Canadian cuisine is as varied as the country. The colonial influence is still strong, with European menus available in all major cities. The French influence in Québec is easily discernible in the many restaurants which specialize in French cuisine. Waiter service in restaurants is common. Dress requirements and billing procedures vary. A selection of European/US wines and spirits are imported.
Things to know: Spirits may only be purchased from specially-licensed liquor stores or restaurants displaying the sign ‘Licensed Premises.’ Many allow customers to bring their
own beer or wine. A wide variety of alcohol is sold in most hotels, restaurants and bars. Bars may have table or counter service and payment is generally made after each drink. Opening hours vary from province to province.
National specialties:
• The hundreds of miles of coastline offer varied seafood.
• The central plains provide first-class beef and agricultural produce.
• Some more unusual produce might include elk, bison and caribou.
National drinks:
• Canadians enjoy their own rye whisky.
Legal drinking age: The minimum drinking age is either 18 or 19, depending on the province/territory. See
Entertainment in the individual Provinces/ Territories sections. Nunavut is an exception because alcohol is prohibited in some communities.
Tipping: Normal practice is usually 15 per cent of the bill, more if service is exceptional. Waiters, barbers, hairdressers and taxi drivers should be tipped this amount. Porters at airports and railway stations, cloakroom attendants, bellhops, doormen and hotel porters generally expect C$1 per item of luggage. Tipping your server is standard practice in bars and nightclubs.
NightlifeEvery major provincial capital in the more populated areas has nightclubs, and hotel dinner/dancing. Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg are centers for ballet, opera and classical music, with visits from leading orchestras and internationally renowned performers. Entertainment in the more remote towns is scarce.
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