I’m Kayla, and I’ve tipped my way across Canada (here’s my full deep-dive on tipping in Canada if you’re curious). Cafes. Pubs. Hair salons. Hotels. Even that tiny bagel shop that smells like toasted heaven at 6 a.m. I’ve hit the tip screen. I’ve dropped loonies in jars. I’ve also pressed “No Tip” and felt a twinge. You know what? It’s a lot.
Here’s the thing: tipping here isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a dance. Sometimes smooth. Sometimes awkward. But it’s real money and real people, and that matters. If you’re brand new to Canada and still untangling the etiquette, this newcomer-oriented explainer from Arrive lays out the basics in plain language.
How I Decide, When I’m Not Sure
I use a simple plan. Nothing fancy.
- Sit-down restaurants with table service: 18–20% (pre-tax)
- Pubs and bars: about 18%, or $1 per drink if it’s simple
- Counter service or cafes: 10–15%, or small change if it’s quick
- Hair, nails, spa: 15–20%
- Rideshare and taxis: 10–15% or a flat $2–$5
- Delivery: 10–15%, more in bad weather
- Hotel housekeeping: $2–$5 per day, with a little thank-you note
If you want a more formal breakdown of when and how much to tip across Canada, CTV News has a handy guide that lines up pretty closely with what I’ve learned.
Do I always hit those numbers? Not always. I adjust for service, mood, and, yes, my wallet that week.
Real Moments That Stuck With Me
Toronto brunch, and that bold tip screen
Queen Street West, last month. Two eggs, crispy home fries, small latte. Server was kind and fast, even with a packed patio and a crying baby three tables over. The Moneris screen spun toward me with big buttons: 20%, 25%, 30%. No 15% anywhere. I picked “Custom” and did 18% on the pre-tax bill. I felt a tiny pinch. But I also felt fine. She kept my coffee warm. That counts. Side note: here’s what it really felt like to drink legally at 19 in Toronto—another milestone that changed how I saw tipping at bars.
Vancouver brewery, counter service with a twist
Kits on a rainy Friday. I ordered at the bar. No table service. I bussed my own glass. The iPad flipped, default at 20%. I chose 10%. The bartender nodded, no shade. It fit the job done. Clean pour, quick chat about the hazy on tap, then back to my friends.
Montreal bagels and a toonie
Mile End, early morning. Line out the door. Cash jar by the till. I grabbed a sesame bag, still warm, and dropped a toonie in the jar. The baker winked. Steam hit my face when the door swung. That smell? Worth two bucks easy.
Calgary haircut that saved my cowlick
Sixty-dollar cut. Fresh layers. She showed me a new way to blow dry so my cowlick behaved. Magic. I tipped 15% that day, then 20% the next visit because, honestly, I felt great for weeks.
Ottawa rideshare in a snow squall
Wind, ice, and that crunchy sound under boots. The driver took side streets to keep us safe. I added $4 in the app. He said thanks like he meant it. I did too.
Halifax hotel, a small note on the nightstand
I left $5 and a “Thank you!” on a sticky note. My room smelled faintly like lemon after. Fresh towels folded like a little sailboat. Tiny thing. Big smile.
Coffee runs, small choices
Indie cafe near my gym. If I grab a drip and dash, I hit 10%. If the barista steams oat milk just right and helps me juggle a stroller, I go 15%. Service shows. I respond.
Pizza in a blizzard
Driver’s face was red from the cold. Pizza was late, sure, but the roads were a mess. I gave $5 cash. He said, “Bless you.” We both laughed. It felt human.
All those weather swings got me thinking about when it actually feels best to explore the country. If timing is on your mind, my guide to the best time to go to Canada breaks the seasons down in traveler-friendly detail.
When I Go Low or Skip
Self-serve kiosks that ask for 20% before I even touch a tray? I often hit $0. Big chains where the staff can’t make a call or chat because it’s all timers and buzzers? Maybe I add coins. Maybe not. I don’t feel bad about it. Not rude—just honest.
Pre-Tax, After-Tax, and That Confusing Screen
I tip on the pre-tax amount. Sales tax stacks up fast here, and the work didn’t change. Some screens don’t make that clear. If the preset buttons look high, I hit “Custom.” A few extra taps save a few extra bucks. No big speech needed.
Also, a quick note: lots of places share tips across the team. FOH and BOH—front and back of house. The host who seated me? The runner who got my fries hot? They might get a slice. I like knowing that.
Polite Pressure Is a Thing
Canadians hate making a scene. The “flip and stare” with the POS terminal can feel like a spotlight. But you can take a breath. Ask a question. Pick “Custom.” Even say, “No tip today, thanks.” Kind voice. Clear choice. It’s your money.
If you’re curious about why those bright buttons influence us so much, here’s a quick explainer from MNQ-NMQ that breaks down the behavioral science.
My Simple Rule That Rarely Fails
Did a person make my day easier, warmer, or quicker? I tip to match that feeling. If it’s basic service and I do half the work, I go light. If they save my lunch, my hair, or my sanity, I go higher.
Pet Peeves and Praise
I dislike presets that start at 20% for counter jobs. It feels pushy. I also watch for auto-grats on large tables; I’ve seen 18% added and the server still hand me a tip screen. I ask, “Is the gratuity already included?” Nine times out of ten, they’re glad I checked.
But I love small nods. A server who pivots when my kid drops a fork—again. A bartender who remembers I like half-sweet. A stylist who texts a quick care tip. That’s craft. I pay for craft.
Speaking of navigating social interactions while traveling, if you’d like an easy way to meet friendly locals for a no-strings hangout the next time you’re in a new city, check out PlanCulFacile—the platform streamlines casual connections with clear profiles and location filters, so you can spend less time swiping and more time actually meeting up.
If your adventures ever take you to the American Midwest and you’re intrigued by the idea of mutually beneficial relationships rather than casual meet-ups, you might want to explore the dedicated sugar-dating scene; the detailed resource at One Night Affair’s Sugar Baby Omaha guide breaks down how allowances work, the best neighborhoods and venues for first meets, and safety tips that keep both parties comfortable and confident.
Final Take: Heart and Math
Tip fatigue is real. Groceries are high. Rent is wild. I feel it. Still, the person across from me is working a long shift on their feet. So I split the difference: fair tip most days, bigger tip for great service, and “Custom” when the screen tries to boss me around.
Simple. Human. Canadian, I guess.
If you’re stuck, start at 15% and move up or down. Add a kind word. It travels farther than you think. And hey—keep a toonie in your pocket. Montreal might call.