Canada, the second largest country in the world, not only captivates with its impressive nature and endless expanses, but also with its rich and diverse culture. From culinary delights to centuries-old traditions, Canada has something to offer every traveler.
In this article, we discover the top ways to experience Canada‘s vibrant culture and traditions and get inspired to visit this fascinating country.
Culinary traditions: A feast for the senses
Bannock
Originally from Scotland, bannock quickly became an important staple of the indigenous peoples of Canada.
Derived from the Gaelic bannach or “morsel”, it was particularly popular among the Métis of Western Canada, who prepared it with native cornmeal instead of wheat flour. Bannock is not only easy to prepare, but also excellent to transport, making it an ideal companion on long journeys through the vastness of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Poutine
Poutine is like the ultimate fast food indulgence up in Canada. This dish, born in Quebec back in the ’50s, is a magical mix of French fries, gravy, and cheese curds.
Picture this: crispy fries loaded with squeaky cheese curds and smothered in savory gravy. The fries are cut nice and thick, then fried twice for that perfect crunch.
Originally just a slang term for a “hot mess,” poutine has now become a beloved national treasure found everywhere from fast food joints to fancy restaurants.

Caesar cocktail
The Caesar Cocktail, invented by Walter Chell in Calgary in 1969, is a spicy cocktail made with vodka, Worcestershire sauce and Clamato juice (tomato and clam juice). Particularly creative bartenders lovingly garnish the cocktail with pepperoni, mini corn on the cob and even macaroni and cheese!
This drink got its nickname “Bloody Caesar” after an English guest called it that.

Nanaimo Bar
The Nanaimo Bar, named after the town of Nanaimo in British Columbia, consists of a delicious custard filling sandwiched between layers of rich chocolate ganache and a base of wafer crumbs and shredded coconut.
The dessert was first mentioned in 1952 and achieved fame at Expo ’86.

Maple syrup
Maple syrup is a must-have in Canadian cooking!
This delicious sweetener, crafted from maple tree sap, is a popular topping for pancakes and waffles.
Canada leads the way as the top producer of maple syrup globally, with Quebec being a major contributor. Canada takes the crown for maple syrup production, churning out nearly 40 million liters each year. About 80% of the world’s maple syrup supply hails from Canadian maple farms and gets shipped to over 50 countries.

Pemmican
Pemmican, a mixture of fat and dried meat, has been a nutritious food staple for centuries.
Originally created by Native Americans, it became popular among Arctic and Antarctic explorers in the 19th and early 20th centuries due to its high energy content and easy transportability. The traditional food was essential for preserving meat during winter months when fresh meat was scarce and was commonly used for long journeys and trading trips.
The origins of pemmican can be traced back to the indigenous peoples of North America, particularly the Plains Indians, with its exact beginnings dating back several thousand years. The word “pemmican” originates from the Cree language, meaning “fat” or “fat mixture.”

Sourtoe cocktail
In Dawson City, a tiny town up north in Canada, there’s a quirky tradition known as the “sourtoe cocktail”. It’s like how an olive is to a martini, but with a human toe instead. Yep, you read that right. To really fit in, you gotta let that toe touch your lips while you take a sip of the drink.
Just don’t swallow it!
Dawson City sits on the Yukon River, not too far from the Arctic Circle, in the middle of nowhere. Back in the 1890s, it was bustling with gold seekers during the Klondike Gold Rush, turning it into a thriving mining town. Today, you can still see the historic district with its restored houses from that time.
This strange tradition is a rite of passage for visitors, where they drink a cocktail with a mummified human toe in it. The only rule? The toe has to touch your lips while you take a sip. Swallow it, and you’ll be slapped with a hefty $500 fine.
So, if you’re ever in Dawson City, don’t be shy to try the sourtoe cocktail. It’s a bizarre experience that’ll definitely make for a memorable story to tell!

Tidal bay wine
Nova Scotia’s wine regions are the only ones in the world that produce Tidal Bay wines. Described as “the essence of Nova Scotia in a glass”, these wines are characterized by their freshness and vibrancy.
They are perfect for long winter nights and gastronomic delights.
Social customs and traditions
Hospitality and greetings
Canadians are known for their openness and friendliness.
When greeting someone, it is customary to shake hands and address them by their surname until they are invited to use their first name. In Québec, greetings are often more formal and two kisses are exchanged on the cheeks, so just like in France.
Sport and games
Ice hockey is a big deal in Canada. It’s actually the official national sport! The NHL, or National Hockey League, is where the action is, with teams from both Canada and the U.S. Right now, Canada’s got 7 teams in the NHL: Calgary, Edmonton, Calgary (again), Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, and Winnipeg.
Field hockey has been a beloved part of Canadian culture for over a century, with Canadians proudly embracing it as a key aspect of their national identity. While the sport originated in Canada, it gained popularity across North America, including the United States.
Since 1859, lacrosse has held a special place as a national sport in Canada. Originally played by Native Americans with different rules, today’s lacrosse has evolved into a thrilling game. Canadians excel in lacrosse, dominating at World Championships and boasting two professional leagues: the National Lacrosse League and Major League Lacrosse.

