one is definitely at fault. In many situations Canadians aren't apologizing for something that they did wrong, but expressing sympathy that something inconvenient or bad happened to you and they're sorry for the trouble you're going through. As for the weather and temperature, I live in the southern portion of Ontario, and it can get as hot at 45C (113F) with humidity, or as cold as -40C (-40F) with windchill. On rare occasions it can get even hotter or colder than those numbers.
We have places in Canada that have road signs that say last chance for gas for so many kilometres. Another tip, if you go to a gas station/restaurant that has a lot of 18 wheelers the food is almost always amazingly good.
There's a highway stretch going up to North Bay where signs will tell you to pull over to sleep because you've been probably driving for so many hours. Even our signs are considerate 😅
The "Canadian Accent" exists, but it's not that simple. It's like how different US states have southern accents, some don't have any noticeable accent, some have thick New York or Boston accents etc. In the Atlantic Provinces you're likely to find more people with noticable accents as well out west in places like Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. I'm from Southern Ontario and I've been told I have a noticeable Southern Ontario twang, but most people probably wouldn't think I sound any different than most regular American accents. In Quebec you're likely to find more people who have French-Canadian accents. It really just depends on the person's upbringing and the area they grew up in.
There always the contexte of why you are trying to use an accent wich obliviously isnt yours. Some people might see this as moquing their own. Some people will be confused or distracted by your attempt to change you speeching patern. As a french canadian, i would be amuse if you would come talk to me with a heavy french accent from france (wich noticably differ from ours). ... Also yeah: dont jump line... or they will never found your body :(
Coolest thing I’ve noticed and participated in was not line jumping in cars. Line ups for the drive through at certain places will be split for one entrance. People will take note of what cars were there when they got there and wait their turn to enter the drive through
I used to work in a store and an American tourist came in and was furious that we had different chocolate bars than those he was used to. I tried to explain that we have our own candy industry and that we also import from other countries, so he shouldn't expect all our products to be the same as at home. He actually said, "Don't all Canadians WANT to be American?" So yeah, violating Rule No 1 DOES happen!
I’ve had the experience when vacationing Americans trying to be nice by saying we are all Americans (because we live in the continent of North America). I actually believe that it is an attempt to be nice but the underlying thing is that they think that Canadians want to be Americans. One very nice lady was saying this to me and the husband knew it was ….kinda insulting. I understand Americans like their country but we like ours too!!
From time to time as someone who live in the Laurentides I have a Montreal newcomer commenting on the different items in our store but nothing THIS irritatingly arrogant!😂
When I did a mountain bike vacation in Ireland, one of my B&B hostesses referred to me as an American, so I had to explain it to her. She was a nice lady and wasn’t meaning any harm. I explained it like this, “If your guest is from Canada, you should never call them American.” She looked perplexed. I said, “Would an Irishman be okay with being called an Englishman?” She looked shocked, and I said, “Same thing.”
When I travel, I am mindful that I am also representing my Country. Kindness, friendliness, politeness go a long way ...just treating eachother as we would want to be treated. 🇨🇦❤️
I couldn't agree more! Traveling Europe I often ran into Americans who would lie say they were Canadian so people would be kind then act rude. Funny thing was every time I saw this everyone always knew 😮
My friends daughter was visiting here in Canada, from North Carolina. She said very politely. “ I’m sorry but Y’all really do say Eh. “. To which I responded. “ You just said Y’all”! It was a good bonding moment. Lol
When I worked in downtown Vancouver, I caught my bus home at a stop that catered to a few different suburbs. The line up was about 3 steps back from the curb and parallel to the street. As a bus approached, everyone for that bus stepped forward and made a new line, keeping in the same order and got on the bus, as the people left behind in the original line condensed it, keeping their order. It was an amazingly orderly process to watch. New people queued up at the end of the main line, a bus came, some people stepped forward, got on, the line condensed etc…
@@christinewhoyt Yeah, I sometimes feel like we're more rude than other places in Canada and it bothers me a bit so I try my hardest to be extra polite.
@Mellow419 I need to improve on being polite. My sister is like that being super polite even to rude customers. She has worked in customers. Honestly, I think since the pandemic, it got worse!
I'm Canadian and the lining up thing is soooo true! I've been living in Germany for several years and I get *so* mad when people are constantly cutting lines or just clumping in front of something like a food vendor or public transport instead of making a line. Also the driving thing, I grew up in Yellowknife and we drove to Edmonton regularly - in the first 6h of the drive there are 2 gas stations, if you skip one you'll be running on fumes by the time you get to the next one if you're lucky and if your car dies and it's late in the day you're not getting rescued until the next day when someone else drives by (also no cell reception for those 6h other than within 10min of each gas station) Also don't get out of your car to look at the animals, *always* tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back if you're going out into the wilderness (hotel staff or park workers will be happy to write it down and call search and rescue if you don't come back on time) and bear spray is not like bug spray - it's like pepper spray, you spray the bear charging at you, you don't spray yourself!!! Wish I didn't have to say that but... tourists are special...
"tourists are special" AMEN! hahaha. Driving in BC is always nerve wracking because some tourists throw all sense out the window when they see wildlife... i've had to slam on my breaks before when going around a blind corner because a motor home was stopped (without hazards on) in the middle of the highway to watch a bear on the side of the road. I've seen tour buses driven by non locals pulled over (regardless of signs that say 'do not stop- wildlife in the area') to let everyone get out to take pictures of potentially dangerous animals (cougars, bears, moose, etc). Then there is always the story of the American asking when the animals come out/what do they need to do to get the animals to come out so they could look at them 😆
Here in Saskatoon, bear spray is the choice of weapon to rob people with. I am sure Cabella's and Canadian Tire sell (or have it stolen) lots, but it isn't avid hikers that are using it. Honestly, with the amount of bear spray attacks in Saskatoon (and probably other major cities in Western Canada at least), it should be illegal. We don't have a gun problem, it is bear spray and knives.
Listen to this! My cousin and I toured Australia's West Coast for 6 weeks from Albany to Broome in 2006, in a mini tour bus with 8 people. My cousin and I happily offered to do the dishes the first night in the outback. Our very Aussie tour guide/bus driver named Jim immediately commented saying, "You can always tell a Canadian from an American on these tours! The Candians say thanks for the meal and offer to do dishes. But the Americans expect to be served hand and foot and go relax. The Candians work at setting up their own tents. But the Americans think they paid for the tour, so someone should be setting their tent up for them!"
100% agreed on the don't call Canadians American. I once almost got in a fist fight with an American at a bar because he kept taunting me by calling Canada America's hat and America's 51st state. He ended up being extremely shocked by how I didn't respond to him passively or politely.
Another thing americans should know about canadians, alot of us can handle our booze very well and many of us have been in quite a few scraps especially if they are from small towns or cities where there isn't alot to do.
While I was driving a truck I had the opportunity to go to Canada three times. I've never met more welcoming people. they talk about the hospitality that we have in the south , I found the Canadians to be equally as hospitable. Across the street from the GM plant there was a pub where the workers came for lunch. Drinking alcohol at lunch time was not frowned on. one guy took the opportunity to explain Canadian money and healthcare. He's been his whole lunch time talking to me. pretty impressive. If you have the opportunity to go, Canada is definitely worth your time.
that sounds like teh GM plant in St.Catharines my dad works there i mean theres probably others like that but sounds much like the one in st.catharines..that restaurant always seems closed
Likewise, I can’t help but wonder why the Canadian perception of American rudeness is the way it is. Maybe as a whole, as in, in public or in groups maybe Canadians are more polite. But I’ve travelled throughout much of the US, and I’ve always felt great hospitality in every place of the US I’ve travelled. I think I’m up around 20 states, but none of the super large cities on the coasts. I’ve been to Nashville, Dallas, Kansas City, but I’ve never been to California, or NYC(rural NY and Albany, yes). I love visiting the US, never had a bad experience anywhere.
Proud Canadian here and this guy has nailed it! His observations are dead on. One thing people don’t realize about Canadians (and Canada) is that we are big on personal space. We’re the 2nd largest country in the world but our entire population would fit inside California with room to spare so don’t crowd people (especially getting on and off transit). We are politely patriotic and apologize a lot, we even have The Apology Act! If you’re polite and respectful, you’ll be welcomed with open arms 🇨🇦.
Hi! Canadian here. Let's talk about some of these. -accents. It's true that some provinces have destinct accents. People from Newfoundland or Quebec will have the strongest/most noticeable accents. Where words are outright pronounced differently (when speaking English). People from Ontario tend to talk faster, and each province will have slang words that are more popular. -Gas. When you're in a city, there are plenty of gas stations. But when you drive along expressways or county roads between cities/towns then yes, you may have to go a while between gas stations. On the 401 in Ontario. Rest stops are 80km apart. However, you can usually find a gas station in one of the towns or cities you pass if you get off the expressway. In prairies, its common practice to have a jerry can full of gas in the back of your car on case you cant make it to the next station. -tim Hortons. Was bought by an American company a while ago and the quality has significantly gone down in the past 10 years. If you wanna try OG Tims coffee, go to a Canadian McDonald's. They bought the rights to the original tim Hortons coffee beans. As for the donuts. They are all frozen and warmed up in store. Not terrible, but not great. Also, their sandwiches are small and expensive.
Another note on the donuts, every topping aside from the basic sugar glaze is not real. It's all fondant. If you want good donuts find a local bakery that sells them, they will be many times better. Oh, and also the fondant is handled bare-handed in some locations as that is the easiest way to get it out of the buckets and into the warmers.
Totally agree! McDonald's coffee is much better than Tim Horton's (thanks for explaining why) we should not be sending visitors to Tim's, it's an embarrassment. When in a town or city, I would recommend trying local, independent coffee shops to get a more genuine experience and better quality food and coffee.
We recently made a road trip from Calgary to Prince George. I was dying for a coffee going north and for hours could not find a place to get one. Then we came across a driveway to a trailer that sold takeout food. They had four Great Pyrennes dogs lounging on the porch. I complimented the owner on her gorgeous dogs. She told me that they had them to chase the grizzly bears away from the property.
@@len3169 In the south. Towns are 100 miles apart in the north. When you leave Prince George you have to go 100 miles in any direction to get a Timmy's.
@@len3169 I live in Prince George. It is an hour drive in any direction once you leave town to get to the nearest Tim’s. In fact, there is absolutely nothing but wilderness and the occasional rural property for an hour drive in any direction. And going through the Rockies between Prince George and Calgary there is virtually no Tim Hortons or McDonald’s for a good three hour stretch.
As an American Canadian, I've learned a lot since living here. I can absolutely confirm that the very thick accent is very regional, not common, and even other Canadians have to have them slow down because it's not just one or two words with a thick drawl, no...every other word is so thick you have to do a translation in your head, it won't be just a few iconic words We do say eh and sorry a lot, but our most iconic words are more like...how we pronounce locations. Locals judge people for how they say Quebec or Regina more than the fake accent though. Also yes. People here are just that polite. Until we even vaguely dislike something, rare as it happens, and then we/they are not so nice. Leaving my door unlocked so my neighbors can pop by to introduce themselves was a terrifying concept When you get your truck stuck in a ditch it takes less than 10 minutes for 3 unrelated cars to pull by to jump into action to get you out as a team Most of our major cities look like small farm towns when you've seen US cities to compare. Very unpopulated overall so even city people here are just so kind and helpful overall I love finally fitting in. Best combination of freedoms, beauty, good people, and still some rebellion. Canada's neat ♡
That had to be just the perfect comment to end a great post !! A very accurate description of most of our major cities ( I live in Winnipeg ). I have helped and been helped getting out of snow, etc., I can't even count. I've even had 2 police officers push my car once. It's a mindset that happens more often in northern climates, not just Canada. Ask some folks from Minnesota or the Dakotas.
must have dual citizenship then (american canadian) - normally we have just canadians , seemingly not much use of the racist descriptors like white, black, red, brown, yellow ,,,,, well except for French canadian opps
@@debbie541 I haven't lived here long enough to become a citizen yet. You have to be a Permanent Resident for a few years before you can apply for citizenship, but yes, it'd be listed as a dual citizenship once I've obtained it
the farther east you go the more french it gets then it suddenly becomes the most interestingly accented, dictional, and fast, english. by the time you make it to newfoundland it may take a bit of practice to even come close to understanding everything they're saying to you even though it's english. fairly strong accent, lots of unique words and phrases, and they tend to speak really fast. honestly probably the best people to meet in all of canada.
@@jaimefewer6297 if you put _ _ on either side of a sentence (period needs to be inside too) it makes you speak faster in the youtube comments. _fast as friiig!_
Lots of places if youre in a bind and need ro dash in somewhere close real quick and leave your bags behind, theres usually someone close by willing to watch your bags if youre quick, like 5 minutes or less quick. When ya gotta go ya gotta go
While on a road trip in Canada, do NOT let your gas tank get below half... that half tank is your "reserve" in case you can't find a gas station. This is especially true while crossing the Canadian Sheild in Northern Ontario and along the north shore of Lake Superior.
They had to write a law because of how often we instinctively say sorry (if i remember correctly). I think it’s because “sorry” usually is used for admission of guilt, but when we use it for, excuse me, oops, etc, it gets tricky.
Hold doors open to stores for the people right behind you, sometimes to the point of it being silly. I've seen Canadians, including myself, hold the door open for people behind them 10-15 feet away.
There is also holding multiple doors for the same person. You say thanks after each one but it gets a little softer with each passing door. Today I held three different doors going into the library today for the same person. By the third one her thanks was barely audible.
