🇨🇦 Tipping in Canada
Tipping expectedTipping in Canada is similar to the United States: a substantial part of what servers earn comes from tips, and 15% is a common baseline at table-service restaurants, with 18–20% for strong service. Card terminals often nudge you toward high percentages, but you can always enter a custom amount. Tipping is also common on food delivery, at bars, and in taxis or ride-hail, though the exact level varies.
Tipping is expected in Canada, similar to the USA
Canadian tipping culture mirrors the US — 15–20% at restaurants is standard and service staff depend on it. Most card machines now prompt you to tip 18%, 20%, or 25%, which can feel aggressive but is the norm.
When to tip
After sit-down restaurant meals, bar tabs, many deliveries, and sometimes rides—15–20% is the usual band for table service, lower or zero for takeout unless you want to be generous.
Where & how much
| Venue / service | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 15–20% | Expected. 15% is the minimum. |
| Bars | 15–18% | Per round or on the tab. |
| Taxis / Uber | 10–15% | Prompted on card machine. |
| Hotels | C$2–5/night | For housekeeping. |
| Food delivery | 15% | Standard on apps. |
Work out a tip in Canadian dollars
Enter the bill in C$ — the local currency for Canada.
Service quality
People
Each person pays
CA$0.00
- Tip amount
- CA$0.00
- Tip per person
- CA$0.00
- Total bill
- CA$0.00
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Get Wise free →Frequently asked questions about tipping in Canada
Why do Canadian card machines suggest such high tip percentages?
Canadian card terminals typically default to 18%, 20%, or 25% — which surprises many visitors. These are suggestions, not requirements. You can always enter a custom amount or select "no tip" without any issue.
Is tipping the same in Quebec as the rest of Canada?
Yes — Quebec follows the same tipping norms as the rest of Canada. 15% is the baseline at restaurants, with 20% for good service. Some Quebec locals calculate the tip as double the provincial tax shown on the bill.
Should I tip at a Canadian coffee shop?
Counter-service coffee shops have tip prompts but there's no real expectation to tip. If the barista has been particularly friendly or you're a regular, rounding up or leaving $1 is appreciated but never required.