Canada’s love for curling runs deep, introduced by Scottish immigrants centuries ago. The country’s professional curling league is top-notch, with male and female teams consistently winning competitions. Curling is a hit among students too, with university tournaments drawing passionate fans.
One growing area in the Canadian economy is in the casino gaming industry, which has recently gone through a sizeable change both on a provincial and state-wide level. Now that Canadian casinos are subject to more up-to-date legislation, it’s become a growing arm of the gaming industry within Canada.
While a lot of this change is visible in online casinos, with casinos featuring live roulette features one of the many facets that’s propelling casino gaming into a multi-billion dollar growth industry in Canada, this growing, favorable rhetoric is allowing it to immerse itself into Canadian culture and traditions.
With Canada’s snowy winters and stunning alpine terrain, curling naturally thrives in the country. And for winter sports enthusiasts, Canada offers incredible ski areas and resorts like Whistler Blackcomb, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort. For the adventurous at heart, Canada is home to some of the world’s best heli and cat skiing areas, perfect for those seeking thrills beyond the resort boundaries.

Family life
Families play a central role in Canadian life. Whether single parents or parents of the same sex, all family models are respected.
Men and women often work outside the home, but there is still a pay gap and women spend more time on housework and childcare.
Culinary habits
Canadians typically eat three times a day, with dinner, served around five o’clock, being the most important meal.
Fish and seafood as well as game meat are widely available. Alcoholic beverages are only available in specialty stores, and typical Canadian drinks include ice wine, beer and whisky.
When eating in a restaurant in Canada, a tip of 10 to 15 percent of the bill is customary – anything more is considered rude.
Consumer habits
Canadians pay attention to quality, origin and price when buying products and are known for their responsible consumption habits. They value ecological products and innovative technologies and are often inspired by current trends.
Business culture
Business contacts in Canada are based on respect and politeness. People greet each other with a handshake and eye contact, and business cards are looked at carefully before they are put away.
Meetings follow a set agenda and negotiations take time and patience as Canadians carefully consider all aspects of a deal.
Festivals and celebrations: Experience Canada’s culture up close
Winter Carnival and Winterlude
In February, Canada is all about winter delights. The Winter Carnival, especially in Québec, attracts thousands of visitors with ice sculptures and parades.
The Winterlude Festival in Ottawa celebrates winter with a variety of activities on the Rideau Canal, which becomes the world’s longest ice skating rink in winter.
Read as well: Ottawa’s Best Places for Breakfast

Montreal Jazz Festival
The Montreal International Jazz Festival is like the ultimate jazz party in Montreal, Canada!
It’s actually so cool that it snagged the Guinness World Record in 2004 for being the biggest jazz festival ever. With around 3,000 artists from all over the globe, over 650 concerts (including 450 free ones!), and more than 2 million visitors, this festival is a total blast. And it’s spread out across 20 different stages, from outdoor spots to indoor concert halls.
The Montreal Jazz Festival, takes place every year between the end of June and the beginning of July.
It’s like a jazz lover’s dream come true!
Read as well: A Local’s Girl’s Guide to Partying in Montreal

Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede, known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” has been a must-visit event since 1912.
With over 1.5 million visitors each year, this iconic rodeo has been entertaining crowds for over a century. From thrilling bull riding and chuck wagon races to lively music and line dancing, there’s no shortage of excitement at the Calgary Stampede. And let’s not forget about the delicious food and the spectacular parade that winds its way through the city.
It’s a true western extravaganza that’s definitely worth experiencing!

Thanksgiving
On the second Monday in October, Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving. Families gather to enjoy turkey with red cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and apple pie and give thanks for the harvest and togetherness.
Christmas and light festivals
Christmas is an important time of year in Canada.
Streets, stores and houses are festively decorated, and light festivals such as the Vancouver Botanical Garden enchant visitors. In Toronto, the Santa Claus Parade, which has been taking place for over a hundred years, is one of the highlights of the Christmas season.

Canada is a diverse country that masterfully blends traditional and modern cultural influences. From its rich culinary traditions and fascinating festivals to its warm hospitality, Canada offers visitors an unforgettable experience.
Be inspired by Canada’s diversity and experience the vibrant culture and unique traditions of this breathtaking country.
Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure that will delight your senses!