Politeness is the operating system
Canadians hold doors, apologize reflexively, and say 'sorry' when you step on their foot. It's not performative — it's the social firmware. Match the energy.
🏠 Daily life in Canada
Daily life in Canada comes down to small habits — laundry, groceries, schedules, household routines — that locals do on autopilot and newcomers learn by watching.
In Canada, daily life comes down to a few things: politeness is the operating system, bilingualism is real (in parts), and tipping is north american.
Bilingualism is real (in parts)
Quebec is French-speaking. Federal services are bilingual. In Montreal, switch between English and French mid-sentence. In Toronto or Vancouver, it's English-dominant.
Tipping is North American
15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 15% for cabs. Pre-tax amount is the base. Service industry wages depend on tips. Not tipping is very poorly received.