10 things I’ve learned after living in Canada for 10 years.
I moved here a decade ago from the US, and never expected it to become home. But somewhere between the winters, the cottages, the food, and the people... it did.
1. “Sorry” isn’t an apology. It’s how we communicate.
“Sorry” can mean I see you, go ahead, your turn, all good, or 50 other things. It’s how you know you’re in the presence of Canadians. It’s also a sign of endearment. Sorry, I had to start with this one.
2. “Going to the cottage” is a thing.
Canada has more lakes than any other country on earth. When summer hits, everyone disappears to a cottage. Not “the lake house.” Not even a specific lake. Just… the cottage.
3. Weather is the national conversation.
Canadians talk about weather more than politics. Too cold, too hot, too humid, too nice… And yes, there are a lot of cold places here… but then there’s Winnipeg. Even coming from Massachusetts, it’s that bad.
4. One of the most multicultural places on the planet.
The food scene is insane. Fifty different cuisines within a block. As an immigrant from Massachusetts, my main contribution is to the language. Hearing someone say, “that’s wicked good, eh?” will never not make me smile.
5. Canada has its own rhythm, and it sneaks up on you.
I speak in Celsius, spell words more colourfully, and order deli meat in grams. And the holiday calendar? Let’s just say I’m fully adjusted to May 2-4 and Thanksgiving on a Monday… in October.
6. A jean jacket is basically citizenship.
It covers about 90% of the weather and 80% of your social life. There’s a reason they call it the Canadian tuxedo - it survives every fashion trend. I’ve got two in my closet right now.
7. No Dunkin Donuts… and I overlooked that.
I assumed there’d be at least one. People love to say, “there’s one in Montreal!” No there’s not. I’ve checked. Tims can’t replace it, but Timbits help.
8. Canada isn’t big. It’s huge.
Five time zones and roughly 55 acres of land per person. You can drive for 24 hours and still be in the same province. One time, I saw it snow in August and felt like I was at the North Pole… but I was just in Saskatoon.
9. Canadian words hit different.
I go back to the States and ask for the washroom, and people look at me weird. There’s no such thing as a candy bar. It’s a chocolate bar.
Winter hat? A toque. You learn fast or you get exposed.
10. It’s pronounced “Toronno,” not “Toron-to.”
I learned this early. A coworker called me out about three days into living here. Say the second “T,” and everyone knows you’re visiting.
O Canada. Thank you for taking me in.
Time flies... What’d I miss?
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