Tyler, you are one of the most polite, diplomatic thoughtful youtubers. I don't think you "are just the average" anything you are way nicer than the average person anywhere. I am declaring you an honorary Canadian :)
About the bus thing, it is both cultural and social. I've been all over Canada and there was never a place where people didn't automatically made a line when waithing for a bus, subway or whatever. We are raised like that, go on our first trains or whatever with our parents that do that, so we learn it too. And when someone cuts the lines or rush in exiting people to get in, they get a pretty stink eye from everyone else. That's if they are not physically removed and put in the line by someone. We like our lines that much lol. I must say, the only places I did got cut in line was in tourists frequented spaces, like downtown Montreal where I work... Also, it's very common from my experience to let a pregnant woman, a parent with a stroller or an elderly or disabled person enter public transportation first.
Most times…I was on a Toronto subway very pregnant with a friend. No one offered me a seat. My friend ended up asking if someone would be so kind to donate their seat! I was a little disappointed with Canadians that day. But in their defence some ethnic groups that are just new to Canada may not have been brought up with those types of manners.
@@lindachallenger1554 I must admit I had a similar experience at time in Montreal. While I was often offered seats even before being pregnant (I'm a bit fat, almost all around the stomach), once I actually needed seats because I was actually pregnant, I realised most seated people wouldn't move an inch if left unprompted. However, most often than not, if a standing stranger saw me, they would require a seat for me before I could even say something.
We've mastered the "slow shuffle" onto public transit that (with a small smile and nod) both indicates to and allows the old, pregnant, or those with very young to board first. 👍🏻👏🏻
@@lindachallenger1554 that's more of an ontario and quebec thing unfortunately. of course anywhere in the world there are going to be some people that feel entitled. here in saskatchewan i have used public transportation for years and haven't had more than a few bad experiences. it's pretty common to see elderly people and pregnant people get seats first. but i think that's also because my province is more conservative so manners like that are more instilled here.
I travel a lot as a Canadian and it is true. Some areas are very remote. He also forgot to mention to carry an emergency kit with at least a shovel, blanket, jumper cables, and a few snacks.
And make sure you know how to change the tire. Getting stranded on a highway with the nearest gas station 20 kms down the road can be harsh. A very long walk there and back.
Something that is rarely mentioned about Canadians is that, if you have American coins such as nickel, dimes and quarters, they can be mixed in with Canadian coins and nobody will care. We use them interchangeably. This was true even when the Canadian dollar was higher than the American dollar. It's just small change and we don't care!
Our coins are a slightly thinner gauge and can jam in American machines; whereas, ours are built to accept either. I used to separate the US coins from my machines at work and then take then across the line when shopping. When we did away with the pennies, I've always wondered if the Mint separated the US coins when they were smelting down the coins.
@@Sharon-bo2se ... It always puzzled me why Americans didn't accept our coins...especially in the states closest to our border. I guess it is true that we are just a little more easy going!
@@gratefulketo2211 think we are more like the Scots. They take it and get on but the English across the border don't like taking Bank of Scotland and then havevto return it there. Money is money so just take it.
They don't fits in the vending machine (quarters) and before 1968, they were 950/925 silver (quarters and dimes) so they were more valuable than the American ones. But we don't care. Unless you make the mistake to put one in a vending machine.
Interesting fact: A&W in Canada and A&W in the US are not the same restaurant anymore. A&W was split off into 2 separate businesses in 1972 and have two completely different owners, corporate structures and identities and don't share any corporate connection to each other. Yes they share the same origins, but the menu items are different and the restaurants have a different look and feel in Canada and the US. They are still both famous for their Root Beer though.
Nothing beating A & W root beer. I'm diabetic but I order the regular anyway. If I think it better to not have any, I just don't order it. I refuse to have the sugar free version.
@@shoknifeman2mikado135 I agree that the regular is too sweet but it's tradition. Truth be told, I don't drink pop, I drink club soda flavoured with a shot of juice or a squeezed lime because I'm diabetic. Rarely go to A & W but if I may or may not get root beer - I'm all in or all out 😀
Love A&W 🇨🇦 - didn't know they were different companies! Hate Harvey's - the burgers taste bad. Don't care for Swiss chalet either - in Quebec we have the best chicken place: St Hubert!
As a Canadian who is half Native and live 7 miles from the closest neighbors and 2 hrs away from the closest town the don't feed wildlife is right up there, where we live there is a hiking trail and I have a house store that my family sells personally made crafts and baked goods like my fudge and we get hikers from all over the world most are nice and friendly but some are just rude and opinionated and when your hiking through our front yard all we ask is that you say hi n bye just passing by or stop and gab we like to talk and tell you the local history.
And it's true that there aren't rest stops every 50 miles or kilometers in Canada. We found out this out the hard way when the wife and I needed to go and there wasn't a can in site, so into the bushes we went ! Looked like other people had been there too though ! 😵💫
I'm Metis as well, grew up in a tight knit community Transcona, now part of Winnipeg but now live in a very small town in NW Ontario. Not much of a difference, people wise
Do you live on a reserve? My parents had a place in Curve Lake about 35 to 40 minutes north east of Peterborough and we all really miss it now that they are gone. Have some paintings done by some of the natives from the Art Gallery up there. We were really sorry when Nori Peters passed away. She was good to my parents and I enjoyed talking with her at the fall art show.
@@barbarae-b507 yes and no I'm on my people's original village sight and rebuilt where my grandparents old house was and still have our old house next door as a guest house.
As a Canadian we do learn french in school as mandatory parts of the curriculum. Also there are french immersion schools where everything is taught in french. However, once you leave high school unless you're in Quebec or are required to speak it for your job, you forget most of it.
You are right. There also is kind of an idea that French Immersion is better for kids and although having a second language is great there is a trade off. Brilliant kids do well but often average kids don’t. That is quite a risk to gain a language that most don’t get to practice it post graduation. I see the benefit if living in Quebec or even New Brunswick. In my experience the only person who benefited from French immersion and continuing taking it in University was to get a job in sales for a major drug company. It got her in the door but she never had to use it. It opens doors for government jobs as well. I live in Toronto with different communities. I’m more likely to hear Italian, Polish, Ukrainian or Chinese.
@@deirdrestatham5730 lol….and now with everything being politically correct, would the autobus be only identified with the masculine “le”? Maybe it would be a “la”…or no gender assignment….simply “L”. Just kidding but it was a pain figuring it out and getting things marked wrong on a test when you almost got it right.
@@YukonWilleh lol…but can you spell library in French! They should just have focussed on conversational French and maybe we would have learned a bit of a working language.
We love our Newfoundlanders in Canada. I’m a prairie person, we have lots of them come here to work. They have a wonderful accent and a very warm Canadian heart. I have know and worked with many here and as a rule, they are extremely nice, very much like prairie people. True Canadian politeness and welcoming warm culture. Love our Newfies! ❤
Most Canadians do not have an accent. In fact, we're considered to have a non-accent accent. It's why filming here is so popular, especially filming in Vancouver and calling it Seattle, WA. We're all given some basic French but we really don't speak it outside of the areas mentioned. You can go for a few hours without a gas station or rest stop on a trip in rural areas. While not the best coffee, Timmies coffee is much better than gas station coffee. That sales tax is what pays for our healthcare, education & roads. Lol We definitely say sorry to everything including inanimate objects.
When folks grow up around the same people, and don't move around a lot, and there's a bunch of folks like this living in some place---that's where you find the regional "accents" of Canada. In the urban centers (even in Saint John's), there's a lot more mixing, folks come and go, and lots of them travel around Canada and around the world, so that particular location doesn't sound like one voice---it has too many. Instead, folks that grow up there learn to speak without inflection (or with minimal inflection). This is why the "Canadian voice" was much-desired overseas by ESL educational operators; it was considered to be the easiest English voice to learn.
Tipping in Canada is NEVER mandatory, only expected if you receive decent or better service. We have two different salary scales for tipped workers and no-tip workers. Thus don't tip in a fast food unless the person behind the counter is really kind to you since they receive full salary. Likewise, do not tip any service unless you feel like the service deserves it since they already receive full salary. Do tip in any restaurant or bar if the service is decent or better since they are on the lower tipped workers' salary were tip is "expected" as part of the salary (i know this is super dumb). So, yeah, it's not only about politeness and manners to tip, it's a bonus given to someone because you appreciated the service they offered.
the 'canadian accent' IS a thing, im born and raised in New Brunswick Canada and some people from different places are harder to understand. the Canadian accent portrayed in this video is an accent that ive learnt most Natives near where i live use. just like how Americans have harsher accents in different parts of America, Canadian accents also change depending on where you go.
I'm an American turned Canadian. The sorry thing is spot on and always just gets me (in a good way.) The other day at the grocery store, I backed into a lady who was literally standing still and she said "oops, sorry!" I thought to myself, why on earth is she saying sorry to me for backing into her? I don't get it, but it's way better than where I'm from in the U.S. which usually included some kind of dark look or even profanity.
French is a compulsory subject taught in all schools across Canada, and while many English students do not end up speaking French they do have all the basic linguistic patterns to quickly learn it if they find that they need to. Most adults end up regretting that they did not continue to learn French and become somewhat more bilingual.
You can go hours in some sections of Canada while travelling without seeing a gas station. Fill up your gas tank often, travel with water, snacks and some toiletries for emergency “nature calls”. It’s a beautiful country that takes a lot of time to explore.
True, I used to tell people coming to visit me that they better fill up in a specific town on their travels because it was 2 1/2 hrs to the next gas station and that one closed at 6pm so it was more like 3hrs at best.
And if you're travelling in the winter, make sure you have blankets, clothing warm enough to walk a fair distance in, an emergency candle, and some sand or cat litter to give your tires something to grip if you get stuck. Cell phone service isn't always great outside of highly populated areas, so you may have to walk to get a signal.
The average group of Canadians showing up and not even forming a line will actually be able to self sort into a proper "who was there first" line. And not just a little angry, jumping the line will cause unapologetic anger from most Canadians.
Yes… the closest I’ve ever come to having a hockey style fight was with a line jumper, in a bank, on my lunch hour. He kept saying he didn’t have any time to wait because he was on his lunch. Dickish move. We were all on our lunch hour.
@@toryjames5084 Funny thing, I was at the cashier after getting groceries a couple days ago and I had a HUGE load, there were 2 people in line behind me and they only had a couple items so i offered to let them skip the line ahead of me, the woman behind me utterly refused to cut (And later, moved to another line, where things we moving faster) so, I then asked the man who had been behind her (He only had ONE item) and I practically had to beg him to cut in, after assuring him that I didn't mind waiting an extra minute! PS After I went through the cash, I realised that I'd forgotten my wallet and had to run home to get it, when I got back to the store, I felt so embarrassed as they let me cut the line to pay, I of course apologised to the people who had to wait for me.
Yup, Canadians effectively form a queue in a similar manner to Brits although we do sometimes keep track of the queue order informally (keeping track of who was there first as you say) rather than necessarily standing in a line. (e.g. "I believe this gentleman/lady was ahead of me" is not an unusual statement). I've seen this behaviour everywhere in Canada. Despite it arguably being a habit that originated with the Brits, the social custom of respecting the queue and not rushing the public transit (basically of being orderly in general) is true on both sides of the English/French language divide. I've heard French folks in Canada comment about how Quebecois queue up like Brits do.
The line thing is very real. Even the most impatient people get in line, complain, but keep in their spot. Often will even apologize for being in a crappy mood. Door holding is blissfully a very common thing as well. "Canannada" lol. Excellent recovery. Loving your vids. And yes, we Canadians do apologize to our inanimate objects, pets.... everything. Lots of "No worries"
All Canadians have a mental gift for knowing who enters the store/restaurant and keeping the order locked in their brain till they reach the checkout. This magical power can even extend to track who ordered and got their food ahead of someone else.
A month ago I had to tell a black bear to get off the third floor terrace of my house. I have an ongoing war with a herd of wild turkeys that come daily to ravage my gardens, as I also have with a group of deer that consider my place the perfect place to stop over for an early breakfast. Last night I had to hustle a big fat porcupine away from my door. In the summer I am awoken at 4 am every morning by the birds singing-in-the-day outside my home. For two years a have had partridge arrive in the fall and decide that I was their new best friend. Every time I went outside they would run from the forest to greet me. A red headed woodpecker comes every morning and every night to stare at me through my glass doors. Every late summer the loon parents bring the new babies for a 'boat ride' back and forth in front of our home, screaming, until we come a congratulate them on the kids. This is hysterical, and happens every year. I love to sit and listen to the wolves call to me at night. I call them. They call back.
I live in Canada and my family and I went on a roadtrip across the country, and there were many times where we would drive and not find a hint of civilization for hours so yeah its really important that you make sure your stocked on gas especially in the areas where theres no cell signal. Many people tend to forget that Canada is mostly empty space so there isn't a gas station nearby all the time
having split a lot of my life travelling from MB to AB I can tell you that when you're in the open the "half" mark on your gauge means "E" - start looking soonest ... going across the Prairies or northland? - 1 gal (5 l) can in the trunk ... CAA doesn't make house calls on the Trans-Can
@@coldlakealta4043 haha yeah, like in the drive from Quebec city to Chicoutimi, there's one gas station in the middle. It's not crazy far, but don't miss it just in case.
