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Tipping in Canada 💰

How much do you tip in Canada? Compact guidelines plus an interactive calculator with live currency conversion — for restaurants, taxis and guides.

Other country:

The rules at a glance

Situation	Tip	Note
🍽 Restaurant	15–20 %	–
🚕 Taxi	10–15 %	–
🧭 Guide	15 %	–

Usual tipping currency on the ground: CAD (Dollar).

When to tip in Canada

In Canada, tipping is customary and appreciated. At restaurants the norm is around 15–20 % of the bill; for taxis 10–15 %, and for guides 15 %. Check your bill for an existing service charge — if included, you can give nothing extra or just a small amount.

How to pay a tip in Canada

Easiest in cash and in CAD (Dollar), small change ready before you head ashore. Cards work in many restaurants too — add the tip to the amount or write it on the slip. In many countries small notes are more appreciated than large ones.

Tip calculator

Basis: In Europe and most countries, tips are calculated on the total bill including VAT/service. In the USA, it is common to tip on the pre-tax amount — simply enter the pre-tax subtotal there.

Conversion uses live ECB rates (with fallback). Values are guidelines only, without guarantee.

Frequently asked

How much do you tip in Canada at a restaurant?
Rule of thumb: 15–20 %

Do you tip taxi drivers in Canada?
Rule of thumb: 10–15 %.

Which currency should I use for tips in Canada?
Easiest in CAD (Dollar) – have small change ready before you leave the ship.

Cruise ports in Canada

In Canada, cruise ships call at 16 ports — from Baie-Comeau to Victoria. Tipping rules apply everywhere the same way; prices on the ground can vary slightly per port.

Baie-Comeau

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Charlottetown

Pier at the historic waterfront quarter – the old town is walkable.

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Corner Brook

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Gaspé

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Halifax

Pier 21 at the Seaport – the boardwalk leads straight into the centre.

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Montreal

Grand Quai in the Old Port – Vieux-Montréal right on the doorstep.

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Nanaimo

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Prince Rupert

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Québec

Terminal in the Old Port – lower town and Château Frontenac on foot.

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Saguenay (La Baie)

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Saint John (New Brunswick)

Terminal close to the centre – known for the Reversing Falls and the Bay of Fundy.

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Sept-Îles

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Sydney (Nova Scotia)

Terminal with the big fiddle sculpture – the centre is walkable.

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Trois-Rivières

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Vancouver

Canada Place right in downtown – Gastown and the waterfront are walkable.

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Victoria

Ogden Point about 2 km from the Inner Harbour – shuttle buses run, or walk it.

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Other countries in North America

Sources and freshness

Values from common travel practice, cross-checked with country guides and travel publications. Last updated: 2026-09-08. All values are guidelines only, without warranty.

The calculator for your journey

This tipping calculator is available in your browser for free and without an account. The Portolana app is still in development.

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