20 Reasons Why Canadian Travellers Are Loved Abroad

Canadians have always had a pretty good reputation around the world. Most people find us to be pleasant, polite and respectful. But we’re wallflowers. We don’t get a lot of attention, nor do we necessarily crave it either.

Here are 20 reasons why Canadians are loved abroad and why citizens of some other countries (hint, hint) pretend to be Canucks when they travel.

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1. We’re Exceedingly Polite

No surprise there. We're constantly apologizing and holding the door open. Four way stops can border on the absurd, with everyone offering to let the other driver go. Even our buses say 'sorry'! Here are some other words and phrases unique to Canadians.

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2. We Can Discuss US Politics Rationally

If you want to discuss US politics in a clear and rational fashion, find a Canadian. We actually understand US politics better than many Americans. Unlike citizens of many other countries, we really understand what's going on south of the border. And speaking of our friends from the south, here are some other words our American counterparts have trouble understanding.

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3. We’re Good Tippers… Even When It’s Not Required

One of the things you learn from travelling is that tipping isn't customary in many countries. Usually it's because service workers make a decent wage. But we're hard-wired to hand over 15% even if we don't have to. Don't take offence, just take our money. Please. By contrast, here is what Canadians find shocking while travelling in Europe.

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4. We Have Polar Bears!

What's not to love about polar bears? Especially polar bear cubs?

Fun fact: In Churchill, Manitoba you can take a ride on a Tundra Buggy and get a real up-close-and-personal polar bear experience.

And here are 20 cute animals that are distinctly Canadian.

Decriminalization of marijuana in Canada

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5. Canadians Support the Decriminalization of Pot

According to an Ipsos poll conducted on behalf of Global News, 65 per cent of Canadians support the decriminalization of marijuana. In fact, the federal government legalized the recreational use of marijuana on October 17, 2018.

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6. We Get Along With Everyone

We're not perfect, but we try to get along with other countries. We're more into diplomacy than sabre rattling.

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7. We’re Welcoming

Unlike many countries, Canada opens its doors to people in need. Between October 2015 and December 2017, Canada has opened its doors to some 50,000 Syrian refugees. That's more than other countries, with the exception of Germany. See more reasons why Canadians are awesome.

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8. Our Epic Wilderness

We love our mountains, forests and oceans. It's a cliche, but is there anything better than gliding across a calm lake at sunset, serenaded by loons?

We tend to bring this love of nature with us when we travel, which earns us bonus points.

If that's not your scene, just visit one of these Canadian destinations you won't believe exist.

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9. We Embrace Winter

Forty below? Ten feet of snow? That's nothing. Bring it on!

We may not like winter, but we embrace it. If there's a way to get outside and enjoy winter, we'll find it.

To do winter right, just check out these Canadian towns with winter charm.

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10. We Don’t Take Ourselves Too Seriously

Living in the shadow of the US, we've learned that we're often not on anyone's radar. This isn't necessarily a bad thing.

But it does mean there are a lot of misconceptions about our country — like we sleep in igloos and don't have the internet. That's fine, we won't take it seriously.

Don't believe us? Just check out these common misconceptions about Canadians.

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11. We’ve Had Same Sex Marriage for a Decade

Same sex marriage? We've had it since 2005. We were the fourth country in the world to legalize it and the first one outside of Europe.

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12. Subtle Patriotism

We're pretty subtle about our patriotism when we travel. We might put the maple leaf on our backpacks or carry a flag to a sporting event that involves Canada. But unless you call us Americans, we really don't call much attention to our citizenship.

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13. Northern Lights

The northern lights are just a fact of life in Canada. A lot of us see them on a regular basis. Visitors to Canada are astounded by the light show the first time they experience it.

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14. Icebergs

Icebergs? We've got those too. Plenty of them off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador.

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15. Quebec

The relationship between Quebec and the ROC (Rest of Canada) can be a bit tempestuous. But other countries marvel at how historic and beautiful Quebec is — it's like going to Europe while staying in Canada.

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16. Healthcare

If you get sick in Canada you'll be taken care of and you won't go bankrupt. We've had socialized medicine for more than 50 years and we like it. A lot.

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17. Poutine

It's really a Quebec thing, but we'll take credit for it too. Can you think of a better post pub meal than poutine? Neither can we.

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18. Disco Passports

When you shine a black light on our passport, hidden images suddenly appear in glowing colour.

If you really want to impress, whip it out at your next rave.

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19. Not This Guy

This guy isn't Canadian, but he's sure making Canada look good. Many Americans are actually contemplating relocating to Canada if Donald Trump becomes president.

Come on up! We've got lots of space, poutine and healthcare for all!