Funny story.. when I was at a bar in Scotland, someone wanted to seriously fight me when he heard me speak, because he thought I was from the US. When I told him I'm Canadian he gave me a huge hug! 🤣
Makes you wonder why Americans are so disliked globally?? I've heard of Americans even putting our Maple leaf on their belongings to avoid the treatment they experience otherwise.
Yup,,,I always have wee little Canadian flag I pin on my bag or on my collar.. When I was in New Zealand at a little Pub., People all kinda looking at to newcomers with an accent, once they found out we were Canadian,not American they kept sending over Jugs of Beer,,sitting with us,, Even inviting us to sleep at thier little extra cabin,So nice
@17:12 regarding taxes, it's because there are 2 levels of tax - provincial and federal - and they're not called the same thing from one province to another. but they usually add up to roughly 15% across the board.
I AM Canadian(Molson beer tells us so) LOL When in a grocery store or any store really, saying excuse me when passing someone in an aisle happens 99% of the time. If someone doesn't say excuse me, they are considered rude. You are a very nice young man and would fit right in up here. I worked in the US for two and a half years and one day backed into a car in a hotel parking lot. I called the police, explained what happened and they laughed at me. I was in tears, I was so worried about the car I hit and the owner etc. They asked who else saw it happen, I said no one else saw. They asked for my driver's license. When I handed it over the officer said to his partner, We should have known, she's Canadian. That's when they laughed. I asked him what he meant. He said, " There isn't one American that would have called the police especially if no one else saw. I was appalled.
I was at the grocery store earlier today and there was an older gentleman in front of me pushing his cart slowly. Instead of say sorry, can I just squeeze by ya, I just walked slowly behind him until we were out the aisle. That is the true Canadian way, we are too polite to even try and pass someone.
As a Canadian, I can vouch for these tips. For the gas issue, it totally depends where and which highway, but yes it is good to plan ahead. I really like the letting the people out of the bus before going in tip. The same goes for elevators.
I grew up in Hamilton and my parents still live there. I currently live in the U.S. When my Dad comes to visit he goes to pump first instead of paying first.
Tim Hortons is popular because it appeals to the Canadian value of "keeping it real". They serve unpretentious, mostly non-greasy, food (the donuts are baked) at reasonable prices, that you can either go through a drive-thru to get, or sit down to have with proper conversation.
Totally agree with not skipping the line.The only time there's an exception to that is if you're going to meet your family or friends who are in your party and they are ahead in the line.
I'm so glad that you are doing these videos! I have noticed that too many Americans are just ignorant of their neighbour to the north. I enjoy watching you learning all about Canada, its fun!
As a canadian when i have traveled to Europe i was always sure to put canadian flags on my stuff, we are always mistaken for Americans but get treated much better when told were actually canadian!
It ticks me off when Americans put Canadian flags on their stuff so they’ll be treated better abroad. You’re NOT welcome to use our flag when you’re Murican - use your own damn flag! Especially because you consider yourselves to be better than everyone else.
I'm Canadian (Ontario) and i have never heard anyone say "Aboot" untill I saw a youtuber from British Columbia who actually DOES!!! it caught me off guard. The buses, "Bumrushing" thing he said is pretty accurate. even in Toronto, we have a huge populaton, but it's just courtesy to let everyone off the bus before stepping on.
there is more to Canada than Ontario lol Aboot does exist in some accents in BC. There is a difference between the vowels from BC to the Prairies to Ont (and even then SW Ontario is its own accent), to the East Coast, and then of course any french speaking area of those who grew up on or near a reservation.
Maybe to someone from BC you don't hear the difference in vowel pronunciation in BC compared to other provinces, but its there. The prairies also do their vowels a bit different as does the east coast as does Ont.
You really need to take a trip to Canada. Maybe a cross country trip. See and taste all that it has to offer. Make it a series. From Newfoundland to bc. And don’t forgot to hit the territories while you’re at it. That will definitely be a huge experience.
In Ontario, kids take French classes all through primary/elementary school. In high school, a French course was mandatory in Gr. 9 but elective beyond that, at least when I was in school. Some universities may require a senior h.s. second language course for admissions, depending on the program.
In Alberta, we had French classes from Grade 4 - Grade 9, but it was very basic and most was repeated from one year to the next. It wasn't enough to become a functional French-speaker. In High School it was available as an elective.
The accent is still alive and well in regions like the Ottawa Valley and Eastern Ontario. Also, French is far more widespread than he believes. It's certainly NOT only in Quebec! The province of New Brunswick is officially bilingual for example. There are large French speaking communities throughout areas of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Sudbury, Ontario is 40% French speaking.
Ontario is 40% bilinguistic; but the fact is, people are going to be talking to you in English, and unless you are absolutely surrounded by French-conversing citizens, your exceptions (the feel of the place, etc.) won't be met.
8:00 French is treated as Spanish is in the US, it's a widely used secondary language that is offered early in schools, but in all provinces aside from Quebec, it's entirely optional and not used widely in greater society.
I know a few people from northern BC who have a moderate version of that accent, but it really depends on the province, and I've noticed it also depends on how urban or rural the place is. In Toronto, nobody talks that way, an hour or two out of Toronto, it's a bit more common, eh. Also, I've never once heard a Canadian say "aboot" in real life.
Also, the cutting in front thing. It used to be a big problem here in Vancouver with people from other cultures where lining up for things like the buses/trains was not common trying to shove their way on before anyones gotten off, that they did a whole campaign about it, & started creating "line ups" to get on at major routes, then on the skytrain platforms. Now, theres rarely anyone trying to cut the line. Still occasionally some, but its been reduced by like 95%.
Lol that must have outraged a bunch of Canadians who like waiting in line as should be done. Good idea on the campaign. I noticed that when I start thanking the bus driver before I get off the bus that eventually everyone does on the route within a month if you have the same route, politeness is contagious if encouraged.
Having big issues with this in southern Ontario. We have a hugeeee population of South Asians who do not assimilate well at all, or try not to. I live in a city called Brampton and every bus stop you see has a massive group of people all bunched together ready to push in as fast as they can, its awful lol.
@@larrrr3688 I was born in Hamilton, so I am aware of Brampton. Vancouver used to be the same, except imagine 10Xs the Asian population Brampton has. But Translink (or transit service) started working on this like 10-15 years ago, and like I said, now, rarely a problem. Still occasionally happens here or there, but its been reduced like 95%. The few times it IS still a problem, its some elderly asian person, who weighs 75 lbs trying to push past me, a 6 ft 200 lb person. The younger generation have fallen in line, but theres still some "old country" mentality seniors that dont.
Even in Toronto, (probably the city where the polite stuff is a bit more shaky), the line-thing and the bum-rushing-the-door thing holds true. In fact, if you don't "stand right, pass/walk left" on an escalator or sidewalk, you'll get angry passive aggressive hints that you're being annoying (an intentionally loud "step" aka stomp, a loud throat-clearing, or even an exasperated "excuse me" right behind you.) We take our efficient traffic flow seriously!
"Dang it, what the hec and oh my gosh"...Can I tell you how much I love your responses!!! I'm a Ontario born Canadian who has lived in, and traveled your amazing country for years. I recently discovered your channel and you are a gem! I love both the US & Canada. I have so many American friends who love to laugh about our differences. Viva la difference! We are both great nations and, more importanty, we are friends. As with all friends, we are different, but have much love for each other. If I have one complaint about the US, it's their ignorance or worse, disdain about Canada. I love that you are open minded & interested. You are appreciated!
I would love if you would have a talk about the differences in Canadian Political systems. Especially the distinctions between the Canadian Charter of Rights and US Freedom of Rights
The milk in bags thing always seems to come up as some kind of defining characteristic of Canada (like maple syrup and cold, snowy weather). But, I've lived in Canada, on the west coast for more than 70 years, and I've never heard of bagged milk....well, not until I started to take my holidays in Ontario at my wife's family cottage. So there is a tendency to think that what happens in Ontario (or Toronto) as being totally Canadian, whereas there are a lot of variations in the country since it is so vast. On the west coast we occassionally get snow for a few days but, usually it just rains throughout the winter and is mild in the same way as you would find in England. And we don't have sugar maples in this part of Canada, so the syrup mostly comes from Quebec.....also, beaver tail are an eastern thing.....Nanaimo bars are the thing on the west coast when it comes to sweet delights....
I’m a Canadian and I did my master’s in New York. We are within hours of the US-CAN border and they asked about my igloo (EH?), and did all of those Canadiansisms haha! It is exactly like the Texas accent being a “entirely US” accent like you said 😉 We have many accents across Canada but most of the heavier “Canadian” accents are found in the maritimes, particularly Newfoundland (pronounced “New-Fin-lan” lol, not New-FOUND-lanD). I’ve heard myself let out a few heavier accent-sounding words and I laugh at myself. And most Canadians, yes. I grew up in Montreal, and my Toronto cousin can also attest that in the heart of the cities, you can find a few ill mannered Canadians but most of us are taught to be this way. Yes, as a teacher, I can tell you that at some point, regardless of what province, students are exposed to French classes, usually grade 4 and up. Can be from Kindergarten or grade 1 but not across the country. Our Canadian Geese are national animals. It’s illegal to kill them. But oh my gosh, they are BALLSY animals and they will attack. Do not come close to them… they’re evil. They’re gorgeous… but evil. Lol Oh, the gas thing is so accurate. Fill and be prepared. Don’t say “I’ll fill after a few more stops”. There are spots on the highways where it says “next stop in x-hundred kilometres”. Oh Tims is in the Northern USA. And they have extra donuts that don’t exist in Canada! Sadly, after Mr. Tim Hortons passed away, more than 50% ownership on the company was bought by an American. So it’s originally Canadian but it’s now technically American (yes, it still hurts lol). Oh and Tim’s coffee… chef’s kiss! Oh dude, try Harvey’s (fast food burgers), it’s AMAZING. My American auntie sticks up on them haha!!! We need to do a food collab. Where to eat in each province LOL!! My comment is long enough. I’ll stop 😂
When I was a child, French in Ontario was introduced in 1st Grade but most of us stopped learning French in 9th Grade with an option to continue French education. I wish that it's a prerequisite throughout high school instead of ending in 9th grade.
The sorry thing is absolutely true. I’m Canadian, my wife is American from Hawaii and after 10 years of marriage, she definitely says sorry just as much as any Canadian. Yes, even to inanimate objects. 🇨🇦🇺🇸🍻
The alternative is saying "thank you" to bus drivers, cab drivers when you get in or on the vehicle AND say it again when you get out. I did that in Austin Texas, got wide-eyed looks. 😂
@@ninemoonplanet In montreal, we tend to applaude whenever the plane takeoff or land successfully... i dunno if we start booing the pilot if there's a technical problem. 🙃
We measure distance in kilometres but we will speak distance in time, as well. My sister lives an hour away from me, my mom is in a town 40 minutes away and Toronto is 2 and a half hours away from me.
Have you ever noticed Tim Horton was a former pro hockey player ? He played for the Toronto Maple Leafs. After his hockey carreer, he opened a first coffee and donuts restaurant. It quickly became very popular. Unfortunately, he died in a car accident at a young age, but his family continued the work he began.
@@kencreppin2146 Owned by Restaurant Brands based out of Oakville Ontario which also owns Popeyes, Fire House Subs and Burger King. The family hasn't owned since the 1970's and for a while was owned by Wendy's before it's current situation.
@15:01 Ottawa represents! Go wander the market in Ottawa; grab a Beaver Tail, eat at the Moulin de Province, there’s also a great sushi place in the market and if you’re there during the summer, there is a daily farmer’s market. Also, right next to the Beaver Tails is a store called Fluevog - there are a few stores in the US - they are (expensive) great shoes and a Canadian owned company. If you like shoes that are a conversation piece, stop in and shop - the staff are amazingly friendly. Just next to the market, up the hill is the Chateau Laurier; they do tours sometimes, and further up there along Wellington is the Hill. Right now, the buildings are closed to tours because of the renovations that are ongoing (they may be doing some tours of West Block, not sure), but there are other buildings you can tour. Canada is an oddity compared to the US as we freely allow, welcome, and encourage people to wander all over and around our capital buildings. There are a ton of statues around the Hill and all over downtown; Terry Fox was just moved to a new location on Sparks Street (another great tourist spot). On the Hill, you can still access the Eternal Flame and the lawn (I do believe…I haven’t been down there in a few months, but I think the lawn is open). Ottawa is a little town, but there is a lot of great history. Oh, and if you like ghosts, there are ghost tours. You should also check out the former jail near the Rideau Centre. I’ve heard the tour at night is stomach-clenching. And if you like cemeteries, Beechwood has a lot of great history and they do tours there as well.
Canada can get really hot in June, July and August...and the first two weeks of September. And cold in December, January, February and March. Best weather is September and October.
Canadian here. I was wondering if there was something like "Mind your manners" coming. I can't think of anything that would make me angrier than a freaking Karen going off after a clerk or anyone providing her a service. You would see the real canadian in me instantly.
@@celticpridedrums "Karen" is slang for a bullying overly entitled customer with an attitude problem. It's the kind of person who tries to browbeat service employees the second anything isn't exactly as they expect it. They're customer service nightmares and obnoxious as hell to any other customers. Sadly, this type of individual (stereotypically an older middle-class white woman - "Karen" being a generic name associated with that demographic) is all too common.
