Definite Guidelines to Follow for Canada Etiquette and Mannerism

Canada, just after Russia, ranks as the second largest country in the world and has become a must visit place globally. Every year millions of foreign nationals plan their trip to this place. So, if you too are preparing to make a quick travel to this beautiful land surrounded by the three mighty oceans - the Pacific the Atlantic and the Arctic; some visa preparation tips; along with an insight to Canada etiquette and manners could come very handy.

Canada Visa Application:

If you don’t belong to Canada Visa Exempt nations, knowing all norms of Canada Visa application is your first task in hand. While others from the Canada Visa Exempt nations are only required to have an ETA – Electronic Travel Authorisation; you may perhaps require to undergo a series of sessions/procedures to get your visa in hand.

Fill the application form with utmost accuracy. The slightest of mistake or incorrectness takes you far away from your visa. Next, provide all supportive documents that are available with you. And do not forget to undersign all of those documents.

Following your documents, a cover letter bearing the purpose of visit is also vital to attain a Canada visa. If you are travelling to Canada on business purposes, a cover letter must be written on company letter head. Social visits require invitations from Canadian residents.

Canada Etiquette and Manners:

Canada has always been one of the favourite destinations for tourists. It is not only the ambience of the place, but also Canadians and their exceptional mannerism are the two things that are equally contributing in making your stay incredibly pleasant and memorable.

Proper etiquette are something Canadians expect in every business or social gathering. Therefore, now that you are making preparations for this trip, knowing few Canadian etiquette is perhaps something you don't want to miss out.

Shake hands from your elbow:

The first time you meet anyone in Canada, make sure you greet them with a confident hand shake. In Canada, a firm handshake that lasts for a second or two suggests that the two people are genuinely happy to have come across each other. On the other hand, a feeble handshake with a bent elbow that lasts for a short duration implies displeasure and annoyance. However, a firm handshake should not be confused with a strong and vigorous handshake that could crush the other person's hand.

Make eye contacts naturally:

Similar to firm hand shakes, eye contact in Canada is a gesture of respect and acknowledgement. However, make sure that eye contacts are not so forceful that they can make people uncomfortable. In order to set a balanced eye contact that will not feel like an unwanted stare; gaze around the room at short intervals when you are not directly involved in any sort of conversation. Otherwise, eye contacts are a must.

Don’t use the first name if not invited:

Just after a handshake and a smile with steady eye contacts and a slight peck on cheeks, you are definitely required to start a conversation. So, how do you go about that?

Canadians are known to be very friendly and frank. They usually address each other with first names. However, if you are new to the place or meeting anyone for the first time, do not rush to use first names just to prove you are equally friendly. Wait for an invitation from their side and yes this will come very soon.

Never skip these:

Sorry, thank you and please are very important to mingle with Canadians. No matter how trivial the favour or how insignificantly you faltered, Sorry and thank you are just not skippable. Besides, never prove yourself to be rude by placing a ‘what’ when you could not hear someone clearly. Instead, say Pardon or Excuse Me.

Dining manners:

When invited for a dinner, always send flowers before the dinner. However, never send a bunch of lilies as these are used for funerals. Besides flowers, a box of chocolates and high quality wine also serve as good options.

Canada has relaxed and informal table manners. Some of these protocols are; the guests always return the toast at the end that was initiated by the host in the beginning. You need to wait for someone to show your seat. Next, do not start before your host and do not rest your elbow on the table. Do not waste food and feel free to refuse any item or drink while being served.

Know their ‘business casuals’

Canadians have come up with their own business attires or in their own words; business casuals. Ties and jackets are not something they prefer. So, even if you have the most exclusive set of those, they would not serve a Canadian business meet.

Black and navy blue are considered to be the two most preferred colours for business attire. Canadians are simple and therefore a set of formal trousers and a shirt will suffice for all your needs.

These were some of the aspects and etiquette that you need to remember when in Canada. Wherever you visit; irrespective of the country or state or island, understanding the local etiquette is an important activity that you need to engage in before visiting. This will ensure that you tour to that respective place is pleasant and you don’t end up ruffling feathers.

The above mentioned etiquette to follow in Canada will make you trip to this wonderful land blissful. Along with enjoying the amazing destination, you might even return home making some good friends here. This will be helpful for a next trip you may plan sometime in future. Again, making relationships is always a good gesture. And if these relations are developed across nations, the world will be a better place to live in.

Following Canadian mannerisms and etiquette will just add to your relationships and also lead to you doing your bit for the world and peace everywhere. So keep these tips in mind when you embark on your journey to Canada.

I am a travel writer, passionate about travelling.