I moved from Ireland to Toronto last spring, and while I settled into Canada very quickly, some things came as a bit of a culture shock at first.
Canadians will probably scoff at some things I point out. Still, coming from Ireland, there are customs and ways of doing things here that are completely different from my home country.
For starters, I had never heard of poutine before, but now I can’t live without it. Tim Hortons is rightfully a national treasure, and hockey is a religion.
Living in Canada has completely changed my perspective on the world, and these eight things helped do that.
Tipping
I knew there was tipping in the U.S., and I’d spent a few weeks in Chicago a few years ago. But for some reason, it never crossed my mind that there was a tipping culture in Canada.
There isn’t a culture of it in Ireland. If you’re out at a family meal, the table may tip the servers, but it’s not a social norm.
If I went into a bar and ordered a drink in Ireland, I wouldn’t tip — and I wouldn’t be expected to, either.
Hockey
Toronto Maple Leafs hockey game at Scotiabank Arena.
Tomás Keating | Narcity
In Ireland, our national sports are Gaelic football and hurling. The latter is one of the world’s fastest sports on grass, and it is hugely physical.
Hurling is a religion in Ireland, just like hockey is in Canada. The only difference is that hurlers don’t get paid!
The NHL Playoffs are absolutely incredible. I was a massive NBA nut, but I’ve been glued to the NHL this spring.
Plus, the 4 Nations Face-Off games between Canada and the U.S. were among the most exhilarating sports events I’ve watched.
Tim Hortons
A sausage and bacon farmer’s wrap from Tim Hortons.
Tomás Keating | Narcity
I know Canadians love to hate on Tims, but for me, it’s actually worth the hype. I just loved how quick and convenient it is, while being relatively affordable.
There’s something unique about it. A sausage and bacon farmer’s wrap with an apple fritter fills a lovely gap when you’re on the go!
Plus, I love that pretty much no matter where you are, you’re never too far from a Timmies.
Poutine
Poutine from Slab Pizza on Yonge & Richmond.
Tomás Keating | Narcity
Eating a good poutine is like eating happiness; it nourishes you and your soul.
In the west of Ireland, we have a fast food chain called Supermac’s. They make a curry cheese chip (fries) that is truly delicious.
Poutine is like the curry cheese chips’ long-lost cousin. With the right gravy and fresh cheese curds, it can be so good.
I can now see why Canadians hold poutine so dear.
All-dressed potato chips
Why is Canada gatekeeping all-dressed potato chips? Come on, Canada, the world needs to know!
Ruffles All Dressed are so tasty, a perfect snack to have in the cupboard if you have friends coming over.
They remind me of paprika-flavoured chips from Ireland, but a bit sweeter.
The only downside is they don’t last long in said cupboard!
Caesars
Of course, I’ve heard of a Bloody Mary, but never knew there was such a thing as a Caesar cocktail.
I’m always open to trying different drinks, but this Caesar isn’t my cup of tea!
Maybe it’s the Clamato, but I just can’t take to it — it feels like drinking an entire meal.
Sorry, Canada!
Sales tax
It blew my mind that the price of items listed when you’re doing your grocery shopping is pre-tax.
In Ireland, all prices include VAT (value-added tax), but in Canada, you get HST or other taxes added to your bill at the end.
When I went up to the cash register the first time, I was shocked to see it being added on. Luckily, I was paying by card.
A side note, the difference from Euro to Canadian dollars can be hard to wrap your head around at first. When my parents visited me in Toronto, they thought everything was expensive until they did the conversion rate.
What did Canadians do before debit or credit cards? Would you have to calculate the tax in your head to make sure you had enough cash before going to the checkout?
The sheer size of Canada
Narcity writer Tomás Keating on a ski trip in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec.
Tomás Keating | Narcity
Obviously, I knew that Canada was the second-biggest country by land size in the world, but I struggled to grasp its sheer size before I arrived.
The country is so vast, it even has different holidays in different provinces and territories, which is another thing that shocked me.
I went on a ski trip with friends to Mont-Tremblant in February and drove from Toronto. We were driving for hours before we even got out of Ontario. And we still only traversed a tiny fraction of the province!
Meanwhile, in Ireland, it takes just over two hours to drive from Galway to Dublin, and you cross the entire country in the process. Ireland is such a small island, even compared to Ontario.
Canada is a truly special country, and one I’m proud to live in. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming, but you can keep your Caesars!
The views expressed in this Opinion article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.