It's true, and although you will run into the occasional entitled Caren (Canadian karen) they seem to be abundant in the US from the videos I've seen. Most of us can't believe people act like that in public. It's just not something that's a thing here. I guess we are polite...lol
I learned French from grades 4-12. Only once in my entire life have I needed to really use what I learned! My nephews grandma & friend were driving me back to Edmonton and they decided to pick up a hitchhiker. The guy only spoke French and I was the only one in the vehicle that could half ass’d have a conversation with him while the other 2 made fun of him!! I was petrified & just tried to talk to him to calm him down from their laughter. So having learned French helped for something.
Canadian here who lives in Northern Manitoba. Distance between service stations can be as much as 200 km. You learn quickly to fill that gas tank , especially when travelling in winter at -40°
to elaborate on about 11:40 outside of cities theres more so just ga sstations in the odd town you pass through, allbeit a town/ hamlet and so on,,l certain parts of western canada youll easily be driving between 1 and 6 hours minimum between towns /cities
Probably the thing that ticks off Canadians the most is telling us how much better things are in the US. This is not typical of many Americans however there is an annoying minority who feel the need to do this. Most of us have been in the US a considerable amount and we know some things are better in the US and some better in Canada. Mostly, things are very similar. I appreciate your videos!
well, Terry - you used "ticks" in a very Canadian way. This Alberta-born commenter would be more inclined to use a word beginning with "pi" ... sorry 'bout that😀
uh….yes is typical of Americans to be ego centric I was a snowbird for ten years Americans if they even know where Canada is, just assume a Canadian is unable to move to Canada, or we would
In the 1970s, I got my first FT university teaching job in South Africa. Even before going there, I resolved NEVER to offer unsolicited advice on how they should run their country. (This was in the days of apartheid.) Almost everyone I knew realized the system would collapse eventually, as it did in the 90s.
French is taught in schools starting in elementary, but unless they do full immersion it’s hard to keep what you learn. You know the old saying: use it or you lose it, well it’s true😂 French is very highly recommended if you are in the government & you are paid more if you know it & can speak it fluently & it also is true for the RCMP as they are a federal police force.
When I was a kid in Alberta there were no French classes offered until high school and they were optional. Mind you that was a long time ago as I am almost eighty. We had people of a lot of different nationalities in our area but I can't remember there ever being anyone who spoke French. Our community was composed of mainly English speakers with some speaking Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, German, and various Slavic languages but I can't recall any who spoke French. The French were mostly in Eastern Canada. There were also people immigrating from the US in those days and they were usually English speakers.
My Dad is a city cop and he said that in the 80s in his experience when having to deal with Mounties is that they send the ones who barely speak English with very thick French accents to the Prairies and he assumed the opposite happened in Quebec and New Brunswick.
Canadian here. French is likely to be taught through provincial school curriculums, but may not be practiced in daily life otherwise, if outside of the regions mentioned in the video. That said, there are communities of varying sizes in each province / territory. In Quebec, there ARE English schools! New Brunswick is our county's most 'officially' bilingual province. Bonus. Nunavut's territorial government has 3 official languages, including the Inuktitut (inuit) language, which is the prevelant language, in fact, in schools and populations!
Pretty accurate hehe ! We tend to think of others and common good. We do love doing a good action, helping others, taking time to do it. Holding the door even if sometimes the other personne is pretty far from it.
French was added to my school curriculum in Grade 5 and was mandatory until Grade 9 and was optional until Grade 12. I used to be fairly decent with French but I overwrote most of it with German, which is actually more useful here on the prairies.
Yeah I've found that even russian, ukranian and polish is more useful here in the west lol. The Hudderites really like it when you say some nice things to them in German.
I'm American and have lived in Canada for 30 years. One day I went to Whole Foods and when I returned home and pulled into my driveway I got a call from the police. I had dropped my wallet in the parking lot, someone found it and took it to the police station. This all in a span of 15 minutes. That's a Canadian for you.
I’ve had that happen twice. Both times, all my stuff and my cash was still in my wallet. I love Canada.
@@alijane6675 - A civilized country.
After whole Foods, they knew it was empty.
Same thing happened to my dad once. He tried to give the finder a reward, but the man refused saying he was just happy that he was able to return my dad's wallet.
Amen to that! From BC
When I was in New Zealand, someone asked me if I was American. I said no, I'm canadian and they apologized for calling me American. We had a good laugh.
When I was in the UK in the 80’s, I was in a village pub where someone commented on my being American, then when I told him I was Canadian he says to me, “ah, it’s all the same”. To this day I’m still offended! 😂
@@ruby11 That would be a cause for a hockey fight!
My mom went on a trip to Israel and Jordan a long time ago. In Jordan, some guy asked if my mom was available for sale. She had completely red hair and green eyes. The guy considered these things to be good luck. My grandfather said no but, men kept asking for her. Once the group that they travelled with went to a restaurant. The staff assumed they were American. When they saw the malpe leaf on my mom, the manager came out to apologize and they quickly took away the US flags and brought them Canadian ones, constantly apologizing and gave them free desert to make up for the error.
@@ruby11 I'm guessing he was English. 🤣 Call a Scot "English" and you'll get told he/she is Scottish. Much the same as calling us American or US, or a Kiwi an Aussie. We have a distinct identity and don't like being lumped in with our neighbours.
@@ruby11 as you should well be!
I was on a plane from Vancouver to Seattle once, and one flight attendant said to another one, "You can always tell the Canadians on this flight. They are the only ones who line up when boarding and who remain seated when the plane lands."
I'm American, moved to Canada 30 years ago and just became a citizen, thankfully. I have learned to be patient living among Canadians - a good thing.
@@landonbarretto4933 A belated welcome, to you sir!
LOL so true!
@@landonbarretto4933 LOL how many Canadians gave you some quiet Canadian Scorn before you learned patience?
@@CytherX - all of them.
I'm Canadian and once I saw a video of someone imitating a Canadian accent, and I was like, "What? Where did you hear that?" There's probably some places in Canada that talk like that, but I've never actually heard of any and I've never actually heard the accent genuinely spoken.
I'm Canadian too, and to be honest, I was a little surprised (but shouldn't have been) by the local accents in PEI.
The closest thing to it is some places in the really rural areas of far Southern ontario. Even then, it's no where near that exaggerated and varies a lot between each individual.
@@avaleloc1513 Don't forget Newfies.
The only times I’ve heard “aboot” have been in British movies and their comedic programs.I really don’t watch them much because I do not catch most of what they are saying. And I don’t often follow their humour. I guess I am probably missing out on a lot of good entertainment?
I recently went to Labrador and had to fly through gander on the way home and two newfies were standing outside chatting and I was in awe. I’m also a huge fan of coke from away so being on the landing strip in gander I’ll never forget it lol
Ha! Queue jumping is not only frowned on but people argue about who should go first i.e. i was at a restaurant recently waiting for a table. Another man was waiting as well when he was directed to the next empty table. He refused saying that I was there first. We then had a little back and forth "are you sure"? And i finally took the table. 😂
That is what I refer to as the Canadian Standoff.
@@miraleatardiff8543 as a Canadian this is so relatable my mum and my daycare provider use to argue when my mum tried to tip them because they didn't want to except the extra money lol
@@miraleatardiff8543Exactly
Straight outta Britain
Yes, that is big in Canada, please go ahead…no….are you sure? Yes, please.
I have travelled a lot in my life and have been asked many, many times "Am I from America?" When I say I am from Canada, the demeanour of the person changes immediately to a welcoming smile. This happens mainly in Europe.
if it is around the lowland countries because they are still thankfull for canadian soldiers during ww2
my grandpa was in the belgium during ww2 and he is still thankfull to this day
People figure out I’m Canadian right away when I visit Europe...
I got asked that in England. Then he said « oh I’m so sorry I’ve just insulted you haven’t I »? 🤣🤣
Same! 💗 And I make sure my luggage has a maple leaf on it...
Same 🇨🇦
In Canada we have the Official Apologies Act, where it says that saying Sorry is not an admission of guilt .
It's to help with a legal statement of admission of fault. Just because you say sorry in a accident or any other offense. It's not a admission of guilt. It's seen a empathy for someone else.
As far as I know, not many in Canada say "a boot" when they say "about", we don't talk about The Mounties or moose, nor do we say "hoser" or "hose head" anymore. That went out in the 80's with Bob and Doug MacKenzie !! 🙄
@@dankelly5150
Been in Canada for 56 years. Never heard anyone say "aboot" ever. Anywhere. Not on TV. Not in music. Not even in the billions of videos on UA-cam! Unless it is Americans talking about fantasy Canadian accents!
You should hear someone from New Foundland, even as a Canadian I have a hard time understanding them sometimes.
@@charlenebrissette3348 I used to watch a fishing show from Newfoundland and they have a very strong Newfie accent that made it hard to understand them! But the fishing was great !! 🐟 🐠
Along the highways I have seen WARNING signs posted at gas stations with the distance to the next gas station to remind drivers to fill up.
Something else that wasn't mentioned, if we are going in or out a door and we see you coming we're holding that bad boy open for you. Sometimes from an inordinately far distance away that will make you feel pressured to pick up your pace. Doesn't matter if you're young or old, man or woman either. Also Canadaians can occasionally nearly come to blows over "No, you go first. No, after you sir. No, I insist." 😅
Called a Canadian Argument
@@KOZMOuvBORG OMG..this made me laugh. I am married to a man from the Netherlands and constantly makes fun of me and my family when we have a "Canadian argument". As a direct and straightforward Dutchie, it kills him to listen to us...haha.
That's why so many public buildings have inner and outer doors! (And I bet you always thought it was to keep out those vicious winter winds!) 😀
I was born and raised in Canada (35 years) and have almost spent as much in the US. "Sorry" doesn't go away, it is deeply ingrained . I apologize to my dog frequently and in the middle of the night if I walk into the bathroom door I say sorry as well.
One time there were a bunch of us waiting for an elevator and when the door opened, I waved to an elderly woman and said "you first", and she waved at a woman with a stroller and said "no, you first", and it went on like this until the door closed and none of us were on the elevator lol. Uniquely Canadian problem, I think...
As a young hockey player, we often went to tournaments in the US. We always wore suits and ties and were polite knowing we were ambassadors for our country and our sport. Of course, we still knocked hell out of them on the ice.
Hahaha, well that’s just Canada for ya! As a Canadian, we can be absolutely harmless sometimes, but oh lord help your soul when we get on the ice… no mercy
This reminds when I was on a house league team and we went to the us tournament and we won the tournament beating a triple A us team 7-1
Silent but deadly
As A Canadian dude, I gotta say "Hell Yeah!"
@@disneygirl3630not even silent, we'll trash talk so hard that you'll go home crying
One of the funny things about Canada is that we tend to measure distances in time. For example. I live roughly 3 hours from Quebec City. Toronto is about 16 hours away. Wal-Mart is 30 minutes away on foot or 10 minutes away by car, if the lights are against you.
So true
Reminds me of when I was little and told time by how far apart I held my fingers/hands :)
That is because the time it takes you to travel in a spread out country is easier to describe. If you tell them the kms you might still be asked how long will it take. Also, it depends on the weather. If it is winter it will take longer than in the summer for example.
True and I think it make more sens, like on 10 km you could have a 50k/h or 100km/h signalisation so it impact your trip. I don't know if it make sens 😅
Yes because Trudeau senior went and changed us from the English system of measure to metric. Time is easier and everyone knows that!
Talking to the locals is good advice but they will also be interested in you. We love to learn about different places and ppl. We were on Granville island and sat at a table where some German ppl were talking. We struck up a conversation and they were so excited to talk with Canadians. They laughed when they said here in America and we said no, your in Canada. They laughed and said oh yes, you don’t like to be called Americans. I said because we’re not, we’re Canadian. They said ah, yes now we understand.
It's not about dissing Yanks (though we do enjoy that a lot); it's about recognizing our own, unique identity. If you were speaking with a German citizen, would you call them a mere "European" or someone "from the Old Country"?
As a Canadian that has travelled a bit, I have never met anyone that sounds more “Canadian” than someone from Minnesota
Spot on. Minnesotans seem to sound more Canadian than we do lmao
True lol
Minnesota also has what they call "Little Canada" (historically, many Canadians settled in Minnesota).
I live an hour away from Minnesota and North Dakota, kind of a tri-state area but one is a province, and there is very little difference in accent and attitude. Some places even accept Canadian money.
Really?!
I’m Canadian and my daughter once left her purse in the ikea restaurant. This was before we all had iPhones, but she did have a digital camera and a couple other things of value in it. Oh and it was a Coach bag, so not cheap. Anyway, once we realized that she had “lost it” we started walking around the store to see if anyone was carrying it. Sure enough we found it! A lady had picked it up, looked in the wallet and the only piece of identification that was in there was my daughters YMCA membership. She had ALREADY called the Y and made arrangements to drop it off there (1.5 hours away from where we were). She said that she didn’t trust the people working at the store enough to leave it in the list and found. When I got home there was a message from the YMCA telling us that someone had found my daughters purse! Thankfully we were able to track down her purse before that sweet woman drive it to our town!
Once when we visited the US, my dad left the camera on a bench, walked away, realized he left it there, came back, and it was gone. Never got it back.
Another tip: when you get off a public transport bus, don’t forget to thank the bus driver. Here in Canada, we thank the bus driver before getting out of the bus (unless you use the back doors), and usually the driver will wish you a nice day in return.
I'll usually even thank them from the back door if the bus is quiet enough for them to hear without having to raise my voice too much.
