All You Need to Know About Tipping in Canada

All You Need to Know About Tipping in Canada

Should you tip a hotel, restaurant staff, or cab driver? How much is enough? Here is everything you need to know about tipping in Canada!


All You Need to Know About Tipping in Canada

People in Canada follow the same tipping rules as in the United States. Tipping cab drivers, hotel personnel, waitstaff, and others is an excellent way to show your gratitude. At the same time, receiving some money makes low-income individuals happy and appreciate their services.

Although tipping in Canada is not mandatory, it provides a little financial relief to people with a minimum wage of ten Canadian dollars per hour. Research shows that the sales tax in Canada is between 5% and 15%. However, this depends on the province. So, make sure you tip wisely. Today’s article will give you some essential details on tipping in Canada. Read on!

Hotels and Restaurants

If you are a Canadian or foreigner visiting Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, or any other big city, make sure you tip the hotel or restaurant staff. For example, you can tip the hotel’s doorman two dollars if they hail you a taxi. Likewise, the bellman expects you to tip them up to five dollars.

Five dollars is an appropriate tipping amount for a housekeeper and chambermaid. Bear in mind that you must tip them at the end of your stay. Tourists often make the mistake of not tipping the maid. So, we recommend tipping the maid to show your gratitude for the best services.

According to Tarek Riman, a professional digital marketer and author of bestselling books, checking whether the tip constitutes the room service costs are essential. The purpose is to ensure the hotel or restaurant does not take the tip. At the same time, you must ensure the right staff receives the tip. You can tip five dollars to the staff member who delivers a complimentary item like a comfortable pillow.

Transport Services

Although uber and other cab services cost more, if you take a conventional taxi service, tip at least 10% of the fare. For instance, if the total fare is ten dollars, tip at least two dollars to the driver.

Likewise, tip no more than ten dollars if the total fare is between 30 and 40 dollars. Although most people do not tip the airport and hotel shuttle drivers, Tarek Riman recommends a tip of two to five dollars if the driver is helpful, professional, and friendly.

Luxury Services

Canada is the best place to receive luxury services. For instance, when you visit a salon, spa, massage center, hair stylist, beautician, swimming pool, indoor amusement center, or zoo, a tip of 20% is an excellent way to appreciate the service provider.

Final Words

Tipping in Canada is a common gesture to appreciate the service provider and help them earn a little money to supplement their income. Whether you want to get future services or show gratitude to the professionalism and energies served in providing you the best service, tipping is essential. Until Next Time!


  • Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
  • Photos from Unsplash & canva.