Tipping in Canada: The Canada Tipping Guide

Tipping in Canada is a common practice across the country. There is, however, no hard and fast rule for tipping in Canada, so it’s wise to know the general guidelines about how much to tip before you go.

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Tipping in Canada

Were you happy with your service? If so, the short answer is yes, you should tip your server, driver, bartender, stylist, or concierge if their work met or exceeded your expectations. The real question is how much to tip.

Even though tipping in Canada is similar to tipping in the U.S., it’s not exactly the same. Remember tipping in Canada isn’t required, and there is no set-in-stone rule for how much to tip. It is solely up to you what to give. These are simply suggestions based on what is considered standard practices for different services.

Canada Tipping Guide 

Café Servers: Similar to tipping in a bar, you can tip 10 to 20 percent of the total bill, or simply let them “keep the change.”

Restaurant Servers: Service is not included in the final bill (though this may be different for a larger group), so after a great meal, it is customary to tip 15 percent of the total before taxes. If the service exceeded your expectations, you can bump that up to 20 percent. 

Bartender: Though tipping $1 per drink is generous, it’s standard practice to tip 10 to 20 percent of the total bill.

Taxis: Once you arrive at your destination, it is customary to tip 15 percent of the total cost of the ride.

Airport Shuttle: It is not necessary to tip your driver, but it is considerate to tip $1 per bag if they help with your luggage.

Doorman: Depending on the service, it is standard practice to tip $1 per bag or service, such as hailing a taxi.

Bellhop: It is customary to tip $1 per bag.

Housecleaning: Depending on how much cleaning is required in your room each day, you can tip anywhere from $2 to $5 per day. This one is often overlooked, but is definitely a considerate way to say thank you for keeping your temporary living space in order.

Parking Valet: Though it is not necessary to tip, it never hurts to give $2 to $5 when your car is returned in one piece.

Concierge: If you are happy with the help you received, i.e. the concierge helped with bookings, recommendations, directions, and made your stay quite memorable, tipping $1 to $2 is a considerate way to show it.

Stylist: It’s hard to put a price on looking and feeling good, but it’s nice to say thank you for making it happen with a 15 percent tip of the total cost.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Tipping: How Much to Tip Tour Guides, Taxis, Hotel Maids, and More?
• Does the Hotel Maid Look Through Your Stuff?
• Hotel Tipping—Do You or Don’t You?

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