A lot of people thank CTA drivers here in Chicago as well, and ever since I moved here from Toronto, it's made me feel right at home.
ah ah, so true. Whenever I take the bus. I do this
Moi je leur souhaite une bonne journée/soirée
People do that here in America as well (even when using the backdoor)
7:21 I live in Toronto, literally the biggest Canadian city. We ALWAYS let people get off first and then get on as neatly as possible. Unless someone isnt paying attention and accidentally tries to step on before everyone gets off, but in that case they'll usually step back out of the way when they realize their error.
Yeah, I live in montreal and once I was with my friends taking the metro and we got in immediately without realizing. J then heard someone say like "they didn't let us get out" or something and I felt very bad.
LOL LIES, there's always someone who tries to walk through your body and soul to get on before you get off and then have the audacity to be mad when you turn out to be a solid 😂
We do this with elevators too
Legit here in Calgary if you don't wait for people to get off the c-train first before boarding yourself, we consider it rude and frowned upon in social context
I'm Canadian, and I admit to having said sorry to inanimate objects when I've bumped into them, haha. Another thing is that, while in a crowded place where people bump into each other, both parties often will say sorry to each other even if one is definitely at fault. In many situations Canadians aren't apologizing for something that they did wrong, but expressing sympathy that something inconvenient or bad happened to you and they're sorry for the trouble you're going through.
As for the weather and temperature, I live in the southern portion of Ontario, and it can get as hot at 45C (113F) with humidity, or as cold as -40C (-40F) with windchill. On rare occasions it can get even hotter or colder than those numbers.
lol me too, someone bumps into me and i apologize
I just apologized to my table on my way back to finish the video . My fault.
Yep
This is called a Canadian standoff.
Yes, we are NOT like America at all!! I am offended.
We have places in Canada that have road signs that say last chance for gas for so many kilometres. Another tip, if you go to a gas station/restaurant that has a lot of 18 wheelers the food is almost always amazingly good.
Irving big stop if you want a massive slice of cake.
They can communicate easily which truck stop sucks so yeah, if you see 18 wheelers gathered at one go there!👍👍👍
There's a highway stretch going up to North Bay where signs will tell you to pull over to sleep because you've been probably driving for so many hours. Even our signs are considerate 😅
Food tip: Can confirm.
I go to Irving Big Stop every weekend! Amazing!
The "Canadian Accent" exists, but it's not that simple. It's like how different US states have southern accents, some don't have any noticeable accent, some have thick New York or Boston accents etc. In the Atlantic Provinces you're likely to find more people with noticable accents as well out west in places like Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. I'm from Southern Ontario and I've been told I have a noticeable Southern Ontario twang, but most people probably wouldn't think I sound any different than most regular American accents. In Quebec you're likely to find more people who have French-Canadian accents. It really just depends on the person's upbringing and the area they grew up in.
There always the contexte of why you are trying to use an accent wich obliviously isnt yours. Some people might see this as moquing their own. Some people will be confused or distracted by your attempt to change you speeching patern. As a french canadian, i would be amuse if you would come talk to me with a heavy french accent from france (wich noticably differ from ours).
... Also yeah: dont jump line... or they will never found your body :(
yup
you can always tell how much of a person's life they've lived in Toronto by how many of the Ts they pronounce in saying it.
both west and east coast have their regional accents too
northern ON too
@@duckyj7241 “torono”
@@oliviernaud4373 The stereotyped Canadian accent is something very rural, or how many aboriginals speak on the reserves.
Coolest thing I’ve noticed and participated in was not line jumping in cars. Line ups for the drive through at certain places will be split for one entrance. People will take note of what cars were there when they got there and wait their turn to enter the drive through
I used to work in a store and an American tourist came in and was furious that we had different chocolate bars than those he was used to. I tried to explain that we have our own candy industry and that we also import from other countries, so he shouldn't expect all our products to be the same as at home. He actually said, "Don't all Canadians WANT to be American?" So yeah, violating Rule No 1 DOES happen!
Now that’s the typical American arrogance in full view ! Omg !!
I’ve had the experience when vacationing Americans trying to be nice by saying we are all Americans (because we live in the continent of North America). I actually believe that it is an attempt to be nice but the underlying thing is that they think that Canadians want to be Americans. One very nice lady was saying this to me and the husband knew it was ….kinda insulting. I understand Americans like their country but we like ours too!!
From time to time as someone who live in the Laurentides I have a Montreal newcomer commenting on the different items in our store but nothing THIS irritatingly arrogant!😂
I am one Canadian that does Not want to be American!
should have reminded him chocolate bars were invented here
When I did a mountain bike vacation in Ireland, one of my B&B hostesses referred to me as an American, so I had to explain it to her. She was a nice lady and wasn’t meaning any harm. I explained it like this, “If your guest is from Canada, you should never call them American.” She looked perplexed. I said, “Would an Irishman be okay with being called an Englishman?” She looked shocked, and I said, “Same thing.”
Different reasons, but yes.
@@celticlass8573 ya the Americans didnt commit genocide against canadians like the english did to the irish
Or a New Zealander an Australian!
@@ohgiesel Exactly.
@@billpetersen298 Really? How so? I'm not familiar with it, but interested. :)
When I travel, I am mindful that I am also representing my Country. Kindness, friendliness, politeness go a long way ...just treating eachother as we would want to be treated. 🇨🇦❤️
I couldn't agree more! Traveling Europe I often ran into Americans who would lie say they were Canadian so people would be kind then act rude. Funny thing was every time I saw this everyone always knew 😮
I'm a Canadian born and living in Canada.. and this is fun to watch
Same. Born and raised northern BC 🍁
Fr I was and am born and being raised in saskatoon sk
@@no_motivation_3469omg im from regina! i never see people from sask online😭
My friends daughter was visiting here in Canada, from North Carolina. She said very politely. “ I’m sorry but Y’all really do say Eh. “. To which I responded. “ You just said Y’all”!
It was a good bonding moment. Lol
Wey don't say Eh we say hey its used to get attention and in past tense its used to question
When I worked in downtown Vancouver, I caught my bus home at a stop that catered to a few different suburbs. The line up was about 3 steps back from the curb and parallel to the street. As a bus approached, everyone for that bus stepped forward and made a new line, keeping in the same order and got on the bus, as the people left behind in the original line condensed it, keeping their order. It was an amazingly orderly process to watch. New people queued up at the end of the main line, a bus came, some people stepped forward, got on, the line condensed etc…
Québec is not like that at all we just rush in.
@@christinewhoyt Yeah, I sometimes feel like we're more rude than other places in Canada and it bothers me a bit so I try my hardest to be extra polite.
@Mellow419 I need to improve on being polite.
My sister is like that being super polite even to rude customers. She has worked in customers.
Honestly, I think since the pandemic, it got worse!
@@Mellow419 Outside Quebec I think this is a common opinion as well.
Honestly van seems much better than Victoria about lining up and stuff at least from the ferry to commercial st.
I'm Canadian and the lining up thing is soooo true! I've been living in Germany for several years and I get *so* mad when people are constantly cutting lines or just clumping in front of something like a food vendor or public transport instead of making a line. Also the driving thing, I grew up in Yellowknife and we drove to Edmonton regularly - in the first 6h of the drive there are 2 gas stations, if you skip one you'll be running on fumes by the time you get to the next one if you're lucky and if your car dies and it's late in the day you're not getting rescued until the next day when someone else drives by (also no cell reception for those 6h other than within 10min of each gas station)
Also don't get out of your car to look at the animals, *always* tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back if you're going out into the wilderness (hotel staff or park workers will be happy to write it down and call search and rescue if you don't come back on time) and bear spray is not like bug spray - it's like pepper spray, you spray the bear charging at you, you don't spray yourself!!! Wish I didn't have to say that but... tourists are special...
I agree with everething but I did learn something: pepper spray for Grizzly Bears! Not a lot of Grizzlies in the Laurentides...😮
"tourists are special" AMEN! hahaha. Driving in BC is always nerve wracking because some tourists throw all sense out the window when they see wildlife... i've had to slam on my breaks before when going around a blind corner because a motor home was stopped (without hazards on) in the middle of the highway to watch a bear on the side of the road. I've seen tour buses driven by non locals pulled over (regardless of signs that say 'do not stop- wildlife in the area') to let everyone get out to take pictures of potentially dangerous animals (cougars, bears, moose, etc). Then there is always the story of the American asking when the animals come out/what do they need to do to get the animals to come out so they could look at them 😆
Here in Saskatoon, bear spray is the choice of weapon to rob people with. I am sure Cabella's and Canadian Tire sell (or have it stolen) lots, but it isn't avid hikers that are using it.
Honestly, with the amount of bear spray attacks in Saskatoon (and probably other major cities in Western Canada at least), it should be illegal. We don't have a gun problem, it is bear spray and knives.
Listen to this! My cousin and I toured Australia's West Coast for 6 weeks from Albany to Broome in 2006, in a mini tour bus with 8 people. My cousin and I happily offered to do the dishes the first night in the outback. Our very Aussie tour guide/bus driver named Jim immediately commented saying,
"You can always tell a Canadian from an American on these tours! The Candians say thanks for the meal and offer to do dishes. But the Americans expect to be served hand and foot and go relax. The Candians work at setting up their own tents. But the Americans think they paid for the tour, so someone should be setting their tent up for them!"
100% agreed on the don't call Canadians American. I once almost got in a fist fight with an American at a bar because he kept taunting me by calling Canada America's hat and America's 51st state. He ended up being extremely shocked by how I didn't respond to him passively or politely.
😆 How very Canadian of you 😂! Yes that would piss me off too! I would cal them an ignorant idiot to their face 😆. 🇨🇦
Another thing americans should know about canadians, alot of us can handle our booze very well and many of us have been in quite a few scraps especially if they are from small towns or cities where there isn't alot to do.
If Canada is America’s hat, then America is Canada’s underpants. 😂😂
Good
Just call the USA “south Canada”
While I was driving a truck I had the opportunity to go to Canada three times. I've never met more welcoming people. they talk about the hospitality that we have in the south , I found the Canadians to be equally as hospitable. Across the street from the GM plant there was a pub where the workers came for lunch. Drinking alcohol at lunch time was not frowned on. one guy took the opportunity to explain Canadian money and healthcare. He's been his whole lunch time talking to me. pretty impressive. If you have the opportunity to go, Canada is definitely worth your time.
that sounds like teh GM plant in St.Catharines my dad works there i mean theres probably others like that but sounds much like the one in st.catharines..that restaurant always seems closed
Likewise, I can’t help but wonder why the Canadian perception of American rudeness is the way it is. Maybe as a whole, as in, in public or in groups maybe Canadians are more polite. But I’ve travelled throughout much of the US, and I’ve always felt great hospitality in every place of the US I’ve travelled. I think I’m up around 20 states, but none of the super large cities on the coasts. I’ve been to Nashville, Dallas, Kansas City, but I’ve never been to California, or NYC(rural NY and Albany, yes). I love visiting the US, never had a bad experience anywhere.
Proud Canadian here and this guy has nailed it! His observations are dead on.
One thing people don’t realize about Canadians (and Canada) is that we are big on personal space. We’re the 2nd largest country in the world but our entire population would fit inside California with room to spare so don’t crowd people (especially getting on and off transit).
We are politely patriotic and apologize a lot, we even have The Apology Act!
If you’re polite and respectful, you’ll be welcomed with open arms 🇨🇦.
Right there with ya from one Canadian to another 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
@@1995miata This wouldnt apply to people born and raised in big cities like Toronto
@@jcutler1295 ya but I’m from the Amish country
Hi! Canadian here. Let's talk about some of these.
-accents. It's true that some provinces have destinct accents. People from Newfoundland or Quebec will have the strongest/most noticeable accents. Where words are outright pronounced differently (when speaking English). People from Ontario tend to talk faster, and each province will have slang words that are more popular.
-Gas. When you're in a city, there are plenty of gas stations. But when you drive along expressways or county roads between cities/towns then yes, you may have to go a while between gas stations. On the 401 in Ontario. Rest stops are 80km apart. However, you can usually find a gas station in one of the towns or cities you pass if you get off the expressway.
In prairies, its common practice to have a jerry can full of gas in the back of your car on case you cant make it to the next station.
-tim Hortons. Was bought by an American company a while ago and the quality has significantly gone down in the past 10 years. If you wanna try OG Tims coffee, go to a Canadian McDonald's. They bought the rights to the original tim Hortons coffee beans. As for the donuts. They are all frozen and warmed up in store. Not terrible, but not great. Also, their sandwiches are small and expensive.
Another note on the donuts, every topping aside from the basic sugar glaze is not real. It's all fondant. If you want good donuts find a local bakery that sells them, they will be many times better.
Oh, and also the fondant is handled bare-handed in some locations as that is the easiest way to get it out of the buckets and into the warmers.
Totally agree! McDonald's coffee is much better than Tim Horton's (thanks for explaining why) we should not be sending visitors to Tim's, it's an embarrassment. When in a town or city, I would recommend trying local, independent coffee shops to get a more genuine experience and better quality food and coffee.
We recently made a road trip from Calgary to Prince George. I was dying for a coffee going north and for hours could not find a place to get one. Then we came across a driveway to a trailer that sold takeout food. They had four Great Pyrennes dogs lounging on the porch. I complimented the owner on her gorgeous dogs. She told me that they had them to chase the grizzly bears away from the property.
I find this hard to believe, we have a tim hortons every 30 km.
@@len3169 In the south. Towns are 100 miles apart in the north. When you leave Prince George you have to go 100 miles in any direction to get a Timmy's.
@@len3169 I live in Prince George. It is an hour drive in any direction once you leave town to get to the nearest Tim’s. In fact, there is absolutely nothing but wilderness and the occasional rural property for an hour drive in any direction. And going through the Rockies between Prince George and Calgary there is virtually no Tim Hortons or McDonald’s for a good three hour stretch.
As an American Canadian, I've learned a lot since living here.
I can absolutely confirm that the very thick accent is very regional, not common, and even other Canadians have to have them slow down because it's not just one or two words with a thick drawl, no...every other word is so thick you have to do a translation in your head, it won't be just a few iconic words
We do say eh and sorry a lot, but our most iconic words are more like...how we pronounce locations. Locals judge people for how they say Quebec or Regina more than the fake accent though.
Also yes. People here are just that polite. Until we even vaguely dislike something, rare as it happens, and then we/they are not so nice.
Leaving my door unlocked so my neighbors can pop by to introduce themselves was a terrifying concept
When you get your truck stuck in a ditch it takes less than 10 minutes for 3 unrelated cars to pull by to jump into action to get you out as a team
Most of our major cities look like small farm towns when you've seen US cities to compare. Very unpopulated overall so even city people here are just so kind and helpful overall
I love finally fitting in. Best combination of freedoms, beauty, good people, and still some rebellion.
Canada's neat ♡
That had to be just the perfect comment to end a great post !! A very accurate description of most of our major cities ( I live in Winnipeg ). I have helped and been helped getting out of snow, etc., I can't even count. I've even had 2 police officers push my car once. It's a mindset that happens more often in northern climates, not just Canada. Ask some folks from Minnesota or the Dakotas.
For sure. Who the hell would ever want to move back to the states after living in Canada?
NAILED it!🇨🇦🍻🥰 . Hope you enjoy our beautiful land for a long time 👍😎🇨🇦
must have dual citizenship then (american canadian) - normally we have just canadians , seemingly not much use of the racist descriptors like white, black, red, brown, yellow ,,,,, well except for French canadian opps
@@debbie541 I haven't lived here long enough to become a citizen yet. You have to be a Permanent Resident for a few years before you can apply for citizenship, but yes, it'd be listed as a dual citizenship once I've obtained it
the farther east you go the more french it gets then it suddenly becomes the most interestingly accented, dictional, and fast, english. by the time you make it to newfoundland it may take a bit of practice to even come close to understanding everything they're saying to you even though it's english. fairly strong accent, lots of unique words and phrases, and they tend to speak really fast. honestly probably the best people to meet in all of canada.
I was with you right up to the best people…we’re all great. Regionality isn’t relevant to kindness.
Yes, some Newfies (affectionate term) vie with Basans (Barbadians) in speaking speed. Very hard to understand.
From what I have been told, by people from Newfoundland, that is just aboot the only place you hear that word.
As a Newfoundland"er I agree.
@@jaimefewer6297 if you put _ _ on either side of a sentence (period needs to be inside too) it makes you speak faster in the youtube comments. _fast as friiig!_
Lots of places if youre in a bind and need ro dash in somewhere close real quick and leave your bags behind, theres usually someone close by willing to watch your bags if youre quick, like 5 minutes or less quick. When ya gotta go ya gotta go
While on a road trip in Canada, do NOT let your gas tank get below half... that half tank is your "reserve" in case you can't find a gas station. This is especially true while crossing the Canadian Sheild in Northern Ontario and along the north shore of Lake Superior.
True
Yup
They had to write a law because of how often we instinctively say sorry (if i remember correctly). I think it’s because “sorry” usually is used for admission of guilt, but when we use it for, excuse me, oops, etc, it gets tricky.
Hold doors open to stores for the people right behind you, sometimes to the point of it being silly. I've seen Canadians, including myself, hold the door open for people behind them 10-15 feet away.
100% correct.
@@EmmaM-h4jToo bad. 😂
Once you look to see if anyone is behind you, if you make eye contact you hold the door! 😂 that weird little moment.
There is also holding multiple doors for the same person. You say thanks after each one but it gets a little softer with each passing door. Today I held three different doors going into the library today for the same person. By the third one her thanks was barely audible.
@Shootmaster44 I have that happen alot at my work
You can go 4 hours between gas stations across the trans Canada in Northern Ontario.
Tyler, you are one of the most polite, diplomatic thoughtful youtubers. I don't think you "are just the average" anything you are way nicer than the average person anywhere. I am declaring you an honorary Canadian :)
True. Anyone willing to humbly admit that they have a lot to learn, and then tries to learn is a classy individual.
HEAR! HEAR!
no, darn it!!! it's "honoUrary" ... like centRE or cheQUE ... gotta keep from going into the big US melting pot, eh?
@zaphodbond I agree completely! You can tell that Tyler must have been very well brought up! A true gentleman.
I agree!
About the bus thing, it is both cultural and social. I've been all over Canada and there was never a place where people didn't automatically made a line when waithing for a bus, subway or whatever. We are raised like that, go on our first trains or whatever with our parents that do that, so we learn it too. And when someone cuts the lines or rush in exiting people to get in, they get a pretty stink eye from everyone else. That's if they are not physically removed and put in the line by someone. We like our lines that much lol. I must say, the only places I did got cut in line was in tourists frequented spaces, like downtown Montreal where I work...
Also, it's very common from my experience to let a pregnant woman, a parent with a stroller or an elderly or disabled person enter public transportation first.
Most times…I was on a Toronto subway very pregnant with a friend. No one offered me a seat. My friend ended up asking if someone would be so kind to donate their seat! I was a little disappointed with Canadians that day. But in their defence some ethnic groups that are just new to Canada may not have been brought up with those types of manners.
@@lindachallenger1554 I must admit I had a similar experience at time in Montreal. While I was often offered seats even before being pregnant (I'm a bit fat, almost all around the stomach), once I actually needed seats because I was actually pregnant, I realised most seated people wouldn't move an inch if left unprompted. However, most often than not, if a standing stranger saw me, they would require a seat for me before I could even say something.
As a 🇨🇦, if someone buds in line, I will say something & make them go to back of line. 😆
We've mastered the "slow shuffle" onto public transit that (with a small smile and nod) both indicates to and allows the old, pregnant, or those with very young to board first. 👍🏻👏🏻
@@lindachallenger1554 that's more of an ontario and quebec thing unfortunately. of course anywhere in the world there are going to be some people that feel entitled. here in saskatchewan i have used public transportation for years and haven't had more than a few bad experiences. it's pretty common to see elderly people and pregnant people get seats first. but i think that's also because my province is more conservative so manners like that are more instilled here.
I travel a lot as a Canadian and it is true. Some areas are very remote. He also forgot to mention to carry an emergency kit with at least a shovel, blanket, jumper cables, and a few snacks.
"carry an emergency kit" SO TRUE! I gave each of my kids an emergency kit (and trained them how to use it) when they got their first car!
And make sure you know how to change the tire. Getting stranded on a highway with the nearest gas station 20 kms down the road can be harsh. A very long walk there and back.
@@ninemoonplanet and dress appropriately for the weather. Changing a tire in a snowstorm is not fun
a sand bag or three during the winter
YES! especially during winter. my shovel, gloves and traction aids have saved my ass a couple times so far!
Tim hortons is the official road trip pitstop. Its not as good as it used to be, but i think its law to pull into their drive thrus on every road trip
Something that is rarely mentioned about Canadians is that, if you have American coins such as nickel, dimes and quarters, they can be mixed in with Canadian coins and nobody will care. We use them interchangeably. This was true even when the Canadian dollar was higher than the American dollar. It's just small change and we don't care!
Our coins are a slightly thinner gauge and can jam in American machines; whereas, ours are built to accept either. I used to separate the US coins from my machines at work and then take then across the line when shopping. When we did away with the pennies, I've always wondered if the Mint separated the US coins when they were smelting down the coins.
@@Sharon-bo2se ... It always puzzled me why Americans didn't accept our coins...especially in the states closest to our border. I guess it is true that we are just a little more easy going!
@@gratefulketo2211 think we are more like the Scots. They take it and get on but the English across the border don't like taking Bank of Scotland and then havevto return it there. Money is money so just take it.
They don't fits in the vending machine (quarters) and before 1968, they were 950/925 silver (quarters and dimes) so they were more valuable than the American ones. But we don't care. Unless you make the mistake to put one in a vending machine.
They sure care in US if you mix them up....
Interesting fact: A&W in Canada and A&W in the US are not the same restaurant anymore. A&W was split off into 2 separate businesses in 1972 and have two completely different owners, corporate structures and identities and don't share any corporate connection to each other. Yes they share the same origins, but the menu items are different and the restaurants have a different look and feel in Canada and the US. They are still both famous for their Root Beer though.
Nothing beating A & W root beer. I'm diabetic but I order the regular anyway. If I think it better to not have any, I just don't order it. I refuse to have the sugar free version.
@@Polytrout I prefer the diet... the regular is too sweet
@@shoknifeman2mikado135 I agree that the regular is too sweet but it's tradition. Truth be told, I don't drink pop, I drink club soda flavoured with a shot of juice or a squeezed lime because I'm diabetic. Rarely go to A & W but if I may or may not get root beer - I'm all in or all out 😀
Love A&W 🇨🇦 - didn't know they were different companies! Hate Harvey's - the burgers taste bad. Don't care for Swiss chalet either - in Quebec we have the best chicken place: St Hubert!
@@Suzanna-chez-moi C'est pas pire St-Hubert . Cependant, ça a pas marché en Ontario parce que nos goûts sont différents.
As a Canadian who is half Native and live 7 miles from the closest neighbors and 2 hrs away from the closest town the don't feed wildlife is right up there, where we live there is a hiking trail and I have a house store that my family sells personally made crafts and baked goods like my fudge and we get hikers from all over the world most are nice and friendly but some are just rude and opinionated and when your hiking through our front yard all we ask is that you say hi n bye just passing by or stop and gab we like to talk and tell you the local history.
And it's true that there aren't rest stops every 50 miles or kilometers in Canada. We found out this out the hard way when the wife and I needed to go and there wasn't a can in site, so into the bushes we went ! Looked like other people had been there too though ! 😵💫
I'm Metis as well, grew up in a tight knit community Transcona, now part of Winnipeg but now live in a very small town in NW Ontario. Not much of a difference, people wise
Do you live on a reserve? My parents had a place in Curve Lake about 35 to 40 minutes north east of Peterborough and we all really miss it now that they are gone. Have some paintings done by some of the natives from the Art Gallery up there. We were really sorry when Nori Peters passed away. She was good to my parents and I enjoyed talking with her at the fall art show.
@@barbarae-b507 yes and no I'm on my people's original village sight and rebuilt where my grandparents old house was and still have our old house next door as a guest house.
On public transit or when taking Uber or taxi, we thank the driver when we get out. ❤
As a Canadian we do learn french in school as mandatory parts of the curriculum. Also there are french immersion schools where everything is taught in french. However, once you leave high school unless you're in Quebec or are required to speak it for your job, you forget most of it.
After I graduated all I could remember was "baguette", "croissant", and "le autobus". lol
I can swear and ask where the library is.
You are right. There also is kind of an idea that French Immersion is better for kids and although having a second language is great there is a trade off. Brilliant kids do well but often average kids don’t. That is quite a risk to gain a language that most don’t get to practice it post graduation. I see the benefit if living in Quebec or even New Brunswick.
In my experience the only person who benefited from French immersion and continuing taking it in University was to get a job in sales for a major drug company. It got her in the door but she never had to use it. It opens doors for government jobs as well. I live in Toronto with different communities. I’m more likely to hear Italian, Polish, Ukrainian or Chinese.
@@deirdrestatham5730 lol….and now with everything being politically correct, would the autobus be only identified with the masculine “le”? Maybe it would be a “la”…or no gender assignment….simply “L”. Just kidding but it was a pain figuring it out and getting things marked wrong on a test when you almost got it right.
@@YukonWilleh lol…but can you spell library in French! They should just have focussed on conversational French and maybe we would have learned a bit of a working language.
We love our Newfoundlanders in Canada. I’m a prairie person, we have lots of them come here to work. They have a wonderful accent and a very warm Canadian heart. I have know and worked with many here and as a rule, they are extremely nice, very much like prairie people. True Canadian politeness and welcoming warm culture. Love our Newfies! ❤
Most Canadians do not have an accent. In fact, we're considered to have a non-accent accent. It's why filming here is so popular, especially filming in Vancouver and calling it Seattle, WA.
We're all given some basic French but we really don't speak it outside of the areas mentioned. You can go for a few hours without a gas station or rest stop on a trip in rural areas.
While not the best coffee, Timmies coffee is much better than gas station coffee.
That sales tax is what pays for our healthcare, education & roads. Lol
We definitely say sorry to everything including inanimate objects.
When folks grow up around the same people, and don't move around a lot, and there's a bunch of folks like this living in some place---that's where you find the regional "accents" of Canada. In the urban centers (even in Saint John's), there's a lot more mixing, folks come and go, and lots of them travel around Canada and around the world, so that particular location doesn't sound like one voice---it has too many. Instead, folks that grow up there learn to speak without inflection (or with minimal inflection). This is why the "Canadian voice" was much-desired overseas by ESL educational operators; it was considered to be the easiest English voice to learn.
I'm sorry, but that last part is so fkin true 😂😂😂😂
Tipping in Canada is NEVER mandatory, only expected if you receive decent or better service. We have two different salary scales for tipped workers and no-tip workers. Thus don't tip in a fast food unless the person behind the counter is really kind to you since they receive full salary. Likewise, do not tip any service unless you feel like the service deserves it since they already receive full salary. Do tip in any restaurant or bar if the service is decent or better since they are on the lower tipped workers' salary were tip is "expected" as part of the salary (i know this is super dumb). So, yeah, it's not only about politeness and manners to tip, it's a bonus given to someone because you appreciated the service they offered.
the 'canadian accent' IS a thing, im born and raised in New Brunswick Canada and some people from different places are harder to understand. the Canadian accent portrayed in this video is an accent that ive learnt most Natives near where i live use. just like how Americans have harsher accents in different parts of America, Canadian accents also change depending on where you go.
Very true especially the east coast
The Ottawa Valley has a distinctive accent.
Locals in our area speak english with a definite Cree language cadence.
Back East you guys are the West Virginia of Canada!
Canada has many regional accents. The one USian's think Canadians have is not even close to being the most common
I'm an American turned Canadian. The sorry thing is spot on and always just gets me (in a good way.) The other day at the grocery store, I backed into a lady who was literally standing still and she said "oops, sorry!" I thought to myself, why on earth is she saying sorry to me for backing into her? I don't get it, but it's way better than where I'm from in the U.S. which usually included some kind of dark look or even profanity.
Lol! She was saying sorry because she was in your way! :)
We would say sorry in that situation because we weren’t paying attention to the people around us. We have more of an “us” culture than a “me”culture.
Si true hahaha ! Love my country !
In Midland Ontario, we have an entire festival devoted to butter tarts. one of my favourite times of the year.
French is a compulsory subject taught in all schools across Canada, and while many English students do not end up speaking French they do have all the basic linguistic patterns to quickly learn it if they find that they need to. Most adults end up regretting that they did not continue to learn French and become somewhat more bilingual.
You can go hours in some sections of Canada while travelling without seeing a gas station. Fill up your gas tank often, travel with water, snacks and some toiletries for emergency “nature calls”. It’s a beautiful country that takes a lot of time to explore.
True, I used to tell people coming to visit me that they better fill up in a specific town on their travels because it was 2 1/2 hrs to the next gas station and that one closed at 6pm so it was more like 3hrs at best.
@@dmcfarlane4976 Gas up!
And if you're travelling in the winter, make sure you have blankets, clothing warm enough to walk a fair distance in, an emergency candle, and some sand or cat litter to give your tires something to grip if you get stuck. Cell phone service isn't always great outside of highly populated areas, so you may have to walk to get a signal.
The average group of Canadians showing up and not even forming a line will actually be able to self sort into a proper "who was there first" line. And not just a little angry, jumping the line will cause unapologetic anger from most Canadians.
True! My neighbours are currently talking about how 1 neighbour is hogging free parking and not sharing or paying. They take fairness seriously.
Yes… the closest I’ve ever come to having a hockey style fight was with a line jumper, in a bank, on my lunch hour. He kept saying he didn’t have any time to wait because he was on his lunch.
Dickish move. We were all on our lunch hour.
_"... where the hell do you think you're going?"_
@@toryjames5084 Funny thing, I was at the cashier after getting groceries a couple days ago and I had a HUGE load, there were 2 people in line behind me and they only had a couple items so i offered to let them skip the line ahead of me, the woman behind me utterly refused to cut (And later, moved to another line, where things we moving faster) so, I then asked the man who had been behind her (He only had ONE item) and I practically had to beg him to cut in, after assuring him that I didn't mind waiting an extra minute! PS After I went through the cash, I realised that I'd forgotten my wallet and had to run home to get it, when I got back to the store, I felt so embarrassed as they let me cut the line to pay, I of course apologised to the people who had to wait for me.
Yup, Canadians effectively form a queue in a similar manner to Brits although we do sometimes keep track of the queue order informally (keeping track of who was there first as you say) rather than necessarily standing in a line. (e.g. "I believe this gentleman/lady was ahead of me" is not an unusual statement). I've seen this behaviour everywhere in Canada.
Despite it arguably being a habit that originated with the Brits, the social custom of respecting the queue and not rushing the public transit (basically of being orderly in general) is true on both sides of the English/French language divide. I've heard French folks in Canada comment about how Quebecois queue up like Brits do.
The line thing is very real. Even the most impatient people get in line, complain, but keep in their spot. Often will even apologize for being in a crappy mood.
Door holding is blissfully a very common thing as well.
"Canannada" lol. Excellent recovery. Loving your vids.
And yes, we Canadians do apologize to our inanimate objects, pets.... everything. Lots of "No worries"
All Canadians have a mental gift for knowing who enters the store/restaurant and keeping the order locked in their brain till they reach the checkout. This magical power can even extend to track who ordered and got their food ahead of someone else.
A month ago I had to tell a black bear to get off the third floor terrace of my house. I have an ongoing war with a herd of wild turkeys that come daily to ravage my gardens, as I also have with a group of deer that consider my place the perfect place to stop over for an early breakfast. Last night I had to hustle a big fat porcupine away from my door. In the summer I am awoken at 4 am every morning by the birds singing-in-the-day outside my home. For two years a have had partridge arrive in the fall and decide that I was their new best friend. Every time I went outside they would run from the forest to greet me. A red headed woodpecker comes every morning and every night to stare at me through my glass doors. Every late summer the loon parents bring the new babies for a 'boat ride' back and forth in front of our home, screaming, until we come a congratulate them on the kids. This is hysterical, and happens every year. I love to sit and listen to the wolves call to me at night. I call them. They call back.
Lucky.❤
I live in Canada and my family and I went on a roadtrip across the country, and there were many times where we would drive and not find a hint of civilization for hours so yeah its really important that you make sure your stocked on gas especially in the areas where theres no cell signal. Many people tend to forget that Canada is mostly empty space so there isn't a gas station nearby all the time
having split a lot of my life travelling from MB to AB I can tell you that when you're in the open the "half" mark on your gauge means "E" - start looking soonest ... going across the Prairies or northland? - 1 gal (5 l) can in the trunk ... CAA doesn't make house calls on the Trans-Can
Highways has signs when the next gas station is. Very important to always have that in mind.
Don't feed the animals. Don't approach the animals - they might think you are food or a threat.
@@coldlakealta4043 haha yeah, like in the drive from Quebec city to Chicoutimi, there's one gas station in the middle. It's not crazy far, but don't miss it just in case.
Those no people places, are the opposite of empty. They are the real thing.
I'm in a major city of Vancouver, and the public transit thing of waiting for people to come out first is nearly universally practiced.
Same at the other end of the country, here in Halifax NS
Sounds very civil!
@@TylerBucketUA-cam we are for the most part very civil
Canadians thank the Bus driver for the ride. I think that’s nice.
Same in Calgary
Funny story.. when I was at a bar in Scotland, someone wanted to seriously fight me when he heard me speak, because he thought I was from the US. When I told him I'm Canadian he gave me a huge hug! 🤣
Makes you wonder why Americans are so disliked globally?? I've heard of Americans even putting our Maple leaf on their belongings to avoid the treatment they experience otherwise.
Yup,,,I always have wee little Canadian flag I pin on my bag or on my collar..
When I was in New Zealand at a little Pub.,
People all kinda looking at to newcomers with an accent, once they found out we were Canadian,not American they kept sending over Jugs of Beer,,sitting with us,,
Even inviting us to sleep at thier little extra cabin,So nice
He could easily have tested your claim by asking any question about world geography.
@17:12 regarding taxes, it's because there are 2 levels of tax - provincial and federal - and they're not called the same thing from one province to another. but they usually add up to roughly 15% across the board.
I AM Canadian(Molson beer tells us so) LOL When in a grocery store or any store really, saying excuse me when passing someone in an aisle happens 99% of the time. If someone doesn't say excuse me, they are considered rude.
You are a very nice young man and would fit right in up here. I worked in the US for two and a half years and one day backed into a car in a hotel parking lot. I called the police, explained what happened and they laughed at me. I was in tears, I was so worried about the car I hit and the owner etc. They asked who else saw it happen, I said no one else saw. They asked for my driver's license. When I handed it over the officer said to his partner, We should have known, she's Canadian. That's when they laughed. I asked him what he meant. He said, " There isn't one American that would have called the police especially if no one else saw. I was appalled.
I was at the grocery store earlier today and there was an older gentleman in front of me pushing his cart slowly. Instead of say sorry, can I just squeeze by ya, I just walked slowly behind him until we were out the aisle. That is the true Canadian way, we are too polite to even try and pass someone.
As a Canadian, I can vouch for these tips. For the gas issue, it totally depends where and which highway, but yes it is good to plan ahead. I really like the letting the people out of the bus before going in tip. The same goes for elevators.
I grew up in Hamilton and my parents still live there. I currently live in the U.S. When my Dad comes to visit he goes to pump first instead of paying first.
Tim Hortons is popular because it appeals to the Canadian value of "keeping it real". They serve unpretentious, mostly non-greasy, food (the donuts are baked) at reasonable prices, that you can either go through a drive-thru to get, or sit down to have with proper conversation.
Totally agree with not skipping the line.The only time there's an exception to that is if you're going to meet your family or friends who are in your party and they are ahead in the line.
I'm so glad that you are doing these videos! I have noticed that too many Americans are just ignorant of their neighbour to the north. I enjoy watching you learning all about Canada, its fun!
As a canadian when i have traveled to Europe i was always sure to put canadian flags on my stuff, we are always mistaken for Americans but get treated much better when told were actually canadian!
An American tourist in Europe offered me $100 cash for the Canadian flag patch on my pack.
It ticks me off when Americans put Canadian flags on their stuff so they’ll be treated better abroad. You’re NOT welcome to use our flag when you’re Murican - use your own damn flag! Especially because you consider yourselves to be better than everyone else.
@@theunaccompaniedseniorI hope you didn’t betray us and give it up! He didn’t deserve it.
I was told the same thing by the tour guide in Germany.
I'm Canadian (Ontario) and i have never heard anyone say "Aboot" untill I saw a youtuber from British Columbia who actually DOES!!! it caught me off guard. The buses, "Bumrushing" thing he said is pretty accurate. even in Toronto, we have a huge populaton, but it's just courtesy to let everyone off the bus before stepping on.
He does it on purpose
there is more to Canada than Ontario lol Aboot does exist in some accents in BC. There is a difference between the vowels from BC to the Prairies to Ont (and even then SW Ontario is its own accent), to the East Coast, and then of course any french speaking area of those who grew up on or near a reservation.
@@brandyblue4944 weird. I've lived in BC for most of the last 48 years, and NEVER heard aboot.
Maybe to someone from BC you don't hear the difference in vowel pronunciation in BC compared to other provinces, but its there. The prairies also do their vowels a bit different as does the east coast as does Ont.
Well I am From BC and have never heard anyone say “ aboot”. I thought it might be you Ontarians.
in northern US there are a couple tims
You really need to take a trip to Canada. Maybe a cross country trip. See and taste all that it has to offer. Make it a series. From Newfoundland to bc. And don’t forgot to hit the territories while you’re at it. That will definitely be a huge experience.
Yukon is beautiful and desolate. AND full of people from the Phillipines.
You'd need at least a couple of months!
In Ontario, kids take French classes all through primary/elementary school. In high school, a French course was mandatory in Gr. 9 but elective beyond that, at least when I was in school. Some universities may require a senior h.s. second language course for admissions, depending on the program.
In Alberta, we had French classes from Grade 4 - Grade 9, but it was very basic and most was repeated from one year to the next. It wasn't enough to become a functional French-speaker. In High School it was available as an elective.
The accent is still alive and well in regions like the Ottawa Valley and Eastern Ontario.
Also, French is far more widespread than he believes. It's certainly NOT only in Quebec! The province of New Brunswick is officially bilingual for example. There are large French speaking communities throughout areas of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Sudbury, Ontario is 40% French speaking.
Ontario is 40% bilinguistic; but the fact is, people are going to be talking to you in English, and unless you are absolutely surrounded by French-conversing citizens, your exceptions (the feel of the place, etc.) won't be met.
8:00 French is treated as Spanish is in the US, it's a widely used secondary language that is offered early in schools, but in all provinces aside from Quebec, it's entirely optional and not used widely in greater society.
I know a few people from northern BC who have a moderate version of that accent, but it really depends on the province, and I've noticed it also depends on how urban or rural the place is. In Toronto, nobody talks that way, an hour or two out of Toronto, it's a bit more common, eh. Also, I've never once heard a Canadian say "aboot" in real life.
I agree with you on that one. People in Northern communities and rural towns have a strong stereotypical Canadian accent.
Also, the cutting in front thing. It used to be a big problem here in Vancouver with people from other cultures where lining up for things like the buses/trains was not common trying to shove their way on before anyones gotten off, that they did a whole campaign about it, & started creating "line ups" to get on at major routes, then on the skytrain platforms. Now, theres rarely anyone trying to cut the line. Still occasionally some, but its been reduced by like 95%.
Lol that must have outraged a bunch of Canadians who like waiting in line as should be done. Good idea on the campaign. I noticed that when I start thanking the bus driver before I get off the bus that eventually everyone does on the route within a month if you have the same route, politeness is contagious if encouraged.
Having big issues with this in southern Ontario. We have a hugeeee population of South Asians who do not assimilate well at all, or try not to. I live in a city called Brampton and every bus stop you see has a massive group of people all bunched together ready to push in as fast as they can, its awful lol.
@@larrrr3688 I was born in Hamilton, so I am aware of Brampton. Vancouver used to be the same, except imagine 10Xs the Asian population Brampton has. But Translink (or transit service) started working on this like 10-15 years ago, and like I said, now, rarely a problem. Still occasionally happens here or there, but its been reduced like 95%. The few times it IS still a problem, its some elderly asian person, who weighs 75 lbs trying to push past me, a 6 ft 200 lb person. The younger generation have fallen in line, but theres still some "old country" mentality seniors that dont.
Even in Toronto, (probably the city where the polite stuff is a bit more shaky), the line-thing and the bum-rushing-the-door thing holds true. In fact, if you don't "stand right, pass/walk left" on an escalator or sidewalk, you'll get angry passive aggressive hints that you're being annoying (an intentionally loud "step" aka stomp, a loud throat-clearing, or even an exasperated "excuse me" right behind you.) We take our efficient traffic flow seriously!
So as someone who worked at tummies ( tim hortans) for a few years. The coffee is garenteed fresh. It gets dumped if it's been sitting at 20 min.
"Dang it, what the hec and oh my gosh"...Can I tell you how much I love your responses!!!
I'm a Ontario born Canadian who has lived in, and traveled your amazing country for years. I recently discovered your channel and you are a gem!
I love both the US & Canada. I have so many American friends who love to laugh about our differences.
Viva la difference! We are both great nations and, more importanty, we are friends. As with all friends, we are different, but have much love for each other.
If I have one complaint about the US, it's their ignorance or worse, disdain about Canada. I love that you are open minded & interested. You are appreciated!
Exactly! I have lived in USA too and have lots of family in both countries. I like aspects of both cultures but feel most at home in Canada
The only thing is that they didn’t understand the distinction between Canadian Charter of Rights and US Freedom of Rights.
I would love if you would have a talk about the differences in Canadian Political systems. Especially the distinctions between the Canadian Charter of Rights and US Freedom of Rights
The milk in bags thing always seems to come up as some kind of defining characteristic of Canada (like maple syrup and cold, snowy weather). But, I've lived in Canada, on the west coast for more than 70 years, and I've never heard of bagged milk....well, not until I started to take my holidays in Ontario at my wife's family cottage. So there is a tendency to think that what happens in Ontario (or Toronto) as being totally Canadian, whereas there are a lot of variations in the country since it is so vast. On the west coast we occassionally get snow for a few days but, usually it just rains throughout the winter and is mild in the same way as you would find in England. And we don't have sugar maples in this part of Canada, so the syrup mostly comes from Quebec.....also, beaver tail are an eastern thing.....Nanaimo bars are the thing on the west coast when it comes to sweet delights....
Nanaimo bars! Yum! We have them a lot here in Ontario too.
Had bagged milk while living in Ontario for YEARS! When I came west, the less I saw it.
And we thank you for giving Nanaimo bars to the rest of the country! Soooo good!!
I am from the island and Nanimio bars are from Nanimio and it’s are staple
We did have milk in bags in the 70's. It was horrible to deal with them.
Short lived experience.
I’m a Canadian and I did my master’s in New York. We are within hours of the US-CAN border and they asked about my igloo (EH?), and did all of those Canadiansisms haha! It is exactly like the Texas accent being a “entirely US” accent like you said 😉
We have many accents across Canada but most of the heavier “Canadian” accents are found in the maritimes, particularly Newfoundland (pronounced “New-Fin-lan” lol, not New-FOUND-lanD). I’ve heard myself let out a few heavier accent-sounding words and I laugh at myself.
And most Canadians, yes. I grew up in Montreal, and my Toronto cousin can also attest that in the heart of the cities, you can find a few ill mannered Canadians but most of us are taught to be this way.
Yes, as a teacher, I can tell you that at some point, regardless of what province, students are exposed to French classes, usually grade 4 and up. Can be from Kindergarten or grade 1 but not across the country.
Our Canadian Geese are national animals. It’s illegal to kill them. But oh my gosh, they are BALLSY animals and they will attack. Do not come close to them… they’re evil. They’re gorgeous… but evil. Lol
Oh, the gas thing is so accurate. Fill and be prepared. Don’t say “I’ll fill after a few more stops”. There are spots on the highways where it says “next stop in x-hundred kilometres”.
Oh Tims is in the Northern USA. And they have extra donuts that don’t exist in Canada! Sadly, after Mr. Tim Hortons passed away, more than 50% ownership on the company was bought by an American. So it’s originally Canadian but it’s now technically American (yes, it still hurts lol). Oh and Tim’s coffee… chef’s kiss!
Oh dude, try Harvey’s (fast food burgers), it’s AMAZING. My American auntie sticks up on them haha!!!
We need to do a food collab. Where to eat in each province LOL!!
My comment is long enough. I’ll stop 😂
The geese bit is spot on, well done 😂 they’re such a nuisance and they’ll chase you if you get too close!
When I was a child, French in Ontario was introduced in 1st Grade but most of us stopped learning French in 9th Grade with an option to continue French education. I wish that it's a prerequisite throughout high school instead of ending in 9th grade.
My moms work had a goose named Steve, he sat right by the door and scared everyone and she worked in the base. So it’s all military members lol
The sorry thing is absolutely true. I’m Canadian, my wife is American from Hawaii and after 10 years of marriage, she definitely says sorry just as much as any Canadian. Yes, even to inanimate objects. 🇨🇦🇺🇸🍻
I say sorry when someone else bumps into me. Americans looked at me weird when I lived in the US .
I’ve apologized to inanimate objects, too! I’m happy we’re weird!
The alternative is saying "thank you" to bus drivers, cab drivers when you get in or on the vehicle AND say it again when you get out. I did that in Austin Texas, got wide-eyed looks. 😂
I once got hit by a motorcycle. "Oh! Sorry. You alright?" Yup.
@@ninemoonplanet In montreal, we tend to applaude whenever the plane takeoff or land successfully... i dunno if we start booing the pilot if there's a technical problem. 🙃
We measure distance in kilometres but we will speak distance in time, as well. My sister lives an hour away from me, my mom is in a town 40 minutes away and Toronto is 2 and a half hours away from me.
Have you ever noticed Tim Horton was a former pro hockey player ? He played for the Toronto Maple Leafs. After his hockey carreer, he opened a first coffee and donuts restaurant. It quickly became very popular. Unfortunately, he died in a car accident at a young age, but his family continued the work he began.
Was waiting for this comment
I'm surprised that not many people know about that.
Don’t drink and drive.
Now owned by a Brazilian company. Quality is much lower now.
@@kencreppin2146 Owned by Restaurant Brands based out of Oakville Ontario which also owns Popeyes, Fire House Subs and Burger King. The family hasn't owned since the 1970's and for a while was owned by Wendy's before it's current situation.
@15:01 Ottawa represents! Go wander the market in Ottawa; grab a Beaver Tail, eat at the Moulin de Province, there’s also a great sushi place in the market and if you’re there during the summer, there is a daily farmer’s market. Also, right next to the Beaver Tails is a store called Fluevog - there are a few stores in the US - they are (expensive) great shoes and a Canadian owned company. If you like shoes that are a conversation piece, stop in and shop - the staff are amazingly friendly. Just next to the market, up the hill is the Chateau Laurier; they do tours sometimes, and further up there along Wellington is the Hill. Right now, the buildings are closed to tours because of the renovations that are ongoing (they may be doing some tours of West Block, not sure), but there are other buildings you can tour. Canada is an oddity compared to the US as we freely allow, welcome, and encourage people to wander all over and around our capital buildings. There are a ton of statues around the Hill and all over downtown; Terry Fox was just moved to a new location on Sparks Street (another great tourist spot). On the Hill, you can still access the Eternal Flame and the lawn (I do believe…I haven’t been down there in a few months, but I think the lawn is open). Ottawa is a little town, but there is a lot of great history. Oh, and if you like ghosts, there are ghost tours. You should also check out the former jail near the Rideau Centre. I’ve heard the tour at night is stomach-clenching. And if you like cemeteries, Beechwood has a lot of great history and they do tours there as well.
Canada can get really hot in June, July and August...and the first two weeks of September. And cold in December, January, February and March. Best weather is September and October.
Thanks for these videos, I love them. As a Canadian, I am embarrassed to admit I learn a lot about Canada from them, lol!
Canadian here. I was wondering if there was something like "Mind your manners" coming. I can't think of anything that would make me angrier than a freaking Karen going off after a clerk or anyone providing her a service. You would see the real canadian in me instantly.
Had one of those at work, they seem to get angrier if you stay polite enough, fun talk in break room
"karen?" what does that mean?
@@celticpridedrums "Karen" is slang for a bullying overly entitled customer with an attitude problem. It's the kind of person who tries to browbeat service employees the second anything isn't exactly as they expect it. They're customer service nightmares and obnoxious as hell to any other customers. Sadly, this type of individual (stereotypically an older middle-class white woman - "Karen" being a generic name associated with that demographic) is all too common.
It's true, and although you will run into the occasional entitled Caren (Canadian karen) they seem to be abundant in the US from the videos I've seen. Most of us can't believe people act like that in public. It's just not something that's a thing here. I guess we are polite...lol
@@celticpridedrums watch a couple UA-cam "Karen" videos and you will see. Like I said there seems to be lots in the US.
I've been to both coasts in the US and States in between.I am Canadian. Enough said.😊
I learned French from grades 4-12. Only once in my entire life have I needed to really use what I learned! My nephews grandma & friend were driving me back to Edmonton and they decided to pick up a hitchhiker. The guy only spoke French and I was the only one in the vehicle that could half ass’d have a conversation with him while the other 2 made fun of him!! I was petrified & just tried to talk to him to calm him down from their laughter. So having learned French helped for something.
You showed class.
They laughed? I'm assuming it was the children who laughed, not the adults.
You are differentiating Canadians from Americans which is what we love. 🍁
Canadian here who lives in Northern Manitoba. Distance between service stations can be as much as 200 km. You learn quickly to fill that gas tank , especially when travelling in winter at -40°
from Northern AB here - "half" means empty, especially in winter - it can be life-threatening if you're stranded by something
@@coldlakealta4043 they dont write those signs "next stop till service" signs for nothing
And to not let the gastank so that it would freeze in the gas lines. I live in Bay-James, Quebec. You learn quite fast not to do this 😆
@@coldlakealta4043 You never let the tank lower than half. Never. It's very dangerous.
to elaborate on about 11:40 outside of cities theres more so just ga sstations in the odd town you pass through, allbeit a town/ hamlet and so on,,l certain parts of western canada youll easily be driving between 1 and 6 hours minimum between towns /cities
Probably the thing that ticks off Canadians the most is telling us how much better things are in the US. This is not typical of many Americans however there is an annoying minority who feel the need to do this. Most of us have been in the US a considerable amount and we know some things are better in the US and some better in Canada. Mostly, things are very similar. I appreciate your videos!
well, Terry - you used "ticks" in a very Canadian way. This Alberta-born commenter would be more inclined to use a word beginning with "pi" ... sorry 'bout that😀
uh….yes is typical of Americans to be ego centric I was a snowbird for ten years Americans if they even know where Canada is, just assume a Canadian is unable to move to Canada, or we would
No all Canadians do not learn French You won’t hear much French outside of Quebec
Tell me what is better in the US? Beaches in Hawaii. Ok.
In the 1970s, I got my first FT university teaching job in South Africa. Even before going there, I resolved NEVER to offer unsolicited advice on how they should run their country. (This was in the days of apartheid.) Almost everyone I knew realized the system would collapse eventually, as it did in the 90s.
French is taught in schools starting in elementary, but unless they do full immersion it’s hard to keep what you learn. You know the old saying: use it or you lose it, well it’s true😂 French is very highly recommended if you are in the government & you are paid more if you know it & can speak it fluently & it also is true for the RCMP as they are a federal police force.
When I was a kid in Alberta there were no French classes offered until high school and they were optional. Mind you that was a long time ago as I am almost eighty. We had people of a lot of different nationalities in our area but I can't remember there ever being anyone who spoke French. Our community was composed of mainly English speakers with some speaking Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, German, and various Slavic languages but I can't recall any who spoke French. The French were mostly in Eastern Canada. There were also people immigrating from the US in those days and they were usually English speakers.
My Dad is a city cop and he said that in the 80s in his experience when having to deal with Mounties is that they send the ones who barely speak English with very thick French accents to the Prairies and he assumed the opposite happened in Quebec and New Brunswick.
Canadian here.
French is likely to be taught through provincial school curriculums, but may not be practiced in daily life otherwise, if outside of the regions mentioned in the video. That said, there are communities of varying sizes in each province / territory. In Quebec, there ARE English schools! New Brunswick is our county's most 'officially' bilingual province.
Bonus. Nunavut's territorial government has 3 official languages, including the Inuktitut (inuit) language, which is the prevelant language, in fact, in schools and populations!
Pretty accurate hehe ! We tend to think of others and common good. We do love doing a good action, helping others, taking time to do it. Holding the door even if sometimes the other personne is pretty far from it.
French was added to my school curriculum in Grade 5 and was mandatory until Grade 9 and was optional until Grade 12. I used to be fairly decent with French but I overwrote most of it with German, which is actually more useful here on the prairies.
we learned some Ukranian expressions from the other kids ... used to impress their Moms - maybe an extra cookie?
Yeah I've found that even russian, ukranian and polish is more useful here in the west lol. The Hudderites really like it when you say some nice things to them in German.